Patrick Richard (196-G/F-1990, college: McNeese St., agency: Inception Sports) is a 32 year old 196cm guard from Lafayette, Louisiana playing his ninth professional season and third with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). He has gained vast experience having played in countries like Australia, Holland, Germany, France, Israel and Spain. He began his basketball career at Carencro high school and played at Mcneese State (NCAA) form 2008-2012 playing a total of 122 NCAA games. As a professional he has won three titles and played 300 plus professional games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough game 2 loss against the MHP Riesen in Germany.

U-BT Cluj Napoca lost a tough 93-75 game 2 to the hands of the MHP Riesen? What was more difficult to handle the unending Ludwigsburg aggressiveness or the refs iffy calls?

We did not handle the pressure they applied and that was a big factor in the final score. No excuses from our end about the refs.

U-BT Cluj Napoca had the 19-15 lead after 10 minutes. Did it feel like a playoff game?

Of course it felt like a playoff game because it is a playoff game. 2 teams that want to make the final 4.

You played incredible defense. What was at the top of your game plan defensively going in?

We started out well defensively but over the course of the game some of their shooters got open shots from breakdowns and also bad offense led to better opportunities for them.

There were 12 turnovers in the first 10 minutes. What is the most annoying thing about Ludwigsburg defense in the half court?

They are a constant in their pressure and we must do a better job in game 3 of handling this.

You did a pretty good job on Ethan Happ. It seemed like you didn’t gamble as much on defense as Ludwigsburg despite having 7 turnovers.

He hurt us in the short roll on pick and rolls in the first half. We all around have to be better!

The second quarter continued to be a real dog fight. Ethan Happ began to dominate shooting 4/6 in the quarter. Did you still have the same game plan of letting him operate and let the others be the hero?

Well he was getting good position against us from our rotations and making some easy ones.

He almost always is right next to the basket when he finishes. Could one have been more physical with him?

As a whole defensively it’s not just about one guy hurting us! Our rotations have to be better even on him.

In the last 2 minutes the MHP Riesen went on a 7-0 run. It seemed if you just loose a blink of your defensive intensity they will make you pay.

At the end we gambled a bit on defense and they hit open shots.

Justin Simon also was a menace. What is so tough keeping him in check?

He plays with a big motor and energy constantly. And when he hits outside shots it’s tough to guard him.

How much did it hurt only having Dustin Hogue in there for 4 minutes with 3 fouls? I guess you can never turn off his energizer bunny intensity.

I think it wasn’t right how they called so many fouls on him being that the entire game is physical. Pretty questionable calls BUT like I said no excuses We must be better as a whole. But losing him is tough since he is an amazing energy guy for us.

You kept fighting back in the third quarter, but it seemed like Ludwigsburg stepped up their intensity another notch on defense. Which player was the biggest pest?

They play team defense so it isn’t one guy. It’s a whole how they are aggressive

Dustin Hogue fouled out late in the third quarter. Karel Guzman made a clutch difficult offensive rebound and put back. Does his rebound work get underappreciated?

A lot gets looked over with Guz. He does a lot more than the stat sheet will show

You made a sweet buzzer beater to end the third quarter to be down 64-57. Was that a timed bank shot?

I just was trying to get a shot up and sometimes that happens.

In the fourth quarter Ludwigsburg led by as much as 18 points. Did they wear you down? How much of a factor was the 43-17 bench points with 4 minutes to play?

I don’t think we wore down I just think our energy wasn’t where it needed to be consistently.

You cut it down to 8 points with three minutes to go, but two big three’s from Polas-Bartolo and Radebaugh put a dagger through your heart. Was playing on adrenaline against a aggressive team like Ludwigsburg at the end gone with fatigue?

No us scrambling as the end to trap opened some open shots and those guys knocked them down

A do or die game three awaits you at home. What lesson did the team learn from this game?

It was one game. This is a three game series and we are heading home in front of our fans. Do or die in game three. What more can people ask for.

Better rebounding and taking care of the ball will be key in game three. How confident are you that the heart of the players and the atmosphere of the fans will take the team to new heights in game 3?

We have been doubted all season and that’s fine. We must earn everything as we have all season long. See you all in game three.

Thanks Pat for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker 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 Stanley on the huge 94-73 win in Schwenningen. PS Karlsruhe is playing better basketball having won three of the last four games. Is the team ready for the playoffs?

We understood what was at stake in the game. We just wanted to leave it all out there on the floor. I’m glad we were able to clinch a playoff spot. And we have no other choice but to be ready for the playoffs.

The first half was pretty even. The wiha Panthers were quite decimated missing many guys. Was it surprising that they were able to keep up so well? Were they playing more off adrenaline?

It wasn’t surprising that were able to keep it close, they have professionals on their team as well. They made some tough shots late in the clock and had some offensive rebounds, so those things kept them hanging around.

PS Karlsruhe came out focused in the third quarter allowing only 11 points and taking control of the game. What adjustments did the team make?

We just locked in defensively, we understood the value in each possession and how important it was to get stops which would turn into us getting out and running. Our adjustment was just our focus and attention to detail.

PS Karlsruhe defended very well in the second half. Was that the team’s biggest strength on the evening?

Our defense was our greatest attribute in this game.

What kind of an experience was it playing against American Demarkus Stuckey? He was able to really take advantage of the opportunity to play more after the departure of David Cohn.

He played well, kind of carried them in the first half. I think he was in a good rhythm and with playing so freely helped with that. Happy for him though, NAIA guy getting an opportunity to show that he belongs. This is a great thing.

You had a season high 16 assists. How much fun was it facilatating?

It was all just making the correct reads for me. It’s pretty much a simple thing, I got the easy part, I make the correct reads and trust my teammates to convert.

You also had your fifth block of the season. Does one remember a block more simply because it doesn’t happen so often?

I think it depends on the level of the block, like how exciting and the moment of the game that it comes.

You next play Rostock. What memories do you have of the exciting 87-86 win at home?

Matthew Moyer hitting the game winner!!

This game will be huge determining who PS Karlsruhe plays in the playoffs. What will be key to winning?


Just coming out with a high level of focus, energy and attention to detail. With that, and us giving our best on both sides, we’ll see how things go!

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Karel Guzman (188-SG-1995, agency: Pro Sports) is a 27 year old 188cm shooting guard from Cuba playing his second professional season with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 10.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 81.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 78.4% and in the Basketball Champions League is averaging 7,9ppg, 3,9rpg and 1,6apg. Last season with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) he averaged 9.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 75.3%. He began his professional career in Cuba with Capitalonos Azules de La Habana (TNA). He then sampled experience in Argentina with Ciclista Juninense (Argentina-TNA) and played three seasons with Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda (Argentina-Liga A). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game in Ludwigsburg.

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

The pleasure is mine to be able to speak with you. Well, nothing right now I’m in Germany preparing for the second game.
The truth is that he treats me very well. I feel comfortable doing what I like and meeting many people and places.

Last week you played against Yorman Polas. Talk a little about your relationship to him. Your both Cubans and play for the national team.

Actually it is the first time that we played against each other when I started playing the Cuban league and he was not there but after he joined the team we were able to have some talks and the truth is that he is a good person, he likes to share his experiences to the new generations, and our friendship is growing day by day.

You’re an incredible high energy player that is an excellent defender. Has some of Yorman Polas’s defensive game rubbed off on you?

Actually, since I started playing basketball I always liked defense and over the years I liked it much more until it became my fundamental weapon and in reality I always try to perfect it every day in training and games. But I like to watch good defenders and add things to my defense

Your playing your second season overseas in Romania with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). Before that you played in Cuba and Argentina. How difficult is it getting overseas as a Cuban player?

Brother from my heart, I tell you that the work and sacrifice that we go through is incomparable. I am where I am thanks to my representative and along with all the effort that I and my family have made. We have nowhere to train in Cuba. water in the gym, well, a lot of things that personally hurt me to tell them but remembering them motivates me to keep going to be a great player.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) is having an incredible season in Romania and the Basketball Champions League. What is the secret to the success of the team?

One of the reasons and I think it is the most important why we are where we are is that we are not a team, we are a family since the season began and we help and protect each other, we train super hard to improve ourselves same and thanks to all that the results are coming out.

