Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, 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 a big 89-85 win over new Pro A team Itzehoe. How good did it feel winning again after a tough loss to Bremerhaven?

It felt good to get back to winning ways. We knew it was important to get this win and not dropping two games in a row

How would you describe the focus the team was in after the brutal loss to Bremerhaven?

It was a short turnaround so we had to lock back in right away and focus on Itzehoe!After a tight first quarter Itzehoe exploded for 30 points in the second quarter to lead 52-42. Chris Hooper was a monster with 8 points and big man Yasin Kolo hit back to back three’s. What was most difficult in containing them who combined for 44 points.

They both are two really good players that understand where they are effective at on the floor. They got going in the second quarter, we tried different looks at them but they got into a solid rhythm.

The guests continued to be very strong in the third quarter but PS Karlsruhe never let down trailing only 5 points after 30 minutes. What was key for being able to withstand their pressure and get back into the game?

The key was we played with a higher sense of urgency, played defense quite better and made shots, that helped us cut the lead.

Crunch-time was very exciting. You took over making big shots, free throws and assists. How gelled was your decision making between finishing and creating on this night?

It wasn’t my best night shooting the ball by any chance. But luckly I was able to hit some timely shots and find my teammates.

What adjustments did you make on Chris Hooper in the fourth quarter? He only scored a basket?

Chris plays a lot of minutes and is asked to do a lot for his team. I think he actually slowed up, we threw different bodies at him to try and wear him down as much as possible.

Filmore Beck gave a scare with a three at the end. What do you believe was PS Karlsruhe’s biggest strength in crunch-time on this night?

I think our defense was our biggest strength. We were able to get timely stops which lead to us able to get some solid looks on offense.

You had 24/7/9/4 stats and shot 32% from the field. Was this one of your best all around personal games in the Pro A?

I don’t think this was my best performance. I was able to make some plays late but I know for sure I can perform at a higher level and be much more effective and efficient.

PS Karlsruhe next face Phoenix Hagen who are playing good basketball as of late. What will be key to sweeping the season series?

We have to have a high level of focus throughout our preparation and be ready to accept the challenge.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

When I was in Portland Maine in November 2021 on an unusually warm day in the 60’s, it didn’t feel right watching a G-League game. It felt even weirder seeing a smorgasbord of ex players that had balled in Germany in the last years on the same team. The Maine Celtics who had ex NBA players left and right on their roster like Luke Kornet, Theo Pinson or Ryan Arcidiacono were battling the Capital City Go Go’s who had ex FC Bayern Munich center Greg Monroe, ex Chemnitz guard Shannon Bogues, Ex Hamburg Towers guard Pat Spencer and even an ex Pro A player by the name of Jaysean Paige who played his rookie season with Gotha in 2015-2016. Two months later Jaysean Paige is in the NBA playing games for the Detroit Pistons. Currently the NBA teams are going through serious hard times as players are being hit with COVID left and right as clubs are reeling for new and able bodies and in some cases have relied on guys that under normal situations most likely would never have laid foot in the NBA. One of the most extraordinary signings has been ex Illinois small forward Malcolm Hill. Here is a guy who has had a solid career overseas in Kazakhstan and Israel and even played his rookie season in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn and another year played for John Patrick and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. I reach easyCredit BBL identity figure and Fraport Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson (188-G-84, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) on a Wednesday afternoon and the first thing I ask him is when he is going to make his NBA debut?. ‘I think I’m a little old for that’, laughed Quantez Robertson. When I mention how crazy the NBA is at the moment with all the new signings, he agrees. Just from last season there are two players back in the NBA who combined for 6 NBA games before coming to Germany in 2020 with George King and Haywood Highsmith who are now playing with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. ‘It’s great seeing these guys in the NBA. It shows what hard work and dedication can do for them. They have the opportunity and are using it. It also shows how good the BBL is’, warned Quantez Robertson. I really get the feeling that Tez has this sense of proudness for these guys. He has a 1-2 record against Malcolm Hill and remembers playing him as if it was yesterday. ‘He was a strong forward. I don’t remember him being much of a shooter, but he was a scorer and got to the basket easily. He also handled the ball well. We did a good job on him. I don’t think that he averaged his point total against us. We contained him well and forced him to tough shots’, remembered Quantez Robertson. Even if he is 37 years old, he will never lose that competitor feeling in him and after hearing all those guys who are in the NBA, now he was quick to respond to his chances. Heck even Gabe York was signed by the Orlando Magic. No disrespect to the ex medi Bayreuth player, but he can ball. ‘If I was presented the opportunity now, I believe that I would definitely be able to show what I can do and put on a pretty good performance’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

Basketball life is pretty good for Quantez Robertson and the Fraport Skyliners at the moment as they have their second winning streak of the season. In December they beat Wurzburg and Crailsheim and now have beaten Heidelberg and Giessen. Sometimes things happen so rapidly as the Fraport Skyliners moved from 17th place to 13th place within 72 hours. Even if Frankfurt is riding a two game winning streak, freak athlete Quantez Robertson is staying on the ground and not blasting off with the self-confidence and is looking from game to game. ‘Basketball life right now is nice. We are still trying to get healthy, but I feel that once we all get healthy, in shape and on the same page gelling, then I think that we can have a good second half of the season’, warned Quantez Robertson. Anyone who knows basketball knows that a team is never the same with injuries, but as soon as Will Cherry and Brancou Badio returned, they gave the team a new dimension. ‘We competed at a different level during the last 2 games. We played hard and defended better. We also got shots to fall more and Jamel Mclean gave us a new inside presence’, stated Quantez Robertson. The two big wins gave the club a lot of self-confidence plus with injured players returning, it will be interesting to see in what direction the team will go in the next weeks if COVID doesn’t get drastically in the way. ”Mentally we are in good spirits. Guys are feeling more comfortable being able to play their normal positions. The wins gave us a good taste of what it feels like to win. I feel like we are practicing even harder now, because we believe that we can keep the success going’, warned Quantez Robertson. The team offense has also gotten better, because it isn’t one dimensional anymore with only outside shooting. ‘Being able to score inside is our biggest strength at the moment. Before we took too many outside shots, but now with Jamel Mclean we have a guy who can score inside which creates space for us to take shots outside’, expressed Jamel Mclean. Even if the team has given up 81 points in the last two games, the ex Auburn (NCAA) standout has seen strides on the defensive end. ‘I think that we have been more locked in. Guys are talking more and helping more on the weak side. We are also rebounding better, but it takes time to get on the same page. I think the more that we practice, the more we will get our opponents points down’, commented Quantez Robertson.

Jamel Mclean has been a huge spark and in 3 of the four games he has played in scored in double figures and is currently averaging 12/4 stats. The Fraport Skyliners finally have that dominating big man who gets down to business in the paint when he gets the ball and uses his strength to get close range position and easy baskets. You have to wonder how good he will be when he is 100% fit again. ‘He is the first genuine big man we have had since Leon Kratzer. Once he is better in shape, we won’t have to guard as much inside or 1-1 and help as much. He brings that veteran leadership that we have missed’, stressed Quantez Robertson. German 19 year old national player Len Schoormann didn’t start great into the season, but as of late he is playing his best basketball on the offensive end. In the last two wins, he has been picking his spots well and shot 9/22. Especially his drive has improved as his self-confidence continues to rise. ‘ Len has been presented with a great opportunity and he has taken full advantage of it. He doesn’t have to worry about anything and has been shooting efficiently and playing hard. That is what we expect of him. He has been attacking the rim very well and needs to keep doing it and finishing more’, added Quantez Robertson. One player who had his break out game in the easyCredit BBL last weekend was American and ex Northern Arizona University (NCAA) forward Brooks DeBisshop who was menace at both ends of the court in Giessen adding 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. The first few months were a learning experience for him, but now he could possibly build on his Giessen performance. ‘He has shown another quick and strong body inside. He rebounds well and plays defense and can guard the pick and roll. He is playing the way he did in pre-season. If we can get extra from him, then it is a plus’, warned Quantez Robertson. Another player who has unexpectedly found minutes has been German Felix Hecker. He has played 9 BBL games averaging 10 minutes per game and scored 9 points in the loss in Ludwigsburg and added 5 points in the win over Heidelberg. He definitely is more valuable than just a three and D player. ‘He doesn’t really need to do much with us. He doesn’t play many minutes. He proved in the Pro B that he is more than just a three and D player. He can create and get to the rim. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity with us’, said Quantez Robertson.

Quantez Robertson was out almost for two months and returned on December 5th. In that time, he has been very up and down on the offensive end. He scored in double figures in three straight games against Ludwigsburg, MBC and Chemnitz, but in the latest two massive wins scored only 6 points in total. The guy is a veteran and has seen every thing so this slow start back from injury hasn’t fazed him. ‘It hasn’t been hard on me. I’m just starting to get back in rhythm with shooting the ball. I just need to shoot it more’, warned Quantez Robertson. His three pointer continues to be nonexistent. He has played 7 games since his return and is shooting a meager 6/28 from the parking lot. He is confident that he will up his shooting percentage. ‘My three will fall again. It will take time. I just need to shoot and get in rhythm. I also need to take good shots’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The American is also still finding a healthy rhythm on defense. At times his aggressiveness seems to high which results in bad fouls. ‘Those fouls happen on the fast break. I just tend to be too aggressive at times and pick up cheap fouls. But overall, I feel like my defense hasn’t been that bad’, stated Quantez Robertson. Now that the Fraport Skyliners have found a good grove, their competitive juices will have to wait a bit longer as the big showdown with underachieving team EWE Baskets Oldenburg this weekend has been postponed due to COVID. This could be a blessing in disguise. ‘I think this extra time off will be good for us. It will give guys more rest and get healthy. We can keep practicing and get our chemistry going and get on the same page’, warned Quantez Robertson. Everything is going well for the Fraport Skyliners and Quantez Robertson, but even when you mention Rickey Paulding, you can’t avoid the NBA. Paulding was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2004, but never reached the NBA. Could have Paulding and Robertson reached the NBA in their prime with a little luck? ‘ Yes for sure. Rickey may of even been able to get their before his prime. It is just about timing’, warned Quantez Robertson. Perhaps fans will see that incredible NBA like performance between Paulding and Robertson. Maybe that last ever meeting between both BBL legends will garner that unforgettable last showdown on the floor?

