Marshawn Blackmon (196-F-1997, college: Newman) is a 25 year old 196cm forward from St Peters, Missouri that completed his rookie season with the SC RASTA Vechta 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga) helping them move up to the Pro B averaging 16.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 65.6%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 67.8%. He began his career with Fort Zumwalt South High School. He then played two seasons and 36 NCAA games with Eastern Illinois. He then played a season at Moberly Area Community College (JUCO) and then finished at Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 14.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 63.6% as a junior and as a senior averaged 17.7ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Marshawn for talking to germanhoops.com You were in the States during the Pandemic. How have you experienced COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

Covid wasn’t bad as I thought it would be but I made sure to just wash my hands wear a mask and go by the covid guidelines to make sure myself, other, and family were safe.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

I feel covid made me a stronger person being at home made me become more mature and more patient and more humble as I waited for my next opportunity as a professional basketball player.

How tough was it not playing last season? Did you grind even more in the lab to be best prepared for your rookie season?

It was tough Not being able to play last year I worked out a lot and made sure I stayed preparing myself for my next opportunity but it made me become patient and more humble like I said before. But I had to stay in the gym so when my opportunity came I knew I would be ready.

You played your rookie season for SC RASTA Vechta 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga). What kind of experience wa sit playing the game you love in Germany?

Playing in Vechta has been great for me. I’ve learned a lot from my coaches and my teammates from being here and they welcomed me with open arms and treat me like family since I’ve been here. I couldn’t have asked for better people to be around for my first year as a pro. It’s a good environment here and I can see myself getting better as a person and a player each and everyday.

Your put up very solid stats. What has been your secret to really not needing any adjustment time as a rookie?

From being at home working out and staying ready. I’ve had some bad games like really bad games but having my coaches and teammates believing in me and trusting each other has helped a lot. Everybody here gets better everyday and we all work hard so you have no choice but to get better and play good. We all work hard and help each other out.

How big is your urge to always get better?

I try to be a better player and teammate every time I step on the court. Having that mentality with hard work I know overtime it will lead to good things. I try not to focus on the future but I know if I continue to work hard and trust my coaches and teammates then everything will workout for itself. I know if I continue to do those things everyday then I will become a really good player in the future.

You had so many young Germans as teammates. What kind of an experience was it playing with German kids? What was your impression in general of the skill level of young German players?

They remind me a lot of myself when I was their age. They all work hard and have a positive attitude each and everyday and I love it. Those guys are great kids and they are mature for their age and I can’t wait to see how much better they will be in the future. Just like me, they are getting better each and every day and they have bright futures.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’m a versatile player and this year I’ve switched to playing guard. 1-3. In college I played the 4 at a very undersized size. My coaches here have developed some of the skills I’ve already had and made them better and that’s how I’ve been able to transition to playing guard this year. If I could compare my game I would say a Jimmy Butler/ Rudy Gay type. One of my favorite players is Kawhi Leonard and I like his mentality and the way he approaches the game. As my skills continue to develop and get better I think the comparisons will change overtime.

You can fill the stats sheet with ease. Is versatility your biggest strength?

I think so yes. Growing up I’ve played every position so I’ve been able to do almost everything on the court my whole life and I pride myself on being able to do that. Also having good teammates helps a lot too.

Your three continues to be a work in progress. How confident are you that you will be able to have an above shot as a professional?

Very very confident. ‘m a hard worker so as time goes on I will only get better at it. I’ve always had the ability to shoot in my opinion, but in the past, it just wasn’t my role on the team. Since I’ve been here I work on it everyday with my coaches and teammates and they’ve given me confidence to be able to make shots and grow on that aspect of my game. I like the player I’m becoming and I will continue to work on that part of my game.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so that you will continue to improve and climb the basketball ladder?

My shooting ability and play making ability are the 2 things I’m working on the most. Transitioning this year to guard I’ve realized those are 2 important things to becoming a great guard is having those in your game so I work on those everyday. But, I still work on everything else in my game to keep being a versatile player.

You had had the great opportunity to have played at 3 schools called Eastern Illinois University (NCAA): Moberly Area Community College (JUCO), and Newman University (NCAA2).Talk a little about all 3 schools and how did each school helped your game best?

Each school helped me become a better player as I played different roles and positions and each of them. I learned so much by playing for 3 different coaches and my IQ for the game got better each year throughout my college career. Each coach taught me a lot and I also learned a lot from my teammates.

You played two seasons in the NCAA playing at Eastern Illinois University. How small is the world when you see a guy like John Murry also playing in the German Regionalliga west? You battled against him and Austin Peay each season.

It’s cool seeing guys you’ve competed against doing good things. It’s great he’s fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.

You had some nice wins in the NCAA but where does the 67-64 win over Missouri rank?

It was good beating Missouri since I’m from there. I felt at home playing there and it was a good experience.

After two seasons in the NCAA, you took a few steps back to play JUCO at Moberly Area Community College. Now that was an extreme step. Why did you do that?

I wanted to try to go back to division 1 but the season didn’t go as planned. I was still recovering from a foot injury and I wasn’t physically ready to play but I had to tough it out and play because I only had one year to prove myself. I was still close to home because I was playing in Missouri. I wish I could’ve played that season being 100% healthy instead of 75% healthy but It was good playing for coach Pat and meeting new teammates that are life long friends now. The year didn’t go as planned but I ended up going division 2 which was still a good opportunity for me to prove myself as a player and get a good college education.

Every guy I have spoken to that has played JUCO said it was very tough, but worth it. How was it for you?

It was good. I learned a lot about myself and about the game of basketball. It’s a school in the middle of nowhere and you’re basically just playing basketball. With me recovering from a injury and roughing it out and still trying to play and get better made me a stronger and better person. I went through ups and downs but I realized I loved the game of basketball and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything it was great for me.

You then finished at Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 14.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 63.6% and as a senior averaged 17.7ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.3%. How do you feel did your game grow in those 2 years?

It made me see the game different. My first years of college I was kind of a role player and then going to Newman I was kind of the go to guy but had to play unselfish and that makes sense. It made me think the game different and become more efficient and learn when to attack and when to be a playmaker. It also made me realize what I needed to work on too. I had to play the underside 4 and sacrifice playing the guard position there. Being the versatile player I am I didn’t complain and took it as a challenge to be the best player I could be. We had some good players also who could score so we had to play as a team. I wish I had more than 2 years playing with those guys because I think as our chemistry got better and we got better as a team.

Some of your personal best game there were in tough losses against Central Oklahoma and Nebrasca-Kearney. What was your best game in the NCAA2?


I wish I could say those were my best games but we lost. I would say my best game would either be my junior year against Emporia State when I had 26 points and 15 rebounds or against Rockhurst when I had 22 points and 17 rebounds. I would say one of those because we won!

How did head coach RJ Allen groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He helped me become a better player and better person. He gave me challenges every day and help my game on a mental level a lot. He made me a smarter player and he is someone I know I can go to for advice on and off the court.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Caleb Allison?

We never played but I think if we did I would beat him. He is a great player and a future pro!!

Who was the toughest player that you encountered in the NCAA 2 that would reach the NBA?

I’m not sure if I know his name but he went to a Truman State and was a pretty good player.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I can’t name 5 but I will say all of the guys I’ve played with because I learned a lot from each and every one of them.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads.

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Wilt chamberlain.

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

I never seen Michael jordan play before I’ve only seen Lebron. So I will say Lebron, he’s my favorite player too.

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

No I haven’t but I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Thanks Marshawn for the chat.

Jhonathan Dunn (193-G-1998, college: S.Nazarene) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from San Antonio, Texas that finished his second professional season and first with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL) averaging 12.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 82.2%; in the BNXT league, 21.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 49.2%, FT: 85.2%; in the DBL league and 15.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 79.4% in the Fiba Europe Cup.. As a rookie he played with Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-DBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 84.5%. He began his basketball career at Alamo Heights High School and then played at Southern Nazarene University (NCAA2) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his ex coach Geert Hammink.

Jhonathan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and hos is life treating you at the moment?

Life is good sir really enjoying the championship and it feels great to just relax for a bit!!

Before we get to Geert Hammink, I want to ask you if you have love for Steph Curry? He just won his 4th NBA title, but has so much haters. Can you understand that? Where do you see Steph Curry right now with the best ever?

I really enjoy Steph Curry. He is a great player in the game and he has changed the way people see it. I think he is one of the best players to play

You just won the BNXT title over Groningen. How do you personally rate this new league combing Belgium and Dutch? Is this a league on the rise?

