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 Stanley on a huge 88-84 win against the Artland Dragons. How good does it feel starting off 2022 with a win?


It feels pretty nice to start the new year off with a win. A road win, as we know it’s not easy to win let alone on the road so I’m glad we were able to pull this one out!

Another crunch-time win for PS Karlsruhe. Are you guys slowly enjoying winning these nail bitters?

Well of course we’d like to win a game much more comfortable but we’ll take win however it comes. This close games shows our grit, and can help us in ways. However, we still have to build better habits and continue to improve.

The first half was very tight as the Artland Dragons led 45-44. Why couldn’t any team get away form the other?

It was back and forth in first half, neither team really took a step back. As we know, the game is 40 minutes, can’t win a game at the half so we knew we had our work cut out for us. We remained composed and was able to win the second half and get the win.

PS Karlsruhe took control in the third continuing to execute well on offense and had their best quarter on defense. What adjustments did the team make?

We were able to get into a nice rhythm, we hit some shots which helped us stay right there in striking distance. Our defense still wasn’t great but our offense held on somewhat.

How good did it feel making a basket and free throws in the last 12 seconds? How much of in attack mode are you in moments like that?

Our team needed a basket to take the lead, in those moments I have the trust of my teammates and coaching staff, so I just tried to make a play.

Was having the better nerves and possible more depth important factors at the end for pulling out the win?

I think just being in those situations in prior games, we gained some experience from those previous matches and stayed composed. I think that was an important factor.

Talk a little about what it was playing against veteran Demetrius Ward and young kid Zach Ensminger? What was toughest in containing them?

Both two good players that plays well for their team. Ward is a more bigger body that understands his spots on the floor and where he’s effective at. Ensminger had decent talent and some good skills.

You had another solid game of 19/4/8. What do you want to achieve most with your personal game in 2022?

I just want to continue to develop all aspects of my game. That’s all.

The next game is against Itzehoe. What will be key to extending the winning streak to 7 games?

We have a make up game against Bremerhaven Thursday the 6th. Another big test for our group, we have to prepare well throughout the week and be ready for a game.

How did you experience going into 2022? Did you notice that there was more fireworks than last year? It seems like people just are getting sick of all the restrictions.

I can’t really say honestly, I was asleep through the initial welcoming into the new year, both this year and last year so I can’t really say. Just blessed to be able to see the start of another new year!

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Osasumwen Osaghae (206-F-98, college: FIU) is a 23 year old 206cm forward from Miami playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the MLP Academics. Last season as a rookie he played with Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 17 games averaging 13.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (2.0bpg), FGP: 62.1%, FT: 70.8%. He began his basketball career at Southridge High School and then played at Florida International University (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing 91 8.3ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 59.9%, FT: 60.4% and 12.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.6bpg, FGP: 69.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Osasu for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed are you to be able to play the game you love considering that basketball life wasn’t that easy in high school and the first few years

I feel extremely blessed. I’m grateful for where I am especially considering my path to here was never straightforward

Your playing your second professional season and first in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg and have been out since the start of November. How tough is it at the moment trying to get back from an injury? You have had experience with injuries having had a bone contusion?

it’s very tough but I’m trying to deal with us as best as I can and focus on what’s important. Controlling what I can control. I’ve had injuries in the past but nothing maybe as serious as this one

Your averaging 5,0ppg and 5,0rpg until your injury hit. How big of an adjustment has it been coming from the Finish league to the easyCredit BBL one of the top leagues in Europe?

I think there’s definitely a difference, unfortunately I haven’t played many games so I’ve yet to catch a rhythm yet but having watched a lot of games I’m learning and think adjusting shouldn’t be a problem

The team had a great start winning 4 of 5 games and since have a very long losing streak. Did teams figure you out better? You did lose a few close games as well.

I think teams definitely started paying more attention to us but as well as that maybe we could also have done some things better, I think we must just keep working and keep our head down

What kind of an experience has it been playing for head coach Frenki Ignatovic? He is one of those guys that paid his dues in the second division and helped lead the team into the first division. How have you profited from his coaching philosophy?

it’s great working with him. First and foremost as a man he’s a great guy nice and always there to help with anything. I’m learning a lot and I think he’s a great coach who is very passionate and works hard to get here and deserves it 100%

What kind of an experience has it been playing with inside/out player Brekkot Chapman? How do you remember the battles with him in practice before you got injured?