Chris Coffey (201-F-97, college: Georgetown, KY, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Louisville, Kentucky that is playing hiss econd professional season and first in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) averaging 11,2ppg and 7,7rpg. Last season he played his rookie year with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) averaging (14.6ppg), Reb-2 (7.6rpg), 1.4spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 61.8%; and in the LatEstBL averaged 12.3ppg, Reb-3 (8.6rpg), 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 58.5%. He began his basketball career at Seneca High School and then played at Georgetown College (NAIA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 133 games. He was able to heighten his game each season improving his scoring and rebound average each season averaging 6.5ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 44.1% as a freshman, 10.8ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.5%, FT: 57.4% in his second year 14.5ppg, 11.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2bpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 56.1% and as a senior averaged 15,4ppg, 12.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 48.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Chris thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about COVID-19. How did you experience everything as a rookie in Latvia? What was the most challenging thing about COVID-19 in your rookie season on and off the court?

COVID 19 was a struggle. Being that when I was traveling to Latvia I’ve got stuck in an airport for 11 hours because I couldn’t fly into Latvia so my detour was a different experience lol. The most challenging was not having family in my reach to make sure everyone and everything was okay and not really knowing how COVID would go!

With everything that you experienced with COVID-19 in the States and overseas, how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Yes it definitely made me strong as a man. Made me be more independent and learn how to live by myself and understand that anything in life can happen you just have to be ready for it!

Congrats on signing with easyCredit BBL team Syntanics MBC. Two years ago you were playing in the NAIA and now your going to play in a top 5 league in Europe. If someone had told you in March 2020 that you would be playing in a top league in 2021-2022 what would you have thought?

It’s amazing how far I done come but people believed in me from day 1 but the top 5 league in Europe couldn’t imagine this fast/soon. Especially coming from the NAIA level.

This is your first season in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I know Germany is a beautiful country and have a lot of great players come through and as said before it’s a top league so it’s very respected and well known.

Have you had any friends, ex teammates or opponents come to Germany and play?

Yes I know a few people who played in Germany like Don Johnson and Tj Shorts

How were the talks with coach Igor Jovovic? What were the main reasons for you joining the 2004 Fiba Europe Cup champion?

The talks with the coach were great got to know him as a person and coach and got to learn a lot more about things in Germany and about the team and the gameplan as we process to this season coming up! Main reason to Joining this Fiba Europe Cup team one they believe in my skills to come help give the team a chance to win a cup and I feel that the team will help me develop my skills more and help me get better on and off the court!

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm big man that can play the 3-5 and can really rebound the ball. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I think my game is a mix of Kenneth Faried, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Rodman

You were a double double monster in school and put up strong stats as a rookie in Latvia. What would you say is your absolute biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength on the court is my energy level. I feel like when my energy level is so good the team is alive and we play at our best! And when my energy is up it gives my teammates energy to play their game with me having their back!

You aren’t only a very gifted offensive player, but are a great defensive player. Talk a little where that passion on defense comes from and can you be a defensive impact player for MBC this season?

I was once told defense wins game. Getting stops is a key to win and when your getting stops the team feels unbeatable and makes the other team uncomfortable when things aren’t going their way. I feel I can be a great defensive player with MBC. All I got do is play my game and let the game come to me!

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to move up the basketball ladder in the next years?

My shooting is one and my confidence. I have a great form and can shoot the ball I just have to shoot when I’m open and get up shots. I pass up many opportunities but that comes from a lack of confidence. So confidence and shooting is what I need to work on to move myself up the basketball ladder.

It is very rare for a NAIA player to go pro. In one year you have played in Latvia and now are playing in a top German league. With such rapid success, is that chip still on your shoulder? Is it difficult to keep that hunger of always wanting to prove yourself?

Yes that chip will forever be there! People over look the NAIA and think we are just far behind top division players. So the hunger will always be there to prove to people that the NAIA can produce big time players too!!

As a rookie you played with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) averaging 14.6ppg, Reb-27.6rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 61.8%; and in the LatEstBL averaged 12.3ppg,8.6rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 58.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?

The holiday was a big one. Being from the states we celebrate almost every holiday there is with family, friends, and love ones. Knowing that you wouldn’t and couldn’t spend time with your family while watching your teammates with them hit hard!!

How important was it having experienced Cameron Rundles as a teammate as a rookie? Did he make the adjustment period easier for you?

Yes having a vet who was an American was a big bonus someone who can teach me the game and share his experience with me was love yeah happy to have him by my side and now I can call him family forever!

You needed no real adjustment time as a rookie. What was key for making the transition smoothly and how do you feel did your game grow as a rookie?

Yes my game improved tremendously as I worked on shooting and learning the European game style. It wasn’t to bad of a hump but learning where I needed to be and how I need to be on the court was a big learning step and I feel since I learned that my placement on the court is better and my defensive placement helped me end with the award at the end.

You played 4 years at Georgetown College (NAIA) winning the NAIA title in 2019. Talk about your NAIA experience and how your game and you grew as a person?

The NAIA was love and they treated me right I’ve got better on and off the court met a lot of people and until this day we still share our experiences and I call them my brothers. My game grew as I had to watch and play behind some of the greats at Georgetown but watching them helped me develop and better when I got my minutes on the hardwood!

You had many great games at Georgetown, but how big was your 32 points and 12 rebounds against William Carey in the NAIA tournament in 2019?

That was a big game for me because that set me up to be in the position that I am in now! With my agent and where I am going in life! That game set the tone for us to win that tournament and helped me set teammates up to have a great game right after that game.

How did head coach Chris Briggs groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Chris Briggs is a legend in my eyes he’s not just a coach he is a mentor! He wants the best for everyone who he talks to or is around. He going to tell you, you can do anything you put your mind to even if that’s not playing basketball He makes sure that if you ever need something he will try to do the best he can for you and as a man that’s all you can ask for and I would want to be that for everyone when If I was in that position!

Who won a one on one in practice you or Hugues Mbumba?

Lol I think I would beat him one on one. He is very strong but my quickness would get past him and I can make him tired and that would slow his game down and long as I keep him off the block I feel I would win that match up!

Who has been the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on a court that reached the NBA?

Kelan Martin, that man was tuff and was a god in high school when we played in high school along side Quentin Snider and a few others!

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Deondre McWhorter, Jacob Conway, Eljay Cowherd, Troy Steward, Troy Gibbs Gotta go top 5 with the MID SOUTH

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

Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Wiggins, James Harden

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

That debate will never end. How I see it Jordan was the Goat of his time and James is the Goat of this time and age. They never played against each other or in the same time of index so you can’t really compare them.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I just saw the purge last night good movie but then again it was free that’s probably why it was good lol.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

When your on the court overseas you can come across very exceptional players at any time, but when you play Euroleague you compete against world class guys. During the 17-19 seasons Anthony Clemmons (187-PG-94, college: Iowa, agency: Inception Sports) who can fill up the stat sheet the way Pete Sampras could have racked up ace’s in his sleep had the opportunity to lace up his sneakers and compete against top Euroleague heavy weight team CSKA Moscow four times with BC Astana. There he could have felt like a kid in a candy store or get know the feeling of a man walking down Miami Beach and straining the neck muscles because of too much turning back and forth studying the many bikini’s strolling around. He could have had neck problems seeing all the amazing talent that Moscow had with the likes of incredible players like Sergio Rodriguez, Nando de Colo, Cory Higgins, Othello Hunter and Kyle Hines just to name a few. He was never able to beat CSKA Moscow, but he always left a very lasting impression with his game. He is 27 years old and has produced very consistent stats where-ever he has played in various countries and leagues and won 4 titles. That is Euroleague material if you ask me. Ex teammate Michael Jenkins who retired in 2019 and was one of the last cuts of the Oklahoma Thunder in 2014 remembers Clemmons with a lot of joy. ‘Anthony was a very poised player. He always dictated his own pace and could score on all three levels. He was a great backcourt mate and amazing teammate to be so young. He really cared about winning and was very un selfish to be so young in his career when we were teammates. It showed by us having the best season in Astana’s VTB history. I definitely believe he is a future Euroleague player. His talent speaks for itself. It’s all political though so hopefully he’ll get his shot as he deserves’, warned Michael Jenkins. His other ex teammate Ken Horton who also knows what it means to win rings having won back to back Basketball Champion League titles. ‘Anthony is a true point guard. He can do everything on the court, score, pass, defend. Definitely brings all the right things to any team he plays for. He constantly came through in the clutch for us when we were in Astana. He is already an Euroleague player. He just needs the opportunity’, stressed Ken Horton. The Euroleague also has crossed Clemmons mind. ‘Euroleague is for sure a step I want to take. I believe I can be effective on that level and win with whoever I’m with. It’s definitely something I have thought about so I’m working every year to fulfill that’. Anthony Clemmons is a highly talented player that continues to grind and proves that he deserves a Euroleague shot.