I think the BNXT league is great opportunity to show what the Dutch players have and show how they stack up with other high level teams.

You just beat Groningen in exciting fashion by a combined score of 3 points in 2 games. Where do you rate this playoff series in all that you have played?

The playoffs series with Donor was great. They played hard and didn’t back down once. But our team stayed together and fought back every time

How blessed do you feel winning 2 titles this season only in your second professional season in Holland? Does that hunger to win more grow 180 degrees?

This series is at the top of my list. It’s a great feeling. I’ve been told not that many people get the chance to win titles so I’m happy to be able to win them with a great group of guys!!

How much credit does Geert Hammink deserve for the success? He came ‘to Leiden 2 years ago and led the team to 3 titles.

Coach is a good one being able to bring guys with different personalities and have us come together.

He had only had 2 years of coaching experience and then wins 3 in the last 2 years. How do you explain his rise as a coach?

He did his thing and it showed. I think his rise as a coach is great. Not too many coaches are able to do what he did and it shows with what he won

Talk a little about his coaching style. He likes to play fast and attractive. How else would you describe his style?

He likes to play fast, active, and under control. He always said we have to play with control Chaos

Talk a little about his strengths. What does he do best from the sidelines each day?

Chaos for our opponents and control for us. He does his best seeing the court and being able to ask us what we see.

Thanks Jhonathan for the chat.

A little less than 2 months ago Bellflower, California native Mike Nwabuzor (188-G-1996, college: NMHU) was toiling in North Macedonia for KK TFT Skopje and was playing his fourth professional season. The 188cm guard is one of those guys that you find at every corner in Europe. A highly talented guard that played JUCO and NCAA 2 and has a chip on his shoulder as heavy as Shaq must feel sitting on a 150 pound person. The guy has been grinding his whole career overseas and played 3 of his seasons in Germany and had an exceptional rookie season with BG Dorsten. Talented guards are so common around the world that finding jobs is a tough things and even more difficult when you haven’t played at the highest levels. But the California native will never slack or feel satisfied, because his chip on his shoulder will always be there. When you come from JUCO, you appreciate everything and take absolutely nothing for granted. ‘I’ve always been a type that had to start at the bottom and work my way up with basketball. I know soon I will be at the top, it just takes time. You have to fall in love with the process so that when you do reap the benefits, you don’t take them for granted’, warned Mike Nwabuzor. Some guys grind their whole career and don’t get rewarded while other guys here and there do get rewarded. For example take John Murry, a very talented guard not much different from Nwabuzor as both are walking buckets moved up two levels in Germany which isn’t very common. Nwabuzor is still waiting for that kind of reward, but last weekend he was rewarded in another way.’ At one point, it was me just me, Demar, and Bron in the hallway stretching getting ready for the game. It just let me know that I belong. I’ve always known that I do but that was the best confirmation that I could ever get. I’ll never forget that moment and I’ll use it to carry me forward for the rest of my career’, stressed Mike Nwabuzor.

It is no secret that if you hang around the gyms of Los Angeles and are lucky with the perfect timing then you might be able to catch a pick up game with NBA players. One place where you might be fortunate to catch some guys balling and enjoying their summers is at UCLA. It becomes even more of a treat if Lebron James is in the building. Mike Nwabuzor wasn’t a spectator which is a treat, but actually was on a team that was to play Lebron James in a Pro Am game. Being able to play on one of these teams is like a luxury because connections usually play a big role. The Drew League is probably the best known tournament during the summers and was established in 1973. It has rose in popularity over the years. It really rose to prominence during the NBA lock out in 2011 and has continued to grow over the years as 28 teams have participated. Over the last years some of the most notable have been Michael Cooper, Baron Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kobe Bryant and the list goes on and on. The list of NBA legends didn’t ebb this summer as Lebron James and DeMar DeRozan were to play. Any kid would die to play against a Lebron in 2022. In my time, it would have been Larry Bird, but just thinking about the chance to battle against a Lebron Jones has to be seriously mind boggling. Having that intense feeling of possibly playing against Lebron was already playing games with him days leading up to the game. ‘I personally heard rumors up to two days before the game but it was all speculation and I refused to believe any of it until I saw it for myself. It was confirmed the night before by Demar Derozan via Twitter and that’s when I knew it was time to get to it’, stated Mike Nwabuzor. Three and a half years ago, I remember asking Mike Nwabuzor that question that every baller has had the opportunity to answer. It is a lot easier for the older generation to pick a Michael Jordan over a Lebron James as the GOAT, but in the younger generation, it is Lebron that usually gets the title of GOAT. But then again there are some of the younger dudes that know where respect is due. ‘My favorite player is Lebron James , he inspired me to start playing basketball but the.best player of all time is Michael Jordan and there is no debate’, warned Mike Nwabuzor in 2019. But after playing against Lebron in 2022, where does he stand now with the difficult GOAT question? ‘Miles, you’re trying to get me in trouble with this question ! Bron inspired me to pick up a ball and play the game of basketball. He is the best ALL AROUND player of all time and that also means off the court as well. When it comes to true grit and will to win, I got Mike. This opinion stands’, stressed Mike Nwabuzor.

So it was Sunday July 17th, 2022 when the day finally arrived for Mike Nwabuzor where he would play against the best player on earth Lebron James. He must have been pinching himself a few days before and in the hours leading up to the jump ball. I mean only a few months ago he was in North Macedonia. I’m sure if someone had told him that a few months later that he would face off against Lebron, he would of probably chocked laughing. ‘ Man , I wouldn’t have believed it. Credits to the best summer Pro Am in the world , the Drew League, you never know who will pop out each summer so as much as it was a surprise, it wasn’t. It’s really an honor to be able to matchup with him and go toe to toe with him as a team and make him work for every bucket and work to actually get a win’, added Mike Nwabuzor. The first fans arrived at 6.30 am for the scheduled 1,45 game start at King-Drew Magnet High School. The ex BG Dorsten guard was playing for team Black Pearl Elite with some overseas players like Etan Alvano who played last season in Germany for Pro A team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, Vince Camper, and Jayce Johnson who played at Utah (NCAA) along with Dion Wright who had played at St Bonaventure (NCAA). His high school teammates Alvano and Wright were key for him playing on the team. His opponent was the MMV cheaters led by Lebron James and DeMar DeRozan along with ex NBA player Caspar Ware who’s dad was a local basketball legend and poured in 47 points in a Drew League title game in 1987, Charles Jackson and Eugene Phelps who was Nwabuzor’s primary defender during the game and had made a name for himself in Mexico early in his pro career.

As should be when the king of basketball Lebron James enters the house, the ex Miami Heat received a hero’s welcome. ‘If you love this game, the atmosphere and energy in that gym is something that you’d do anything to be able to play in. When I saw him in the hallway while I was stretching , that was my moment of ‘okay that’s Bron’. After I got over that moment, when we got on the court, all I wanted was smoke and to go at him and DeMar just like anybody else that laces their shoes to play this game. The energy that the fans gave out only did wonders for us. We leveraged it in our favor and as a whole, we showed up and showed out’, remembered Mike Nwabuzor. I have seen Lebron James on TV and he looks like a monster. I also have seen him twice on a Boston street, but both times he was dressed for winter so his menacing figure wasn’t as present, but how is it when he is in shorts and his muscles are on showcase? I would say LeBron is definitely bigger in person than he looks on TV, obviously. He’s just a force and it’s truly a business decision if you want to get in the way and try to stop the freight train’, stated Mike Nwabuzor.

