Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball.

PS Karlsruhe suffered a bitter double overtime loss in game two in Rostock 107-103. How glad were you that you didn’t have to take the long bus ride home after?

It helps that we get to stay here overnight and give it another shot on Thursday.

Can a loss like this seal the series mentally? You have the backs to the wall and need 3 wins now.

Nah I don’t think so, we still have a chance so we have to continue to battle and believe.

Rostock had the big 55-43 lead at the break. They scored 32 points in the second quarter. What on the defensive end was giving the team the most problems?

I think it’s just our mistakes, like when I turn the ball over they capitalize off those mistakes. And also they were on the glass pretty heavy this game as well. It’s starts with me taking better care of the ball and not giving them extras possessions.

Basketball is always a game of runs and adjustments. You as a team showed heart and really stepped it up allowing only 28 points in the second half. What adjustments did you make as a team?

It was a case of taking care of the ball first. We were able to get shot opportunities so that kind of helped us. We played with more urgency on defense in the second half.

German beast Till Glogger made two key free throws to force a second OT. He finished with 17/19 stats. What makes it so difficult to stop him?

He’s just a strong body, does a good job of sealing, has a nice touch around the basket.

In the second OT Rostock was able to keep the pressure on. Did fatigue catch up with the team? What was key in the second OT for losing the game?

It’s normal for fatigue to kick in, small rotation, 50 minute game. But I think we still had our chances in the second overtime, we had a couple turnovers that resulted in them getting more scoring opportunities. We just didn’t finish the way we should have

You had 27/6/9 stats but 6 turnovers. Are you going to watch extra film leading up to game three?

For me it’s simple TAKE CARE OF THE DAMN BALL, and I just haven’t been doing a good job, 5 turnovers in the first half is terrible. And I have to be better.

PS Karlsruhe was outrebounded badly as Rostock had 23 offensive rebounds and you as a team had 22 turnovers. Could the depth factor really play against you?

23 offensive rebounds and 22 turnovers won’t win you any game. So we have to clean up the turnovers and be better on the glass, & finish possessions.

Will you talk individually with some of the guys? How important is mental strength now going into a do or die game?

All my guys understand what we are up against and what’s needed in the next game.

Is Jayson Tatum the next Kevin Durant?

No

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Maurice Stuckey (187-G-1990) is a 31 year old 187cm guard currently in his 16th season and third with the Hakro Merlins Crialsheim. He began his career with BG Leitershoefen and then played for teams like Ehingen, Brose Bamberg, s.Oliver Wurzburg, and the Ewe Baskets Oldenburg. He won 3 BBL league titles with Brose Bamberg and won 3 cups with Bamberg and Oldenburg. He also has been a German national player and three time BBL allstar. Germanhoops.com spoke to him after the 86-80 win over BG Goettingen.

Congrats on the massive 86-80 win against BG Goettingen. Does the team believe it can make the playoffs. You have to win two of three games.

Our belief is very big. We have our destiny in our own hands. We have to see how Goetingen keeps playing. We look from game to game and now are focusing on Frankfurt this Friday.

The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim allowed 9 points in the first quarter and 31 in the second quarter. What adjustments did BG Goettingen make to have this turnaround?

We didn’t play with the same intensity that we had in the first quarter. We allowed open shots, drives and suffered too many turnovers which led to easy baskets.

Harald Frey had had 21 points against ratiopharm Ulm in his first game in the BBL, but was his 14 point explosion in the second quarter that there is huge talent in Norway?

He is a very good player. I didn’t know to much about him. He has a very good game. He presented us with many problems. He was hitting really deep shots from 10 meters.

In the third quarter Crailsheim exploded on offense. How refreshing has the play of Mike Caffey been. How is he a different PG from TJ Shorts?

TJ is a very aggressive scorer. Mike is also a good player. They have their differences on the court. Mike is very good at changing the tempo. He also has a lot of experience and is supper efficient on the court.

Did Terrill Harris clinch the win in crunch-time?

Yes I would say that. As soon as he came is he was super aggressive attacking the basket and getting out on transition. He hit big shots and finished well as well.

After TJ Shorts went down the Hakro Crailsheim Merlins lost five games in a row. How much of a shock was it for the team losing TJ Shorts?

TJ is our motor. It is so difficult to replace a guy like that. He gave us so much on the court. He doesn’t just score, but finds his teammates and defendswell. It wasn’t easy at first without him, but after some weeks we found stability. It was a new experience being without him that we weren’t used to and had to learn to adjust.

Did his killer mentality was able to rub off on the team?

I think so. The guy is such a tough competitor on the court. He never gives up and always gives 120%.

You have played with many guards in your career. What has it been like playing with him? What have you appreciated most about him?

He doesn’t lose control on the court. I really enjoy how he has this balance on the court between knowing when to score and when to find us. When you are free, you know that you will get the ball. Thanks to him, I received so many open shots. He is a real team play

For me the two MVP favorites are Jackson-Cartwright and Shorts. The Bonn guard had a better record than Shorts, but is the MVP more about stats and record or stats and how important the player is overall to the team?

I think that it is a combination of all these things. You have to have good stats and also be winning. You have to have the total package to be able to win the MVP award. It has been interesting to observe them this season. Both guys have had great stats and brought success to their teams. Both guys deserve to be in the running for the MVP.

Before the BG Goettingen game Crailsheim had won three of the last five games. Plus you played very tough against Alba Berlin and Ludwigsburg. What adjustments did the team make in the last five games that allowed you to be successful without TJ Shorts him?

I think key has been that we have gotten used to Mike Caffey. The team had some Covid issues when Shorts went down. But in the last weeks we have gotten better used to one another and are playing well together and finding each other.

Stat wise you played your best season in Wurzburg in 2017-2018 and this season it’s similar. Are you playing your best basketball this season?

I think with the success we had as a team reaching the cup final and quarterfinals of the Fiba Europe Cup coupled with my stats, this has been my most successful season in my career. My role has been similar in both places.

From 2009-2012 you played with Brose Bamberg. How did your game grow most in this time and how did it shape your play?

The Bamberg organization introduced me to how to be a professional. Before I came to Bamberg, I was used to be the quickest and being able to jump the highest. Then suddenly in Bamberg everybody was like me or better. I really had to pay my dues in those years. It was a good place to see what I had to work on with my game. I was lucky to be able to play with so many experienced players.

How vital was John Goldsberry in those years? How beneficial was it being able to observe how he defended on a regular basis?

He was very important. A guy like Karsten Tadda was also important. When you play for a coach like Chris Fleming you know that if you don’t play defense you don’t play at all. I can’t remember how many times I heard that. I had the basics when I got to Bamberg but what was missing was developing that smartness on the court. Also scouting players became important. It took me a while before I was able to feel really comfortable at what level I was as a defender.

That 2011-2012 team was insane. Names like Jacobson, Tucker, Slaughter, Roberts, Pleiss and Jenkins were on that team. Was that the best and most talented team you have ever been on?

I didn’t play much that season. I had two stress fractures and missed many months twice. I was just a spectator most of the time. I think that the 10-11 team and 11-12 teams were incredible. I always wanted to know which team would have won had they played against each other.

Everybody knows how great of a player Casey Jacobson was, but how high was his professionalism? Do you remember of a situation where you saw that?

When you played at such a high level like he did including the NBA, all that success didn’t come from nothing. He had a routine and stuck to it his whole career. I will never forget how he got around screens and made his floaters. He always made them in practice. He also was known for being such a great three point shooter. The guy was a real professional with a great work ethic.

You won the cup in 2015 with Rickey Paulding and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Now when you look back at that season are you content that you were able to appreciate your time being teammates with him?

I think I did appreciate the season being able to be his teammate. I didn’t have much in common with him off the court. I was 24 and we were both in different phases of our private lives. But character wise I can say that he was of the best teammates and people that I ever played with.

You played five years in Wurzburg. You were teammates two seasons with Maxi Kleber before he went to Munich and the NBA. Back then everybody spoke how talented he was. Had you have thought then that he could be in the NBA so long?