Anthony Clemmons who believes ex Iowa (NCAA) teammate Mike Gesell were even then in 1-1 games, but would have no chance against him today was born on August 15, 1994 in Lansing, Michigan and attended Sexton high school. He then played at Iowa (NCAA) from 2012-2016. He didn’t play a huge role in his first three years at Iowa where he played 102 games, but never averaged more than 4,6ppg. In his freshman year he helped defeat arch rival Iowa State netting 14 points in the 80-71 victory. Getting a huge win like that so early in his NCAA career was very memorable. ‘That win I believe was my only win. Super surreal. My first experience in that rival. And to play good with a win was super exciting’, remembered Anthony Clemmons. Those three tough years that he endured also gave him an early chip on his shoulder that has remained with him until now. ‘The thing is I had a impressive freshman year according to the outsider. I had a very unexpected start to the season which placed me in the starting line up going into the big ten season. Then year two took a toll on me which allowed to me to regroup and focus back on the reason for why I choose Iowa. So that chip has helped me my whole career. Don’t take anything for granted’, warned Anthony Clemmons. In his last NCAA tournament as a senior he helped defeat Temple with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the nail bitter win to reach the round of 32. ‘My senior year was amazing. We had an amazing run and had an iconic moment with a buzzer beater’, said Anthony Clemmons. He was saved by teammate Adam Woodbury who won the game in overtime. Clemmons made a big mistake fouling Quentin Decosey behind the three point line. He drained all three sending the game to overtime. But overall the American had a great senior year making huge strides in his game averaging 9.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 60.5%. ‘The strides were made with confidence and experience. I don’t believe I made a big stride until I became a pro. Iowa helped me in other areas outside of basketball. I grew more with my friends at Michigan State throughout the summers and they were who pushed me to become who I am today’, stressed Anthony Clemmons. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 17 games including 20 points against Rutgers and 13 points against Michigan State. Head coach Fran McCaffery was instrumental in him being able to develop his game to the professional level. ‘Mccaffery helped me gain mental toughness and understanding the other ways to play basketball outside of pick and roll. I believe I was just a PNR player and defensive guy. But he helped me slow the game down and become a better thinker on the court. Seeing plays before they happen and reacting to different situation. Things you don’t really learn in HS. But he helped me become a better thinker’, commented Anthony Clemmons.

The American who remembers current Dallas Maverick and ex Michigan (NCAA) guard Trey Burke as being his toughest opponent in the NCAA began his professional career overseas with BC Hallmann Vienna (Austria-A Bundesliga) averaging (17.9ppg), 4.7rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-2 (2.0spg), FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 69.1%. Despite making a huge impact on the court, he does remember the first weeks as being difficult getting used to a new environment and what his wake up call was to being a rookie overseas. ‘The first week when I had to go without wifi. It was hard to communicate with family. Your first year is always the hardest because you don’t know what to expect. But once I got adjusted I was fine’, remembered Anthony Clemmons. He scored in double figures in 30 of 35 games and scored 20 points or more 17 times including 31 points against Furstenfeld and Kapfenberg. He was very fortunate in having supreme veteran Shawn Ray as a teammate who is still playing today at age 41 and is in his 18th season in Austria. ‘Shawn was great. It’s a reason why he’s still playing. He showed me what it was like to be a pro. No matter what level you’re at, if you don’t know how to be a pro then you won’t survive. And that is what he is’, expressed Anthony Clemmons. He had his most successful time as a professional between 2017-2019 with BK Astana (Kazakhstan) where he won 3 titles. He put up very consistent stats in the country national league, but also in the VTB league which is very respected and has great teams and players. In his first season he averaged 11.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 69.0%; and in his second season averaged 13.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 5.5apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.4% in the VTB. His time there was massive for his basketball development. ‘Playing there was definitely a confidence builder. It helped and allowed me to prove to myself that I was a high level player’, said Anthony Clemmons. He was very consistent scoring in double figures in 39 of 52 VTB games including 30 points against Lok Kuban where he was the best man on the court as he battled ex NBA guys like current teammate Jajuan Johnson, Dorell Wright and Isaiah Whithead and had Zenit’s number scoring 26 points where guys like ex NBA players Gal Mekel, Jarrod Uthoff and Brandon Jennings had to tip their hat to him. He wouldn’t have been able to have all of his success had he not had the prefect teammates that helped make him look good like ex German BBL players Larry Gordon, Michael Jenkins and Ken Horton. ‘Those 3 guys were great. And they were the guys I talked to most on the court. They brought a competitive spirit that helped me when I lacked. They reminded me of myself for being a competitor so it was great playing along side of them’, remembered Anthony Clemmons.

After two very successful years in Kazakhstan, the ex Iowa (NCAA) player who believes that Jordan and Lebron are the two greatest to ever play the game decided to make another step and experience something new playing with AS Monaco Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA, averaging 10.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 73.8%; and in the Eurocup averaged 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 72.1%. Who couldn’t fall in love with the flair of Monte Caro and the beauty of the Mediterranean sea? ‘Monaco is easily one of the nicest cities to live in over here. To be able to live in that city was a true blessing and an experience I will never forget’, stated Anthony Clemmons. He had big games against Dijon netting 22 points, had 19 against Boulazac and 18 points against Bourg. It really doesn’t matter where he has played, he has always had amazing teammates and guys that helped enrich his stay as well as making him bring his best in practices. One of those guys was ex NBA champion Norris Cole of the Miami Heat who was teammates with Lebron James. ‘Norris is my guy. He was a guy that helped bring you confidence because you know he was going to bring it every night. So I prepared myself not to let him or any of my teammates down. We had high goals that season so every game was important from a growth standpoint. It was exciting to play with him. He was a great teammate and a even better person’, expressed Anthony Clemmons. Last season during Covid, the Kazakhstan national player played with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 11.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 77.9%;and averaged 13.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 47.9%, FT: 89.7% in the BCL. He helped the team win the cup title and reached the final against top team Crvena Zvezda where they were swept. As usual he battled against the best guards and as always held his own against top guards Jordan Loyd, Langston Hall and Corey Walden. ‘That series was exciting. We fought and gave ourselves a chance. We played 3 really good games. And those 3 guards are respected around Europe so it was great to compete vs them’, said Anthony Clemmons. He played very well in the Basketball Champions League scoring in double figures in 9 games including netting 23 points against VEF Riga and 20 points against Spanish ACB club Burgos.

The American who lists Justin Carter Denzel Valentine Bryn Forbes JJ O’Brien and Peter Jok as his best teammates of all-time started the season with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 11.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 41.2%, FT: 92.3%. Even if it was a short stay, there he had the pleasure and fortune to again not only have another incredible teammate but probably one of the 50 best and most consistent players Europe has seen in the last 20 years with David Logan. ‘David Logan was a great guy and player. The things he would do at that age is something I hope I can be able to do when I’m there. He’s one of the guys when I had concerns I would ask him about his previous experience on how things were. Definitely was a pleasure competing with him during the short time I had in Sassari’, remembered Anthony Clemmons. Now let’s fast forward to 2022 as he has found a new home in Turkey with Turk Telekom Ankara. He like every one else in the basketball world has been affected by COVID as not playing in front of full gyms was a gigantic challenge. It hasn’t been a great season yet for Turk Telekom in the Turkish league as they are only in 12th place with a record of 5-11 despite having a very deep and talented roster with ex NBA guys Tyler Enis, Jajuan Johnson and Aaron Harrison. ‘If you tracked our season, even before I arrived you know that the roster we have is easily one of the best in the league. Unfortunately we’ve experienced a lot of injuries which allow us not to be full strength in certain areas. Not taking away any credit on how strong the league is but our record doesn’t explain the circumstances and adversity we’ve had to battle through. And every team we play knows it’s not going to be an easy game’, stressed Anthony Clemmons. Despite the slow start, he is enjoying Turkey as he can experience many things there he wouldn’t back in the states and sharing the back court with Tyler Ennis has been wonderful. ‘Tyler’s been great. He’s helped welcome me and has helped me adjust to everything here. Great player and competitor’, said Anthony Clemmons. He is back in Germany again to play Eurocup against the Hamburg Towers. He was in Germany the first time two years ago where he swept ratiopharm Ulm with AS Monaco. ‘I remember they had a very talented group. Although they didn’t fulfill what they wanted out of the group they were a team you couldn’t sleep on. They had the lefty guard (plays for the Pistons) Killian I believe which was one of the best prospects, and Dragic which everyone knows around Europe. Their backcourt was very talented so you had to be ready to play’, stated Anthony Clemmons.

He is a 187cm point guard that has been compared to NBA guys like Eric Bledsoe, Patrick Beverly and Kyle Lowery as a guy that displays toughness and has the winner mentality and has the ability to drop big shots and plays. Two huge weapons in his arsenal is his versatility and shooting, but the first outweighs the latter. ‘Being versatile I believe is the biggest positive in my game. It allows me to take pressure of players. Scoring, playmaking and defending are my top 3 but I like the role because it allows me to focus on 2-3 things. Vs if I was just placed to do 1 thing then my game would be limited because I can impact the game in a lot of ways other than just scoring the basketball’, warned Anthony Clemmons. Being successful and consistent playing basketball doesn’t only have to do with punishing yourself in the lab, but also with just being intelligent. ‘My secret is staying within myself. Don’t go outside of what I’ve worked on all summer. The game is very simple and when you’re not efficient that usually comes from doing things outside of what you’re good at’, stressed Anthony Clemmons. He is 27 years old and not in his prime yet. The sky is still the limit for him as developing further with his straight ahead work ethic is a must. ‘I think I’m going into my best years. A lot of people evaluated my game and can’t really capture what I truly am. But anybody that has had the opportunity to work with me (coach or players) they will tell you I play to win and do what it takes. Sometimes it gets overlooked in the stats but that’s been throughout my career I have been able to sustain being consistent and effective on both sides of the ball’, added Anthony Clemmons. Every new game where he is the best player on the court or outlasts an ex NBA player is just another step in getting him closer to the Euroleague. ‘It has never been about confirmation, it’s been about what I wanted out of myself. To be the best you have to play the best. And when you play the best you have to do well against the best. So every game I play against those caliber of players at the end of it I evaluate what I could do better. It’s a reason why they are million dollar players. They dominate every game. So I don’t give myself flowers because I already know what type of player I am and that I can compete at that level. It’s more about improving and being better’, warned Anthony Clemmons. It will be interesting to see where his journey will go in the next two years. He definitely has the right attitude and correct work ethic to allow him to fullfill his goals.