The American who believes that Kevin Durant hurt his legacy asking for a trade and thinks he and Kyrie Irving owe it to Brooklyn to try and get a title saw 2 world class players in Lebron and Demar, but wasn’t shy and just went out and played his game and conquered. Ok so Lebron and Demar had top games with 42/16 and 30/14, but the guard who played at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held his own making a highlight film tape that any professional player outside the NBA would die for having 17 points, 8 boards, 7 dimes, 3 steals and 3 blocks. ‘I feel that I performed at a high level on the biggest stage and that speaks volumes about my preparation and the work I put into my craft. I played a full all around game , which is me in a nutshell. I’m a playmaker and defender that can score the basketball and get my teammates off as well. My one regret and probably biggest moment is coming down the line and taking off to dunk right in front of Bron and I missed the dunk by an inch. Ball went in the rim and popped out when I pulled the rim down. Other than that, great all around game. I was composed , confident , and strategic in my attack offensively and defensively’, expressed Mike Nwabuzor. Playing in a Drew League game has done wonders for lesser known guys over the years helping them get noticed better. There were a number of NBA and former NBA players in attendance like Draymond Green, Lakers forward Talen Horton-Tucker, Lakers guard Kendrick Nunn and Baron Davis. Not to mention agents and Gm’s from NBA teams. His positive versatile game definitely didn’t hurt his chances. ‘I definitely let people know what was known by my close ones already. I can play with the best of them, any day, any place , any time. My route to becoming a professional wasn’t the prettiest , going JUCO/D1/D2 and it sometimes takes away from the respect I deserve. This game helped me to display my full bag of talent and the many things I can do on the basketball court to help teams win games and championships. There were many important people there. Draymond Green, Quavo, and Montrezz Harrell were some that I actually had some good back and forth with’, commented Mike Nwabuzor.

The game went down to the wire and then came that moment every baller dreams of. No Larry Bird trash talk, but some friendly banter/trash talk from him in the direction of Lebron who was at the free throw line. ‘My biggest memory of the game is walking up to Bron while he’s at the free throw line at the end of the game in crunch time and telling him ‘I know you good for one, give me one’, talking about a free throw miss. Best part was , he actually smoked the second one and gave us a chance to come down and almost tie the game. I was guarding DeMar a majority of the game and did really well. He only scored 2 jumpers on me. I was so locked in on DeMar, I didn’t get a chance to switch on to Bron defensively like I wanted to. When we got in between those lines, Bron was just another opponent for me. So it wasn’t a big deal to ask him to smoke a free throw. I’m always the type to say small things like that to try to get in guy’s head’s and rattle them under pressure. I said it to him and he didn’t flinch, but he missed one so I will assume it clearly bothered him”, remembered Mike Nwabuzor. But that wasn’t the only response that he got from Lebron during the game. It may have been a meaningless game, but Lebron had his game face the whole time. ‘Lebron was very stoic the whole game. I did get a response out of him mid game when I asked him did his teammate get fouled on a certain play because it was a bad call and he said ‘ hell nah’ . Other than that , it was too much going on and he was locked in. I’ll give him that’, said Mike Nwabuzor. Another great NBA player with Kyrie Irving was slated to also appear, but at the end was a no show. Of course it would have been a highlight if he could of faced off against Uncle Drew, but in the end he had met exactly who he had wanted to really see with Lebron. ‘I was so locked in on Bron and Demar that if Kyrie showed , it was a plus but if not it’s all good. I would’ve have loved to guard him and test out how good my defense is against his handle and creativity. Personally I watch a lot of Kyrie every day just because before anything , I am a fan and lover of the game of basketball. So it would be fun to guard him and see what of his moves that I study would work and what wouldn’t’, added Mike Nwabuzor. Oh by the way Lebron and co won a nail bitter 104-102.

So 24 hours after his encounter with Lebron James, I remind the guard who believes that currently Steph Curry is the second best point guard of all-time after Magic Johnson about something he had told me in 2019 in his rookie season in Dorsten, Germany. He told me that the best player that he had ever faced then had been Rob Gray form the University of Houston who was a walking bucket. Now it was obvious that he had removed Gray from the best he had ever faced in his career. ‘Many things can happen in 3.5 years. It’s safe to say Lebron James is the best player that I’ve played against to date , for sure. Lebron James isn’t just a walking bucket, he’s an all around basketball player which makes him one of the greatest if not the greatest to ever play the sport’, stressed Mike Nwabuzor. It will be interesting to see where he lands next season and if his Drew League encounter against Lebron and potent game have an effect on clubs. ‘I’m really open to playing anywhere that makes sense and will value me the most as a player’, warned Mike Nwabuzor. His goal for next season is to play in Germany in the BBL or Pro A or in France in the Pro A or Pro B. I wonder if someone rewards his great Drew League performance. He may have that ultra ultra grand children story for the ages, but I know that he isn’t satisfied yet. He never will be. He wants many new grand children stories from overseas from top leagues that he will always strive to reach.

Josh Boutte (198-PF, college: Angelo St., agency: BIG) is a forward that finished his second professional season and first with the TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games averaging 17.5ppg, 14.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 59.1%, FT: 43.5%. He played his rookie season with MC El Brasil Santa Ana (El Salvador-Liga MB) averaging 20.0ppg, 20.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 46.1%, FT: 61.1% and played with KB Lipjani (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 13.0ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.6%. He began his basketball career with Westgate High School and then played two seasons with Dodge City Community College (JUCO) averaging 16.0ppg, 10.6rpg, FGP: 63.1%, FT: 47.2% and in his second season averaged 16.0ppg, 11.7rpg, FGP: 58.2%, FT: 46.7%. He then played a season with Sam Houston State University (NCAA) averaging 5.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 66.7% and as a senior played with Angelo State University (NCAA2) averaging 7.1ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 52.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com You played your first season in Germany with Regionalliga team HammStars. The team had a solid 14-12 record finishing in 8th place. What kind of an experience was it playing Regio ball after having been in El Salvador and Kosovo?

The experience was great! I knew I would average a double double. I was looking to average 20ppg and 20 rebounds. I had it all set before I stepped on court. The competition wasn’t that bad for the first time in Germany.

You dominated in every pro league that you have played in. What has been your secret to being able to adapt everywhere so far?

The secret is to to Keep God first, and always stay positive and have self-confidence. Believe!

What kind of an experience was it playing with versatile Faton Jetullahi. Did he make your job a lot easier at times on the set play?

Playing with Faton was a great experience, he’s a very good teammate and he’s a very streaky shooter. Good IQ for a European guard

You’re an undersized big at 198cm. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player, who would best fit the description?

I always compare my game to Dennis Rodman, I want every ball that comes off the rim! That is what makes me love the game. I love to fight for rebounds on the offensive end and defensive end I definitely have fun boxing out.

It is no secret that you’re a beast on the glass. Does rebounding just come natural to you or is it hard drenching work in every game?

I rebound in my sleep. I would Literally give you 15 plus rebounds easy

You can score and get rebounds at ease, but what other strengths does your game have?

My other strength is that I can dribble and shot the 3pt ball

On what area’s of your game are you working on most this summer so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I would say dribble pull up game.

You sat out last season due to Covid. You didn’t play for a year and a half until Hamm signed you. How tough was this season because of all the restrictions? Was there ever a time where you thought to quit?

Yea it was definitely times I wanted to quit but I had to find a way to fight adversity, and stay locked in and Covid was a big toll for a year. But I’m BACK!

Two seasons ago you played with KB Lipjani (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 13.0ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas for the first time where you knew that you were far away from home?


That I must stay in the gym and weight room every day. You have to make it fun for the time away from home.

Your season in Kosovo was cut short because of Covid. What memories do you have from being in Kosovo when Covid hit? How tough was getting through the red tape to get home again?

The memories I can remember when Covid hit when I was in Kosovo. I was shocked! Sad and just thought the world was about to end.

You got your first professional experience in 2019 with MC El Brasil Santa Ana (El Salvador-Liga MB) averaging 20.0ppg, 20.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 46.1%, FT: 61.1%. You put up Kevin Love type stats registering 26 rebounds in a game and 24 rebounds twice. Did that feel like being a man among boys?

Haha most definitely. I always felt like a man above man at the age of 11 years old. I love to dominate. I want to be the hardest worker when I play my role.

You played at three schools with Dodge City Community College (JUCO), Sam Houston State University (NCAA) and Angelo State University. How vital was it for your basketball development playing at three different schools?

It was very important to me! I prevail every time I don’t regret nothing, I took everything professionally and personal, I knew I was on a mission where I wanted to go or be at in the years past down. Either NBA or G league or overseas

You played two seasons at Dodge City Community College (JUCO) averaging 16.0ppg, 10.6rpg, FGP: 63.1%, FT: 47.2% and 16.0ppg, 11.7rpg, FGP: 58.2%, FT: 46.7%. Every guy that I have ever interviewed that played JUCO has said that is was very tough, but an experience they would never have traded in for the world. How was it for you?

Wow! Playing Juco was one of the experiences you can imagine to start off your basketball career. It’s says a lot! It’s definitely tough but it makes you level up on the court and off as a person, you just have to stay focused and don’t get distracted you know, and have that positive mindset that you will Prevail.