Elijah Stewart said this about you. ‘Karel can really go. His defense definitely gets disregarded in the BCL. He is a real menace. We put him on the other team’s best player. We put him on Troy Caupain and he scored something like only 6 points in two games. He scored 32 points in another game. He really gets underestimated. He has made me better because we guard each other every day in practice. He gets me ready for tough games’. What have you appreciated most about his game?

He is a young player with a lot of talent on offense, I have seen him do incredible things on the court, I think he has a great future if he believes it and if he continues to show it as he is doing so far.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 188cm shooting guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

Like Marcus Smart, I like his game, the energy he puts into it on and off the court, and I think it’s the best reflection I see of myself.

You’re a very high energy player. What are your biggest strengths as a player?

My physique helps me a lot in addition to my disposition and my dedication when I am on the field I like to fill all the empty spaces left by my teammates, in reality I feel like a link filling the basic spaces on the field, whether in defense or on offense.

What is your biggest focus as a defensive player now? To what level do you want to take your defensive game to?

My main focus is to be a perfect player in defense hahaha and to the level that I would like to take my defense is to a level where I will be remembered for life as the best basketball defender in Cuba and in the European leagues at all levels.

You began your career in Cuba with Capitalonos. How did your game grow there under head coach Reinaldo Tellez?

Well actually I am very grateful to him and to all the coaches who contributed their grain of sand so that I was a better player but in reality the one I owe everything to is Reiniel Panfet this coach made me a better person and a better player It helped me believe more in myself and in what we did every day. With that I tell you that I have played three leagues and the last two were with him as coach where we obtained a championship and a record in the regular stage without losing a game (undefeated)

You then made the next step and played in Argentina from 2017-2020. How did your game mature in Argentina?

The first year it cost me a lot of work to adapt to the game system and many other things, but I did my part and I improved little by little with a lot of work and sacrifice, things turned out the way we wanted and I trusted myself more

In Argentina you were teammates with ex Euroleague player Jermiah Massey for two seasons. How important was it for you to be learning from a guy like him that had unending experience?

I want you to know that today we are still in contact and we are friends personally, I learned a lot from him as a person and as a player, he was one of the first to tell me that I could get to play in Europe, I just had to believe it and work a lot every day

You have been a member of the Cuban national team for many years. Last year you beat team USA: What kind of state is Cuban basketball at the moment?

Last year we were very close to beating them but well these are things that happen and that motivates us to continue working and believe that if we can. Cuban basketball three or four years ago began to improve little by little after we were released to playing in foreign leagues , there is a lot of talent in Cuba. We just need a little freedom and to be taught current basketball .

Last year you lost to team USA 95-90. What memories do you have from that game? USA had many NBA guys like Isaiah Thomas, Luke Kornet, Chasson Randle and Shaquille Harrison.

It was a great game, from the beginning to the end we never gave up and we fought every possession of the ball but unfortunately things went in their favor, it was an unforgettable experience sharing a shell with those great players with Isaiah Thomas, I am proud and I hope it repeats itself.

What kind of battles did you have with Isaiah Thomas? Did you have any trash talk with him during the game?

hahaha I had them, they were things and situations from the game, the truth is that I am grateful to him because he gave me a lot of advice for life and basketball, we wrote to each other and he told me things that motivated me to continue working and continue to trust in myself and in what I do

You played very well against Team USA. Does one get thoughts about the NBA after a game like that? There are simply too many great guards on earth and too little NBA spots.

I always think big so I have a good or bad game, but before those big goals there are small goals that are still important just because they are small for me everything in life is important you just have to go step by step.

What future goals do you have? Have you ever thought about playing in Germany? Is the Euroleague a goal

I have thought I wanted to play in many leagues, I think it will be a nice experience. Obviously I would like to play in the Euroleague.

Who is the best player that you ever faced that was in the NBA?

Well actually I had the joy of facing a few for me they are all good for a reason they are in the NBA like Isaiah Thomas, Luke Kornet, Chasson Randle and Shaquille Harrison, Andrew Wiggins, Juan Toscano, Gustavo Ayon, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Luis Scola, Facundo Campazzo, Jose Juan Barea, Gabriel Deck, Noccioni, as you can see there are many and for me they are all good players, I am proud to have shared the field with them.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Pedro Luis, Nahuel Paciotti, Lucho Ortiz, Jermiah Massey, Andrija Stipanovi

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

for me both are good and should not be compared, each one played in different stages

What was the last movie that you saw?

Hotel Transylvania 3

Thanks Karel for the chat.

JD Tisdale (196-F/G-1993, college: Rogers St.) is a 28 year old 196cm forward playing his third professional season and first with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProB) averaging 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 68.8%. He has professional experience with the Saint John Riptide (Canada-NBL Canada) where he played 14 games averaging 7.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 68.8% as a rookie and also played with the Lakeland Magic (G-League) playing 10 games averaging 4.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg. He began his basketball career with Swartz Creek High School and then played at Bowling Green State University (NCAA) from 2013-2016 playing a total of 82 NCAA games. He finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) playing 24 games averaging 15.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

JD thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing for the Lakeland Magic in 2019-2020 you didn’t play last season. How much did COVID play a part in your not playing for a team?

Covid played a big part of missing out on 2020-21 season. Pay cuts, lock downs, gym closure, not being able to work out every day. It was hard to close on a deal because a lot of organizations didn’t want to risk anything because of covid.

What were the biggest challenges for you in the last year with Covid with being able to keep a good basketball routine? Was it difficult being able to grind in the gym and court?

Some of the biggest challenges during the covid pandemic was staying mentally focused, not seeing my family, not having a gym to work out in and no basketball.

With everything that you experienced during Covid how would you say did you get stronger as a man?

I would say keeping God first and trusting the process. Of course I had my ups and downs but it was important for me to pray and to continue to believe in myself. I have the nipsey hussle quote that I live by ‘ The game will test you but never fold. stay ten toes down. It’s not on, you it’s in you and what’s in you they can never take away’ I find strength in that quote and just believe in myself.

Congrats on signing with the Ebbecke White Wings. What do you know in general about Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends play there besides Tucker Haymond?

Thank you, Before signing here I didn’t know much about Germany except Germans love their beer haha. But of course I did my research and it’s some great basketball here in Germany.

You stated in the club press release that you had heard good things about the organization. But what other factors gave you the impression that this club was the right address for you?

My Agent Robert Ruda presented this opportunity to me to play in Germany with the White Wings and told me coach Kamil wanted to chat. When I talked to Coach he was honest and straight forward with what he was looking for in a player. He believed in my skill set to be able to come in and be an impact player right away.

The club sees you taking on a lot of responsibility due to your experience. How excited are you to be able to be an impact player in your first season overseas?

It’s a good feeling knowing I have an important role on the team, being one of the older guys now I know the responsibility I have to lead on and off the court. I never shy away from challenges so I’m super excited to take on any challenges that’ll make me better player and person.

You showed at Rogers State University that you can fill the stat sheet. What strengths does your game have?

I see myself as an all around guard. I can get to the basketball and dunk on you, strong finisher around the basket, I can shoot the pull up mid range and I would say working this off-season I strengthend my pick n roll game and sharpened up my perimeter jump shot.

You’re a guy that can guard multiple positions on the court. How much pride do you take on the defensive end. Do you see your self being an impact defensive player?

Yes I take pride in defense I believe it’s one of the harder things to do in basketball, anybody can shoot a basket but I take pride in stopping my opponents from scoring and keeping them in front me. Of course I see myself as an impact defensive player confidently.

On what area’s of your game are you still working on now to help you keep improving as a player?

I am still working non my perimeter shooting, my ball control, pick n roll game and studying the game.

How big is your chip on your shoulder. You played well in the NCAA 2 and played in the G-League. Do you feel like your abilities have been more doubted over the years than they should have been?

I have a big chip on my shoulder, being a kid from Flint, Michigan the odds were always against me. I always felt I had something to prove. Being a D2 guy of course there’s doubt from coaches being compared to high major D1 guys but I didn’t let that stop me. I always believed in myself and just followed my dreams of being an NBA superstar and I knew the G-League was a route to get me there.

You played with the Lakeland Magic (NBA G League) playing10 games averaging 4.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg. What kind of an experience was being in the Orlando Magic organization. How do you feel did your game most profit?

It was a dream come true being apart of the Orlando Magic organization and playing for Lakeland I thank them for that. I remember traveling to Orlando, Florida area for AAU basketball tournaments when I was younger and being a Penny Hardaway, Shaq O’Neal and T-Mac fan growing up, the magic culture was different back then. I profited by seeing how NBA guys took their jobs seriously and the amount of work they put in before and after practice and also in the off season.