Yes I did. I always knew he would. The question was only would he remain healthy. His work ethic was great and he had a super NBA body. It is nice to see how much success he has had.

Some experts have said that Sebastian Gleim took over a well oiled ship that Tuomas Iisalo left him. But seriously how true is that? He still had to get new players including guys that had played in second leagues like Lewis and Harris (but very hungry) and a new point guard TJ Shorts. How much credit does he deserve for the success?

He came into a situation where the club had had success the last two years. There were high expectations and pressure on him. People began to get used to winning there. He came in and was able to keep the winning going. He is a very ambitious. People are always saying stupid things.

Did you sense last season that Hayward Highsmith was on a mission to get back to the NBA? Does a guy like him give hope to players overseas that really anything is possible?

I remember him talking about getting back to the NBA last season. Every guy who ever touched the ball dreams of going to the NBA. He has experience and he had been there before. He is a very good defender and knows how to hit the open shot. He has the perfect role with Miami. You have to have luck, the abilities and the right professionalism to make the NBA. I’m really happy for him. Plus he just became a dad.

Per Guenther is retiring. You had many battles with him. Is there one that sticks in your mind?

What I will never forget about him was that he was so quick. Unfortunately he wasn’t so quick anymore at the end of his career, but that is because injuries robbed him of some extra years. He was a great player and a real competitor. I will never forget his battles against Oldenburg.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the court?

Kyle Fogg of Bremerhaven. He was really nasty on the court. He could do it all and was so strong. Tyrese Rice was also really tough in practice in Bamberg.

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

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq

Did it surprise you that the Boston Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets? Can Boston reach the finals and is Jayson Tatum the next Kevin Durant.

I knew that Boston would win after watching game one. They played incredible defense and were so physical. Brooklyn couldn’t handle that. There are many differences to Durant and Tatum. Durant is still active and very good.

Thanks Maurice for the chat.

Dante Exum (198-PG-1995, agency: Alti Sport) is a 26 year old 198cm guard from Australia that is playing his first season in Europe for FC Barcelona. He began his career at the Australian Institute of Sport. In 2014 he was drafted by the Utah Jazz at #5. He then played seven years in the NBA totaling 262 games mostly for the Utah Jazz where he played 5 seasons. He also played two years with the Clevland Cavaliers. Last summer he helped Australia win a bronze at the Summer Olympics. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Euroleague playoff series against FC Bayern Munich.

Dante thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. The Barcelona-Munich series is tied 1-1. FC Bayern Munich played a very good game 2 and was simply better than FC Barcelona in many areas. With what kind of feelings are you traveling to Munich and what will be key to winning the series?

We knew going in that this would be a very tough series against Munich. When your battling in the playoffs it is all about getting better. We are confident that we will be bale to make the adjustments to advance.

After 7 years in the NBA your playing your first season in Europe with top team FC Barcelona. How tough were the last two years in Utah and Cleveland? Did you lose faith in the NBA?

No I don’t think that I lost faith in the NBA. I was at a point in my career where I just wanted to play more. With the injuries that I had I felt it was a good opportunity to come overseas. I felt that being able to go to FC Barcelona was a very good opportunity for me.

Your playing for one of the world’s most famous organizations. What kind of experience has it been and what experience have you cherished the most so far with this team?

Playing for FC Barcelona has been a great experience. They have welcomed me with open arms. I have cherished the fans the most. The love and how they have welcomed me has been great.

How tough was it coming to a club middle in the season that is so deep? What was the toughest transition for you with your game coming to the Euroleague and ACB?

It is tough coming to a new team in the middle of the season where there are many new players that you have to get used to. The style is different with FC Barcelona and more structured. They pack the paint more is something that is a lot different from the NBA.

You are teammates with so many incredible talented guys., Is there one player that has impressed you the most or really been vital in helping you adjust quicker?

The team has so many talented players. But if I had to chose one I would pick Kyle Kuric. He is my shooting partner. It has been really beneficial to me trying to understand the mind set of a shooter.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius? What has been the biggest challenge learning a new system form him?

The biggest adjustment for me has been learning his system. He has a totally different strategy especially with on ball defense. He has a real passion for the game.

Last summer you played at the 2021 Olympics and won a Bronze with Australia. What was going through your mind when you got your medal?

This was a big moment for Australian basketball. We had never won a medal before with basketball. I know how it meant for guys like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova who had been grinding for years to finally win a medal. Just being a part of it was fantastic and something I will never forget.

What was special about Team Australia in 2021. What do you believe was missing from overcoming team USA?

I thought that we were right there with Team USA. It was atough game. That is simply how basketball works at times. Basketball is a game of runs. Even if you play good defense, Kevin Durant will still score. I think that experience will have us better prepared for the next chance at the World Cup.

You played 6 years with Rudy Gobert. What is your nicest memory of him and where is he currently in the list of top centers in the NBA?

I always had a good relationship with him. He has such a good presence in the paint. What many don’t know is that he is so knowledgeable of the game. He gave me good advice about the pick and roll coverages. I believe that he is at the top in the NBA. Of course you have guys like Embiid and Jokic, but basketball is two sided. He also is great on the defensive end.

How many of the six teams that you were on with the Jazz could the current FC Barcleona team have beat?

I’m not 100% sure. But I know that each game would be super competitive.

You played against Kobe and Lebron. What duels will always stand out in your mind?

I will never being there when Kobe played his last game against us. Unfortunately I didn’t play, but I was on the sideline and saw everything. Being able to see him that last time was amazing.

You played 8 seasons in the NBA. What was the best example in this time where you saw that the NBA will always be a business first?

I have seen the other side how players were treated by organizations, but I was always blessed to be treated well by every team that I played for. I never saw the other side.

Your dad Cecil played with the University of North Carolina in 1982 with Michael Jordan and James Worthy. What Jordan story from him will always stick in your mind?

He told me stories about him when I was young. I think what has always stuck with me since then was the incredible mindset that he had in every session. Since hearing this, I have strived to be the best that I can.

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

That is a hard question. But I couldn’t say it wasn’t Kobe. It was him.

Thanks Dante for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball.

Ps Karlsruhe lost game one to Rostock 87-66. How much does this loss hurt? Did Rostock do their home work after being swept in the season series?

We feel it a bit because we wanted to protect our home court. We have another game to play in a couple days so we have to recover and get back focused on game 2.

The first half was a close affair as PS Karlsruhe led 36-33. What was the biggest focus at the half-time talk?

We just wanted to continue to defend at the level we defended at in the first half.

How vital was the brutal 11-0 run by Rostock to start the third quarter. Did this shock kind of set the direction of the game in favor of the guests?

They came out in the second half and made a run, the momentum shifted then and we were able to make a run ourselves to end the 3rd quarter.

But Ps Karlsruhe never gave up trailed only 56-52 after 30 minutes. They had you wrapped up pretty well in the third quarter. What kind of adjustments did they make on the defensive end?

They played a little zone, they were putting two on me to make it difficult and we kind of didn’t get anything going offensively, bad turnovers, stagnant offense, I take full responsibility of that. I have to do a better job at making sure we get better looks offensively

In the fourth quarter Rostock began on fire again with a 11-2 run. Was that the needed blow that didn’t allow you to get back over the hump?

That run kind of summarized the quarter, from there we didn’t much recover from it.

Then Tyler Nelson scored 10 unanswered points in a row. What made it so difficult to keep him better in check?

He came in a found a nice rhythm, he was pretty fresh. Not sure how many minutes he played up until that 4th quarter but he came in and made some big shots.

What positives can PS Karlsruhe still take from the game despite the guests hitting 12 three’s and only having 9 turnovers?

Just knowing we can play better basketball is a positive for our group, it was a bad second half for us, so we just can learn from it and be better in the next game.

You had 19/5/6/5 stats. What will you be focusing on most leading up to game 2 with your own game so you will be able to play even better in game 2?

Just playing with a little more poise, I felt like I was rushing a bit in the second half, but I’ll do a better job of limiting turnovers and creating better opportunities on both sides of the ball for our team.

Game 2 is a must win for PS Karlsruhe. What do you have to do better in game two to tie the series?