Eddy Edigin (201-F-95) is a 26 year old 201cm forward playing his first season with the Hamburg Towers. He began his career with FC Bayern Munich in the Regionalliga. He then found experience in the Pro B with Nordlingen before reaching the BBL in 2017 with Brose Bamberg. He needed three more years of grooming in the Pro A with Baunach and Leverkusen before getting back to the BBL. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 92-80 upset win over the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Congrats Eddy on the massive 92-80 win over #1 team Telekom Baskets Bonn. Chemnitz upset FC Bayern Munich today. What a crazy Sunday. How good are wins like this for the league?

These two wins show how well balanced the league is. It also shows that you can’t underestimate any teams. It also shows how competitive the league is. These type of wins are great for all except for the losers.

How cool is it having teams like Hamburg and Chemnitz doing so well in the league? Do you feel like people seriously know that Callas and Pastore belong to the best coaches in the BBL?

Yes definitely they belong to the best coaches in the league. Pedro already showed what he can do in Vechta and is showing it now in Hamburg. I think he has belonged to the best in the league the last years

How big was this victory after the two loses to Alba Berlin and Brose Bamberg? How good was the mentality going into the game?

This was a big win for us. The last weeks have been tough with injuries. This win was great for our moral and will bring us together even more. We came into this game well prepared and took it very seriously like every game. We were without two key players and took on the challenge. We have that mentality no matter what happens we give it our all. Wins like this will help us grow even more as a team.

The Hamburg Towers exploded for 28 points in the first quarter. Despite Caleb Homesley exploding for 33 points in the game, the team shared the ball really well in the first quarter. How vital w as that togetherness right off the bat?

We came together early, because we remained aggressive and made the tempo. We did a good job playing our game for 40 minutes and not getting away from it.

The Hamburg Towers kept on the pressure in the second quarter leading 52-38 at the break. How vital was it having incredible offensive support from Max DiLeo and Lukas Meisner. Do they understand how much the team appreciates their production?

They were very important. They both hit big three’s. We had that next man mentality where when guys are out the next one’s step up.

In the third quarter the Hamburg Towers kept up the pressure and double figure lead. What was the secret to containing Parker Jackson-Cartwright better? Do you feel like teams will figure him out better in the second half of the season?

We knew that he is their main guy. He was a main figure on our scouting report. We knew his strengths and weaknesses. We did a pretty good job taking away his strengths. He didn’t play for a while in the fourth and that really helped us. I’m glad our game plan worked.

Hamburg probably would still have won had they only had half of Caleb Homesley’s points. How much was he in the zone today and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Caleb isn’t afraid of anything. That is what really stands out for me. He also always shoots the ball no matter what. He loves the big moments. He took even more responsibility tonight because one of our main guys was out. I don’t appreciate a certain skill, but more the way he approaches the game.

The Hamburg Towers had three strong stats with 20 offensive rebounds, 15 three’s and 7 turnovers. Which was the bigger stat today for the club?

I think the turnovers and three’s were our two most important stats. We knew that they defend aggressive so we knew we had to make shots. We had good ball movement that also helped. Each basket was important. I’m glad that our three’s fell today.

Seth Hinrichs had another great game with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. This guy does everything on the floor. Is he the ultimate glue guy?

Not really. He is a silent leader. With Brown out, we needed other guys to step up and he did. He brings important calmness to the team. He has taken responsibility the last two games. But that is nothing new for us. We know what he can do.

Is it strange to see a guy like ex NBA player Ray McCallum not playing huge minutes? Granted he came to the team very late, but what is the most vital thing that he gives the team?

Surprised and not surprised. The system we play is very complex. You need time to learn and understand it and get used to it. I like his attitude most. He will show his worth in games soon. I’m sure of it. He shows what he can do in practice.

The Hamburg Towers are having a good BBL season and respectable Eurocup season. What has been the difference between success and failure under Pedro Calles?

I think that we have success the most when we follow our game plan, come together and play our game. That is when we have success. When we don’t do it, then we don’t have success. I also think that a mix of our strong defense, good 1-1 players and guys that understand the game help us achieve success. We also play high tempo basketball. Everybody understands their role and everybody play for the team.

You next face Turk Telekom in the Eurocup. How excited are you to be playing against a number of ex NBA players like Tyler Ennis, Aaron Harrison and Jajuan Johnson. Are you like a small kid in a candy store?

If you asked me a month ago, I would of said yes, I’m like a kid in a candy store. Last season I would watch these guys on TV. I had absolutely no vision that I would be playing against them a year later. But after playing against Badalona and Kuban, I have seen how it is playing against talented guys like that. At first it was surreal, but that didn’t last long. Now I don’t see them on TV anymore, but on the floor. It has become normal for me, but I haven’t forgotten it. I’m still a little nervous on the floor, but I don’t worry.

Your playing your second season in the easyCredit BBL. How is this season different for you then when you were with Bamberg four years ago?

All is different than four years ago in Bamberg. I’m getting more minutes, have more responsibility, am older and experienced and understand the dynamics of the game better. It is still the same level, but a different atmosphere. In Bamberg was my introduction and now I have more routine.

How do you feel are you benefiting most from the teacher Pedro Calles on the court?

He has helped me in many ways. I’m very thankful that he has given me a chance to prove myself at the highest level. I feel I have learned to read plays better and he has allowed me to play to my strengths. This has been a great experience for me.

How do you feel did your game mature in the Pro A with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen where you were for 2 years?

My game grew a lot in Leverkusen. My game got more mature and I got better experience and understanding to certain situations on the court.

You weren’t a great Regionalliga player in Munich and solid Pro B player with Nordlingen. Would you say that you are the classic late bloomer?

Yes I’m a late bloomer. I started late at age 17 and played my first NBBL game at age 18. The early years weren’t always easy. Even now there are times that aren’t easy. But I always find a solution no matter what. I never get down after a bad practice or game. I just keep working and try to get better. Being able to get out of difficult situations has given me stability and security. I never force anything but just try to develop naturally and try to be consistent.

Your 26 years old. You started against Bonn and average 12 minutes per game. What goals do you have with your personal game?

I have to find myself more as a player and show my strengths more and see where it takes me. I don’t have those big goals of what league I want to play in, but more important is to continue to work on my skills and have the opportunity to show it. I want to establish myself as a big man in the BBL.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Robin Christen?

I would always bet on myself.

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

No I didn’t see it. I heard that it wasn’t bad, but in comparison to the original it was nothing. They should have left it alone.

Thanks Eddy for the chat.

Even if the Dragons Rhondorf finished 2021 in ninth place with a 4-9 record, things definitely have been looking up for the pro B team led by head coach Julius Thomas. The way the club is presenting it’s self now in comparison to the start of the season where they lost by 40 points to Wedel and 33 points to Munster is like day and night. Things have been looking up as they played very solid in tough losses to Iserlohn and Schwelm and last won against the BSW Sixers. In the first game of 2022, they had a tough task going up against ambitious squad SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt who arrived into the game with a 8-4 record and last lost a nail bitter to TSK 49ers 62-60 and were very motivated to start things off in 2022 on the right foot as they stepped on the court in Rhondorf with very very experienced and talented player like Bill Borekambi, but the club also was badly shorthanded. They had a 7 man rotation and were without key players Jordan Talbert, Philipp Liesser, Martin Bogdanovic, Shore Adenaken and Jermie Woods. The Dragons Rhondorf wanted to keep their winning streak alive and go into 2022 with a bang and did upsetting the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt 88-80. The potent scoring attack of Paul and Bruno Albrecht and key three point shooting efficiency and timely game management were vital for the Dragons Rhondorf beginning the season off on the right foot as well as other things. ‘They had many injuries but we can’t use that as an excuse. I’m very proud of the young team. We all fought together. We keep getting better especially our defense. We play the same defensive system as Bonn. It takes a while to have it down as we had some let downs, but we are practicing hard to get it down’, stressed Dragons forward Paul Albrecht (208-PF-93). The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt gave all they could, but just couldn’t get the job done with their 7 man rotation. ‘We had a new rotation, lack of chemistry and lack of practice. We couldn’t match their energy. They made a lot of three’s. We had spurts of not being consistent on defense. We let their shooters shoot’, stressed injured forward Shore Adenekan.