It’s great playing with him. The game comes easy to him and he’s a great player for us. Very competitive before I got injured but great teamate always.

You’re a 206cm forward that can score, rebound and block shots. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

The player I’ve maybe gotten the most comparisons to in college was maybe Clint Capela so maybe I will say him but personally I don’t know if I’m similar to anyone very much

What other strengths does your game incorporate besides scoring rebounding and shot blocking?

I think I’m very instinctual and just on court awareness. And I’m constantly working to improve other areas of my game.

You’re an incredible shot blocker averaging 3 a game in your last 2 seasons in the NCAA. What is your secret to shot blocking? Do you watch a lot of film on players?

I do watch a good amount of film. I think film and instincts have been my greatest help but maybe be not necessarily film on others specifically. More so just basketball in general or watching other great shot blockers

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

Not to be cliche but everything. Currently I’m focused on just getting back healthy though

You played your rookie season with Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (2.0bpg), FGP: 62.1%, FT: 70.8%. What do you remember being your wake upcall to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I think honestly the first day when I realized how cold it was compared to Miami. It took some time to get settled.

You lost a tough 5 games finals series to Vilpas. How important do you feel was experiencing this as a rookie for your competitive nature?

I think everything happens for a reason and I learned a lot during that series on the court and off of it.

How important was teammate Anthony Hilliard for you as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?

He was great and would always offer advice to me and other young guys. Definitely was someone we looked to in terms of professionalism.

You played at Florida International university. How tough were the first two years where you didn’t play much. What did you learn about yourself in that time and what discipline means?

I learned how to be patient and also developed an edge because I wasn’t content with my role. It was tough but made me who I am today.

In your last two years in the NCAA you averaged 8.3ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 59.9%, FT: 60.4% and 12.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.6bpg, FGP: 69.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.8%. How do you feel did your game grow most in your last two years?

I think my last two years my confidence was The biggest factor and helped me play freely and express myself on the court.

You reached the NCAA tournament in 2019 beating Texas State and losing to Green Bay. What was your fondest memory being part of the big dance?

The memories and challenges we had to overcome to get there

You had 8 blocks as a senior against Ave Maria and Stetson. Have you ever thought about recording a triple double with points, rebounds and blocks?

Yes honestly but it’s not my main focus. It would be great though

How did head coach Jeremy Ballard groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He was great with me. Was like a mentor figure. Broke down the game to me better than I ever had it done before so I’m forever grateful to him

Who won a one on one in practice you or Dimon Carrigan?

Honestly we’ve never even played 1 on 1 but if we did he knows the answer.

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

Hard to say but maybe Reggie Perry or Chris Silva

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Antonio Daye
Devon Andrews
Cam Corcoran
Eric Lockett
Dimon Carrigan

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

Lebron
Giannis Antetokounpo
Shaq

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

Personally I never watched Jordan so I have to say Lebron

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

Unfortunately I haven’t but I’ve heard that it was bad.

Thanks Osasu for the chat.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright (176-PG-95, college: Arizona) is a 26 year old 176cm point guard from Los Angeles, California playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He played at the University of Arizona (NCAA) from 2014-2018 reaching the NCAA Elite 8 and two NCAA Sweet 16’sand winning three Pac 12 tournaments. He played his rookie season for the G-League team Westchester Knicks and then came overseas playing for the Cheshire Phoenix (United Kingdom-BBL) and last season for the Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (France-ProB) playing 33 games averaging 15.6ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 81-76 loss on the road against the Hakro Merlins

A tough 81-76 loss last night to top team Telekom Baskets Bonn. How tough was the bus ride home? What were your main thoughts concerning that loss?

It wasn’t that tough. I didn’t have a great taste in my mouth. Losing yesterday in Crailsheim was an unusual feeling, because we hadn’t lost in two months. Now we have to get back to work and focus on getting better. It is a long season and you can’t get down.

The magical Bonn 9 game losing streak was stopped. How much of a blessing in disguise is it sometimes for having wining streaks lost? You have always told me that the club prides itself on getting better each new day no matter what?

When your winning you don’t want to get complacent. I think that during a winning streak, you can lose sight of still being able to improve and get better. We know that we are a good team and know that we still have room for improvement. We can tell now that teams are focusing on us more now and wanting to take our strengths away. We need to be more diligent in our work.