Play better in all. & value possessions.

Brooklyn is down 2-0 to the Celtics. Do you see the Nets coming back?

I hope so.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t have much time to recuperate from their 74-60 loss on the road to the Arvato College Wizards as they welcomed them into their living room for another play down battle. The Frankfurt loss was one of those games where they got a lot of support from many guys, but didn’t have two real go to guys that could of made a difference in many phases of the game. The many Frankfurt turnovers also was vital for Karlsruhe being able to get their sixth win of the season. In the return game they were hoping to control ex Fordham (NCAA) guard Zaire Thompson better who had gone 7/8 from downtown and keep Rouven Roessler cold who had gone a disappointing 0/8 from outside in his living room. But this time the roles of the two Arvato College players were reversed as Thompson went cold and oldie Roessler had a better night, but Frankfurt executed at a solid rate offensively which carried them for the 40 minutes winning 90-77. ‘Defensively we played an overall good game with only a few letdowns and offensively shot the ball well. We also ran transition well and closed out the game well’, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors guard Matthew Meredith. After the tough loss, you could see disappointment in the eyes of Karlsruhe guard Zaire Thompson who understood that the team never really got going. ‘Frankfurt began well and it took us longer. We came back, but we just didn’t have a good day on offense and had bad rotations on defense. We also had problems against their big men’, stressed Arvato College Wizards guard Zaire Thompson.

After a strong start by the Fraport Skylines Juniors, they allowed the guests to speed back, but closed out the first quarter well leading 25-19 after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the quick 9-2 advantage as Frankfurt did a super job attacking the paint and putting German Nils Leonhart’s athleticism into the spot light as he scored twice. Ex Cologne JBBL center Jordan Samare (202-PF-2002) also added a lay in and ex Hanau forward Calvin Schaum dropped a three pointer. Guard Philipp Hadenfeldt was instrumental in serving up some sweet dimes. But the Arvato College Wizards continued to chip away on offense and finally found a quick rhythm going on a 7-2 run to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 11-9. Key in the run was four points by Mortz Baer who had a good game, but for some strange reason played only 15 minutes scoring 9 points. Roessler also got going quickly with a trey to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 11-9. Frankfurt kept the slim lead with added production from another Schaum three pointer and lay in by raw German Alexander Richardson for the 15-12 advantage, but the guests rallied and overtook the lead 19-18 as Roessler nailed another jumper, German Christoph Rupp connected on a trey and speedy and athletic guard Abdulai Abaker who is with his 10th team made a lay in for the 19-18 guests lead. Frankfurt lost intensity and allowed Karlsruhe better looks. But it’s no secret that basketball is always a game of runs and Frankfurt found back to their game and closed out the first quarter in style with a 7-0 run. In the run Hadenfeldt connected added five points with a three and jumper and Matthew Meredith served up a perfect alley-op pass to Richardson for the crushing dunk. ‘Hadenfeldt did a good job allowing us to keep the lead with his energy’, stated Matthew Meredith. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 69% from the field and 38% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 50% from the field and 40% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to keep the lead in the second quarter, but couldn’t get away as they had the slim 45-41 lead at the break. Roessler hit a fast three pointer and Abakar a lay in as Frankfurt led only 26-24, but once again Nils Leonhardt (196-G-2000) glistened with his athleticism scoring two baskets. The combination of him and Jordan Samare sparkled all night long as they combined for 37 points and 6 assists. Their chemistry on the court was excellent and also helped let their teammates feed off of them as Frankfurt led 30-24. ‘Both were great with the passing game, crashing the boards and on transition’, stressed Matthew Meredith The guests stayed close getting a three pointer by ex Fordham (NCAA) player Zaire Thompson and a steal and transition bucket from Rupp, but they couldn’t get over the hump. Jordan Samare was in total domination mode scoring three times with twice in the paint and also nailing a trey. Samare’s teammates also did a great job all night long putting him in excellent position to be able to execute well as Frankfurt led 37-30. The Arvato College Wizards continued to remain on Frankfurt’s tail getting continued great support from Rossler who is in his 18th season with a Karlsruhe team and played 134 BBL games hit a pretty 20 footer and beautiful fade away jumper and Thompson made a step back. But Frankfurt always had an answer to continue their offense to keep rolling as their bench was deep and ready to produce. Young German Drago Crnjac supplied the support with two key back to back three pointers for the 44-39 Frankfurt advantage. Baer supplied a lay in and Alvin Oniya a free throw ending the first half. ‘Drago is a good shooter and is always ready. He had done that before making a three and one before this season. Roessler kept them close making tough shots’, added Matthew Meredith. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 55% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 50% from the field and 36% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute well on offense and hold the slim lead as the guests just couldn’t get over the hump. Abaker once again gave the team a swift spark from the bench with a personal 5-0 run as Karlsruhe trailed only 47-46. But Frankfurt retaliated well getting two more clutch baskets from Samare and a three pointer from Meredith to lead 55-48. The guests got some valuable support from ex Trier guard Vincent Hennen with a three pointer and a three from Rupp, but Frankfurt always had an answer ready as Richardson scored twice including an old school hook shot and the German Devin Booker Matthew Meredith had his three pointer ready nailing another one as Frankfurt led 62-60. Despite a transition dunk by German Christian Okolie who began his career in Tuebingen, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to have more options and weapons always ready to throw something at the guests. Marco Voeller who had a quiet night scored his only two points with a line drive runner, Alvin Oniya made a lay in traffic and Meredith scored at the buzzer for the 68-62 Frankfurt lead after 30 minutes. ‘I began to hit my shots better which opened it up more for my teammates’, stated Matthew Meredith. ‘Frankfurt made good adjustments from last weeks game. They were more aggressive on the pick and roll and took our three away better. They made our shots difficult. It is hard to live only from the three point line’, added Zaire Thompson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 56% from the field and 39% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 52% from the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors upped their offensive execution and led by as many as 12 points to close out the game strong. The guests began with an Abakaer lay in who had 5 steals on the night and Rupp free throw to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 68-65. But that was as close as Karlsruhe would get as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then Ultimately slammed the door shut on the guests with a 10-2 run to lead 78-66. In the run Frankfurt received the knock out punch from the combination of Meredith and Leonhardt with 10 points. Meredith continued to be an offensive menace always being in attack mode hitting a trey and lay in on transition while Leonhardt hit a trey and scored on transition as Samare made the key assist. Karlsruhe stepped up their offense in the last five minutes, but couldn’t make any ground as they couldn’t manage defensive stops. Abaker and Thompson scored inside, but Frankfurt still led 80-70. Frankfurt got added support from Hadenfeldt with a trey and Samare lay in as this time Leonhardt supplied the pretty dime as Frankfurt led 85-72. Rupp added a lay in and Thompson a three pointer while Leonhardt a 20 footer and Hadenfeldt closed out the game with a three pointer. ‘We played consistent defense for the most part in the game, but did lose a little concentration in the fourth quarter. But our offense carried us to the end’, stated Matthew Meredith. ‘It was just one of those days where we never totally found our game. We played good team basketball last week, but Frankfurt did a good job forcing us more to 1-1 play tonight. You can’t win like that for 40 minutes’, warned Zaire Thompson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had four players in double figures as Nils Leonhardt led the team with 19 points. Jordan Samare added 18 points and Matthew Meredith had 15 points. While the Arvato College Wizards were led by Rouven Roessler with 19 points. Abdulai Abaker added 16 points and Christoph Rupp 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 57% from the field and 47% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 21 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Tags : JORDAN SAMARE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