You then played a season with Sam Houston State University (NCAA) playing 23 games averaging 5.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 66.7%. You proved in some games that you could play at the NCAA level. Do you feel like you did the most you could in the 13 minutes that you averaged averaging 5/3 stats?

Yea I definitely could have easy averaged a double double. Coming off a great season in Juco being all American, and going into my junior year at Sam Houston in the summer workouts. I had an injury, so I had to sit half with of the season, and I came back right in the middle when the conference started. So I came back and played 60 percent, I wasn’t 100 percent, it was a tough challenge ever in my basketball career. So I decided to refresh and transfer to San Angelo State.

You then took a step back to play at Angelo State University (NCAA2) playing 31 games averaging 7.1ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 52.6%. When looking back do you feel it was the right move having done this or do you sometimes wonder where you may be today had you remained at Sam Houston?

Sometimes things are meant to be you know. But Sam Houston I have lots of respect to my alumni. And coaching staff. They taught me a lot. But when I moved forward that next season they had won the conference. But like I said the injury played a huge factor. If it wasn’t for the injury I would have definitely stayed, I know I would have averaged a double double easy. But I have no remorse of what the choice I made in career.

How did head coach Cinco Boone groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Boone is one of the most coolist coaches ever he has a great personality and I always learned a lot from him. He’s not a bad coach at all!

Who won a one on one in practice you or Valentine Sangoyomi?

Lol Valentine 6’10, when I first played him in pickups before the season, I know it would be a wrestling match in practice, but all we did is made each other better every practice. Great guy!

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

I would have to say, Jarred Sullinger, Markel brown, and Brandon Knight

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?


Rip Fred Joseph- High school teammate 2. Kendrick Porter- high school teammate 3. T. Williams- aau teammate 4. Lorenzo Dillard- Juco teammate 5. Chip Armlen-aau teammate

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore

1.Michael Jordan 2. Lebron James 3. Kareem 4. Magic Johnson

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

Jordan but Lebron is my Guy

What was the last movie that you saw?

Blue Chips

Thanks Josh for the chat.

Tags : JOSH BOUTTE, TUS 59 HAMMSTARS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

When you have been around as long as I have covering basketball overseas for almost 20 years, there is a phrase that continues to follow me daily in just about every thing I do concerning player interviews and articles. The phrase is ‘time really does fly by’. I mean when I began in 2004 there were guys I’m covering now that weren’t even born yet and guys that hadn’t even began their professional career. Guys battle on the court every day and seasons come and go. Before you know it, you will read an announcement on social media or a newspaper clipping saying some guy has decided to hang them up after an illustrious career. Just in the last year, there have been tons of guys deciding to start a new chaper as Mr Pauldingburg Rickey Paulding left a legacy in Oldenburg that will never be matched again, Per Gunther played an incredible 14 years in Ulm and Alex King, who I saw grow from a young and inexperienced kid in Frankfurt in 2004 to a well spoken and respected gentleman had a stellar 20 year career winning titles with Alba Berlin. Just a day ago Jamar Wilson announced his retirement who had an incredible 15 year career overseas, but there are many others that sometime decide it’s time to think more about the family and life after basketball. There was another guy that like these pervious great players also had a long stellar 13 year career with Brian Harper (208-F-1985, college: Paine, agency: BIG). The only difference with him to the others was that he already retired a year ago. I had already had the pleasure with reminiscing about the past with him, but unfortunately kept his interview on the shelf, but as I like to say every once in a while, ‘better late than never’. Sorry for the delay Brian.

The 206cm forward who celebrates his 37th birthday on July 19th and resides in Atlanta, Georgia and remembers once hitting 2 full court shots one with a swish and the other with a bank shot began his NCAA 2 career at Paine from 2003-2007. It took some time before he got going at Paine, but in his last 2 seasons his game took off as he averaged 16,0ppg and 6,0rpg. His biggest success at Paine was winning SIAC player of the year in 2006 and reaching the conference final. The forward who will never forget his battles with Stillman (NCAA2) great Monyea Pratt began his professional career in 2007 with Gimle BBK Bergen (Norway-1Div) averaging 25.1ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2.0bpg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 66.3%. He needed no time to getting adjusted to the European game as his game took off right away. But he also knew right away that overseas basketball would be no cake walk. ‘The wakeup call was everyone that I was playing with and against could really play there were no breaks every night you had to come ready to play’, remembered Brian Harper. His second season would be a roller coaster as he spent time in Korea with KCC Egis and in the D-League with teams Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Reno Bighorns. Even if his D-League experience lasted only 13 games, he will never forget the moment. ‘ When I got back from Korea I spent about a month in the D-League and really enjoyed it. I will never forget the NBA style of play’, said Brian Harper. After seeing a lot in his first 2 seasons as a professional, he then found some consistency in his career as he went to the other side of the world to Japan. His new club would be the Toyama Grouses (Japan-BJ League) and he would remain 3 seasons there. Even if his first season was cut short because he arrived in March, he saved his best for last as he totally dominated in his last two seasons averaging 18.6ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 56.6% and 16.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 61.3%.In 85 games he scored in double figures in 74 games and scored 20 points or more in 30 games and registered 29 double doubles. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what a big advantage it was for him being able to play so well. ‘I was taller than everyone’, laughed Brian Harper who had to get used to bowing and taking his shoes off in Japan.

After 3 years in the far east, It was time for a change. It wasn’t simple, but a decision he had to make. ‘Leaving Japan wasn’t an easy thing to do I love the culture, fans and professional basketball league in Japan , but I knew that if I wanted to continue to grow as a basketball player and wanted to play at the highest of levels it was something I had to do’, remembered Brian Harper. Now it was time for him to conquer the Beko BBL in Germany as he suited up for TBB Trier. He played for legendary German player Henrik Rodl whom Harper remembered watching win the 1993 NCAA title with North Carolina. ‘He is a tremendous coach. I like how he is able to relate to his players and is able to get his point across. He is a players coach. He knows exactly what he needs to get out of his players. I really enjoy playing for him’, said Brian Harper in 2013. With TBB Trier he played 33 games averaging 11.0ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 60.3%. He had many great teammates back in Trier and one of them was a young player named Joshiko Saibou. He had taken a lot of flak from the German basketball community in 2021 concerning his take on certain political issues and COVID. ‘Joshiko was one of the young guys on our team in Trier the season that I was with the team, and I knew then that he had a bright future. He developed into a great ball player and has carved out a great career. I wish him nothing but the best as he continues to solidify his status as a top guard in Germany’, stated Brian Harper in 2021. His biggest highlight that season had to be scoring 17 points in a win against top club FC Bayern Munich. After his solid season in Trier, he took on a new challenge and joined the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. This was a team with high ambitions, a bigger budget and more talented players. His minutes dipped from 21-15 and scoring from 11-6. Bremerhaven had many great players and he just wasn’t a scoring option as much as in Trier. But he took it in stride and still played his heart out. Two guys he was teammates was with Derrick Allen a guy that had probably the best work ethic of any player in the BBL in the last 20 years and Darius Adams a scoring guard who should have been in the NBA. ‘Derrick Allen was definitely a coach even back in our days together in Bremerhaven. I know he is going to do great things as a coach. He was one of the hardest working players I ever played with, and I know his mentality and work ethic will translate to how he approaches his coaching career. Darius Adams is a special talent. He is one of the best guards I played with or against in my career. In my opinion he has NBA talent. I would go as far as saying he could be in the NBA if that’s where he decided that’s where he wanted to play, and if it made the most since for him at this point in his career’, commented Brian Harper.