After 10 minutes of play the Telekom Baskets Bonn had the commanding 26-9 lead. Did that quick lead and commanding 17-2 run at the end of the first quarter surprise you a bit?

A little bit. We started well, were physical, attacked and some balls did go our way. It was very loud in the arena and the good start helped, but we need to play well for 40 minutes and not just 18 minutes. Hat’s off to them. They never wavered. They took our punches and countered.

In the second quarter Crailsheim stepped up the offense as if it was nothing scoring 28 points, but were still down by 10 points at the break. Was it the sheer aggressiveness of TJ Shorts that picked up the Merlins offense in the second quarter?

I think that it was a multiple of things. We weren’t able to contain Shorts as they played off his energy and their ball movement was very good. They really move the ball well. Shorts does a good job of spraying the ball around and Stuckey hits the shots. We were too careless with the ball and didn’t value our possesses. We had 17 turnovers. It is hard to win against a team like that when you play like that.

The Hakro Merlins continued to get better allowing only 11 points in the third quarter to dead lock the contest. Was it more their defense or the Bonn offense not executing the way it should have?

I thought it was both. Credit to them for getting us out of our rhythm. They were very aggressive and played physical. Their coach did a good job of giving us different looks on defense. We couldn’t match their intensity in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter it was 0-0. The game was a back and forth battle. Does one notice how intensive the game is despite it not having that sold out arena atmosphere?

It was a good atmosphere. Their gym isn’t that big. It felt very loud and many people were there.

The Merlins stepped up the defense in crunch-time. What do you feel was key for the opponent being able to grind it out?

They took away our advantages, got in the paint and did bing bing finding their open shooters. Plus my turnovers helped it be a combination of the two. They were really physical and their big man was always jumping around and got the ball from me. Switching the defense on us was a turning point.

Do you feel like the Merlins had an edge knowing how Tuomas Iisalo works as a coach?
He built the house there and it is a compliment to the work he put in. Teams like to emulate good teams. I think he took a page from him. You see how good defense they play. I would have liked to have gotten a win for our coach.

What is it in general like playing against TJ Shorts? Are you and him the two fastest players in the easyCredit BBL?

I know that he is the fastest that I have ever played against. I can’t ever remembering playing against a player as fast as him. I think another guy that is up there with us is Justin Robinson. He has a nice burst. You can’t guard him 1-1. You need multiple guys on him. He puts so much pressure on you.

Right now you and him are 1-2 in MVP voting If I chose. Do you follow how he is doing on a week to week basis?

I follow the league and am aware what he does. I think that there is mutual respect among us. We both are in the same position in that we try to do our job and lead our team. I think that we will both be there at the end of the season. It was fun playing against him and next time it will be pay back time.

Who would win a one on one on a neutral court you or TJ Shorts?

I would say that it would be a close game depending who got the ball first. I will take myself and I’m sure he would do the same. It would be fun. If one gets a step on the other then it would be hard to stop

The Telekom Baskets Bonn have some huge games coming up. Do you feel like despite the loss that the team mentality is strong enough to wipe off your mouths and start a new winning streak?

Absolutely. Win or lose there is never a drop in our mentality. In our nine game winning streak, there wasn’t a day we took it easy. We are the same way each day. I’m kind of glad we lost, because we can get the rest of the BS out of the way and focus on the next game. It is exciting as we still have a full season and we still have a big gap of time where we can improve.

Will the team character show in the next games how strong it is against teams like Hamburg, Bamberg and Munich?

We have no choice but to show our character. We respect our opponents and understand that anyone can make noise in this league. I think that we have done a good job this season not taking anyone for granted. I think that we can achieve another 9 game winning streak. We have to go game by game and always stay focused.

How excited are you to play against BBL legend Rickey Paulding again? In the first game you won a close 78-76 affair where you had 21 points. He is retiring after this season?

We went neck to neck with them. One more bounce and they could have won. I pay respect to his career. He is like a true hero. I only played against him once but that one time was an incredible battle. It will be fun to play against him again.

You continue to put up consistent stats and have really upped your playmaking in the last 3 games averaging 11 per game. Do you feel like Bonn is at it’s best when your scoring or being able to focus more on facilitating?

My natural being and best aspect of my game is clearly playmaking for others. When I am able to do that then I thrive. If you look at my career so far then playmaking has by far been my best asset. I got better at scoring overtime and can utilize it when I need to. My biggest challenge now is to take better care of the ball and value it more. I want to continue to get better as a playmaker.