What was it like being teammates with Victor Law. He was called up to Orlando when you were there and was one of the top players on the team. How competitive was it battling him in practice?

Victor Law is a great player and person. Extremely happy for his success with Orlando. I would battle with him in practice and it made us respect each other’s game and work ethics more. He’s one of those guys that you would love going into battle with because I know he’ll bring it everyday in practice and in games.

You played your rookie season with the Saint John Riptide playing 14 games averaging 7.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 68.8%. Was Gabe Freeman like a mentor for you? That guy had already played 10 seasons including in the defunked CBA. What was your fondest memory with him?

Gabe Freeman was like an older brother to me, he was one of the OGs on the team and kind of took the younger guys under his wings. He showed us accountability and how to speak up for yourself and he always held his own. I had some great memories with Gabe he would always call me rookie of the year that’s way I played so hard.

In 2013 you met Tucker Haymond at a visit to Western Michigan where he would play for. You guys have had a very special bond since then. Talk a little about how important your friendship is?

Tucker Haymond is my brother from another, that’s my guy he’s been a good friend since the day we met and never switched up. To this day he tells me I should’ve picked WMU over BGSU haha but I loved competing against him is was always a good battle because we’re similar in size. Now being pros that’s a guy I can always call on and ask him professional questions because he’s a basketball junky and I love that about him. Tucker Haymond is a great player and person and glad I have a friendship with him.

What is your fondest memory with Tucker Haymond?

I would say going back to the first time we met and being on that college visit together at Western Michigan, we were kids having fun and living out our dreams on a college campus figuring out our next move. 10 -11 years later we live in the same city and work out together from time to time in the off season

You played at Bowling Green State University from 2013-2016 playing 82 games but never averaging more than 2,6ppg in a season. How tough were these three years for you. What did you learn as a person and player from this?

They were very tough years for me not being able to have any stability because of coaching issues with the university. But no blame to the coaches it just showed me that I have to continue to stay focused and disciplined no matter what. It was certain things out of my control. So with that being said just control only the things that I can control. It showed me that things in life doesn’t always go as planned. I had multiple opportunities to take the easy way out but never did.

You were teammates with Richaun Holmes who began at Community College and made the NBA. How big of a role model is he for you today? His first 4 years weren’t special in the NBA but now with Sacramento has become a big time player.

Holmes is my brother I still keep in touch. He’s a guy that inspires me everyday because I know how hard he worked to get where he is. The process wasn’t easy but he managed to take advantage of his circumstances and outwork better players and that’s special to see. Very happy for his success with the Sacramento Kings.

You then finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) playing 24 games averaging 15.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.7%. How do you feel did your game grow that year?

My game grew a lot that off season I knew it was my last go round for college basketball so I had a lot to prove in order to play at the next level.

How did head coach Justin Barkley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Justin Barkley is a great guy and good coach. I enjoyed playing my senior year for him. He pushed me everyday.

Who was the best player that you ever battled besides Jamal Crawford that went to the NBA?

Monte Morris, Kyle Kuzma, Ian Clark, Robert Covington, Terrence Ross, Isaiah Thomas It’s too many to only name one

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

Allen Iverson, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq

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


Michael Jordan is the greatest no debate about it, He’s 1A, he’s the reason why we all play the game and everything he’s accomplished in his career.Lebron is 1B, you have to respect Lebron’s greatness, he’s the best overall player ever, he has the total package on and off the court, he’s the best basketball role model you can ever think of.

What was the last movie that you saw?
Space Jam ‘A New legacy’ last movie I saw. Great movie for the kids but I enjoyed it.

Thanks JD for the chat.

How much more of this basketball misery can the Fraport Skyliners organization take with the consistent losing the last two months? The fate of the Fraport Skyliners lies in their own hands and with the Syntanics MBC. With 6 games to play, the Fraport Skyliners still aren’t officially in the Pro A, but with four less wins than MBC to stay in the league and six games remaining, every new loss sends a new dagger into the vulnerable and delicate heart of the organization. Since January 28th the team had lost 11 of 12 games and in this stage pretty much sealed their fate for next season. The question was when would the Fraport Skyliners finally begin their miracle winning streak? It didn’t get any easier against number one team Telekom Baskets Bonn who have celebrated their own Cinderella season. A win against this incredible team would have been the perfect start, but as usual they couldn’t handle the lethal offense of the Telekom Baskets Bonn and especially against Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jovantae Hawkins were totally powerless allowing them to combine for 62 points. ‘We played well today. We had some guys out and other guys stepped up. We connected on all cylinders. We had some defensive problems in the first half and in the fourth quarter, but picked it up. Our offense is our DNA. We play fast paced in the half court. We are a versatile team and play good inside out which is hard to defend’, warned ex Crailsheim guard Javontae Hawkins (196-G-1993, college: Fordham). The Fraport Skyliners gave a spirited effort as usual, but just couldn’t find a way to get a grip on the Bonn offense which shell shocked them for 40 minutes. ‘We didn’t get enough stops and gave up way too many open looks today. We didn’t defend the way we should of. When you let them shoot 70% from the two and three, then it’s very tough to beat them’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson.