After 2 years in Germany, the flying forward who liked to watch Scottie Pippen as a kid would depart and continue to add new stamps on his passport with his globetrotting journey. His journey continued in Cyprus where he suited up for Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A) playing 24 games averaging 16.3ppg),9.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 60.0%. Once again he needed no real adjustment period and belonged to the top players in the league finishing fourth in scoring and second in rebounding and was an allstar. He was a beast on the boards once registering 21 and 20 rebounds including 14 and 13 offensive rebounds. He helped lead the team to the title with exciting playoff series wins over Keravnos and Apoel. After his success in Cyprus, it was time for another change as he went from the beach to the freezing temperatures in Estonia. Once again his game took off with Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-Alexela KML) playing 22 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-2 (1.3bpg), FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 55.0%; and played 11 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 11.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 66.7%;and played 6 Baltic League: games averaging 12.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 88.0. In Estonia he teamed up with top Estonian player Janar Talts a guy that had also balled in Germany in the BBL and been teammates with ex NBA beast Marcin Gortat. ‘I had a real good time playing with Janar Talts. We did end up spending some time talking about our experiences playing in the BBL. I enjoyed my time in Estonia and learned a lot that season. I had a good time competing in the FIBA Euro Cup, and Baltic League’, remembered Brian Harper. He could of racked up many more titles had he had a little bit more fortune in Estonia, but at the end of the day, he was second 3 times. After a few years away from Japan, he had the itch to go back and played with Tokyo Hachioji Trains (Japan-B League D3) averaging 14.6ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, Blocks-3 (1.3bpg), FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 63.2%. ‘I love the Japanese culture and my wife and I enjoyed our time there. My fondest memory of my time there would be my wife and I getting pregnant with our first child while living in Tokyo. The style of basketball is up tempo and more one on one basketball in most cases. I’ve been able to have some success in both styles of play so I enjoy playing in both’, stressed Brian Harper in 2018. In the 2017-2018 season, his globetrotting ways continued as he encountered a new country with Israel, but his stay was short with Hapoel Ramat Gan Givataim (Israel-National League) playing 4 games averaging 13.0ppg, 4.3rpg, and he then finished the season with Cytavision Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) playing 12 games averaging 12.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 75.0%.

After 4 years away from the German BBL, he returned back, but this time had to take a step back and played with the Tigers Tuebingen a club that had played in the BBL when he had been in Trier and Bremerhaven, but since been demoted to the second league called Pro A. He was there only for a few months and played only 3 games. He would of played more games, but a sudden turn of events effected it. ‘My time in Tubingen was definitely a different experience. Coach Nadjfeji brought me in and unfortunately after me being there for only a game or two the team went in another direction with a different coach. This situation was probably the only time in my career where I don’t feel like I had a full opportunity to display and showcase my abilities. The positives that I could take from the time there was the great fans, and front office and staff’, remembered Brian Harper. Despite sitting and watching more than playing, he was surrounded by great people like the Nadjfeji family and ultimate professional Elijah Allen. ‘It was great playing with Coach Nadjfeji, and was fun playing with his son Nemanja! Coach had a lot of passion and it was obvious how much he loves the game. Elijah Allen is one of those guys you don’t have to be around long to realize just how good a person he is. He is also a great basketball player who not only can play at a high level but also has a great understanding of the game’, stated Brian Harper. He then finished the season in Luxemburg with Racing averaging 18.5ppg, 11.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg. He came back the next season in 2019-2020 with Racing Luxemburg which would be his last season. It was only a short stay as he played 3 games, but put up double double stats of 14/10. His best game was scoring 27 points and hauling down 13 boards in a loss to Contern and his last game was on January 11, 2020 where he had 8 points and 12 rebounds in a loss against the Musel Pikes. At that time the world was still in order, but Covid entered 2 months later. He was 34 years old at the time and probably would of kept going for a lot longer had other circumstances not hit. ‘Physically with how my body felt, the skill set I had built over my career, and the way I took care of myself I probably could played at a high level in to my 40’s’, warned Brian Harper in 2021.

Covid hit the world in 2020 which put everything in disarray. It was a time where people began to put other things in perspective. It wasn’t any different for athletes. There were many guys that didn’t play the 2020-2021 season. Another big time BBL player Jared ‘Mr assist’ Jordan also didn’t play which then led to him retiring. It wasn’t any different for Brian Harper who names his teammates in Trier as his best of all-time. ‘My wife and I got pregnant with our second daughter in March of 2020, and with all that was going on with COVID 19 decided to stay home last season to make sure my daughter was born safely, and to ensure my wife’s health. So COVID had a lot to do with our decision only because I wasn’t willing to take a chance with their heath As far as hanging it up, it just ended up being the right time. It wasn’t an easy decision only because how much I love the game. On the other hand it was a peaceful decision. After staying home last season and watching how my family and I were able to settle in I knew the timing was right’, stressed Brian Harper. Not only did Covid play a massive part in his decision to retire, but it also made him stronger as a man. ‘It definitely helped put things in perspective and also tested me in many ways. I’ve always been a family man and have always put my family first. COVID in a way gave me another opportunity to show just that. It forced me to continue to practice what I preach, and make decisions based on what was best for my family’, expressed Brian Harper.

When looking back at his illustrious career, it isn’t difficult to guess where his fondest memories were as a player. ‘Outside of the championship in Cyprus I would probably say some of the premiere teams we beat during my time in Germany. I would also say the seasons I spent in Japan with Toyama, and how I helped take a team that had never won and helped turn them in to a winning team’, added Brian Harper. Making the transition from the court to the office isn’t always easy for professional players, but for the American, he is very excited about what his next life path will be and knows the guy upstairs will guide him ‘I have so many things that I am excited to embark on as I transition into what comes next for me in my professional life. While my playing days have come to an end it is just the beginning of what I believe God has in store for me’, commented Brian Harper. He is a player that left his basketball stamp where ever he played and hopes that fans will remember him for certain things that he stood for with his play. ‘I would want them to remember the passion and tenacity in which I played the game. I always played the game and gave the game 100%. I hope the world remembers and finds joy in the unique talent and skill set that I worked so hard to build over my career. I hope the memories bring a smile to their faces’, said Brain Harper. It was a pleasure for me to be able to cover Brian’s time in Germany. I will never forget when he found space in the zone, it was look out as his thunderous dunks would rock any arena. It was a lot of fun to watch him use his brutal athleticism to his advantage on the court. I always enjoyed doing interviews with him as he was always willing to answer all my questions. At the end, our interview count stood at 8. It is also a blessing when the respect and love is mutual for one another. ‘Miles It has been a true pleasure! I will remember your love and passion for the game. I will also remember your unmatched professionalism! I was always comfortable working with you because I always knew you were honest, and had high character. I can truly say I will miss your interviews my friend’, said Brain Harper. Congrats on a great career Brian. All the best for you and your family in the future. We don’t have to keep our interview count at 8. I’m always ready for a new interview my friend!

John Murry (192-G-1995, college: Austin Peay) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that will play his fourth professional season in Germany and first with new Pro A team Art Duesseldorf. After playing only 3 games in his first 2 seasons with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) because of injury and Covid, he was able to play 25 games averaging 28.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 82.2%. Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

No problem, thanks for having me. I’m in Indianapolis, Indiana right now just preparing for the upcoming season with workouts and playing a couple times a week keeping my wind right.

It’s been more than 3 months since your last game with Grevenbroich. Has time flown by quickly for you as we are in the dog days of summer?

Time most definitely has wings, it feels like but it’s been one of my most productive summers thus far, I’ve exercised strong focus and detail on repairing my body to be solid for the upcoming season.

How long did you go without having a ball in your hands when you returned home? After a taxing Regionalliga season you must of taken some time off to let your body rest.

I took some time off for sure after the previous season, just recovering and focusing on getting better every day.

When did you get back in the gym? How is this summer different than the last 2 summers where you were training after hardly having played games because of COVID?

I began back to work in early May and it’s a blessing to be in this position this summer.
I really have to thank God for the health and strength to keep going when times got tough without basketball.

Is it easier grinding this summer mainly because you played a full season again and have a better idea on what area’s to work on?

It’s never really easy to get better but it does feels great mentally this summer after a full season heading into the next season. I definitely know what I need to work on in order to be better at the next level.

How does a normal training day look for you? How often do you train per week?

Every day starts at 6 or 7am for me with on the court live shots and situational in game action, after the court I then feed myself some protein and head to the weight room. After the weight room I then eat and get off my feet for a couple hours then prepare my mind for yoga/stretch session with my trainer. The day ends there unless we go for overtime work in the evening just to stay sharp. At the end of the week I’m getting about 8-10 sessions each of on the court work and in the weight room, it’s seriously a lifestyle you have to enjoy and love.

Do you focus on ball and fitness together or do you do it separate?

I do it together in order to maintain a high level of play also to challenge myself mentally and become a better person outside the court.

What kind of fitness drills do you like doing? Talk a little how do go about getting ready for the next season?

Mainly just staying sharp on mt feet with agility drills, high speed volume exercises, lots of ball handling to keep my feet and hips loose, and just tons of work to make sure I get better everyday.

On what other area’s of your game are you working on this summer so you will be prepared for the next challenge?