How did you enjoy your first Christmas in Germany? Was it any different than in the other countries you were in the last years?

It was different because my mom visited me. I was able to relax and took in the city. Last season I was alone. It was good to have that family loving here. This was one of my favorite Christmas’s ever.

How was the whole New Year experience in Bonn? Were their any fireworks that you could enjoy or did the whole COVID feeling get in the way?

There were a lot of fireworks at 12. People were blasting fireworks all over the city. I have never really been the type of person that gets out. It didn’t matter if COVID ruined plans, because I’m always at home.

I recently read that some basketball expert said Lebron James is the best player ever and Michael Jordan the greatest of all-time. Does that finally end that long debate?

It is hard to compare them. I didn’t grow up on Jordan. I watched his highlights and know that he is a great player. I grew up on Lebron and he is my GOAT. The debate will never end. It depends on your taste. Everybody has their own GOAT.

Thanks Parker for the chat.

TJ Shorts (175-PG-97, college: UC Davis) is a 24 year old 175cm point guard from Tustin, California playing his third professional season and second in Germany and first with the Hakro Merlins. Last season with the Hamburg Towers he averaged 14.3ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), Steals-3 (1.7spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 71.8%. In his rookie season he played with with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) playing 12 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 14.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-4 (6.3apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 82.4%; and played 20 LatEstBL games averaging 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.6%. He began his basketball career at Tustin High School and then played two years at Saddleback JC (JUCO) He finished at the University of California – Davis (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 14.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7% and in his senior year averaged 15.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 71.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after defeating top easyCredit BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn 81-76.

Congrats on the big 81-76 win over top team Telekom Baskets Bonn. To how much % were the Hakro Merlins able to execute the game plan from head coach Sebastian Gleim?

I would say we executed the game plan of coach with the exception of the first quarter where we started off very slow. They beat us up pretty bad with the rebound. They are a very talented team and you won’t be able to stop everything. We did a good job controlling the game from the second quarter to the end.

After 10 minutes of play the Telekom Baskets Bonn had the commanding 26-9 lead. Did the Merlins stay out too long and New Years eve? You actually started ok but gave up a 17-2 run to end the first quarter
We knew coming in that they are a very good team. After it was 9-7, they punched us in the mouth and found a good rhythm. We did a good job not panicking or being flustered after that run. We got focused on finding a defensive rhythm and when we can do that then we can compete with anyone one.

In the second quarter you stepped up the offense as if it was nothing scoring 28 points, but were still down by 10 points at the break. Was it your sheer aggressiveness that picked up the Merlins offense in the second quarter?

Yes definitely. One of the keys was being aggressive. When we found our rhythm, we finally felt like we could dictate the game and we did. In the second quarter, we hit them first and didn’t let them hit us back. Once we got into our flow, we were able to change the mind set of the game.

What did head coach Sebastian Gleim tell you at the break? The team stepped up their defense allowing only 11 points.

He got on us at the break. He asked if we wanted to take our defensive task personal. We came into the third quarter with the mind set that we would make every bucket tough for Bonn. We made a collective effort and executed well on the defensive end.

In the fourth quarter it was tied and must of felt like 0-0. The game was a back and fourth battle. Does one notice how intensive the game is despite it not having that sold out arena atmosphere?

It has been tough with Covid. I think that we were allowed to have like 500 fans in the arena. It wasn’t as loud as the previous games, but our fans still did a great job helping us bring energy and being loud. I’m very thankful for the great support of our fans.

Terrell Harris stepped up big in crunch-time with two key three pointers. You made the assist on his last three that sealed the win. How glad are you that a guy like that is on your team?

I’m super glad to have him on our team. He is a guy with a lot of experience. He has played something like 6-7 years overseas. With the kind of situation that we were in, you can’t help but be grateful that you have a player like that. When he is in rhythm, he is a key asset for us in winning close games.

The Merlins stepped up the defense in crunch-time. Did you watch any extra film on Parker Jackson-Cartwright who had 5 turnovers.

We watched a lot of the team aspects of them on film and the things that they do. We also watched personal clips of him. We knew what he could do. He can change the game at all times. He was key in our scouting report. I thought that we did a good job on him.

What is it in general like playing against Parker Jackson-Cartwright? Are you and him the two fastest players in the easyCredit BBL?