The first quarter was a back and forth affair as there were seven lead changes and at the end of 10 minutes the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 24-23 advantage. The Telekom Baskets Bonn caught the Fraport Skyliners on the wrong side of the bed and exploded on a 13-4 run. Bonn showed their full offensive arsenal led by ex Arizona (NCAA) guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. It seemed like before ex Alba Berlin center Jamel Mclean could even get totally situated on the bench, the guests had already scored 10 points. In the offensive carnage, Jackson-Cartwright scored twice and every basket was tough which every cm of his 176 frame had to be used. Ex Houston (NCAA) forward Justin Gorham got the guests in parking lot mood draining the teams first trey while ex BC Rytas Vilnius sniper Salius Kulvietis also got hot scoring twice from outside. Frankfurt countered with a Rasheed Moore runner and Len Schoormann back door lay in getting set up nicely from ex NBA player Will Cherry. But basketball displayed again that the game likes to showcase runs as Frankfurt battled taking the 16-15 advantage due to the luxury of a 12-2 run. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners took advantage of Bonn relaxing a bit and stepping up their defense and getting stops and easy buckets. Key in the run was ex Alba Berlin lefty Lorenz Brenneke who contributed 6 points and was the classic finisher inside twice. Frankfurt attacked the paint area getting a basket form Quantez Robertson and two from Moore who also added a massive two handed stuff. From then on there would be six lead changes as no team could escape the other. Bonn continued to let it fly as great role player Skyler Bowlin connected on a three pointer as did Gorham. Frankfurt got valuable aid from Robertson with a three pointer, lay in from Polish national player Marcel Ponitka and three free throws from Mclean. After 10 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 24-23 lead. ‘We put more pressure on ball and connected on good looks. We also took advantage of getting on transition and getting easy baskets’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were able to keep the game close, but mid way through came the turning point as the Telekom Baskets Bonn blasted off on a 11-0 run and would never look back. The guests continued to show their smooth offense scoring 37 points and was led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright who dazzled everyone over and over with his undeniable quickness and incredible finishing abilities. He hit a seemingly impossible three pointer from the corner and also added a easy lay in where he showed his lightening speed. ‘He is definitely quicker than Dashaun Wood. If we worried too much about the screen and turned our head, he was gone. He made shot after shot and never stopped’, commented Quantez Robertson. American Javontae Hawkins who learned his craft at Fordham (NCAA) also got going adding five points early. Frankfurt got valuable baskets from Mclean, a three from Brancou Badio and a lay in on transition by Marcel Ponitka as Frankfurt had the slim 38-35 advantage. But then came the turning point as the Telekom Baskets Bonn erupted on a 11-0 run to lead 49-38. In the run, the guests continued to get non stop production from future easyCredit BBL MVP Jackson-Cartwright as he steered hot shooting with a trey and 20 footer while Kulvietis made another three pointer and ex Skyliner Michael Kessens scored inside twice as Bonn really understood how to show their inside out game at it’s best. Frankfurt retaliated getting a groove on offense again, but couldn’t make any ground as Bonn also kept reacting to Frankfurt’s punches with their own blows. Frankfurt’s best player on this dismal afternoon was Rasheed Moore who found his touch nailing two three pointers and Badio and German national player Lukas Wank also scored inside. The Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to let it rain three’s as Hawkins and Bowlin connected while Jackson-Cartwright also made a lay in. At the break the Telekom Baskets Bonn had the comfortable 60-50 lead. ‘We got beat too easy and didn’t keep a good eye on their shooters. We did a good job keeping them from the free throw line, but we still gave up to many second chance points’, added Quantez Robertson.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn really opened up the game in the third quarter with an incredible scoring frenzy with 32 points while staying true to their defensive principles and holding the Fraport Skyliners to 17 points and nine less than in the second quarter and led by as much as 23 points. Frankfurt came out awake getting a rapid trey from Rasheed Moore, but then went into hibernation allowing Bonn to get out on a 9-0 run and extend their lead to 69-53. In the run, the guests were led by Javontae Hawkins who used his athleticism inside for an easy bucket and also added a thunderous dunk in the lane. Jackson-Cartwright supplied a runner and Kulvietis added another three pointer showing what a true Lithuanian sniper is. Jackson-Cartwright was the skipper of the boat as the offense was like a clock work while the Fraport Skyliners just seemed to be going through the motions and were lacking real intensity. Frankfurt continued to trail and would get baskets here and there from Robertson, Brenneke and Moor inside, but just couldn’t get over the hump as the Bonn execution rate was magnificent. Bonn continued to attack inside getting easy buckets from Jackson-Cartwright, Kessens and Kulvietis. Hawkins also buried the first of two totally ridiculous three pointers giving Bonn the 79-63 lead. ‘I was out for a year and a half. I credit my success to hard work. I worked very hard on my craft which allows me to show my versatility. Coach trusts me to take those type of shots because of the work I put in’, warned Javontae Hawkins. The guests never let up and continued to put on extreme pressure on offense closing out the third quarter with a 13-4 run to lead 92-69. Hawkins carried Bonn in the run supplying 8 points including his second crazy shot of the quarter. Kessens also added a hard dunk and Jackson-Cartwright another lay in as his speed crippled everyone in Frankfurt’s defense. ‘Coach didn’t say much at half-time. He just trusted us to figure it out. The only concern was defense and not to get stagnant on offense. We played more team basketball and made the extra passes, found the mismatches and found the bigs inside’, stated Javontae Hawkins. ‘We didn’t execute on defense or on offense which allowed them to have the big lead’, said Quantez Robertson.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners finally stepped it up and played their game scoring 29 points, but the 20 points allowed didn’t help them get over the hump. The Telekom Baskets Bonn did the first damage going on a 10-4 run to extend their lead to 102-71. In the run they got back to back three’s from Jackson-Cartwright and Hawkins and two shots inside by Kessens. Kessens scored the team’s 100th point with a pretty hook shot as not even 32 minutes had been played yet. The game was over or was it. Frankfurt had nothing to lose and closed out the game with a furious offensive onslaught with a 25-10 run. Had they began the run a bit earlier and not allowed a few three’s, they may have won. But at the end of the day, speculation has been something that has been done with this year’s club all season long. Bonn got a little sloppy on offense as Frankfurt got steal after steal and after 40 minutes they had 13 in total. Lukas Wank added 8 points including two three’s while Cherry added 5 points and Quantez Robertson a trey. Bonn got added support from Justin Gorham who had a solid game with 12 points adding 5 points and Hawkins made a lay in as he had his career best with 31 points. ‘He made a lot of tough shots, but also had open looks. When he gets going that’s what guys like him are capable of doing’, stated Quantez Robertson. Jackson-Cartwright also added a step back equalizing 31 points. ‘Parker is clearly the MVP. If I had 100 votes, he would get 100 votes. He adjusted so well to coaches system. I’m so proud of him. Sky is the limit for him. We became undisciplined in the fourth quarter. But that is normal for teams having big leads. We couldn’t keep our foot on the gas pedal’, stated Javontae Hawkins. ‘We played more aggressive and got more fast break points. We rebounded better and our helpers helped more’, added Quantez Robertson. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had 5 players in double figures. Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Javontae Hawkins added 31 points apiece. Saulius Kulvietis added 16 points and Michael Kessens 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 22 points while Jamel Mclean added 15 points and Lukas wank had 12 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 66% from the field and 60% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 57% from the field and 37% from outside and had 19 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

For only the third time in the Dragons Rhondorf history, the club has to find their destiny in the playdowns determining if they remain in the Pro B or head back to the Regionalliga. The last two months haven’t been fruitful as they lost 7 of 9 games. They were in the games in more than half of them, but never had an answer in crunch-time to pull out wins. The Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t waste any time as they were given three home games in a row and in the first game had to battle Alba Berlin farm team Lok Bernau who they had split the season series and came away with a super start into the playdowns and very convincing 92-74 victory. In the game, they shot out the lights nailing 16 three’s, hauled down 11 offensive rebounds and only coughed up the ball 11 times. In their second game, they had to deal with the RheinStars Cologne who had been playing solid ball the last weeks and had won five of their last seven games including Wolmirstedt two weeks ago. The good news was that the Dragons Rhondorf still had good memories of the RheinStars who they last defeated 97-90 in the Dragon Dome. The Dragons Rhondorf wanted to keep their playdown winning streak going, but couldn’t as they met a RheinStars wall in the third quarter which put them in the hole where they couldn’t escape losing 80-73. The Dragons Rhondorf never stopped fighting but as usual this season couldn’t get over the hump. ‘Almost every game we have a phase where we can’t execute. That happened in the third quarter in this game. Our defense was ok, but we didn’t score consistently. We live and die with the three. Despite not having a deep roster, we gave all we had’, warned Paul Albrecht. The RheinStars played a tough and very strong second half upping their defense which Rhondorf couldn’t come to terms with. ‘We didn’t really do anything different on defense. We just did a better job staying in front of our man. We did a good job stopping their transition and moved the ball consistently and got easy baskets’, stated California native Vincent Golson.

The Dragons Rhondorf were without Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndiaje The first few minutes were brutal and both teams came out with an incredible intensity. Young German Oshane Drews gave Rhondorf the rapid 4-0 advantage with a two handed dunk and then fed Marek Kotieno after getting a steal for the transition bucket. But the RheinStars received unexpected aid and pressure from young 19 year old German Janis Von Seckendorf who made two back to back two handed dunks. The kid had extreme motivation to show Rhondorf how well his development has risen this season after playing the last years in the Rhondorf youth program. His brutal energy helped spark the RheinStars offense as ex Rhondorf forward Thomas Michel scored inside and ex Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Andrej Mangold connected on a trey for the 11-6 advantage. It took the Dragons Rhondorf a bit more time to get their groove but their three suddenly became present as ex Rostock sniper Nicolas Buchholz and Marek Kotieno connected from down town. The RheinStars were led by Vincet Golson who found his spots like usual and scored for the 15-14 Cologne advantage. But in the last few minutes the Dragons Rhondorf picked their game up a level going on a 9-2 run to lead 23.-17 after 10 minutes. Ex Artland Dragon Paul Albrecht hit two old school hook shots and Buchholz made another three pointer. ‘We were very motivated and had a lot of energy. Oshane Drews showed what we have awaited from him. His game didn’t surprise me’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf manager Yassin Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 60% from the field and 38% from outside while the RheinStars shot 40% from the field and 20% from outside The Dragons had the overwhelming 12-4 rebound edge, but had 8 turnovers while the guests had 5 turnovers.

The second quarter was a real tight rope as no team could get away from the other. The RheinStars erupted on a 8-2 run to dead lock the contest at 25-25. In the run the RheinStars received good support from Vincent Golson who continued to lead the Cologne offensive attack scoring twice inside with his unstoppable drive and Mangold again unleashed a trey. The Cologne ball movement was exceptional as Rhondorf was always a step behind. From now on until the break, it would be a tight battle where Rhondorf had the slim lead. Rhondorf lived with their three pointer as they got some big shots from Buchholz and identity figure Viktor Frankel-Maus while the RheinStars got key support from Thomas Michel and Andrej Mangold as Cologne trailed 35-34. Oshane Drews continued to be in attack mode and kept Rhondorf in front with two lay ins and a free throw for the 40-36 lead. The game continued to be a typical Playdown duel as no team was going to give up a big run, but instead whenever one team had a punch, the other would retaliate with a blow right back. Cologne then briefly stole the lead back as Golson nailed a 20 footer and Mangold again showed his dangerous three pointer giving the guests the 41-40 advantage. But Drews had the last laugh sneaking inside and scoring and giving the Dragons Rhondorf the slim 42-41 lead after 20 minutes. ‘I thought that despite having a small rotation and getting more fouls, we played pretty well. We kept our energy up and Buchholz hit important shots. He knows that when he can see the basket well, then he should let it fly’, stated Dragons Rhondorf manager Yassin Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 57% from the field and 36% from the three point line while the RheinStars shot 46% from the field and 36% from the three point line. The guests stepped up their rebound work trailing only 16-15 and had 9 turnovers while the Dragons had coughed up the ball 12 times.