I’m definitely working on every aspect of my game, I want to be a complete all around player/person this season on and off the court to take my game to the next level it’s taking a ton of focus and consistency but I take the challenge on with grace, I love the grind.

Congrats on signing with Art Giants Duesseldorf. How blessed are you to be able to call your self a Pro A player? All the work and hardship the last 3 years has paid off?

I owe God all the glory and honor for keeping me sane through these past few years of struggle in order to be at this level. I’ve worked my butt off trying to get here and I’m ready to take full advantage of the opportunity.

With what kind of expectations are you going into this new challenge? Your moving up 2 leagues. How confident are you that you will able to put your stamp on the league?

Confidence is at an all time high like I said just trusting in God, putting him first and then trusting in myself as well as my work is why I feel I will be able to lead and help my team win and become a strong force in the league.

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

In live action today, Steph is arguably the best point guard to play the game behind Magic Johnson. What Steph is doing is nothing short of greatness.

What was the first eatery that you visited when you returned home?

I had to go straight to the soul food, lord knows I miss that being overseas but it’s worth the sacrifice.

Thanks John for the chat

Hendrik Gruhn is the youth head coach of the NBBL (U-19) youth team of the Young Rasta Dragons and Pro B coach. He found experience coaching the Young Rasta Dragons U-12 and U14 teams. Last season he by chance became head coach of the Vechta Regionalliga team and helped them win the title and move to the Pro B as well as led the U-19 team to the NBBL final. He gave the whole truth about his ex player Justin Onyejiaka Chukuwueme (190-SG-2004).

Thanks Hendrik for talking to germahoops.com The Fraport Skyliners announced the signing of Justin Onyejiaka Chukuwueme. How disappointed are you that he has left Vechta?

Of course it is disappointing when a huge talent like Justin leaves, because one always wants to work as long as possible with talented players. But on the other hand it is a great opportunity for him to continue his career with the Fraport Skyliners. We need to accept it. I’m very happy for him. Perhaps we will see each other again in the playoffs.

Did his leaving surprise you considering how he helped Vechta reach the NBBL final 4 and the second team move up to the Regionalliga. Vechta has been on the rise in youth development in the last few years while the Fraport Skyliners have been a bit stagnant in the last few years after the departure of Isaac Bonga.

It didn’t surprise me. Frankfurt may not be the way it once was with guys like Voigtmann, Barthel and Bonga, but it is still a very good place for young players to play and develop. I think it was very beneficial for him to go there. I think also that he wanted a change in scenery. I feel it is more that he was for Frankfurt and less against Vechta.

Do you believe he saw a better future with the Fraport Skyliners? Do you think that the easyCredit BBL was a bigger attraction than the Pro A?

Yes that can be. Young guys today always want to get as quickly to the BBL as possible. The appeal to play BBL and Pro B was greater than Pro A and Pro B. If he does well in the Pro B and NBBL, his way to the BBL could be quicker going this route.

Did you talk with Justin about his decision? Did he seek advice from you?

Not really. He never asked me. We knew that he might go. We were Ok with it. I think it was a personal decision for him that he made with his family. Making a decision like that has to do with growing up. I had no influence on him.

Let’s talk about his game. He is a 190cm shooting guard. If you had to compare him to an NBA player and another German veteran who would you pick?

I think the best German comparison would be Maodo lo. Both are shifty and very mobile on offense. Justin is bigger and more athletic than Maodo. Justin’s shooting and ball handling is similar to Lo. If I had to compare his game to a NBA/Euroleague player then the best comparison would be Wade Baldwin. Both have long arms and when both are in the flow are very hard to stop.

Some could see him as the next Len Schoorman. Schoorman was loaned to the Hamburg Towers. Len was already a JBBL player when he was in Frankfurt. Do you feel like the comparison is unfair?

You can’t compare them Len is 20 and Justin 18. Two years is a huge difference. Both are similar in their game. I have to be honest, I was hoping that Len could help him in practice with things, but that won’t happen this season.

Talk a little about his strengths. In the Skyliners press release he is described as an allrounder that is athletic, team orientated and can create his shot for himself and others. How else would you describe his game?

He is an allrounder. I feel that he is the best German player for his age. He is a scorer that can finish at the rim, has a pull up and is overall a good shooter. When the opponent keys in on him, then he is able to find his teammates. His court vision is very good for his age. He can score 30-35 points. That’s his game.

His three point percentages are still down, but normal for a young player. How did you see his shooting development in the last year?

We worked together a lot on his shot during the lock down. We worked more than a year together during the lock down. I think that at the moment his biggest weakness has nothing to do with his mechanics, but moreover it’s his shot selection. Last season often when he hit 2 or 3 shots in a row, he would follow with wild step back shots. I’m sure Klaus Perwas will make sure his shot selection gets better.

Talk a bit about his defense. He is very athletic. How do you see him progressing as a defender with the Fraport Skyliners. Where do you see him s a defender at the moment?

Due to his length, athleticism and Physicality, he can defend many positions. But he still needs to work on his defense. His athleticism and long arms also makes him a threat to block shots. The biggest thing on defense is that he still needs to be prepared to get his hands dirty. He has shown signs, but it isn’t consistent yet. If he can get his defense to the same level as his offense, then he could have a great career and go far.

What kind of a relationship did you have with him and on what area of his game did you help him most with the last years?

Justin and I had a very good relationship. We talked a lot during the lock down. We built a very good relationship over the years. I know him since he is 13. I first coached him when he played with the U-14 team. I saw him grow the last years. It was tough last season, because he was injured and couldn’t always find his rhythm. We worked a lot on the shot, but also on other things. We also worked on his passing and pull up jumper. I believe I had a big influence on that.

Please tell me your fondest moment with him on the court?

It was the first JBBL season in 2019. We played against Metropol. I was an assistant coach that season, but for that game had to jump in as head coach. He hit almost 30 points and carried the team to the win. Another on court fond memory was when he scored 49 points against Paderborn last season. He was in the zone against Paderborn.

Give a nice example that you will never forget with him off the court that shows the kind of character that he has?

I remember during the lock down, we were always talking about to what player we could compare his game to. It took a while, but we finally came up with Wade Baldwin. We then looked at many of his videos online and began taking parts of his game and incorporating them into his game. He is more an introverted guy and isn’t always telling so many jokes, but we got a lot warmer and more comfortable with each other during this time.

Thanks Hendrik for the chat.

When you look back the last 30 years and try to list the top NBA jersey retirement ceremonies, you won’t be able to get around Lakers players. I would have loved to have been a fly and snuck into the LA Forum to have seen guys like Kareem and Magic get their numbers hoisted. Seeing Larry Bird’s legendary #33 go up in the Boston Garden in 1993 is one I only was able to capture on You Tube. But I finally saw my first jersey retirement recently and it was one that was simply amazing. June 4th was a night that I will never forget. I was in Oldenburg and was blessed to have witnessed the farewell game and jersey retirement of Rickey Paulding. The 6,500 plus Oldenburg arena was packed and the atmosphere was breathtaking. I sat there and was simply speechless at times how incredibly well the EWE Baskets organization prepared the evening and really had that glitz that couldn’t really have been performed better by an NBA team. I remember taking some video’s during the ceremony and sending them to Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson (188-G-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) who recently finished his 13th season and will come back next season for a 14th season. He also was amazed by the ambience. ‘It was great to see the kind of tribute for Rickey. I almost felt like a regular season game before Covid. It is awesome to see how many ex teammates and opponents came to play in his farewell game. They asked me to play but I couldn’t come. It was crazy to see his number get hoisted to the rafters. It must have been a great feeling for him’, stressed Quantez Robertson. I thought that Tez may hang it up after last season, but then again the temptation to be the sole easyCredit BBL identity figure was too great after Paulding, Per Guenther and Alex King all retired in the same year. ‘When I heard about them finishing their career, I was sure that I would come back’, added Quantez Robertson. He now is all alone in the driver’s seat and is ready for the challenge as the BBL identity figure this season. ‘It is wild knowing that I’m the BBL identity figure. I’m sure that in a few years there will be somebody else. It will be weird not seeing Rickey and the other guys this season. I won’t feel any pressure. I know that guys will be gunning for me and me as the old guy will have to show that I can still play at a high level. I will be ready and very motivated’, warned Quantez Robertson.