Both teams were feeling each other out in the first few minutes as a few field goals and three’s by Croatian teenager Denis Zenelah and ex Rostock NBBL allstar Nicolas Buchholz had the game dead locked at 5-5. But the Dragons Rhondorf then found their offensive rhythm going on a 11-2 run to extend their lead to 16-7. In the run Rhondorf got their transition basketball going as 17 year old Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndiaye scored twice on the fast break and ex Stahnsdorf guard Oshane Drews hit free throws and made a hard two handed dunk. Both teams were aggressive on the offensive glass, but Rhondorf aggressive defense didn’t allow the guests to secure an offensive rhythm. It also helped Rhondorf that they limited the touches of walking bucket Bill Borakambi. The Dragons offense flow rose as Buchholz and Viktor Frankl-Maus nailed three pointers for the 22-9 advantage. The Dragons Rhondorf lost some spark on the defensive end in the last minute allowing back to back three’s to Zenelah and ex Dresden forward Marc Nagora as Wolmirstedt trailed only 22-15 after 10 minutes. Both teams were still searching for their offensive shooting touch while Rhondorf had the 13-12 rebound edge and only 1 turnover while the guests had 3 turnovers. ‘We began well. We went into the game with the right attitude. We showed that we didn’t take them lightly because of all the injuries. We showed 100% focus’, warned Paul Albrecht. ‘They came out with a lot of energy and we couldn’t match it’, stated Shore Adenekan.

In the second quarter the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt fought back and there were 4 lead changes, but in the second half of the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf got control of the game again and led 44-37 at the break. The guests jumped all over the Dragons Rhondorf going on a 10-2 run to retake the lead at 25-24. In the run Wolmirstedt received sound production from a number of players as Zenelah dropped a trey, point guard Steffen Haufs who once had 18 assists against Crailsheim scored on a lay in and Bill Borekambi scored easily on transition after making a steal. Rhondorf got sloppy on offense and didn’t play 1-1 defense. After Albrecht and Nagora Hit three’s, it was time again for a Rhondorf run as they outscored the guests 11-3 extending their lead to 39-30. In the run the Dragons got 5 points form Paul Albrecht, a three by Bruno Albrecht and a lay in from Oshane Drews. Paul Albrecht carried the team and on defense they stepped up their aggressiveness as their up and down play continued in trying to get stops. ‘Our game supports the guards more than the bigs. But I’m happy they found me today. They rely on my game and I rely on the game of my teammates’, warned Paul Albrecht. Rhondorf was able to keep the lead and momentum getting free throws from Ndiaye and a trey from Paul Albrecht while the guests got free throws from Haufs and a lay in from Latvian forward Roberts Dembskis. Both teams were shooting under 40%, but Rhondorf made a jump on the boards having the 26-21 edge and 11 offensive turnovers while having 6 turnovers and the guests only five. ‘Last season when things got tough, we fell apart. That doesn’t happen this season. We are a lot tougher’, stated Paul Albrecht. ‘We made a lot of mistakes on defense. We didn’t have good communication’, stressed guard Dominick Von Waaden.

The Dragons Rhondorf controlled the game in the third quarter and even when the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt could cut it down to three points twice, the Dragons Rhondorf never gave up and allowed them to get over the hump. Marc Nagora gave the guests the first points of the second half cutting down the Dragons lead to 44-39. But Rhondorf struck back rapidly with a Ndiaye lay in streaking in from the wing displaying his quickness and athleticism and then Frankl-Maus dropped a trey for the 49-39 advantage. But the guests didn’t allow that 7 man rotation to lessen their self-confidence or fighting qualities as they struck back with a 7-0 run. In the run it was superb role player Dominick Von Waaden who steered home 5 points to cut the lead down to 49-46. He had a bigger role then usual and really carried the team in the second half as Borekambi was contained well. ‘I was 1/9 in the first half. That made me mad. I changed my hair tie and that helped me find my rhythm’, smiled Dominick Von Waaden. But whenever the guests threatened, the Dragons had an answer. In this phase the three’s came raining down as Ndiaye connected as did ex Ehingen player Bruno Albrecht who scored twice for the 58-51 advantage. But the guests kept chipping away getting two free throws from the always aggressive Von Waaden and a three from little used young German Jan Bergen to cut the lead down to 58-55. But the Dragons Rhondorf remained mentally strong and finished efficiently with a 8-2 run to lead 66-57 after 30 minutes. In the run the Dragons continued to get that consistency from Paul Albrecht who added 5 points and Ndiaye added another trey. Rhondorf was shooting over 40% from the field and from outside and had the 33-28 rebound advantage while both teams had 8 turnovers a piece. ‘We showed that we were mentally strong and have confidence in what we can do’, said Paul Albrecht. ‘They did a good job hitting three pointers especially every time we did. They were sparked by their young players who hit three’s with hands in their faces’, stated Dominick Von Waaden.

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf seemed to have total control leading by as much as 13 points, but mental and defensive mistakes allowed Wolmirstedt to cut the lead down to three points, but big three’s and one form an unexpected player iced the win. 8 big points by Bruno Albrecht including two three’s gave the Dragons Rhondorf their biggest lead of the game at 74-61. ‘He is an unbelievable player. He makes mistakes on defense and is a streaky shooter, but the kid can really shoot the ball when he wants to’, stressed Paul Albrecht. The guests were using a lot of energy in their continuous come back attempts, but with crunch-time approaching still had some energy left going on a 13-3 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 77-74. In the run the guests were led by Von Waden who continued to be everywhere on the court scoring 8 points as the Dragons had totally lost their energy and rhythm as defensive mistakes rattled their game. But Rhondorf hadn’t caved in once in the game and weren’t about to do it now. The Dragons Rhondorf then put the nail on the coffin with a lethal 8-2 run to extend their lead to 85-76. In the run the two German Albrecht’s scored back to back as Paul made a lay in and Bruno a three pointer while Oshane Drews made an unexpected trey from the corner. He came into the game shooting 11% from outside and when he saw nothing but net, there were faces of disbelief on the Wolmirstedt bench and smiles on the Rhondorf bench. ‘When he took the shot we were all surprised, but when he hit it, we were all happy’, smiled Paul Albrecht. Frankl-Maus closed out the game with free throws. ‘We were a bit overpowered at the end. We fought so hard, but they never stopped hitting three’s’, stressed Dominick Von Waden. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Paul Albrecht with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Bruno Albrecht added 20 points while Ousmane Ndiaye added 18 points, 14 boards, 3 assists and 4 blocks. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were led by Dominick Von Waaden with 26 points while Steffen Haufs added 16 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44% from the field and 40% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 40% from the field and 42% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Even the best three point shooters in NBA History like Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and Jason Kapono weren’t born with the shooting gene, but had to grind in the gym to perfect their incredible consistency form the parking lot. No pain no gain is a common saying or as was the case for current Telekom Baskets Bonn forward Justin Gorham it was sweat equity as preached by the University of Houston assistant coach Kellen Sampson. If you’re a young talented kid that is going to the University of Houston, then there is a good chance that you will leave having improved your three point shot. Other Houston players like Fabian White Jr or Devin Davis profited under the guidance of Kellen Sampson and it wasn’t any different for Juston Gorham. The Maryland native left Towson after 2 years having only attempted 14 three’s and when he left Houston, he had taken 81 three’s and continues to do so as a professional player in Germany for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He probably hadn’t even had his first meal on the campus of Houston in 2018 when he had to redshirt and was probably already in the gym beginning to improve his three pointer. ‘I always could shoot, but I played more the 5 at Towson and wasn’t on the perimeter’, remembered Juston Gorham. When he arrived in Houston that all changed. He felt like he was in the gym all day. He would be shooting for 2 hours before a game and 2 hours after a game. He would shoot from 4 spots on the court and have to drain 6/8 shots. ‘Coach Kellen just wouldn’t let me go after practice. I would put in many reps and I never took a day off. If I got tired and my shot was flat, he would tell me to raise my shot and stay off the front rim. Coach always told me that sweat equity was key. The time I put in will affect my shot’, stressed Justin Gorham (201-F-98, college: Houston)

The American who lists ex UConn (NCAA) and current Charlotte (NBA) guard James Bouknight as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on August 6th, 1998 in Columbia, Maryland. He began his basketball career at Calvert Hall high school. He was a 3 star recruit who then committed to play at Towson University and picked it so he could be close to his dad who had been diagnosed with duodenal cancer. He played at Towson University from 2016-2018 playing a total of 64 NCAA games. In his freshman year he averaged 2,8ppg and 2,8rpg while playing only 10 minutes per game. He made a huge jump in his sophomore year averaging 23 minutes and 9.8ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 70.9%. He scored in double figures in 14 games including a 28/12 explosion against Northeastern and 21/12 against Delaware and 20/12 against Hofstra. His game was able to grow nicely under head coach Pat Sherry. ‘He embodied Toughness and rebounding in me. He also introduced the value of rebounding. It was really helpful to go to Towson my first years’, stated Justin Gorham Despite his rapid rise in his second year, he decided to leave the school and go to the University Of Houston. He left Towson on a good note and just wanted a change of scenery. The American also wanted to get an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament something he would earn as a senior.