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as the RhienStars stepped up their defense allowing the Dragons Rhondorf to score only 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf also succeeded with their 3-2 zone giving up 15 points, but trailed 56-52 after 30 minutes. The RheinStars came out stopping the Dragons first 9 possessions, but couldn’t capitalize well scoring only 8 points. In the RheinStars run, American Elijah Schmidt gave good energy down low scoring twice and racking up rebounds. Cologne also got a lay in from Mangold and from Golson who received the perfect bounce pass on transition from Mangold. This was a tough phase for Oshane who picked up three turnovers in a row. As a youngster he forced a little too much against the expereinced RheinStars. With the guests leading 49-42, the Dragons finally got on the board with their first points of the second half as German Ralph Hounnou scored at the 5,22 minute mark. Cologne would keep the momentum and lead and get some big baskets from Golson who scored from the parking lot as well as a Ron Mvouika (196-G/F-1991, college: St.John’s) lay in. Rhondorf stayed on the RheinStars tail getting a Drews lay in as his quickness could of got a thumbs up from Golson. Buchholz also connected on another trey, but the RheinStars led 56-52 after three quarters. ‘We got back to our defensive principles. We gave up too many easy baskets in the first half. We made sure that they finish over two defenders’, stated Vincent Golson. ‘We didn’t move the ball well. They defended more aggressive and we could establish a rhythm’, said Paul Albrecht. Both teams continued to shoot well from the field while the rebound battle was dead even with 27. Rhondorf had massive problems with taking care of the ball with 20 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight back in the first few minutes as Frankl-Maus and Hounnou made lay ins, but the RheinStars answered with a Florian Wendler lay in and another Mangold trey as the RheinStars led 61-57. Then came the final blow from which the Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t react. Ex St John forward Ron Mvouika who played for legendary player Chris Mullen scored 7 points in a row to give Cologne the 68-57 lead. Before the game Mvouika warned he would finally play well in the Dragon Dome and he didn’t lie. He finished with 11 points and stepped it up on the defensive end with 4 steals. ‘We switched him to the four some games ago. He feels really comfortable there. He gets more shots and makes good decisions. He did a good job against their zone’, stressed Vincent Golson. The Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t recover from this blow. The RheinStars continued to execute at will as ex Rhondorf center Florian Wendeler scored twice inside for the 76-62 advantage. The Dragons Rhondorf then got some luck getting 5 straight points from Hounnou to cut the lead of Cologne down to 76-67, but time was running down. The RheinStars didn’t allow the Dragons to extend their run and slammed the door shut with another Mvouika shot for the 78-67 lead. The Dragons Rhondorf did close out the game with a 6-2 run, but too little too late. They simply started their run to late. ‘They changed to a 3/2 zone. We didn’t want to get stagnant on offense. We continued to move the ball well, got easy baskets and got baskets from Wendeler. Offensive rebounds also were huge’, stated Vincent Golson. ‘We got tired. We also tried a new zone that we never played before. They made many drives and also had too many offensive rebounds’, stated Paul Albrecht. The RheinStars were led by Vincent Golson with 21 points. Andrej Magold added 19 points and 7 dimes. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Nicolas Buchholz with 21 points while Ralph Hounnou had 14 points and Oshane Drews had 13 points and 7 assists. The RheinStars shot 48% from the field and 28% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 26 turnovers.

Jaron Blossomgame (199-SF-1993, college: Clemson) is a 28 year old 199cm forward from Alpharetta, Georgia playing his fifth professional season and first with ratiopharm Ulm. Last season he played with Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Winner League) playing 30 games averaging 18.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 75.0%. He played his first three professional seasons I the States in the G-League and in the NBA with the Cavs. He played NCAA ball with Clemson from 2013-2017 playing a total of 128 games. In 2017 he was drafted at #59 by the San Antonio Spurs. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball Career

Thanks Jaron for talking to germanhoops.com. What kind of an experience has it been playing for ratiopharm Ulm? What have you enjoyed most about the experience so far?

I’m enjoying my time in Germany very much. I’m in my second year overseas and playing for a bigger club than in Israel. It is like night and day from last season. This season I’m playing two competitions. Ratiopharm Ulm treat their players very well. We have one of the best facilities in Europe. I have no complaints.

You must feel at home being teammates with former NBA guys like Semaj Christon, Sindarius Thornwell and Christiano Felicio? Have you formed more of a special bond to them or have you been able to bond also well to the younger German players?

I have known Sindarius since high school. We played at rival NCAA schools Clemson and South Carolina and played against each other in the NBA. I met Christiano in the G-League and met Semaj for the first time here. We are a very closeknit group. In Israel the Americans and Israelis were segregated. I’m probably closer to the German guys. We have really good people here. All are good teammates. We organize team dinners every now and then so we can be together off the court.

You were teammates with Sindarius Thornwell in the G-League. Do you guys ever talk about the NBA and about how you guys can get back there?

We don’t talk about it openly, but to get back is the goal. But for me personally at the moment I’m not focused on the NBA. I had the chance to play there and am really thankful, but now I want to continue to progress my career overseas. Guys like Sindarius and Christiano were in the NBA and now are having fun overseas and also wanting to progress their career. We aren’t worried about the NBA. If the chance comes again then I would go for it.

For me ratiopharm Ulm is a dark horse team for me that could win the BBL title? Is the team aware just how good they are and that they could be dangerous for a Munich or Berlin?

We understand that we are a good team. But our mindset is that we can still work on things and still have a way to go. We aren’t too high or too low, but somewhere in the middle. We want to continue to climb the BBL standings. We don’t want to put expectations on ourselves, but we believe that we can compete for the BBL title.

Your playing your second season overseas after having a very strong season in Israel and continuing well in the easyCredit BBL. What do you believe has been your secret to being able to adjust so well to ball in Europe?

It took me about 1,5 months to adapt to the game in Israel. I wasn’t struggling, but just had to adjust to the refs. The game is more physical overseas and fouls in the States aren’t fouls here. After a month and a half I was scoring and being efficient and being the player that I always was. Just being a Swiss army knife and being versatile. I have continued to play my game in Germany. I’m second in Eurocup rebounding at 6,7. I’m just excited to continue to improve my game.

Last season you played with Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Winner League) averaging 18.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 75.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I remember when I arrived in Israel it was night time. I didn’t sleep and then the next day I went to get something to eat and the menu was all in Hebrew. There was no English. I felt so out of place. After one week, I really wanted to go home. I didn’t think that I could survive for 10 months. But I finally did settle in, found friends. But It is easier to adjust in Germany. Everybody speaks English here.

You were teammates with the great Michigan State product Kalin Lucas. How important was his leadership and knowledge of overseas ball? He played a few NBA games. Is he another good example why there are way too many great guards on earth and way to little NBA spots?

In the NBA it is really hard to continue to get jobs. You can be playing for a team and be doing everything right, but if the team wants to move on without you, they will. I thought I played my season with the Cavs as a two way player very well. After the season I got surgery and didn’t get an opportunity again. The NBA is a business and they need to evaluate so many players. You need to have luck and stand out in some way. All you need is to have one team to fall in love with you.

You played your first three professional seasons in the States. You played 27 NBA games and the rest of the time in the G-League. Did you lose trust in the NBA process?

I didn’t really lose trust in the NBA, but it was more that my mind changed. When I was a senior at Clemson it was the NBA or nothing. You hear nothing about Europe when your in school. I was against going overseas. I played two full seasons in the G-League and won a title. You see so many guys rotating in the G-League. I still see guys there now that I played against. It is good to start there, but you don’t want to get stuck there. There are so many guys that don’t understand that you can make NBA money in Europe. I understand the NBA process a lot better now. Teams have so many guys to look at. It is just hard to stick.