I reach Quantez Robertson a day before one of America’s biggest holidays the fourth of July. As usual there is a lot of noise in the back ground as Tez is busy with his kids. The ex Auburn (NCAA) freak athlete may be half way around the world, but he obviously had heard about the Fraport Skyliners new signing of head coach Geert Hammink and had also already spoken to him. I didn’t even have to give an intro to the Dutch man as he enthusiastically was able to give his 2 cents about his next coach. His former coaches Gordon Herbert, Muli Katzurin, Sebastian Gleim, Diego Ocampo and Luca Dalmonte have had interesting bio’s, but with Geert Hammink, Tez will work with a guy that has special ties to NBA legend Shaq. ‘I know new coach is a 7 footer and played at LSU behind Shaq. He then was drafted behind Shaq. I think that that is pretty comical. He also told me that he was the first Fiba agent in 2007’, said Quantez Robertson. Having a guy like Hammink who formed agency Court Side, the Fraport Skyliners could have more luck with future players that are signed. ‘His knowledge and experience having been an agent might help us. He knows players well and knows what can help a team. This could be a very positive thing’, stated Quantez Robertson.

After a less than satisfactory last season, 2000 BBL cup winner Fraport Skyliners want to get back on the winning road. New head coach Geert Hammink may not have been a coach long yet, but what his track record shows so far is very good. In the last 2 seasons as head coach of Dutch first division team Leiden, he was able to bring home 3 titles. The Dutch first league isn’t at the same level as the easyCredit BBL, but still his record and success the last few years brings hope to an organization that wants to taste success again. ‘His success in Holland gives me hope for the future. He is used to winning and expects a lot from his players. I think he will bring his winning mentality and good caliber players. I think that his coaching will light a fire for us. I’m sure that we will be ready to play’, warned Quantez Robertson. Hammink is a coach that likes for his team to give their opponents disorder and play with authority. The American doesn’t care what system coach will play and will take on any challenge. ‘I have played for many coaches and seen many different systems. I’m ready for anything he wants to play. I have adjusted to many systems and it won’t be a problem having to do it again’, stressed Quantez Robertson. It will be interesting what kinds of players Hammink will bring in this summer. Allowing Tez to choose some players he would prefer is about as difficult as predicting when the current Kevin Durant hate in the States will erode. ‘I would love to play with so many guys. But there are simply too many to be able to chose some’, expressed Quantez Robertson.

For Tez who lists current NBA champion Steph Curry as a current top 5 best point guard of all-time is a guy who loves to spend his off season enjoying the time with his family and friends in Alabama and sometimes has neglected his off season work outs as in the past hasn’t come back in the best of shape. But with him not getting any younger as he will turn 38 in December, he knows that he has to be brutally focused during the dog days of summer and be grinding in the lab. An interesting question for any basketball player is always how long did he go without touching a basketball when he returned home. ‘I didn’t touch a basketball in 3 weeks. But I did stay in shape. My kids play softball and baseball. I was always ripping and running with the kids during those weeks’, laughed Quantez Robertson. But when it comes down to taking care of business, Tez is no sloutch. On the court he is always a bundle of energy that will run down every ball and leave his heart on the court. This off season he has a good plan that will make Geert Hammink smile when he observes the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner sprinting on the track for the first time in Frankfurt in August. ‘I play basketball in the morning and do running in the afternoon. In about a week, I will begin doing cross fit training. Don’t worry, I will be in shape and ready when I return to Frankfurt’, warned Quantez Robertson. Being fit will be vital for the success of Tez this season, but so will be his three point percentage which was at it’s lowest last season since the 2011-2012 season. His focus and determination to have his shot falling again is immense. ‘Important for me is to make sure my mechanics and form are right. Other than that there is nothing more I can do except just continue to put in the work and get my reps up. I will continue to shoot and work on my shot’, warned Quantez Robertson. It will be interesting how much longer Tez will play. He needs 2 more years and then will have played 15 seasons with one club Fraport Skyliners the same way Rickey Paulding did for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. After being so loyal for the Fraport Skyliners, when will Quantez Robertson receive the Tezfurt distinction? ‘Tezfurt would be nice. I think that it is up to the fans and organization to start that up. I think the fans need to start it up and then we will see how far it can go’, smiled Quantez Robertson. I think Tez doesn’t have anything to worry about. When all is said and done, he will get the needed Love from the Fraport Skyliners for his incredible career in Frankfurt. But for now his biggest focus is to help get the Fraport Skyliners back to their winning ways.

Leon Bulic (209-C/F-2001) is a 20 year old 209cm power forward/center that has returned back with Brose Bamberg after playing for the organizations youth team from 2017-2020. He began his career with BC Hallmann Vienna and played the last 2 seasons with BBC Coburg playing 43 Pro B games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 69.4% and in his second season averaged 11.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 71.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Thanks for the invitation! At the moment I’m back in Bamberg practicing and getting my body and mind ready for the next season.

Congrats on signing with Brose Bamberg. How thankful are you to be where you played some years as a youth player?

Thank you! It is of course a pleasure to start your BBL career in the club where you kind of grew up, playing here for five years. Also thanks to the club for putting their trust in me. Surely a motivation for more.

How vital were the last 2 years playing with BBC Coburg? How blessed do you feel that you made this step?

It was a great oppourtunity to play in that league with some good minutes, as I was able to polish my game and get better in different aspects, such as post-up and rebounding last season. Now I’m ready for the next step!

You must feel very lucky that you could get good minutes. What is your opinion about how tough the Covid years were for the development of young players? You didn’t suffer playing with BBC Coburg.

Yes, thankfully I could continue playing basketball during the pandemic, which a lot of young players couldn’t do, so I’m very happy about that.

What kind of player was Leon Bulic in 2020 and what player are you in 2022 as you are back in Bamberg as a 20 year old more mature player?

Back in 2020, I was that skinny tall shooter that was avoiding most of the contact. But now since I gained some good pounds and worked a lot in my inside game, I’d say I can use my advantages outside as well as inside, like to push the ball after rebounding and of course shooting my shots.

How important was it getting that self confidence right away with BBC Coburg? They didn’t really have any big men that would take minutes from you?

It was great starting right there where it ended with the Baunach Young Pikes back in 2020. So to play the way I know to play was really important for my self-confidence, especially shooting-wise, as I had green light from the team.

In your 2 years you played with some important veterans like Chris Wolf and Princeton Onwas. Talk a little how important their experience and leadership was not only for the team but for your game

Chris and Prince are really great human beings on and off the court, so being and playing with them really helped me a lot, also when things weren’t going good, they were always there to push me and help me keeping my head up

You always had really good games against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors especially this season winning both and in 20-21 winning 89-88. What was your most memorable game with BBC Coburg.

You already mentioned the game in Frankfurt where we won 89-88. I think that’s one of my favorite games so far, where we had some clutch shots and crazy, lucky shots that just happened to go in.

Now you begin your quest in the easyCredit BBL. Do you feel like you got the needed grooming with BBC Coburg? Do you feel like your 100% ready?

I think the years in the Pro B really helped me to grow as a player, which can now hopefully transfer to the level of the BBL. This summer is all about grind and I’m putting in a lot of work so I’m feeling ready for the challenge.

What is your biggest goal with Brose Bamberg in 22-23? Do you feel pressure that since now is the time, you have to do well in your second time there?

The first goal is obviously qualifying for the Champions League. And then it’s, like my parents always say, step by step. But qualifying for the Play-Offs is of course within the scope of what is possible. I wouldn’t say pressure, but I’ll give my best to challenge myself and to get the best out of the team.

You continue to show that you’re a modern day big man. Your three is falling well. Do you feel like you can become an even more consistent shooter?

I feel like you can always shoot better than you do, so as the shooting is an important part of my game, I’m working on it every day so that I get to that 40%-range from three this season. That’s my personal goal as well as shooting at least 85% from the free throw line.

On what areas of your game will you be working on most this summer so you will be best prepared for this new challenge?

This summer I will work on my athleticism, especially on my explosiveness and my upper body, keeping up my conditioning and getting the reps I need at the rim, free throws and behind the arc.

You began your career in Austria with the BC Hallmann Vienna U18 team, What memories do you have of this time? Do you sometimes wonder how your career may have gone had you remained in Austria and how did your early game grow there?

It was a really great time as I could play and compete with my best friends there, but after the U16 level it was time to go and experience new challenges, in my case in Germany with the NBBL. When I heard that Bamberg offered me a chance to play there I didn’t have to think twice. I played the positions 1-5 there and I had the freedom to try new things in games too. So I think that’s what helped me become a modern big.