Yes I would think that we are the two fastest in the league. Everybody wants to see us battle. Nobody backs down from the other. We bring competitiveness and spirit to the atmosphere. Neiter of us wants to let up for our teams. We had a small battle within the battle, but ultimately it was about the team.

Right now you and him are 1-2 in MVP voting if I had tochose. Do you follow how he is doing on a week to week basis?
I don’t necessarily follow what he does. If were off and Bonn is playing, I might watch them play. I’m really not focused on what he does, but more focused on my team.

Who would win a one on one on a neutral court you or Parker Jackson-Cartwright?

I would have to go with myself. I have confidence in what I do. It would be a fun battle, but I have to rock with myself.

The Hakro Merlins have a 4 game winning streak having beaten Munich, Bamberg, Chemnitz and Bonn. Are you guys playing your best basketball at the moment?

I think that at the moment, we are playing some very good basketball. I don’t know if it is actually our best this season. I think that as a whole we are heading in the right direction. We still need to work on a lot of things. We want to keep this rhythm going and try to continue the winning streak so we can secure a playoff spot.

How much credit does one have to give head coach Sebastian Gleim? One could say that he has taken over the system from Tuomas Iisalo, but isn’t that a bit unfair?

Coach deserves a lot of credit. He came in with a vision and brought new players. He has had success and you have to give him credit with how he scouted and his style. Hat’s off to him for what he has done. People could have said ‘Oh well Tuomas is gone and now the ship will sink, but coach came in and kept it going’.

This season your averaging 19/4/7 in 5 minutes more than last season. You have really raised your stats. How do you explain your rise in your game?

I think a lot is a testament of the work I put in last summer. I continue to elevate my game. I’m a key factor at a starting position and have a lot of more responsibility. Obviously with more minutes, it has helped me raise my stats. I have let my work show and have trusted the work that I have put in.

When you put up stats like that in the easyCredit BBL, how can you still raise your game more in the second half?

I have always had the mindset that I always want to get better. I have had to grind for everything in my career and had to get out of the mud. I’m never satisfied with my game and always want to elevate it. I can’t ever get in the mind set that I played well and am satisfied. I always want to grow and do more. That has always been my mind set.

You had 2 steals and 2 blocks against Bonn. Talk a little about the development of your defense in Gleim’s system?

I think the success to playing good defense starts with the work that we put in in the summer. We worked on becoming good 1-1 defenders. You have to be ready to defend against a good guard like Cartwright. You have to trust your work and understand that you can get beat on defense, but that you should always try to make as tough as possible for your opponent.

How did you enjoy your second Christmas in Germany? Was it any different than in the other countries you were in the last years?

Christmas was good. I spent it with teammates. We had a nice dinner. With COVID you had to be careful. It is tough for Americans being away from home, but with technology and the click of a button you can see family face to face. I connected with my family and opened gifts virtually

How was the whole New Year experience in Crailsheim? Were their any fire works that you could enjoy or did the whole COVID feeling get in the way?

A little bit of COVID was in the way. At midnight I saw fireworks. Even if you have to be careful with COVID, I was still able to enjoy it and am blessed to se a new year.

I recently read that some basketball expert said Lebron James is the best player ever and Michael Jordan the greatest of all-time. Does that finally end that long debate?

This debate will continue to go on for a long time. The old heads go with Jordan and the younger people with Lebron. I never saw Jordan play because I’m too young, but I have seen his videos on You Tube. For me Lebron is the GOAT. I don’t know if we have ever seen someone do what he can do especially at his age. I don’t think people really can comprehend what he can still do at his age. Both are top 2 to have ever touched the ball.

Thanks TJ for the chat.