In the 2019-2020 season you split time with Windy City and Rio Grande. You put up very good stats. Did you feel like you deserved an NBA call up?

Absolutely. I got surgery that summer and then got cut by the Rockets. I then went to the G-League and played a good season. The season got cut short because of Covid. That made me become more open to going overseas.

In your second professional season you made the jump to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA): playing 27 games averaging 4.2ppg, 3.6rpg, and also played with the Canton Charge (NBA G League) averaging 17.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 69.5%, and also played with the Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 23.7ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 73.7%. How was the whole NBA experience and what was your coolest experience there?

It was an amazing experience for me. I still remember the phone call where my agent told me the Cavs were offering me a contract. It was all so surreal. I remember my first game was against Golden State. I remember seeing Steph Curry and Kevin Durant in the tunnel and wondering what was I doing there. I was so happy just to play a few minutes. The next game I played 21 minutes and the game after I started. The next game I had my career high in Charlote where family and friends were in attendance. It was best learning from the vets as well as developing my friendship with Colin Sexton. Having that NBA lifestyle was so rewarding considering how much work you put in. I will never forget hitting a three in Milwaukee and then running back on defense and thinking I’m really in the NBA.

What memories do you have of your first NBA game where you logged 3 minutes in a blow out loss to Golden State? Were you in awe seeing guys like Steph, Durant and Klay Thompson?

My first shot was an airball. I remember Jordan Bell being my match up. The wing three felt so good though

When you look back on your time with the Cavs, do you feel like you could have had more of a chance? It was the first season after Lebron left and the team was pretty young. Do you feel like you were able to use your opportunity as best you could?

Yes I believe I did take most of the opportunity. They gave me a fair shot. After my second game against Sacramento where I had all 0’s, they allowed me to start the next game even though I didn’t deserve to. I played better and it helped my self-confidence. I started four games and was a factor in many games. My teammates liked me. Most two way players bounce around but I was with the team for weeks at a time.

The only real old veteran was Channing Frye. How will you always have him in your memories? Was he one of those guys where you could take a seat next to on the plan and talk about life?

Channing is an unbelievable funny guy. He was a good player in his prime. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see that version anymore. He helped me a lot. I remember the game in Charlotte where I had my career high, he gave me pointers on my shot in warm ups. In the game I made three three’s. You could see him in all video’s cheering for me. That made me very happy. He was genuinely happy to see me succeed. He was always an open book.

You couldn’t show much at the 2017 NBA Summer League and played your rookie season with the Austin Spurs (NBA G-League) playing 54 games averaging 16.0ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 77.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in the G-League?

I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was very lucky to land with a very professional team like the Austin Spurs. They were really top of the line and really cared for the people. You really don’t get that in most places in the G-League. We had massages and had food before and after each game. There was one experience that I could call my wake up call. We were at the end of a road trip in Westchester and then wanted to fly to a showcase. We were on the runway in New York and waited for 4 hours. Then we went back to the gate and couldn’t get our luggage. We got to the showcase and didn’t have our uniforms. We had to loan some out. It really felt like being in a rec league. The G-League is really a grind. You go on long bus rides and land in boring cities. In college I could go to twitter and in the G-League there was nothing. The G-League wasn’t all sugar and spice. That is why I appreciated the NBA so much.

You were drafted at #59 by the San Antonio Spurs. Did you have a promise by them or were you getting worried as your name wasn’t being called? How was that experience for you?

Four years ago, I would of given you a totally different answer. I’m more mature now. It was a great night. Going on stage and shaking hands with the NBA commissioner was incredible. It is amazing that only 60 guys get drafted. I was 22 at the time. I was pissed, because I felt like I should have been picked higher. I was seeing a lot of guys getting picked before me that I knew. Around #50 I was getting nervous and asked my agent whats up. He looked at me saying the Hawks would pick me at #60 to calm me down. Finally the Spurs picked me at 59. It was still a blessing to get picked. Many guys who have gone at 59 never made the NBA. I am proud how my career has gone since then.

You had so many great games at Clemson (NCAA) and many where the team lost. What do you remember being your best game?

My most memorable game was when we upset Duke my freshman year. I had a 14/14 game. I had been out 12 months before coming to Clemson and had had two surgeries. I wasn’t strong mentally and didn’t know if I could be that player again that I once was. The win and my game gave me a lot of self-confidence and put me on the map. I never looked back after that game and continued to keep growing each season as a player.

Your senior year you lost a tough 79-72 game against Duke (NCAA) What were your memories of battling Jayson Tatum? Would you have thought then that he would become a top NBA player?

I did think that he would become a great player. I feel that I can evaluate players well. He was so smooth and his game was so effortless. Even if I cut him off, he was able to make an effective move. He was a real tough cover. You can never tell how the heart of a player is and if he will put in the work to get better. But with him he has continued to improve and play at a MVP level this season.

How did head coach Brad Brownell groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach was amazing. I think many kids can relate to this. When you have a good coach, you take it for granted. You don’t really understand how good he was until later. He was a great x and O guy, but even better was how he cared about us. He really cared how we acted off the court. He was really big on fundamentals and his style helped guys for overseas. He taught us how to defend and play the right way. I’m very thankful that he helped groom me to be the man I am today.

Who won a one on one you or Donte Grantham?

I won most of them if not all. We are still good friends today.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

Malcolm Brogdon was really good. He could do it all for his Virginia team. He was very versatile and was a hard cover. He has had a lot of success in the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Colin Sexton, Per Gunther, Matt Dellavadova, Gabe Devoe, Dontae Grantham

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

Lebron, Kobe, Jordan, Shaq

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

Lebron is the greatest player of all-time. He is in his 19th year and never had a drop off. That is incredible and unheard of. Lebron is one of a kind. Jordan won and was dominant in his era. Nobody could beat him. But for me Lebron is the greatest.

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

I didn’t see it.

Thanks Jaron for the chat.

If you aren’t tough on the court, you probably won’t survive anywhere and it isn’t any different in the NBA. Ok so if you’re a diminutive guard and try to go up against Shaq in his prime and have fear of getting squashed, then it is understandable that you might try to avoid him. But then again there are enough other players who have shown over time that they won’t shy away from anyone. The world’s top league has supplied some very tough cookies over the years that have defined what the word resilient really means. Some examples over the years have been guys like Kendrick Perkins who would go through opponents like a bull dozer even if it meant tearing his PCL and MCL which paved the road in the 2010 playoffs for Kobe and the Lakers to win, or Scott Skilles despite his size was always a pest and didn’t shy away from the taller and stronger guards or former #1 round pick James Johnson which Miami Heat fans will never forget their gladiator who’s second degree black belt in karate and 20-0 record in MMA matches is as tough as they ever got. Or who could forget the epic scene of pandemonium in the Boston Garden in May of 1991 during game 5 between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers as Larry Legend Bird trotted back on the court in the third quarter after having had to leave the game in the second quarter as his face had crashed to the floor. He came back fired up and led the Celtics to the victory. These are just a few examples of some very rugged and unbreakable players that have mixed it up on the court. First year Fraport Skyliner Lorentz Brenneke isn’t a house hold name yet in the easyCredit BBL, but is seeking to make that next step in Frankfurt after getting a fine training experience in the last years with top youth program Alba Berlin. He is a forward who hasn’t had the number of wars that a James Johnson has encountered, but has been introduced to toughness on the court. His ex NBBL (U-19 league) coach Josef Dulibic remembers an experience where one saw just how tough the young German is. ‘We were at a NBBL game. He was hit hard with an elbow in the face. He came to the bench and told me that he couldn’t see so well. His eye then got swollen in a matter of a few minutes. The game was over for him. He didn’t complain or cry about this. On the way home he joked about the whole experience with his eye. That is how he is. He is a tough player. He is also a great guy that understands to have fun sometimes even if it’s at his expense’, remembered Josef Dulibic.