You played in the Bamberg organization from 2017-2020 and also played for Baunach. Did all the young talents overwhelm you at times? What memories do you have of your early development there?

In the NBBL we always had a stacked team full of national team players from all over Europe, so it was great playing and growing together. At first I had some problems adapting because of all the automatics I didn’t even hear of, but after a while I got used to it and had great coaches leading me step by step.

You reached the 2019 NBBL final. What memories do you have of that final game against FC Bayern Munich in 2019? I remember Munich having an explosive Sasha Grant and versatile player Bruno Vrcic.

It was sad losing that game, especially because it was the only game we lost all season. In my opinion there were a lot of good players and talent in that final. We could’ve won if we played like we did the whole season, but it is what it is.

You also had experience with the Croatian youth national teams. What is the state of Croation basketball at the moment. Will we see new Croatian talents coming up the ranks in the next years?

For me it’s always a big honor representing my home country on international levels. Unfortunately, we didn’t qualify for the World Championship, so it could be better. But regarding the upcoming talent, I’m pretty sure we will be back at the top soon enough.

Who is the toughest player that you have ever faced on the floor so far in your career?

Great question. I don’t really have any player in mind right now, but I played against a couple of tough players so far. I think I had my hardest time against Usman Garuba at the U18 European Championship.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Marvin Heckel, Nikhil Sacher, Kay Bruhnke, Jannis Sonnefeld and Viktor Saric.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, Kobe, Kevin Durant and Shaq

Where do you see Luka Donic in skill at the moment in the NBA? Is he only top 5 or top 3?

I definitely see him as a Top 3 player at the moment, and I would even say that he will end up (if healthy) in the Top 3 of All-Time.

Thanks Leon for the chat.

Till Gloger (204-C-1993, college: Maine) is a 29 year old 204cm forward from Bochum, Germany that played his 6th professional season and second with the Rostock Seawolves (Pro A) averaging 11.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 58.9%, FT: 71.8%. In his first season with Rostock he averaged 7.8ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 60.8%, FT: 74.0%. He belonged to the best power forwards in the Pro A from 2018-2020 with the Romerstrom Gladiators averaging 11.8ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 55.2%, FT: 82.1% and 15.8ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 62.1%, FT: 68.1. In 2017-2018 he played in the BBL with the Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (BBL) playing 29 games averaging 3.7ppg, 1.7rpg. He played his rookie season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (ProA) playing 30 game averaging 14.5ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 82.1%. He got valuable experience overseas in the States playing at Maine (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 116 NCAA games. As a senior at Maine he played 30 games averaging 14.5ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 82.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 2021-2022 season.

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

I am still at Rostock now before I am leaving to go on vacation next week. Basketball life is treating me well. It was a hell of a ride this year and I am happy to enjoy the offseason a bit before getting back on the court.

How blessed are you to come back after a cancelled season where no one knew what really could have happened to the Rostock Seawolves and come back this season and win it all?

It was truly a pleasure to win the Championship after all the burdens which came along with Covid.

What kind of an experience was it coming home and being welcomed by the fans?

It was great to have our fans back in the gym. Our fans welcomed us back with all their support and we couldn’t have won the Championship without them.

Many have said that the Rostock fans are the greatest basketball fans in Germany. What is the thing that you cherish most about them?

Yes, I agree. The Rostock Seawolves fans are the greatest fans in Germany. Their support was relentless. Even after setbacks they came out and showed all their love and support for the club. It was a pleasure playing in front of such an amazing crowd.

Congrats on winning the title over the Tigers Tuebingen. They were the number one team in the Pro A in the standings. The games were tight. How much of a role did your team experience play?

I think that our team experience helped us to make big plays at the right moments. Tuebingen had an extremely talented young team and we knew that we had to play our best basketball to beat them.

What were the key reasons for the Rostock Seawolves being able to defeat Tuebingen in the finals?

I think that our defense in the first home game was the key to win the title. In fact, the 8 point lead going into the final game at Tuebingen was a great advantage. The second game at Tuebingen was a tough battle and we succeeded because of our team depth.

How taxing was the four game series against Jena? What do you believe was key for getting the series win?

The series against Jena was definitely one to remember. It was extremely important to stay the course and refocus before every game. I think our team play was the key to win the series.

What was your fondest moment in game 4 in the 77-76 win against Jena?

My fondest moment in game 4 was Tyler Nelson’s buzzer beater. I will never forget this moment and the joy we felt as a collective when the ball went in.

The team had a 3 game losing streak going into the playoffs but then had a 8-1 record to finish the season. What was key after the game one loss to PS Karlsruhe for the turnaround? Was there a team meeting or something? What happened then that allowed the team to sparkle the rest of the way?

Yes, there was a team meeting after the last regular season loss against Karlsruhe. We talked in depth about what we needed to do to change the losing streak around. I think we needed to regroup and find back to our strengths which helped us to win along the season.

What was the biggest strength of the team? Was it a combination of all knowing their roles and having that touch of unselfishness?

The biggest strength of the team this year was that every single one of us was willing to sacrifice for the team success. Everyone played his role and knew what he had to do in order to help our team win.

How much of a pleasure was it being teammates with guards Jordan Roland, Tyler Nelson and Brad Loesing. What did each guy give the team best for the success?

It was truly a pleasure to play with my teammate guards this season. I think that Jordan, Tyler and Brad were probably the best teammates you can ask for as a big man. Everyone was able to make the right reads in the right moments.

Chris Carter just keeps grinding. After helping Vechta and Chemnitz reach the easyCredit BBL, he did it a third time with Rostock. How difficult is it seriously to be able to do this a third time?

I mean helping a team move up isn’t easy.

How much respect do you have for the man Chris Carter?

Chris Carter is a legend in Pro Basketball in Germany. He won the title three times and played in each team a major role. He knows what it takes to be a winner. I have my biggest respect for his work ethic and his leadership.

Do you agree with me that he is the ultimate player that sacrifices own stats for the good of the team?

Yes, the only thing that matters for Chris is winning. He is willing to sacrifice and leave it all on the floor to win the game. His feel for the game and his ability to defend the best guards in the league are outstanding.

How key was the scoring and rebound effort of Nijal Pearson. What did you appreciate most about his game?


Nijal is a warrior on the floor. His scoring and rebounding were tremendous for us to close games. I appreciated most his ability to fight and be the X factor to win games.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 11.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 58.9%, FT: 71.8%. How content were you with your game?

I was content with my performance this year. After playing a smaller role last year, it was truly a blessing to have greater responsibility this year and help our team to win the Championship for Rostock.

After playing a lot less minutes, you played 11 more this season. With the tough season you had last season how refreshing was it for you this season to find back to your game?

It was extremely refreshing for me to come back and find back to old strength. It took some time at the beginning of the season, but as the season progressed, I felt more and more comfortable to fulfill my role.

How was instrumental was head coach Christian Held to helping you back to your game besides just giving you the minutes again?

Christian played a major factor for my development this season. He trusted me and believed me to play a major role for a Championship team. I am very thankful for his trust.

Last summer you worked on your rebounding and athleticism. Did that grind take strides in your game this season?

Yes, even though I am still not the greatest athlete, I think that I progressed with my athleticism which helped me to improve my rebounding.

You had many great games this season, but was your 21 points in the clinching game 4 win over Jena your most memorable?

Yes, it was the most memorable game for me this season because every single possession mattered, and every mistake could turn the outcome of the game. I will never forget this game as we moved up to the EasyCredit BBL with the Tyler’s buzzer beater.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine the logical step is back to the BBL with Rostock?


Yes, I still have a contract for next season and I am very happy to return to Rostock next season.

On what areas of your game will you keep working on this season to keep moving up the basketball ladder?


Overall, I will keep working on my athleticism and my defense for the challenge in the BBL.

Who was the toughest guard that you faced this season in the Pro A?


I think the toughest guard I faced this season was Whittaker from Karlsruhe. In my opinion he was the best one on one player in the Pro A last season.

What is your take on all the bashing guys like James Harden and Kevin Durant are getting?


I don’t follow the NBA that much in general. Harden and Durant have proven that they are among the best players in the world, so I don’t understand the bashing.

Is Luca Doncic a top 5 player finally or even a top 3 player now?

Yes, I believe that he is on the rise to be a top 3 player in the future.

Is there any team that will beat the Golden State Warriors for the final this season?

I don’t think so. I am rooting for the Warriors and hope that they win the Championship.

Thanks Till for the chat.