The new home of the EPG Baskets the CGM arena so far has proven to be a very comfortable living room for the ambitious club who’s Pro A aspirations is no secret as they had won all three games against Hanau, Dresden and Erfurt since making it their new permanent home in November 2021. They wanted to keep their positive unbeaten streak alive, but had to confront the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos who are a dangerous team, but surprisingly only in 10th place with a disappointing 4-8 record. The club could easily be 8-4 and challenging Koblenz for the Pro B south title, but 4 brutal crunch-time loses had hindered them from being able to display a better record. For fans seeing German dino Johannes Lischka is always a treat as he belongs to the top power forwards in the league. On a untypical warm Sunday afternoon only a day after the new year the EPG Baskets Koblenz welcomed Giessen and as usual had their ups and downs, but were able to put together a dominant second half where their offense played team basketball and on defense they stepped up their aggressiveness allowing only 26 points propelling them to the 83-65 victory and remained unbeaten in their new living room the CGM arena. EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein was in good spirits after the win even if the team still hasn’t put together a complete effort for 40 minutes. ‘We dominated the second half and played 4 minutes of incredible basketball. The 10-0 run in the third quarter was the turning point of the game. We were more aggressive on defense and defended Lischka better and he got tired’, stressed Thomas Klein. Giessen played their typical game that centered around their trio of superstars with Lischka, Uhlemann and Scott and Koblenz controlled them better in the second half while the rest of the team combined only for 21 of the 65 points that simply wasn’t enough to combat a very potent Koblenz team in the second half. ‘We have skilled players among the young German players. I feel like they have to be more aggressive and just believe more in themselves. Our defense was lazy today. We have to play better defense’, stressed Giessen guard Montrael Scott.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz got off to a great start despite allowing ex easyCredit BBL player Johannes Lischka to get an easy basket where it looked like he just threw up a shot and knew that he would have to get the rebound. He made a put back and sometimes you have to wonder who is more of a walking bucket him or Koblenz forward Brian Butler (196-F-91). Koblenz then fired back with a lethal 8-0 run to take the 8-3 lead. In the run Koblenz got superb production from ex Bremerhaven guard Dominique Johnson who scored three buckets while ex Giessen guard Lucas Mayer nailed a 20 footer. Koblenz had established a sound offensive rhythm early on while the guests played uninspired on the offensive end. But Giessen didn’t lay back, but attacked Koblenz and got easy baskets form their top players Uhlemann and Scott. A big problem in the first half for the EPG Baskets Koblenz was their 1-1 defense and trying to defend drive by’s. They were allowing way too much room for these players to operate. Giessen received some baskets from Lischka and young German Tim Schneider to cut the Koblenz advantage to 14-11. Giessen really relied on their 1-1 play as there was hardly any set play or team ball to be seen. Koblenz got some big baskets down the stretch from ex Leverkusen guard Marvin Heckel and German Jacob Mampuya, but they were unable to shake Giessen. Giessen continued to rely on their trio of superstars and Montrael Scott closed out the first quarter. ‘We had ups and downs in the first quarter and had rhythm problems. We had easy turnovers and allowed Lischka to get the ball too much. We were lucky because he was missing a lot and Uhlemann wasn’t having a great day either’, stressed Thomas Klein.

In the second quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz played better leading by as much as 9 points, but they still were incapable of supplying the knock out punch. The EPG Baskets Came out of the gate strong carving out a 8-0 run to extend their lead to 29-20. In the lead the ambitious pro A team got valuable support from Brian Butler who secured a few offensive rebounds and made a put back while Marvin Heckel made a runner and Lucas Mayer made a lay in. The offense of Koblenz was more fluid and they got more easy looks while Giessen continued to have no real offensive plan except for their three stars to create for each other. The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to control the game, but here and there they had turnovers as they rushed things on offense and continued to allow easy baskets on 1-1. Uhlemann hit a three pointer and the fierce quickness and athleticism of Montrael Scott allowed him to score twice to cut Koblenz’s lead to 34-28. Then Brian Buttler played his usual unstoppable game inside tip toeing between two defenders and Johnson made a lay in for the 38-29 lead. Down the stretch, Giessen got two more baskets from Lischka and Scott, but Koblenz got two clutch three’s from American Shembari Philipps as the second one was helped by a key Butler offensive rebound as Koblenz led 46-37. Giessen got some fortune as young German Sebastian Brach made a lay in at the buzzer as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 46-39 at the break. ‘We had a good start, but then Scott got in rhythm. We had unnecessary turnovers. It could have been a three point game, but it was seven at half-time. It was a very close game’, stressed Thomas Klein.