In past years the basketball Hessen derby has always been an exciting and emotional battle between Frankfurt and Giessen where usually both teams were at totally different spots in the standings. But this time around it was the door mat of the BBL Giessen 46ers and number 16th team Fraport Skyliners that were squaring off for bragging rights before their long summer starts. The Fraport Skyliners won’t forget their 90-79 win in Giessen, because they began 2022 off so great, but after that is when their season totally turned around as they made a 180 degree turn downwards as they lost their next 8 games in a row and 14 of 15 which sealed their fate into the second division which most likely will occur if they don’t somehow magically get a wild card to remain in the easyCredit BBL. Losing a Hessen derby at home is always tough as the guests fans seem to live in the arena after the final buzzer and don’t want to leave chanting as they just won a title as that was the case after 40 minutes as the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers pulled out a squeaker 76-75 win that the Fraport Skyliners could have won had Rasheed Moore’s last second shot fell. That has been the story of the Skyliners poor season as catching breaks has been something they haven’t had much of. ‘We didn’t have a good first half. We played better defense in the second half, but simply fell one point short at the end’, said Fraport Skyliners forward Rasheed Moore. Giessen controlled the game from the start, but lost some defensive intensity in the fourth quarter allowing the Fraport Skyliners to threaten but ex Paderborn guard Kendale Mccullum had total control leading his team to the win. ‘Our goal was to come in and have fun and stay loose and enjoy the opportunity. I felt we moved the ball well, got important stops and were able to finish plays when we needed too. We also trusted each other’, stated Giessen guard Kendale McCullum (194-G-1996, college: Lewis, agency: Octagon Europe)

The first quarter was a very tight affair as both teams couldn’t get away from each other and both created an identity in the paint. Giessen got the rapid 6-3 lead as they got key energy from ex Texas Christian University (NCAA) JD Miller getting a massive two handed dunk and tip in. Frankfurt stayed close getting baskets in the paint from Polish national player Marcel Ponitka and 221cm rookie giant Matt Haarms, but Giessen kept the lead. Athletic forward Nuni Omut who balled at Baylor (NCAA) hit a trey and also escaped inside as the Frankfurt help was non existent for a two handed stuff and 11-7 Giessen advantage. Frankfurt kept executing and even took the lead 12-11 with a Rasheed Moore offensive rebound and put back and Haarms left handed lay in. But Giessen took control of the game and lead again with a 6-2 run to close out the first quarter leading 17-14. In the run it was Omot again who kept up his aggressive play and knack of knowing where the rim was. He made another thunderous dunk and connected on a 20 footer. Ex Jena German Dennis Nawrocki also scored inside as Muccullm served up the dime. Ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Roberson also added a runner. Frankfurt shot very poorly from outside but had 8 offensive rebounds and Haarms had 6 rebounds. ‘Our shots weren’t falling so well so we tried to get easy lay ups inside’, stated Kendale McCullum ‘We had good ball movement early on and tried to use the mismatches as well as we could’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

In the second quarter the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers were able to get away from the Fraport Skyliners and lead by as much as 10 points. They were more versatile on offense being able to use their three game more. Giessen got out cooking going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 27-16. In the run ex Lewis (NCAA2) guard Kendale Mccullum demonstrated that he can score with ease inside like the other BBL candidates Cartwright-Jackson and Shorts as he made a beautiful floater that looked so easy and an off balance lay in. Omot continued to be on fire nailing a trey and MIller did the same. Frankfurt rallied after the run shock getting two easy lay ins from German national player Lukas Wank and Ponitka to trail Giessen 27-20. The one on one defense of both teams was miserable, but Giessen still had the better execution rate as a whole and the lead. Frankfurt got two vital back to back three’s from 2017 JBBL finalist Len Schoorman, but Frankfurt couldn’t make any ground as Giessen continued to execute well getting a Omot trey, Miller dunk and a trey from Latvian forward Martins Laksa and the commanding 38-28 advantage. Frankfurt got a last minute energy boost getting a steal and lay in from Ponitka and a lay in by Rasheed Moore to trail 38-32 at half-time. ‘Omot had a tough game against Braunschweig. His mind set was to bounce back. He got hot early and helped us get momentum. We fed off him. He is a big reason why we won’, stated Kendale McCullum ‘Schoormann came off the bench and gave us a big spark. It was good for him to get shots and more minutes again’, added Quantez Robertson. Giessen was shooting very well over 40% from the field and outside while Frankfurt continued to be cold from outside at 18%. Both teams were even on the boards with 22 rebounds apiece.

The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers kept their lead in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners were close a few times to climb over the hump but were denied. Matt Haarms began by nailing a 20 footer which was followed by an in your face three by Omot and Mccullum free throws for the 43-34 Giessen advantage. Frankfurt had difficulty playing their strength of transition. But every now and then Frankfurt had solid spurts on the offensive end as they went on a 7-0 run and suddenly were trailing only 43-41. Ex NBA player Will Cherry began with a lay in which was followed by a lay in by Ponitka. Ex Alba Berlin center Jamel Mclean then served up a sweet desert on a platter to the corner where Moore answered with a clutch trey. But Frankfurt just couldn’t find an identity on defense which has been a big problem this season as they again allowed a big run of 9-2 to trail 52-43. Giessen got support from Miller who scored inside, a tap in alley op from Miller to Omot, a Mccullum floater and a Nawrocki three pointer. Any little mistake Frankfurt allowed on defense like a switch or a helper was punished by Giessen. Frankfurt got some needed energy at the end as Cherry got a transition basket and Mclean a tip in dunk. But Omot continued to really hurt Frankfurt as anytime he touched the ball, he was able to make good things happen as he made a 20 footer and three pointer for the 57-49 lead after 30 minutes. ‘We continued to play fast and stuck to the same play and just played free’, said Kendale McCullum ‘Omot made tough shots the whole game. That got them going. It helped him when he saw his shot go in. We didn’t help well enough or close out’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

The fourth quarter remained tight and even if the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers led for the most part, the Fraport Skyliners were only a shot away from winning the contest. Frankfurt didn’t waste anytime getting going as they rushed out on a 7-2 run to trail Giessen 59-57. In the run Jamel Mclean was aggressive nailing a turn around shot and catching Giessen napping on transition making a hard two handed dunk. Cherry also added a trey. Frankfurt finally got their transition game active again and exposed more energy on defense getting in passing lanes better and packing the paint. But Giessen found some rhythm again on offense getting a Miller lay in and runner from Mccullum for the 66-59 advantage. Even if Frankfurt had a miserable season, they never gave up and were always fighting until the last second. They attempted another run of 5-0 getting a Haarms basket and free throws from Tez and Moore to trail only 66-64. After Laksa free throws, the energy of Haarms remained as he scored back to back buckets including a monster tip in dunk to dead lock the contest at 68-68 with a little under three minutes to play. But with 2,17 to play Kendale Mccullum who was close to a triple double nailed a massive three pointer for the 71-68 Giessen lead. Frankfurt was hungry and in crunch-time seemed reborn as Cherry responded with a three pointer and Haarms added another dunk for the 73-71 lead. But as much as Frankfurt got clutch baskets, they couldn’t get clutch stops. Omot added a tip in and Mccullum scored a crazy off balance submarine lay in in traffic for the 76-73 Giessen advantage with 39 seconds to play. ‘I work on that shot all the time finishing over big men with contact. It’s no surprise to me that it went in. I’m really happy that my team trusts me to take that shot’, stated Kendale McCullum Cherry then added a quick lay in to trail Giessen 76-75 with 33 seconds to play. Nawrocki then missed two free throws keeping Frankfurt alive. Frankfurt had one more chance to win the game. Rasheed Moore had a great look, but the shot missed ‘We wanted a back door at the end, but that was taken away. I got a good look, but it just didn’t want to fall’, stated Rasheed Moore. ‘I was in the paint on the other side. I thought it was going to go in. My first thought was this can’t be happening. Luckly it didn’t fall. Moore is a great player. I was really nervous’, added Kendale McCullum ‘It was a good look. It went down and came out. That is his shot. He can make it right or left handed. I would want him to take that shot every time’, warned Quantez Robertson. The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers were led by Nuni Omot with 27 points. Kendale Muccullum added 21 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists and JD Miller added 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Cherry with 16 points. Matt Haarms added 14 points and Jamel Mclean 11 points. The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 44% from the field and 31% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 19% form outside and had 45 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Yovel Zoosman (198-SF-1998) is a 23 year old 198cm forward playing his first season in Germany with Alba Berlin. He began his career with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) and played a total of 97 Winner League games and 78 Euroleague games before coming going To Alba Berlin. He also won 6 titles with the Israeli Euroleague team. He also has played for the Israeli senior national team and won a Gold and three Silver’s at the youth sector. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 89-57 win against Brose Bamberg.