The forward who lists four Houston teammates as his best of all-time with Dejon Jarreau, Quentin Grimes, Brison Gresham and Marcus Sasser and Zane Martin averaged only 12 minutes per game as a junior averaging 3,0ppg and 2,5rpg, but as a senior made a rapid jump playing 27 minutes per game and averaging 8.4ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 67.4%. He was an instrumental factor in the magical Houston Final 4 run defeating CSU, Rutgers, Syracuse, and Oregon State before losing to Baylor. Especially the big win over Rutgers is one that he will never forget. ‘I remember the game against Rutgers a lot. I remember we were down by 6 points at the half. Coach was really on us for not defending and rebounding the way we should of. We were still down in the second half, but never gave up. We kept chipping away and fighting. One of our freshman made a big tip in to tie the game. We then made big stops down the stretch to pull out the win’, remembered Justin Gorham It was a tough senior season despite the success. With Covid you never knew what to expect and you had to stay locked it. The whole team had Covid at one point during the season. It was during tough times like this where a certain brotherhood developed for Gorham, especially with teammates Grimes and Jarreau. Assistant coach Kellen Sampson was so important for him developing his three, but head coach Kelvin Sampson also was vital in him being ready to be a professional player. ‘He is a Hall Of Fame coach that has NBA experience. He always preached defense and rebounding. He always stressed that we have to be an allstar at our role and always said having the right attitude and effort will help you get success. He pushed us each day’, remembered Justin Gorham

The American who lists Jordan, Lebron, Durant and Chamberlain on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Nothing has been easy for anyone since the outbreak of COVID as he had first experienced it in his junior season at Houston. Not knowing if games would be cancelled or how much of an affect players having covid would affect the success of the team was his biggest challenge. His rookie season has been successful on the court, but off the court being overseas for the first time has been a challenge coupled with COVID, but having seen so much off the court has made him stronger as a man. ‘I’m more aware of the little things that can be taken away. Maybe 5 years ago you wouldn’t of hand sanitizer around, but now you do’, said Justin Gorham His rookie season on the court has been an enjoyable one so far as his teammates have welcomed him with open arms and seeing how all the work the team has done since August come together has been special. His winning genes that he had in the NCAA with Houston has in a way also had an effect on the new winning culture in Bonn. ‘I think that coach’s winning ways in Crailsheim also have helped. I did a lot of the little things on the court at Houston and I brought those habits here which has helped my game and my team’, expressed Justin Gorham A big reason for the success has been new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The club is currently 12-3 and sitting in first place and have a healthy self-confidence that continues to grow. ‘Our secret is our chemistry. We all get a long and have a great vibe in practice. We all buy in to what coach preaches in practice and do it on the court. We all have a positive mindset and want to win. Coach doesn’t step away from what he preached at Crailsheim. We watch a lot of video from his time there. He continues to find different winning strategies and we follow them’, warned Justin Gorham Two teammates who have been extremely vital in him being able to play his game successfully have been top point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright and veteran Jeremy Morgan. ‘It has been a real pleasure playing with Parker. I was already familiar with him at Arizona. He is always in the paint and if he isn’t scoring when the defense collapses on him, then his great IQ helps him find his teammates. He isn’t one dimensional. Jeremy has been so important for me. He played with coach in the past and he told me what coach like and what he doesn’t like. He also helped me see how I can be successful in his system. He also has told me the little things I need to know and what work in order to be successful in Europe’, stated Justin Gorham

The 2021 NCAA Final Four player who believes that the Coming To American movie should have been left alone is a 201 cm forward that compares his game to his favorite player PJ Tucker a guy who rebounds and can make the three. But his new developed three pointer, rebounding and defense aren’t the only strengths in his game. ‘I feel like my decision making is good. I know when to make the extra pass and I also feel like my physicality is also something that my game profits from’, warned Justin Gorham He doesn’t only shine on the offensive end where he is currently averaging 8,2ppg and 5,1rpg and has scored in double figures in 6 games including 16 points against Bamberg, 15 points against MBC and 14 points against Ludwigsburg, but is also a solid defender. He definitely wants to continue to make strides on the defensive end so he can continue to climb the basketball ladder. ‘I can guard in the post and on the perimeter. But I’m working more on defending the perimeter. I don’t feel like it’s a weakness, but it is simply something I’m not used to. I want to better at not fouling the drive and just keeping my feet consistent’, stressed Justin Gorham He wants to improve his ball handling as well as his shooting something he worked so hard on together with Kellen Sampson and something that he won’t refrain doing. ‘I want my three to become more consistent. And if I’m not taking the three, then I want to have a consistent one dribble pull up. Shot selection is also important. I have to know when I’m open to shoot and if I’m taking a good shot. That will come with experience. If I’m open in the corner then I have to know that I have the green light as well as if I get the extra pass. I have to know the shot I’m taking is a rhythmic shot’, warned Justin Gorham One thing is for sure that sweat equity label that was instilled in his mind from Kellen Sampson is something that won’t ever disappear from him. He just invested way too much time in Houston to ever lose that sweat equity mentality.Tags

John Murry (192-G-95, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

After a big win over top team Herford, you lost 94-86 against Hagen Haspe. How much did this loss hurt?

It didn’t make sense to me because we beat them a few days earlier but after a good break we are back focused and ready for the second half of the season.

Take us a bit through the game. Did Grevenbroich have chances to win this game?

Yes we had plenty of chances but we didn’t seize the moment which will be the key for this half.

What was key in crunch-time for Hagen Haspe to gain the win?

We just didn’t get stops towards the end, too many mental mistakes on our end.

In basketball it is the little things that can decode a game. A few offensive rebounds more and possessions. How key were the little things tonight?

Yes, the little things and attention to detail is what we lacked in that game in order to get the win, but most definitely will bounce back in the end.

You had another big game with 28/5/7 stats. But those 6 turnovers must really be troubling you this week.

Yes it definitely did, I watched film a ton on that game to make sure those things don’t happen again.

Now you have a long break until January 8th. What will be your schedule. Will you go back to USA or be a gym rat in Germany?

Yes I will go back home for a few days to enjoy the holidays and see the family, also to reset mentally for the second half of the season.

You next play Bonn 2. What will be key to getting the win?

Attention to detail. Less turnovers and more stops down the stretch and with that we will be fine for more wins to come.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?
My favorite Christmas movies are home alone and the grinch.

Thanks John for the chat.

Jeremy Ingram (183-G-91, college: AAMU) is a 183cm point guard from Alabama playing his sixth professional season and second season with SG Mannheim (Regionalliga). He has played in Germany his whole career with teams like Speyer, TV Idstein and VFL Bensheim. Currently he is leading the whole German Regionalliga in scoring averaging an incredible 34,5ppg, 4,8rpg, 3,1apg and 3,0spg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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


I’m playing in Mannheim this season and I’m doing great, individually. As long as I’m playing the game I love I’m happy.

It has been more than a year since we last spoke. How have you experienced COVID-19 in the last year? How tough was it for your season abruptly ending ?

I lost a contract for a top league team in another country because of Covid ending the season, so I think that was the toughest thing about covid for me because that was kind of the Big Break I was looking for. I still struggle mentally for the missed opportunity, but I got faith I will get another good opportunity.

How did you stay active in the last year? Did the grind and your will to improve explode through the roof?

I stayed active even when all the gyms were closed because I have connections with a lot of people in my area of Germany. So there were only a few gyms open during covid and I had access to them so since Covid closed down everything, the only thing I could do was get in the gym and work on my game.

Are you afraid that COVID could end your season again? Currently the numbers are at it’s highest in Germany and lock downs could be possible again.

I mean of course I’m afraid because basketball is how I get paid and make money so I never like when covid ends our season.

You are leading the Regionalliga averaging an incredible 33,0ppg. How tough is it scoring at ease and being a top player but having a losing record?

I just look at the situation as all the work I’m putting in this season is going to make me only better and stronger as a player for the next season. But I’m still routing and pushing for my teammates to bounce back and get this thing rolling again like we did before we started this losing streak.

Your playing in Mannheim again. How nice is it going back to the place where you played your second professional season?

I love the organization and the organization loves me and that is always important. I know they appreciate the big contribution from me that led us to a championship and I appreciate them giving me the chance.

Mannheim began great with a 3 game winning streak, but since have had a 7 game losing streak. What have been the biggest reasons for this losing streak?

Well, as the on court leader of the team I take a lot of responsibility for this . I try to do everything I can for my team to be successful but things just haven’t been working out as of late. But a lack of full team practices is also a major factor because everyone has regular jobs besides basketball so it is hard for the whole team to be at all the practices.

How much did the tight loses against Reutlingen and Stuttgart hurt? Is Mannheim better than it’s record shows?

It hurts the most because these are 2 of the top teams in our league at the time and we barely lose because of a bad turnover or missed wide open shots late in the game. We always are beating these good teams and we always can never keep the lead to close in the game so I think we are a pretty decent team, we just need to find better ways to keep these big leads that we have.

What has it been like being reunited with Polish veteran Slawomir Klocek? Is he a role model for you? Do you still want to be playing at age 36?

I honestly love playing with him and against him in practice. He is 1 of the more skilled players I have played with since I’ve been in Germany and also 1 of the strongest. That’s definitely my guy , even when he is yelling at me for some of the shots I take.

How vital has it been having another massive scoring option like German Alexander Kuhn?

Without him, the team would have severe offensive problems. Alex is 1 of the best pure shooters I ever played with. Start of the season me and Alex together scored more points than the other team and won the game so that tells you how significant he is to our team , not just points but also Rebounding.

Your playing your best season as a professional. Are you in your prime now?

I say i am in my prime , but I know I can get even better with my work ethic so I will continue to Grind so I can keep improving.

What do you credit your exceptional play to? Just more hard work than usual?

Well with my age I’m becoming a smarter scorer and I’m learning my spots on the court, and I’m always trying to improve while others are asleep and content with their game, I’m out trying to be great.

How tough was it exploding for 48 points against Ludwigsburg, but losing by 38 points? Is a loss like that more on your mind than how you played?

Well , our 2nd leading scorer didn’t play that game and they brought all their professional players down to play against us. So I take pride in those 48 points because they double teamed and triple teamed me that whole game even with their pro players and they still couldn’t stop me so that’s definitely a hard earned 48.

There are a lot of many other good players in the Regionalliga. Do you keep tabs on them and watch what they are doing?