Lorenz Brenneke (206-PF-2000) who’s toughest opponent so far in his career has been Luke Sikma was born on January 2, 2000 and had spent his whole young career in the Alba Berlin organization before arriving in Frankfurt in the summer of 2021. He took all the steps that a regular young player would playing for the Alba Berlin U-14, U-16 and U-19 teams. Alba Berlin have such an influx of young talent that they also have various professional teams to help youngsters get that first taste of what it is like being a boy playing with men. Brenneke made his first experience with the men as a 16 year old playing Regionalliga 2. His development moved smoothly as he then played Regionalliga as a 17 year old averaging 10,7ppg and 5,2rpg. He made his Pro B debut as a 18 year old with Lok Bernau and that season averaged 8,8ppg and 3,5rpg. At the same time, he got extended minutes in the NBBL averaging 16,1ppg and 5,8rpg. In his last two years with Alba Berlin, he got a chance from legendary Spanish coach Aito Gonzalez Reneses playing 18 easyCredit BBL games and also saw action in 2 Euroleague games. He continued to up his stats in the Pro B averaging 10,4ppg and 5,4rpg in 2019-2020 and last year made another step averaging 13,8ppg and 7,8rpg. He helped Alba Berlin win the 2018 NBBL title together with NBA rising star Franz Wagner and also won the Albert Schweitzer tournament with Germany in 2018 and helped Germany win a Bronze medal at the 2019 U-20 European championships. Josef Dulibic remembers the first time that he witnessed Brenneke on the court in 2017. ‘Alba Berlin always have so many talented guys, but you see early which guys have that basketball body and which don’t. Lorenz definitely had that basketball body. He was an interesting player for me and a player where I thought could become a professional player’, said Josef Dulibic.

It would have been interesting to see how the German’s development would have continued with Alba Berlin had he stayed and not embarked to the Fraport Skyliners. It is apparent that a reason why the German left was the lack of roster spots and the massive competitive level from players at his position. In the last years there have only been a few that have made the next step with players like Jonas Mattisseck, Franz Wagner and Malte Delow ‘The roster spots are limited. Young players practice a lot, but you also need adequate minutes in order to continue to develop. To make that next step is difficult. There were many players at his position. When you don’t get minutes then there is the fear that the development will be stopped’, added Josef Dulibic. A road block for Lorenz Brenneke was talented German Tim Schneider. The German had a few advantages in that he is three years older, has been on the roster since 2017-2018 and has 128 easyCredit BBl games on his resume. Tim Schneider also had a contract and Brenneke didn’t. ‘With Tim Schneider in the way, Lorenz Brenneke just wasn’t guaranteed to be able to get minutes and make the next step’, warned Josef Dulibic. Despite leaving, his valuable experience he got the last two years being able to practice with the BBL team will help him immensely make the next step with the Fraport Skyliiners. Seeing the versatile game of Luke Sikma is something that will help him in his battle for playing time with the other Frankfurt bigs. ‘Playing with Luke was very beneficial for Lorenz. If you have a dream to play professional and then can practice with guys like Luke Sikma, your confidence automatically rises. Luke was great for him. He is very open and likes to help the young players. Lorenz had a front row seat and seeing that professionalism that Luke has helped him a lot’, stressed Josef Dulibic.

Lorenz Brenneke who enjoys chess is a 206cm power forward that actually began at the position three with Alba Berlin. He has that all around fine offensive arsenal who can score, rebound and possesses a solid passing game. But his biggest strength is something that not every player has. Lorenz has absolutely no fear on the court. He is a real competitor that always plays hard. ‘He has no fear of contact. He is a lefty that is very dominate with the left hand. It is important that he continues to work on getting his shot to a good level’, said Josef Dulibic. His game developed nicely with Alba Berlin. He began at the position three. In his second NBBL year he made the jump from the position three to four. His game exploded as suddenly as it was easy to play the position four. His athleticism really helped him adjust to the four as well as his drive. But as is the case with just about every player, not every ability of his is on the radar. He has a hidden strength that is a big asset for the Fraport Skyliners. ‘He has a good feel to slip a block. He has great timing and knows when to get into the space. He is able to do this surprisingly perfect’, stated Josef Dulibic. With the Fraport Skyliners, he has been in a rotation with Dutch rookie Matt Haarms, unproven professional Brooks DeBisshop, and raw 17 year old Alexander Richardson. Being able to perform for a coach like Diego Ocampo who is known for allowing young players to play and develop was surely a vital reason why he came to Frankfurt. Josef Dulibic is more than confident that his ex player will be able to make the next step with Frankfurt. ‘He has finished school and now can concentrate fully on being a professional player. He will practice two times a day. I’m sure that he will be able to establish himself and fight for a chance under the sun’, warned Josef Dulibic. He has had a solid first season with a struggling Frankfurt team averaging 6,4ppg and 4,0rpg in 24 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures in seven games and has had one double double. He had 14 points against Hamburg and 12 points against MBC and BG Goettingen. Dulibic has observed Brenneke from a far, but those memories that he could share with the young German will always be there. ‘I got to know Lorenz as a listener. He is very laid back and quiet. But on the court he shows that he isn’t laid back, It may seem like he just woke up, but as soon as he gets into the game, he plays very hard. Everybody loved him in Berlin’, remembered Josef Dulibic. Brenneke has continued to display that sheer toughness on the court and has proved that you can continue to love his game in Frankfurt

Jeff Roberson (198-F-1996, college: Vanderbilt) is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Houston, Texas playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with BG Goettingen. He played part of a season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-EBL) averaging 8.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 43.8%, 3FGP: 37.8%, FT: 89.2%. He also played parts of three seasons in the G-League with Maine and Greensboro. He began his basketball career with the Kinkaid school and then played at Vanderbilt (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 131 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 85.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the win over the Fraport Skyliners

Thnks Jeff for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 76-72 win over the Fraport Skyliners. How huge was this win after the embarrassing loss in Braunschweig?

This win against Frankfurt was huge. We had been struggling the last games. But we came back and had good practices the last days and were able to translate that energy into the games.

BG Goettingen had the 19-15 lead after one quarter. You got going quickly and produced 8 points. Did you go into the game with a good feeling knowing it was time to step up quickly?

I didn’t necessarily know it would be me. The ball just happened to come my way. My mind set in every game is to be aggressive. We were in rhythm and the ball found me and I knocked down shots.

BG Goettingen didn’t waste anytime in the second quarter jumping all over the Fraport Skyliners with a 9-0 run. You showed your passing qualities with back to back assists. Is passing off the radar in your game?

Yes I take a lot of pride in my passing. I like to get guys the ball on target. I believe that passing is a underrated part of my game. As long as I can help my team win, I’m happy. I really enjoy passing the ball.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners went on a run and cut your lead down to 42-40. Ex NBA player Jeremiah Martin then scored 7 unanswered baskets. Is he the perfect example of a walking bucket?

Jeremiah is a bucket. He has been showing that his whole career. We have embraced his game with open arms and he has shown who he is as a scorer. He helped us a lot today. He is very comfortable in his scoring role and gave us a big boost tonight.

The Fraport Skyliners made it exciting in crunch-time, but what was key for you getting the win?

I think the key was getting timely stops. They did a good job putting pressure on us and keeping the game close. We got stops when it counted and were ready at the same time.

Your playing your second season overseas and first in Germany for BG Goettingen. What have you enjoyed most about the experience in Goettingen?

It has been a great experience. It was a learning experience at first, because I got off to a slow start. But with time, I was able to find my role and be able to be efficient in the minutes I get. We have good chemistry and we all want to win.

BG Goettingen is in a big fight for the playoffs. Many people didn’t understand the 37 point loss in Braunschweig. How could a team give a performance like that at this juncture of the season?

It is a long season. Sometimes there are games where it feels like nothing will go your way. They were more physical and tougher than us and that trickled on throughout the game. When your down big, it’s tough to come back. But that game was a learning experience that we used for fuel for the Frankfurt game.

The team also lost games with Kamar Baldwin before he went down. But in Braunschweig the team showed how helpless they are without him. Is that a good reason why Kamar Baldwin is a MVP candidate?

Kamar should be MVP for his body of work. He has been consistent in crunch time and he has to have one of the highest efficiency rates in the league in crunch time. He is always locked in. He has saved us so many times this season. But we are still a very good team without him.

Your putting up solid stats in the easyCredit BBL. What has been the biggest adjustment in your game?

The style in the BBL is different than in the G-League. The play is a lot more physical here and you have to be locked in every night, because anybody can beat anybody. The league is very competitive. I feel like I have settled in well. I have focused on attacking the close outs, rebounding and being versatile and being able to defend as many positions as possible.

You had great games in the nail bitter wins over ratiopharm Ulm and medi Bayreuth. Which one was more memorable?

That is hard to choose. The game in Ulm was crazy. Kamar hit a game winner. The Bayreuth game was strange, because they only had 6 players.