Congrats on the 89-57 win over Brose Bamberg. Did the first quarter lay the foundation for the win?

I think that we played pretty tough in the first quarter and maintained a 13-17 point lead until the fourth quarter. We never let go of the momentum and pushed until the end. We are close to the finish line now in the season and want only positive results.

After playing almost your whole career with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League), your playing your first season in Germany with Alba Berlin. How tough was it leaving the club?

It is never easy to leave home, family, friends and your comfort zone. I knew that it would be a refreshing change by going to Alba Berlin. I knew it was hard to leave that behind me, but at the end of the day it is my career. I believe that I made the best decision and have no regrets. I’m 100% sure that I made the right decision.

Your playing your first season with Alba Berlin. What kind of an experience has it been playing for Alba Berlin? How have you experienced the culture of the organization?

It has been a very good season for Alba Berlin. But our job isn’t done yet. We still have the last sprint of the marathon. We enjoy playing with each other and the players are humble. I’m always smiling on and off the court.

Alba Berlin plays the prettiest basketball in the easyCredit BBL. How is the game different than what you played with at Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League)?

That is good to hear. For us basketball means to share the ball. That is the right way to play for us. But if you have some kind of an advantage like an open look, we take it. We believe our task is to play together which is key to play well. The biggest difference to Maccabi was that they have pure talent. They have unbelievable players. It was difficult to showcase my skills there. This season I’m able to play more freely and get more plays. I do whatever the team needs and feel like I’m improving. We as a team don’t care about assists because that is our nature. It isn’t special, because we are pass first.

Alba Berlin has had a strong season. Is your self-confidence at a different level than for say a Jaleen Smith who has won only 1 title while you have won 7. How confident are you that Alba Berlin will win the German double?

We don’t talk too much about it, because we know that we need to prove it. I believe that at the end of the day the best team always wins. It is a best of five series and it won’t be a surprise who wins the title. Of course I hope that we do. When your on the court, it doesn’t matter what you have won before, but who wants it more at the end. The team that has the most spirit and will will do it. We are on a good path. We all have a common goal and need to show it each day.

Has the whole transition been easier for you having a fellow country person there with Tamir Blatt? What do you appreciate most about his game and character?

Yes it has helped him being here and I hope the same for him with me. This is the first time that we are in a new culture. We have been together a lot before coming to Berlin where we were roommates during youth national team times and now are also roommates with Alba Berlin. We spend a lot of time together and it makes it easier for us to enjoy the team and be who we are for the team. When you feel down or weird about something then you feel happy that you can talk to someone from another perspective.

How has your game profited from the easyCredit BBL? What kind of a player were you in the Winner League and what kind of player have you become in the BBL?

I haven’t shown so much on the stat sheet in the last games. When I played in the Winners league, I was more of a defender. Two years ago I won best defender. I still try to do my best as a defender with Alba Berlin. There is more motion here and I have more freedom to showcase my skills and opportunity to change the game. I try to be more versatile be it penetrating or getting offensive rebounds. It has been a good experience being able to show my skills and do what coach needs from me. I have more responsibilities to help the team.

Every guy I have ever spoken to that has been teammates with Luke Sikma has raved about him. Has his IQ rubbed off on you?

Yes of course. Luke is a great guy. He has a different kind of mind set and is such a smart guy on and off the court. He is a pass first guy and great role model for the young players. His play makes it a lot easier for the team. He has this routine before a game where he shouts and gets everybody ready. It makes us more free and we just go on the court happy and play hard.

You have never averaged in double figures since you played for Maccabi Raanana (National League) in 2016-2017. What kind of a scorer would you be if you played for a team that gave you 32 minutes per game?

I honestly don’t know. I never averaged so many minutes. With more competitions in a season. I think my body would give up playing so many minutes. I always give my best no matter if I play five seconds, five minutes or 32 minutes. Scoring has never been important for me. It is more about the spirit of winning. Being able to impact the team and help it win is most important for me.

You played most of your career with Maccabi Tel Aviv. How important were these years for you where you played many Euroleague games at a young age? What kind of player did you become there?

I owe a lot to Maccabi Tel Aviv. They made me the player that I am today.They put me a good position to let me go to Alba Berlin. It was great that I could play as a 17-18 year old kid. I took nothing for granted. There aren’t many Israeli players that are put into a position there like I was. I played many games there and that gave me a lot of experience. I trusted the process there. Basketball is a marathon and I’m only at the beginning. I hope that it will last a long time.

Is it hard to believe that a guy like Guy Pnini is 15 years older than you? Was he like a mentor for you early in your career?

It is hard to say since I only played one season with him. But for every player in Israel, he is a huge legend. He is unbelievable. He has seen so much and accomplished everything that he wanted to. He had so many disadvantages with his athleticism in the Euroleague, but he was so successful with his intelligence. He is a real role model. I always hug him and show love to him when I see him. It is always so good to be around him. I know that he will be a coach soon. He is a great guy that has achieved everything.

You saw the athleticism of Sylven Landesberg at a young age. Why didn’t a guy like that reach the NBA?

I don’t know. I never played in the NBA. He is a great scorer. I haven’t followed him lately, but know he scored 50 points in China. I never thought that he was that athletic. Other guys like Sonny Weems and Joe Alexander were crazy athletic. Sylven’s athleticism was solid but the others were at another level.

You were teammates with another veteran Michael Roll. How did a guy like that make your game better day in and day out in practice?

I learned a lot from him and Deandre Kane. I was just starting to play more and they were really tough on me in practices. They played mental games with me and really helped me to improve. I think that basketball is more mental than talent. Both guys always played at a high level and were tough on the court. They taught me to be mentally tough and not be afraid of the moment, but to hit back.

You had the privilege to play together with Amare Stoudimire. He is supposed to be a very nice guy. Did you ever have a special personal encounter with him during a road trip that you will never forget?

He was a great guy. He came in mid season to the team. It is really hard to explain what it was like being teammates with him. The guy will be a hall of famer. Here was this guy that had an incredible NBA career. It is just unimaginable to explain what it felt like sharing the court with him.

You played three seasons with Scottie Wilbekin. I feel he gets lost a bit with guys like Mike James and Shane Larkin as the best guards in Europe. How did you experience Scottie and why was he another guy that didn’t get a chance in the NBA?

I think that the NBA was never for Scottie. He found his place in Europe and stayed. He is a very humble guy. He is no doubt a top 10 Euroleague player. Maybe even top 5 or top 3 talentwise. He isn’t flashy or talking much or showing emotion. It is a good question why he isn’t more in the discussion with James and Larkin, but for me he is in that discussion.

In the 2017-2018 season you played against Real Madrid and Luka Doncic losing where he had a solid 11/4/ 3 game. Did you ever think after that last season in Europe that he would explode so much in the NBA?

Honestly I was pretty surprised that he was doing incredible things in the NBA. He was cooking at a young age in Europe. I always felt like he got way too much respect from the referees in Europe. I thought like that might not happen anymore in the NBA. I was really shocked how well he made the transition to the NBA. He is the best pick and roll player in the world now. He treats each situation perfectly. He is getting better each day. He is in the conversation with the best European player at age 23. In a few years he could be the best.

Every one has that has been with Maccabi Tel Aviv has a Pini Gershon story. What dealings have you had with the eccentric man?

To be honest, I really like the guy. When I was young, he tried to help me with my career. Now he is a type of special advisor for the youth teams in Israel. He has crazy knowledge. He has seen a lot in his life and won a lot. To get a compliment form him is great. When he gives you advice, you want to do it better the next time. He sees the game so well. You know when he tells you a just one sentence, that it is probably correct. I just try to do it a little bit better the next time.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court?