I am cool and friends with a few Americans in our league . And I communicate with other teams American players after these games just to meet new people.I’m sure all of us American players in this league keep up with how each other is playing.

You need no help in the scoring department. On what other area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to get better?

Well I always want to be an even better defender. I think I am a pretty decent perimeter defender but of course there is always room for improvement.

How big is your hunger to keep moving up the basketball ladder. With your current great play, are you already looking to next year and moving up to a higher league?

There is nothing else more important to me right now than to get back everything I feel the game of basketball owes me. I deserve to be playing in a top league somewhere and that’s where 100% of my focus is right now.

Do you feel like Scottie Pippen is hurting his own legacy with his critical words about his teammate Michael Jordan?

I mean Pippen has his own opinions and outlook on that situation. So I don’t judge him because you never know his side of the story because we all focus on Jordan. But I think whatever it is he tripping about, he should find a better way to express it.

Do you feel like Anthony Davis is underperforming for the Lakers? Shouldn’t he make the next step in his play? Is he a top 5 NBA player now?

I think injuries maybe a major factor on his performance but I was disappointed in him last season when Lebron got hurt and Davis couldn’t carry his team as he should. So I’ve been disappointed in AD.

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

I didn’t think it was horrible but I do think the storyline was all over the place and maybe they rushed a few things. Had a couple funny moments but they could have did better with the storyline definitely.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

It was a usual post game moment for me in Basketball City Mainhatten as I motioned Konstantin Schubert (200-SF-98) over to me for an interview. But he didn’t come right away. He wanted to greet his fan club. There had been about 15 family and friends at the game. There was a good reason why they were there. I’m the type of guy that usually likes to talk to one player of the Skyliners after games and usually it’s the same guy during the season as in the past I have enjoyed having guys like Phil Scrubb, Jason Clark or Quantez Robertson dissect basketball with me. With farm team Fraport Skyliners Juniors, I have mostly practiced the same procedure usually talking to one player in the past and usually the American whoever was on the team that season. Since this season there is no American, I decided to mostly talk with the charming German young man Konstantin Schubert who never denied an interview with me. On this Saturday evening a week before Christmas 2021, everything seemed normal to me, but it really wasn’t for Konstantin Schubert. He had just produced another superb game with 13 points and 14 boards (the second most rebounds in his career) in a blowout win against top team Dresden. As always he was flashing that million dollar smile that he has and then shock struck me when he said ‘this was my last game’. My first thought was why? This guy is only 23 years old and not even near his prime yet. It didn’t dawn to me right away, but that massive surprise moment I received reminded me of when Boris Becker told Pete Sampras after losing to him for the third straight time at Wimbledon in 1997 that that would be his last Wimbledon. Becker actually would play Wimbledon one more time in 1999 losing to Australian Patrick Rafter in the fourth round and then retire. I had always known that the German basketball player was a student so at second thought for him possibly making that next step and taking a possible new challenge off the court now didn’t seem strange to me. He decided to continue his masters in Oslo, Norway. He already knew some of the professors and they really wanted him to come. ‘It provides me with a unique opportunity to live in a new country that I never been in before. It is a step out of my comfort zone and will improve me as a human being but also help me with my studies’, stressed Konstantin Schubert.

The forward who isn’t much of a movie freak, but remembers ‘Going in style’ as the last movie that he watched had been juggling basketball and school for years and the decision to leave the Fraport Skyliners organization where he had been a part of for 8 years wasn’t easy. ‘It was a very tough decision! Especially since I’ m currently playing my best season of my career. I wasn’t expecting to get the great opportunity to go to Oslo but it is a huge opportunity to prepare me for my time after Basketball. It was definitely challenging to combine studies and basketball, especially as you miss out on a lot of free time. I was able to come up with schedules to complete both basketball and studies. I was always prepared and mentally ready for the next task since I hadn’t had the chance to relax and lay down. But it provided me with the opportunity to become a good basketball player and also have a good career after basketball’, commented Konstantin Schubert. He only played 7 easyCredit BBL games and I could understand that he wanted a new challenge and get a real job in the real world that would pay him a lot better than a Pro B salary, but that didn’t even figure into his decision. ‘To be honest, I don’t think that this would have changed anything about my studies. Since I already started my studies when I was still playing in NBBL and only 18 years old. I always wanted to finish my studies and that was always my priority’, stated Konstantin Schubert. He also had the luxury of being around so many great people in the organization and also had teammates who were juggling school and basketball. People like Tim Oldenburg who like Schubert also had to make the decision to choose basketball or a normal job decided to become a police man. ‘Tim is one of my favorite team teammates of all time. I was really young back in the days when Tim was my teammate, but he was kind of a role model how he managed to do both his career next to basketball and basketball. For him personally going into the police and for me to do my studies. So, he showed me kind of the path that there’s a way to combine basketball and studies. I didn’t ask him with this decision, but I think he influenced me early on with how he acted and how he wanted to have both basketball and the career after basketball’, remembered Konstantin Schubert. I had the feeling all through the interview that he still isn’t ruling out coming back to basketball one day, but how else should he feel when he played the game he loves so much for his whole young life. But then again when push comes to shove, he most likely will turn his back on basketball. ‘I’m not sure what will happen when I graduate but I can say that it could be an option. I’m not willing to rule out any possibility but my step into the business world will come sooner than later’, warned Konstantin Schubert.

Konstantin Schubert who lists ex NBA player Nick Johnson as his toughest opponent in his basketball career was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany and began his basketball career with BC New-Isenburg where he played a few seasons before coming to the Fraport Skyliners. It was only a matter of time before he would land in the Fraport Skyliners organization. As the famous American country singer Willie Nelson would say ‘The Fraport Skyliners were always on my mind’, said Konstantin Schubert. As a child, he was able to experience the Fraport arena as he had season tickets and visited every game. After the game he would race down to the court to take pictures with his idols and talk to them. ‘I always wanted to be play for them and one day be able to play in the Arena and take pictures with the fans after the games. And to be able to realize that dream, which I had since I was 10 years old is one of the biggest achievements, I made in my life this far’, remembered Konstantin Schubert. Like every little boy, he had his favorite players and he even had the luxury to later call one of them his teammate. ‘First, I must name Pascal Roller, as he was such a great player. Another Point Guard which I really liked was Dashaun Wood. Even though he was only in Frankfurt for one season, it was simply amazing to watch him play. And then it comes full circle again as you can’t talk about the Fraport Skyliners without mentioning Tez. To be able to share the court with him was a really nice moment for me’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. He began his career in Frankfurt with their youth team Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners and made his professional debut in the 2014-2015 season at the age of 16 with the Fraport Skyliners Juniors (Pro B) near the end of the season during the playoffs against the Rostock SeaWolves. He didn’t score in the first game playing 20 minutes, but in his second game, he demonstrated the talent that he had scoring 8 points in 15 minutes in the brutal 102-81 Loss. It was more than 6 years ago, but he remembers it as if it was yesterday. ‘I was really, really nervous! I knew when we made the long trip to Rostock that I probably will play but I didn’t know that it would be that much. And to be able to score quickly. Eight points in only 15 minutes was remarkable for me and I think it helped me a lot to be more confident in myself that I’m able to play at the age of 16 in the Pro B and I’m able to compete and that helped me a lot also in the summer then to improve my game and to be confident enough to say yeah, I can play at that level for sure I can’, remembered Konstantin Schubert.

The high flying forward who loves to run transition like a Quantez Robertson played his first full Pro B season in 2015-2016 averaging 14 minutes and 4,8ppg and 3,5rpg per game and right away set his mark in the first game of the season against Lich. In that game, he had to right away take responsibility at age 17 as the club had many sicknesses as a bug was going round. He stepped up playing 32 minutes and recorded his first double double of 12 points and 10 rebounds and added 2 steals and a block. A game like this was unbelievably important for his self-confidence. ‘It was amazing. It helped me to set a good tone for the season and show that I ‘m capable to become a good player for this team’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. He was also so very lucky having so many teammates that were so vital for his early development. Teammates like Niklas Kiel, Garai Zeeb, Stefan Ilzhoefer and Max Merz all became easyCredit BBL players and he couldn’t have found better mentors and young men helping him grow on and off the court. ‘I think all of them had a big influence on me. But if I have to pick somebody, it probably is Niklas or Garai. Because I spent the most time with them because they were my age. And especially with Niklas I worked a lot with because we played a similar position. He was so good, and I learned so much from him. But it was also amazing to share the court with Stefan and Max. With Max I remember one evening sitting in a hotel in Tuebingen around Christmas time. And we decided to go downstairs into the lobby and got a table there and started working on our study stuff. How he managed to transition from the basketball court into the business world is amazing to me and he is definitely a role model to me. In the end I’m just proud to have played with those guys’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. But it wasn’t only the young German teammates that had a massive impact on his game, but there was also the elder gentleman Marius Nolte. I had to gulp when I read that it has been more than 5 years since Marius Nolte played his last Pro B game and retired. I guess I’m getting old and time really does fly. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to have as a teammate than Marius Nolte. I conducted my first interview with him in 2006 in Paderborn and like Konstantin will always have fond memories of the big man. ‘Marius is a great guy. His game was so much about hustle. He just wanted it more than his opponents and he was willing to do the dirty work. He always wants to win. If it’s scrimmage in practice or a real game he always wanted to win. I was able to share the court with him at his last game in the Pro B Final in Urspring. He had an amazing career, and he was one of those guys I took pictures with when I was a kid with a season ticket. I still have a photo of him and myself when I was 14 years old or even younger’, said Konstantin Schubert. He scored in double figures in 4 games that season including hitting Saarlouis for 16 points in a win.