Last season despite Covid you had a very solid season in the G-League with the Greensboro Swarm. What was the toughest thing that you had to cope with last season?

It was a very strange season. There were stretches of months where all I was doing was working out and not playing games. You didn’t know when you would play. I only played 15 games. It was tough not getting a full season.

You played parts of three seasons in the G-League. What kind of an experience was it. You never averaged more than 20 minutes in the G-League. How tough is it with all the talent to reach a NBA call up?

It is very difficult. Your playing time is very inconsistent. The two way players get the majority of the minutes. All you can do is play your role and be as effective as possible. I learned that you have to be a professional and always be ready, because you never know when your number will be called.

In 2019-2020 you played your first season overseas with Trefl Sopot (Poland-EBL) playing 17 games averaging 8.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 43.8%, 3FGP: 37.8%, FT: 89.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

There were a couple of wake up calls. The first was when I arrived in Poland and got to my apartment. When the team manager left is when I felt ok I’m alone now. The other time was at Christmas. I had always been used to being away from home in school, but being in Poland was different. When I saw all my friends with family on Social Media I knew I was far away. But I knew I was making a sacrifice and in the end all would be good.

How fortunate were you having two vets like Cameron Ayers and Carlos Medlock in Poland. What was most key in them helping you adjust best?

Those two guys were huge. They made a very positive impact on my first season overseas. Thy showed me what it takes to make it overseas. I saw that you don’t always get your way, but I watched how they handled themselves and how they prepared and were professionals helped me.

After a strong senior season at Vanderbilt (NCAA), you landed in the G-League with the Maine Red Claws (NBA G League) playing 36 games averaging 4.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg. What was your wake up call to being in the G-League?

Sometimes you end up on a team where you feel like there are 12 individuals. In college it is different where there is more chemistry. In the G-League all guys have aspirations to make the NBA. It was a culture shock for me seeing that not every player was on the same page.

What kind of an experience was it being a part of the Boston Celtics organization? Did you meet any note worthy people in that time that gave you good advice?

It was an incredible experience. I was around the whole team. Seeing guys like Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford and Terry Rozier were incredible. One day you saw them on TV and then the next day your practicing with them. You see just how good they are and you try to learn from their work ethic. It was a priceless experience learning from the best coaches in the world.

What was the best example that you witnessed in the G-League that proves the NBA will always be a business first?

There are so many. I was teammates with PJ Dozier in Maine. He is a great player. When he was there he was on his second or third two way contract. He then eventually made it to Denver. He then was traded a few more times. Once he gets healthy he can help any team. His journey has shown that when you get hurt, teams will move on without you. It must have been hard going through what he experienced.

What memories do you have of Robert Williams. He has suffered many growing pains but come a long way from your rookie season. Has his current success surprised you?

He is one of the most freak athletes that I have ever seen. I played against him in school. His ability to jump was incredible. He could put his head on the rim. He can cover so much ground. The Celtics defense funnels in to him. He is a big reason why the team has been so good on defense.

You played at Vanderbilt (NCAA) from 2014-2018. What memories do have starting against Powerhouse Kentucky (NCAA) as a freshman and playing against so many future NBA guys like Devin Booker, Willie Cauley-Stein, Karl Anthony-Towns and the Harrison brothers.

It was funny.We had no expectations going into that game. On the scouting report on Karl Anthony Towns it was just man up. All you can do is try to be physical on him and try your best. You can’t stop him. They were a team with Devin Booker coming off the bench. That was crazy. He is a guy that could win NBA MVP. You have to wonder how this team didn’t win the NCAA title.

In your second season you beat Kentucky and had a great game of 16/8 and saw future NBA player Jamal Murray explode for 33 points. Does a game like this prove that there are so many talented players in the NCAA and too little NBA spots?

Yes that is the nature of the game. Only a small percentage make the NBA. You have to be lucky. In college you focus to be the best that you can. Just stay in the moment and hope that it will lead to new opportunities.

You had two NCAA runs losing to Wichita State and Northwestern. I guess that 68-66 loss to Northwestern is one you will never forget.

That was an unfortunate game. Everybody made a big deal about it. We were up by one and my teammate Mathew Fischer-Davis though we were down and intentionally fouled and we lost the game. But we wouldn’t have been in the game without his strong play that game.

Every year you played against so many great players form Kentucky like Dearon Fox, Malik Monk, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Kevin Knox to name some others. In your four years in the NCAA, which Wild cat player will remain most in your memories?

Jamaal Murray gave us a lot of problems.

You had many great games as a senior like against Mississippi State, Florida or the 83-81 loss against Kentucky. Which game was your best in your career?

I think beating Florida at home my senior year was my best game. It was a great feeling winning that game at home. At that time, it was a huge win for us. The atmosphere was great and the fans crazy.

How did head coach Bryce Drew groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He was a player’s coach. He treated us like we were in the NBA. We would eat at nice restaurants on the road. His biggest thing was helping us be better people. I really appreciated that.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Matthew Fischer-Davis?

We never really played. It was more shooting drills. We played the same position freshman year. One game I would play 30 minutes and he 10 minutes and then next game it would be reversed. We had no problems with that. We pushed each other every day. He was one of the most natural talented players I ever knew.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

Ben Simmons gave us a lot of problems. Back then he was playing the one and he used his speed. He gives teams problems in the NBA and back in college it was even tougher.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Damian Jones, James Siakam, Riley Lachance, Kamar Baldwin, Matthew Fischer-Davis

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Magic, Larry Bird

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

It is neverending but not fair. Basketball has evolved so much. There are more talented players now. I have more appreciation for Lebron. He has continued to change his game to fit the NBA year to year. Plus he is a role model. Lebron is my goat but you can’t disregard Jordan’s legacy.

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

Yes they should of left it alone. But that is what typically happens with sequels. I wasn’t upset that I saw it and it didn’t hurt it’s legacy.

Thanks Jeff 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.

Thanks Stanley for talking to eurobasket.com. PS Karlsruhe suffered a tough 112-85 loss to Tuebingen. Was there a mental factor going into the game knowing you would play 2 and 1 teams within 6 days?

Tough stretch for our group and we are undermanned but we have to make a better effort in competition. We can’t make any excuses for ourselves, the job still has to get done.

Tuebingen is without a doubt the massive surprise team for me. If one would of asked me at the start of the season, I would never have predicted this success. A new coach and one American seems to be the recipe for success. The team had a bad stretch in January losing 5 of 7 games, but since have won 9 of 10 teams. What makes this team so good?

They’re well coached, they play with a high level of energy and they get after it defensively and have great movement on offense.

Talk about the 40 minutes. How difficult was it defending them for 40 minutes? They scored 27 more points than in the first game.

They move the ball well, execute at a decent level and just last night it seems as though they couldn’t miss from 3.

They nailed 15 three’s. I guess when your that hot it’s difficult to win. Was that the main sore spot that PS Karlsruhe couldn’t defend? They also rebounded the ball very well?

It was just their night overall, we had some communication issues as well as matchup problems, they made us pay when we slipped defensively. That’s what good teams do.

How much of a factor does Isaiah Crawley make in their game. In the first game against you, he wasn’t present.

He’s a high energy guy, crashes the glass and he’s very athletic. He helps them a lot.

How is Tuebingen better today than when you faced them at the start of the season? They had 8 guys in double figures. That is very impressive. You don’t see that often not even in Europe. Can they make a run for the Pro A title?

They were in a such a great rhythm all night. They’re pretty much exploded in the 3rd quarter when we missed some looks, they were able to get out in transition and make us pay!

You had 20/4/5/4/3 stats. The biggest flaw was your shooting. Obviously teams key in on you. They did a better job than other teams. How much of a challenge is it to find good shots when your being keyed on well?

The ball just wouldn’t go in for me tonight, it was pretty frustrating because I got to my spots but just couldn’t convert. Credit to Tubingen, they sub in different guys that play hard and try to make things difficult for me.

The team now has to regroup and find a way to beat Rostock. Who can forget the thrilling 87-86 win. Now you must travel to Rostock where you will experience very tough fans. This will be a huge challenge for you. A win would be perfect for the self-confidence going into playoffs. What will be key for escaping with a win?

We have to do whatever it takes to get a win!

The 2022 NCAA final was very exciting with Kansas overcoming North Carolina 72-69. Will this go down in history as one of better finals?

I didn’t get a chance to watch it. But from what I’m hearing it was a thriller.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.