The hardest match up was Mike James. His first step is crazy. In like 0,2 seconds he is gone. Sergio Rodriguez is also tough as is Nando de Colo who is always floating on the court.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

I have played with so many great players. I can’t pick just 5. Some guys that come to mind are Tarik Black, Othello Hunter, Jeremy Pargo, Jake Cohen, Scottie Wilbekin, Angelo Caloiaro. I still talk to these guys on a weekly basis.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore

Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Tim Duncan, Shaq. On the bench I have Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. He is the best offensive player of all-time.

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

People fell in love with Jordan and he was the reason people began to play in 90’s and 2000’s. Both guys accomplished crazy things. We need to accept their greatness as it is.

What was the last movie that you saw?

V for Vendetta. My favorite movie of all-time is the Shawshank Redemption.

Thanks Yovel for the chat.

Martynas Sajus (208-C-1996) is a 26 year old 208cm center playing his first season in Germany with medi Bayreuth. He began his basketball career with BC Zalgiris. He also has found experience playing in Poland and last season played in the Spanish ACB with BAXI Manresa averaging 6.2ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 78.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Martynas for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany for medi Bayreuth. What have you enjoyed most about the style of play and culture?

I like how are fans are really involved during games. I enjoy playing in the BBL. It is a very good level with many very good teams and players. It has been a real pleasure.

It has been a tough season for everyone in Covid times, but do you sometimes wonder how medi Bayreuth would have played together without all the Covid interruptions?

This is a big topic. We have had a tough season with everything that has happened. We had a bad losing streak. We want to finish the season with wins and not loses.

There were games where the team played only with a very slim rotation. Do you feel like head coach Raoul Korner got the most out of this season?

There was no choice. You just try to do the best you can with the rotations that you had in each game. We never knew how it would look like with Covid before each game. We had to learn to adapt. At the start of the season everything was easier. But with time with many Covid cases and injuries, it became harder because players had to find new roles and positions. It was as if we were starting all over again. It was never easy with the short rotations.

How crazy was the 92-91 loss in OT to BG Goettingen? You didn’t play. Sometimes adrenaline blinds the pain of the bones.

I think that was the case. We switched defenses a lot and they weren’t ready for it. Our aggressive play helped us all through out the game. In the end we were a bit unlucky as a three pointer was given as a two pointer. It was a tough loss, but it was nice to see how much we fought. We came back and almost won. It was crazy.

How vital was a guy like German center Andreas Seiferth in you being able to come to terms well with the style of the easyCredit BBL?

Andreas is a great guy. I learned a lot from him in the low post. It also helped my game a lot that I was always defending him. I saw some of the moves he had and took them into my game. In general he taught me a lot about how to play in the BBL.

Which Lithuanian players were your role models growing up and to what player would you compare your game too?

Robertas Javtokas who was a Lithuanian national player and Marc Gasol. My goal was always to become like Marc Gasol as a player.

You are playing your best personal season. Do you feel Covid played a big part this season for your success? You got a bigger role because of many injuries and Covid problems.

Coach had no option. With injuries I had a chance to play longer. I felt great with the minutes I got and didn’t feel any pressure. I took the opportunity for more minutes and did the best that I could. I thought my personal season was good, but as a team we had a tough season. We need to finish strong. It is not about us, but it’s about the fans and finishing strong for them.

You are still very young for the age of 26. How have you seen your development with Raoul Korner and where do you still want to go as a player?

I think my post moves got better. In Spain I played more pick and roll. Coach Korner trusted me and got me more shots. I also feel that my left hand has gotten better. I feel more confidence using it.

You have had some big offensive scoring games. Do you feel like you could become a big man that can average 13-15 points per season?

It is hard to say if that could happen. You find a different role with each team you play for. When you play for good team with good players then it is harder to score. I don’t know, but time will show. Of course I hope that it will happen.

Last season you played with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga Endesa): 30 games: 6.2ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 78.7%. What did you learn from this season? It was up and down with playing time. In your last five games you played combined only 15 minutes.

I think key last season was using the practice time to my advantage. We had a very strict coach, but he taught me a lot about the pick and roll. The play in Spain is a lot quicker than in the BBL and I had to adapt to that. I’m big and heavy and had to run a lot more. I feel all the practices I had in Spain with my team helped me a lot and prepared me for the BBL.

You battled in practice every day with ex BBL veteran Scot Eatherton. What memories will you always have of him and did his stories of the BBL help you chose to come to Germany?

We were both very competitive each day in practice. He told me a lot about the BBL. I felt that from his talks that it could be my style and I could fit into that league. He made some impact in helping me make my decision to come to Germany.

You had a very strong game against FC Barcelona with 12/6 in a 23 point loss. What do you feel is still missing from your game to be able to play like that against top teams?

I think to be able to reach the next level, I need to work harder and get more confidence and keep working on my skills. I need to add more details to my moves, read the defense better and the rest will come with experience.

In 2019-2020 you returned back to your home land after a year in Poland to play for Panevezys Lietkabelis (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 9.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg, Blocks-2 (1.3bpg), FGP: 62.4%, FT: 79.4%. How did you return back home as a player after a season in Poland?

It was nice to come back to Lithuania. We did well as a team. We reached the top 16 of the Basketball Champions League. For the budget we had it was a success. We had great players and head coach Nenad Canak liked me and allowed me to express myself.

How do you remember playing against BC Zalgiris? You scored 17 points. Was your motivation at an all-time high?

Of course I remember that game. I used my chance and scored a lot. But we lost so something was missing from that experience.

There you were reunited with Tomas Dimsa. He left BC Zalgiris in 2015 and played a season in Frankfurt where I saw him play on a regular basis. Is it fair to say he has taken on a slow development, but has continued to grow as a player?

He made a great progress there. And since has shown great results in his career. He also has played for the national team. Good things are happening to him. He will play in the Euroleague soon.

In 2018-2019 you played with King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 12.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.6%, FT: 80.4%. Is it fair to say that this was your break out season? You had some good games and lost a tough playoff series to Polski Cukier.

I used the minutes I got and showed good results. The adjustment was easier, because I knew the coach. I got a lot of plays and had a good connection to the guards. We had a good season despite losing in the playoffs.

In 2017-2018 you returned back to B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (LKL) averaging 3.4ppg, 2.1rpg. You played a lot for the second team putting up good stats and some Euroleague games. How disappointed were you of this season? Did the team give up on you?

It is hard to say. I had an injury at the start of the season and missed three months. When I came back, I was the third center. We reached the Final 4 of the Euroleague. Coach didn’t want to confuse the players by changing line ups. I used the chance in practice and gained valuable experience.

In 2016-2017 you played your first time away from home with Polpharma Starogard Gdanski (Poland-TBL) averaging 9.9ppg, 6.3rpg, Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.0%, FT: 68.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being away from home where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I was scared a bit. I had never been in Poland before. But the coach was also Lithuanian. I knew it would be easier even if I did mistakes. He showed me from the start that he was prepared to help me. Also there was another Lithuanian player there that helped. I enjoyed my time there and was able to get good minutes.

You began your basketball career with BC Zalgiris. How important were your early years with his organization? How do you feel did your game grow further there?

The club gave young guys almost everything you need to be successful. The conditions were excellent. We even lived in the gym. It couldn’t be better. I can’t say anything bad about the experience. It was a great level of preparation for young players. There were great coaches there and they gave great advice and the level of practice was good. I could use all that experience when I left.

You played twice against Real Madrid and once against Luka Doncic in 2015. Did you know anything about him? He didn’t score in the game. Could you see something special in his game?

Probably not. That game is hard to remember. When he began to dominate in Europe everybody began to look at him. Now the whole world is looking at him.

Almost 6 years ago you played a U-20 game against Germany losing 78-77. In that game Kostja Mushidi had 21 points. He thought he was going to the NBA. He then had many lows and is back in the easyCredit BBL again with MBC. Was it strange playing against him again?

To be honest, I don’t remember him. I only remember that we lost that game. It was an important game, but we still went to the final and lost to Spain. I play against many players, so it is difficult to remember every player. I usually remember the centers.

You recently played a World Cup qualifying game. What is the state of Lithuanian basketball heading into the 2022 Euro Championships. Lithuania has always had talented big men. Will there ever be hope for you when you have guys like Sabonis and Valanciunas?