The 203cm forward who lists Cosmo Gruehn, Michael Fuss, Alvin Onyia, Mike Morrison, and Tim Oldenburg as his best five teammates of all-time arrived in the 2016-2017 season which would be a huge season in his career. He upped his status in the Pro B team, was a central player on the NBBL (U-19) team where he became an allstar and played together with future NBA player Isaac Bonga and Cosmo Gruehn and he would play his first easyCredit BBL game against top team FC Bayern Munich. ‘ That was kind of my breakout season. I always had the goal in mind to be an NBBL allstar. My first BBL game was also a big dream come through and was also on my bucket list. So, I had a lot of checks on my bucket list in that year. The nervousness against FC Bayern Munich was huge. I mean, we were down big. So, I mentally prepared myself that there could be an opportunity arising for me to get some minutes and to get my first BBL minutes. I remember most about that game that AJ English had a crazy fourth quarter crazy. I think he scored 22 points just in the fourth. He also passed me the ball for my three-point attempt and I remember after the game when we were going to the hotel and getting food, he was like, damn Konsti I was looking for you’, smiled Konstantin Schubert. There aren’t many young German players that have had the opportunity to share the court on a daily basis and hang out with a future NBA player the way he did with Isaac Bonga. I remember at times in the 2016-2017 season checking the NBA mock drafts and seeing Bonga second to the great Luka Doncic from European players. Schubert was able to experience from close hand how Bonga dealt with all the hoopla and commotion. ‘I remember that time pretty well. I remember personally when the Lakers, GM Rob Pelinka was in the Fraport arena, and we were sitting in the VIP lounge after the game, and he was asking me how Isaac is off the court and how he’s as a human being. It was amazing to see how Isaac responded to all the pressure. I mean, he just continued playing and he didn’t mind at all what other guys were saying how many scouts were there at practice etc. He was just focusing to become a better player. I’m still in contact with him to this point, and it’s just amazing how well he has evolved over the time and it’s always nice to see him when he’s back in Frankfurt’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. If you didn’t know Isaac Bonga personally then you didn’t know how he was off the court. On the court he seemed so focused. I think I saw him smile three times during that season, but off the court he was a different person. ‘I think he is more of a quiet guy in basketball settings. He is just focusing on the basketball court because he’s really determined to win. But if he is with his teammates and friends, he is also a guy who starts singing and dancing. So, he’s really outgoing. I still have a good relationship with him to this point’, expressed Konstantin Schubert. In the Pro B he heightened his minutes to 21 minutes and increased his stats to 7,1ppg, 4,5rpg and 1,9apg. He scored in double figures in seven games including 16 points apiece against FC Bayern Munich and Wurzburg.

The highlight of his career was in 2017-2018 as he became a easyCredit BBL player and had his second best Pro B season. He played 6 BBL games that season scoring his only BBL bucket against Bayreuth and in the Pro B he increased his minutes to 23 and averaged 8,3ppg, 4,1rpg and 1,8apg. ‘This season was the next step for me personally. I was able to be full time BBL and I didn’t even practice once with the Pro B team. I just practiced with the BBL team and was at almost every game. Even though I only played in six games, I was there for every practice and for almost every game’, stated Konstantin Schubert. Even if he only scored 2 easyCredit BBL points, it is something that nobody will ever be able to take away from him. There are 1000’s of guys in Germany that would die to play in the BBL. He will never forget his lone basket against medi Bayreuth. ‘I actually have a clip of those two points stored at my phone, but I don’t look at it too much. But it’s in my back pocket and I will for sure, go back to it when it’s all said and done’, said Konstantin Schubert. In that game he played against the likes of Nate Linhart and Demon Brooks who became established pro’s overseas and Gabe York who recently signed with the Orlando Magic as he has benefited from COVID with so many NBA players being out. I personally always thought that he had a BBL body and could develop slowly into a solid BBL player. Head coach Gordon Herbert gave him a chance to play. ‘Konstantin is a great kid that has a tremendous work ethic and really good knowledge of the game. He was great for the Pro B and was always ready to help the BBL team when needed. It was a pleasure to work with him and I’m wishing him all the best going forward’, warned German national team coach Gordon Herbert. It was a shame that he wasn’t able to make a BBL career like other players. ‘ In the end it was my body since I was facing a lot of injuries problems during my career’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. In the Pro B he scored in double figures in 9 games that season and saved his best for last averaging 17,0ppg and 7,0rpg in the playoff series against Bochum which Frankfurt lost. He scored 21 and 18 points in the series and had some other good games dropping 18 points against Schwelm and 17 points against Wurzburg. ‘I remember that series well. The first game against Bochum is probably one of my top two games that I ever-played in. We were down by numbers, and nobody believed in us. To then go to overtime with a three-point buzzer beater from Michael Fuss and then win it in OT was a great feeling! And yeah, I played personally well, too, but I’m still a little upset that we lost that series’, commented Konstantin Schubert.

For the German who lists Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore knows one of the worst things about being a professional athlete is having to deal with injuries. This was something that he couldn’t avoid. From 2018-2021, he suffered injuries and played only 24 pro B games. In 2020-2021, he played only one game against Erfurt registering 6 points and 6 rebounds, but suffered a metatarsal fracture in his foot ending his season. So did all the injury woes have an influence on him ending basketball now and going to Oslo for the next chapter in his life. ‘The injuries were really challenging! It was a long rehab and it was tough to continue to push to continue to get treatment, to work out, to keep me mentally prepared that there will be an opportunity arising at some point. And I’m so happy that I didn’t give up that I kept grinding and being able to play this season that well as I’m playing. Having almost career highs in rebounds and achieved a new career high in points. So, the hard work was worth it. My decision to go to Oslo was not about my injuries but sure maybe if I hadn’t had the injuries I would be in a different position right now and maybe would go a different way with my career’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. To go out on a high now is huge for the German because as he was having his bast season as a professional player. He finished 2021-2022 having played 13 games averaging 12,5ppg, 5,2rpg and 2,2apg. He scored 23 points back to back against Karlsruhe and Speyer and socred a career high 24 points in his last game an exciting 83-81 victory against FC Bayern Munich 2 Now one has to wonder if he will get second doubts about stopping to play and wonder what would have been had he continued to play? ‘I would actually say it is the other way around I’m really happy that I was able to come back after two devastating injuries and to be able to show everybody that I still got it. Oslo is the next step for me on my way to the business world and who knows what will happen next year’, said Konstantin Schubert. He also was very fortunate to have been able to play together with his brother Bennet Schubert. ‘It was always a goal to play together with my brother. In rehab it motivated me a lot to reach this goal and one of the main reasons why I wanted to continue to play. I’m really proud of how he has developed into a great player and I’m sure that in the future he will be even better’, warned Konstantin Schubert. Two guys that were so important in his basketball career were Niklas Kiel who had a huge influence on him when he was 16-17 years old and helped him improve and he took a lot from his game and of course German head coach Sebastian Gleim who currently is making waves with the Hakro Merlins. ‘If Sebastian wouldn’t have believed in me, I wouldn’t be in the position as I’m today. It’s as simple as that. I’m extremely grateful what he did for me! He took me under his wing and helped me develop early on coming out of JBBL. He believed in me and helped to improve my game so much. He worked a lot with me really long hours, individual workouts and he really believed that I could become a good player. He helped me grow on the basketball court but also off the basketball court. I’m still in contact with him and ask him for advice’, added Konstantin Schubert. ‘Konstantin Schubert is for me and my coaching career the best example for a young man and player that got the most out of his personal limit. He recognized this and never gave up. I really appreciated coaching him’, stated Sebastian Gleim.

Konstantin Schubert played 8 years in the Fraport Skyliners organization and it was his family. He was a huge part of the youth program at a time where the organization was known as having the best youth program in Germany. He then became one of the key German players year for year in the Pro B. Not only did he grow on the court, but he also developed from a young teenager into a man. He will never forget this experience. ‘I grew from a boy into a man being a Fraport Skyliner and I really embraced the role to be the local guy from Frankfurt. Like mentioned before I was a fan of the team growing up and I will continue to be a fan for the rest of my life. I will stay in contact and I’m grateful for all the great people I have met during my 8 years in the organization! Especially I want to mention Sid at this point and thank him for all the help during the years’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. I will always have very fond memories of Konstantin Schubert. I like to get excited when Fraport Skyliners make big plays and baskets during my play by play commentary and have to admit, I’m a bit sad that I first came up with my special nickname Konstantin ‘The High Flyer’ Schubert nickname in this season. I really would have enjoyed yelling it more during big three’s or dunks. For me he was a player that was a modern day power forward. A guy that could bang inside and a lot of times would fight and scoop down rebounds over two or three defenders stronger than him, but his wit and anticipation got him the ball, but he also never was shy to step outside and bang home a three pointer. His defense and passing was underrated and probably my favorite part of his game was when he sprinted down the court on transition like a deer and finished the fast break with a lethal dunk. He didn’t look like a basketball player as he was very clean cut and looked more like a young professor or a young Charlie Sheen with blond hair form the movie Wall Street. I covered him for 8 years and it was a pleasure. I’m very happy that he was able to notice my work over the years. ‘For me you are a big part of my journey! You were there at almost every game, and I enjoyed our interviews after the games a lot! I will always remember how much energy and passion you gave while commentating the games. You knew every stat even when a player was new in the league. I’m thankful for the great articles and will remember you as a great guy who loves the game and puts a lot of effort to promote how great it is’, said Konstantin Schubert. I’m sure that he will go his way and be successful in the professional world off the court. All the best Konsti and please don’t forget basketball. You will be missed.