You never know which players will be there with COVID and what happens during the summer. If I get chosen, I go. It is always nice to play for your country.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that made the NBA?

I would say Brandon Davies who was my teammate at Zalgiris. Now he plays for FC Barcelona. It never looked like he could do much, but he could always score. He was tough to defend as was Eddie Tavares.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

The Euroleague Final 4 team of BC Zalgiris.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Hakeem, Gasol brothers, Lebron, Jokic and Luka Doncic

Is Luka Doncic a top 5 NBA player now and will he be the best one day?

Yes and he just needs time.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The office. I like comedy.

Thanks Martynas for the chat.

Tags : MARTYNAS SAJUS, MEDI BAYREUTH, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Whenever the Los Angeles Lakers come to Boston, it’s a huge event especially for the autograph hounds. It wasn’t any different in the 80’s when you had guys like Kareem, Magic, Coop Jamal Wilks, Norm Nixon and Byron Scott walking around the Marriot Copley mall during the 1985 NBA finals while a kid like me was trying to figure out their next move. 37 years later, it isn’t any different as the Lakers are the Lakers. Back then it was Magic and today, it’s Lebron James. The Hollywood glitz is still there as well as the superstars. Especially this season it seems like they have the most superstars ever with guys like Westbrook, Rondo, superman Howard, Carmelo Anthony and AD just to name a few. So there I was back in Boston in mid November 2021 and I had to press my luck seeing if I could get at least one autograph of these superstars. With or without Covid, getting one of these superstars to sign who are all in their own galaxy far away is about as difficult as seeing 50 cent trim down in the future. It’s also understandable that players are more hesitant to sign with Covid as well. Especially seeing a Lebron James exit the hotel is a total experience, maybe not as crazy as the Beatles in the 60’s, but the excitement of fans is definitely always there.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber watching Lebron james board the team bus in Boston in January 2020

Back in the 80’s, you could get NBA autographs a lot easier, because it was simply another time, more relaxed and security wasn’t as beefed up as it is today. Getting shut out in 2022 by the Lakers is simply realistic. That is exactly what happened. Ok so at least my buddy Lakers shooting coach Mike Penberthy talked to me a guy I covered in Germany more than 15 years ago when he was with Alba Berlin, but other than that I was totally shut out. At least seeing the stars come out and just seeing some of the outrageous outfits was better than nothing, but it is always disappointing when guys don’t sign. I thought coming in that at least some of the younger guys would sign. So when rookie Austin Reaves departed the posh 5 star hotel, I thought that at least he would stop for a second. I mean other rookie Josh Giddy of the Thunder signed absolutely everything for the autograph hounds a day later. Some people screamed Austin as he went to the bus, but he didn’t stop. I didn’t think that the name Austin Reaves would concern me ever again. Well a few months later, a German buddy of mine informed me that their could be the possibility that Austin Reaves could play for the German national team. So there was the name Austin Reaves again. I also had no idea that his brother Spencer was playing in Germany for the Bayer giants Leverkusen. I was aware of the player Spencer Reaves (191-G-1995, college: Central Mo., agency: One Motive Sports), but had no idea Austin was his brother. That is how small the basketball world is. It seems like there are very good chances that Austin Reaves could play for Germany. Despite there seemingly being worlds apart between the NBA and German Pro A, both brothers have a great relationship. Spencer Reaves (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) can call brother Austin his best friend despite beating the hell out of each other For 15 years .

Spencer Reaves who remembers current Los Angeles Lakers player Malik Monk as being his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on December 23rd, 1995 in Newark, Arkansas. He attended Cedar Ridge high school and is a little less than 2.5 years older than his younger brother Austin who is with the Los Angeles Lakes now. Even if he is the older bro, he didn’t have that classic role of being that role model, but they have a very special relationship even if now they are on other parts of earth and 9 hours away on time difference. ‘I wouldn’t say mentor as of now. Yes I forced him into the gym as a young kid but I’d say it’s more best friends especially now. Beating the hell out of each other for 15 years will do that to the relationship. We talk or play video games constantly. So I’d say we are really close’, stressed Spencer Reaves. Even if he is half way around the world, he attempts to keep up with his brother’s development in the NBA. ‘I normally wake up the next day to watch his games. I’m proud of him for being able to find the floor with some legendary players. Hopefully he keeps improving and helps the lakers win more games’, stated Spencer Reaves. So how must it be being teammates with so many superstars? Some guys would probably be totally overwhelmed seeing Lebron James on a daily basis. ‘He’s going in every day seeing Lebron James. Learning and watching him on a daily basis is insane. But Austin doesn’t really get overwhelmed by much. He might have been the first week but now I think it’s normal for him”, expressed Spencer Reaves.

Coming out of high school, the guard was only recruited by one school in South Carolina about 10 hours from home called North Greenville University (NCAA2) and that was fine for him. He just needed one opportunity to prove that he could play at that level. He proved that he could play at the division 2 level as he averaged 15.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.2%. He reached the last round of 64 in the NCAA 2 tournament getting crushed by Lincoln Memorial 95-62. In that game Lincoln Memorial had some very talented guys that later would play in the German Pro A with Pinson, Simmons and Choice. ‘Freshman year was great. I got lots of playing time but more importantly, we were winning. We won our conference tournament to get the automatic bid. LMU hit 3 threes the entire conference, first game against us, 16/23. So yeah not the most fun game. But they were super talented. Not surprised they had so many pros’, remembered Spencer Reaves. He achieved All-Conf.Carolinas Freshman of the Year -2015 and All-Conf.Carolinas 2nd Team -2015. He scored in double figures in 14 of 15 games including hitting S.Wesleyan for 27 points and Belm Abbey for 24 points. He then moved to the University of Central Missouri (NCAA2) where he played three seasons and 85 games. There was a good reason why he moved and never thought what would have been had he remained at North Greenville. ‘I remember mostly wanting to get closer to friends and family. 10 hours was almost impossible for family members to catch any games in person. I have thought about that scenario but I believe God put me in the exact places I was supposed to be. So I wouldn’t change anything’, remembered Spencer Reaves. In his first season he averaged 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.5%. He made a massive jump in his game in his second and third seasons averaging 17.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 85.4% and in his senior year averaged 17.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 88.6%. ‘After the losing season my sophomore year, I really decided to make changes. I didn’t want to feel that disappointment again. Then I met my friend and trainer, Gunnar Person. He would put me through workouts whenever I asked him, day or night. I really saw my game grow through the extra shots and workouts I was getting in. And I was also given that role by the coaches to be the go to guy’, expressed Spencer Reaves. In his last two seasons he scored in double figures in 53 of 56 games and scored 20 points or more 22 times. He nailed East Central for 30 points and Central Oklahoma for 29 points. His rapid growth at Central Missouri couldn’t have happened without the guidance of head coach Doug Karleskint. ‘Well coach DK and the whole staff had us working. I’d never experienced that must work and preparation in every area of the game. That definitely translates’, stressed Spencer Reaves. His most memorable game was hitting Pittsburg State with a game winner senior year. He collected further achievements there with All-MIAA Honorable Mention -2016, CoSIDA NCAA Division II Academic All-District 7 1st Team -2017, 18, CoSIDA NCAA Division II Academic All-America 3rd Team -2017, All-MIAA 2nd Team -2017, and MIAA All-Tournament Team -2017.

The guard who names his four teammates in high school Cole and Cade Crabtree, Austin Reaves, and Nate Easley as well as Jakob Lowrance from UCM as his best teammates of all-time began his professional career in 2018 with Azpeitia Azkoitia Iraurgi Saski Baloia (Spain-LEB Silver) where he played his first two pro seasons with averaging15.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT-3 (45.5%), FT: 82.9%, and in his sophomore campaign averaged 15.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 82.8%. Coming overseas for an American for the first time is never an easy task. There are many new hurdles to get used to like the culture and everything off the court. Some guys can hack it while other can’t. Every player has that wake up call and for most the adjustment period then does get better. ‘My wake up was the first week I was there. Trying to figure out where the grocery stores where and nervous I wasn’t going to find any food that I liked. I’d stop and just think randomly, ‘where am I and what am I doing here’, remembered Spencer Reaves. Some guys play 10 years before wining that first chip while others go without having that ultimate feeling on the court, while others get that first championship under the belt quicker as he experienced his second season winning the Leb Silver cup. ‘The city I lived in was a small village. The people LOVED their basketball. To be able to host the cup was incredible in its own right. I remember being down around 10 starting the 4th quarter. After having a terrible first 3 quarters, I was able to go 5/5 from 3 in the 4th and we came back to win. Very important and fun to do it for the city. I love winning in everything I do. So I think I try as hard to win every game as I did to win that cup’, stressed Spencer Reaves. Another very important aspect of getting used to being able to adjust is having that special teammate who kind of takes that rookie under his belt. For Reaves having a guy like Javaughn Powell there to guide him was perfect. ‘JP was great. We are still best friends to this day. He was so welcoming to me when I came to Spain. Showing me everything I needed to know and also making sure I was involved even though I came in halfway through the season. And he was one of the best PGs in Silver both those years. And was honestly a great passer so maybe things a lot easier for me’, stated Spencer Reaves. He showed his consistency in those two seasons scoring in double figures in 39 of 45 games including scoring 26 points against Villarrobledo and having Zamorano’s number scoring 23 and 22 points. In his third professional season he made another step moving up to the Spanish second division UBU Tizona Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 23 games averaging 10.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 46.1%, FT: 89.7%. Despite making a step up, his game grew in his three years in Spain. ‘Leb Gold was tough. A bunch of great players and ex ACB players everywhere. I’d say it’s very similar. Maybe top to bottom Leb Gold is better but the teams in Pro A could definitely compete in Gold. I learned a ton playing in Spain. My coaches there engrained into my head how to play ball screen, which is very important in the European game. I like to be more physical on both ends as well’, expressed Spencer Reaves. He hit Oviedo for 24 points and Valladolid for 23 points.

Now the shooting sensation who lists Lebron MJ Magic and Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his fourth professional season in Germany with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Despite all is going well as it did in Spain during Covid, he had to deal with all the challenges just like every other player on earth. ‘Covid was rough. I mean we went from practicing to never seeing some of my teammates again. It cancelled our season so quick and it was sad to not get to finish what we started. I educated myself more about certain things. Honestly just hope we can go back to a normal world sometime soon’, said Spencer Reaves. He is playing another strong season and most importantly is helping the club be a playoff team. He is having the great experience of playing with a very traditional organization that has won the most BBL titles despite having been in the second league for more than a decade. They currently face the Romerstrom Gladiators in the playoffs. ‘Here in Leverkusen it is great. As the team always says here, ‘we do things a little different here.’ It is definitely new to me but it seems to work. We have a team that works hard and loves to be around it other. Sometimes that is hard to come by on the professional level. That’s what I appreciate the most’, stressed Spencer Reaves. He is a very efficient player on a roster with many scoring options and is shooting out the lights at 47% from outside. He hit PS Karlsruhe for 29 points and 28 points against Artland where he had a league season record 8 three pointers. It doesn’t matter where he has played so far he has always been able to adapt to any style. ‘I’d say for me Spain was a little bit slower but more tactical. Since Germany can have more imports, I feel that contributes to the pace a little bit compared to only two in Spain’, added Spencer Reaves. A big reason for his success has been head coach Hansi Gnad who is a German legend having been drafted in 1987 by the 76ers and winning the 1993 Gold at the European championships with Germany in Munich. ‘Hansi is great. His coaching style is very different than I would say what is typical for Europe. But his strengths are definitely allowing each player to play their games freely. It instills a lot of confidence in each guy’, stressed Spencer Reaves.

The ex NCAA 2 player who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming America and hasn’t had good experiences with sequels as they are never as good as the first one has a unique game that people have called a poor man’s Luke Kennard. On the stat sheet, his three pointer stands out, but his game has so much more than just being able to shoot out the lights. ‘I think I am a smart decision maker with the ball and not particularly just a shooter as some may think. I like to play a solid game on both ends’, stated Spencer Reaves. I personally always like to challenge players with the impact defender question. Some agree right away while others don’t. He may never be an impact defender, but he will get the job done well. ‘I take pride in it. No one enjoys getting scored on but I also pride myself in making the right rotations. With my limited size and athleticism I don’t know if I’d use ‘impact defender.’ My defensive stats won’t impress many people but I’m going to be in the right spot. I don’t like to gamble and want the offense to have to make a good play to score, not to score off my mistake, if that makes sense’, expressed Spencer Reaves. So where will the journey go for Spencer Reaves? He is definitely a player that can play in first divisions. Seeing him battle in the German easyCredit BBL would be a treat. He knows exactly what he has to do in order to make the next step in his career. ‘I had a big focus coming into this year to improve my playmaking and I think it’s paying off. But definitely still look to improve on the defensive end. With little tips and tricks to help me be more physical and make life more difficult for the offense to score’, warned Spencer Reaves. He is a player that will surely keep growing as a player and one thing that will never change is the strong bond between the brothers Spencer and Austin. Even if both have numerous sweet memories from the basketball court, there was also a time where the brotherly competitive edge didn’t get in the way and that wasn’t even on the basketball court. ‘We were playing soccer together and were like 8 and 6 years old. I remember playing goalie one game and I dropped kicked one and it kept bouncing. Austin just decided to distract and almost screen the goalie and it gave me a goal from the other box as the goalie’, remembered Spencer Reaves. But one place where the competitive edge will always be present is in the one on one duel. They have battled each other their whole life, but who would win today? ‘The last time we played was on draft night so it’s been a little bit of time. But if anyone wants to know the answer to that question, ask him was happened that night’, laughed Spencer Reaves. Both guys have improved their game this season and it would definitely be interesting who would win a game today. No matter what happens in the next duel, they will always be best friends. That is simply how it works in the Reaves family.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball.

Congrats on the huge 80-73 win over Rostock. How good does it feel to have swept this top team?

I give credit to our team just for understanding the level of focus and discipline we have to play with on a nightly basis. If we are doing that we give ourselves a chance to win against anyone.

Do you feel like this win will give PS Karlsruhe the needed push to begin well off at home? You have to win at home.

It’s good to go into the playoffs with some momentum, however we understand the playoffs is a totally different stage, so we have to prepare accordingly, focus & execute our plan.

In Rostock you had problems on the offensive end in the first half mustering only 29 points. Especially in the second quarter it was only 11 points. What was key for them having the comfortable 46-29 advantage at the break?

We were getting some looks in the first half that we wanted but didn’t take them. We had a bad run in the second quarter where we turned the ball over and they capitalized off our mistakes. That was really it, our mistakes.

In the third Rostock had the 63-53 lead after 30 minutes. What kind of an experience was it battling two real veterans with Chris Carter and Brad Loesing?

Its always nice competing against other players on other teams.

PS Karlsruhe was down 72-58 with 5,42 to play. You then went on an incredible 22-1 run. Is that the best 5 minutes of basketball the team has played?

Maybe on paper, but we were able to disrupt their rhythm, finish possessions with rebounds and convert on the offensive end.

What was the biggest strength on the defensive end in this span that totally shut down Rostock from being able to find any kind of a rhythm?

Just our focus elevated and we were able to get them out the rhythm they were in and contest some of their looks. Just tried to make it tougher for them

You had a solid game of 22/12/1/1/4. The team only had 8 assists. Does that worry you?

That doesn’t worry me.

You start the playoffs against Rostock on the weekend. This is a best of 5 series. How good do you feel your chances are as a team after having been able to win the season series? What will be key for advancing and making the big upset?

I like our chances. I think our level of focus, energy and execution will be the keys. We can’t beat ourselves.

Marcus Smart won 2022 NBA best defensive player. Why don’t more guards get this award?

Well deserved, I guess they see the big men as the guys that are the last line of defense and they protect the basket.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Tags : STANLEY WHITTAKE