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz opened up the game and would never trail below double figures again as versatile and potent offense began to wear down the guests and it also didn’t hurt that they stepped up their defense as well. Giessen began with a rapid 4-0 as Lischka drained free throws and young German Viktor Ziring used his quickness to sneak inside and score to cut the game down to 46-43. But then came the turning point of the game as the EPG Baskets Koblenz rattled off a bold 10-0 run to extend their lead to 56-43. In the run the home team got sufficient aid from five players as Mayer made a lay in, Johnson a free throw, Womalla a trey, Butler a lay in as his fancy moves made Giessen dizzy and Heckel connected on a runner. The Koblenz offense was powerful and with Giessen’s energy beginning to wane, the home team took full advantage of it. Koblenz was defending solid, but Giessen also had good looks where they couldn’t capitalize on. Koblenz had the momentum and didn’t let down on the offensive end getting more suitable support from Philipps who nailed a three pointer, Butler who made a runner and brutal two handed dunk and Heckel hit a three pointer at the buzzer. ‘I just played my game as usual. I didn’t have to use quite as much strength as usual as Giessen got tired’, stressed Brian Butler. Lischka continued to be a work horse in the paint, but only scored 4 points as he continued to miss key chances. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had the solid 66-50 advantage after 30 minutes. ‘We play our best basketball when we play our game. I have been saying that all season long. Giessen began to fall apart. They began to get tired. It was too much for the three players having to do everything’, stated Brian Butler. ‘We came out slow and flat. They took advantage of it. They have multiple weapons and it was difficult trying to come back’, added Montrael Scott.

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz put the nail on the coffin with a 12-3 run. The guests did close out the game strong with a 12-4 run, but their comeback was too little too late. In the Koblenz run, they were fortified by their team basketball as once again they threw around the scoring love as Johnson hit a runner, Butler made a lay in, Heckel dropped a 20 footer, Philipps executed on another trey, Womalla made a jumper and Johnson free throws as the game was as good as over as Koblenz led 79-53. The Koblenz offense was functioning like a clock work as the fatigue of the Giessen defense obviously helped them. With Koblenz up by 25 points, they let up in the last minutes which often happens to teams that are leading by much. Giessen closed out the game with a strong 12-4 run as Ziring spiced up his scoring stat line scoring 8 of his 10 points in tis span including two three pointers. Even if the EPG Baskets Koblenz’s defense allowed the run, fans did see two spectacular blocks from Mampuya and Saffer. ‘We played our game. We lost a little rhythm at the end. Now we have to learn to continue to give gas even when we are up by 20 points’, stated Brian Butler. ‘We didn’t stick together as a team. We had no direction and didn’t play as a team’, stressed Montrael Scott. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had five guys in double figures and were led by Brian Butler with 16 points. Shembari Philipps added 15 points and Dominique Johnson and Marvin Heckel added 13 points a piece while the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos were led by Johannes Lischka with 20 points and 13 rebounds and Montrael Scott and Tim Uhlemann added 12 points a piece. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 50% from the field and 32% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos shot 39% from the field and 16% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

How many times did one see the classic hook up of Viktor Frankl-Maus (186-PG-93) to Kameron Taylor in the 2017-2018 season? It was a lot and probably as much as the vintage dimes and buckets Laker fans can experience now with Russell Westbrook and Lebron James. That season was a special one in the Dragons Rhondorf history even if it wasn’t rewarded with a Pro B title as Wolfenbuettel kicked them out of the playoffs. It was so unique simply because it saw the phenomenal rise of Kameron Taylor. Who knows where his career may have gone had he not taken the step back from Pro A to the Pro B? When all is said and done after Taylor retires, I will bet my house that he will always say that the Rhondorf season was key in him starting his journey to the Euroleague. You would have to have a sleepless night checking if there has ever been a Pro B player in Germany get to the Euroleague. I’m sure there hasn’t been one. Of course there have been guys like Deandre Lansdowne or Terrell Harris that have gone from the Pro B to the easyCredit BBL, but to Euroleague? That is simply another type of climb up the steep mountain and an incredible achievement and heart felt story and similar to how guys have been in Europe a long time and then after years of paying their dues make it to the NBA. Taylor really paid his dues having to play in Hungary and 2 more years in the BBL before signing with Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv. He is a very talented player that can fill the stat sheet as easily as a Mike James can go off on you in a game in the Euroleague, but how well would his season have gone in Rhondorf without point guard Viktor Frankl-Maus? Offensively the creative point guard was a big factor in Taylor being able to score so much. 4 years after having been able to play with Kameron Taylor, Vic as many call him only has praise and admiration for his ex teammate. ‘Kam is an unbelievable story. I always tell him that he inspires so many people. He is such a great player, but even better person. He never once complained in practice and never expected to be treated better than the rest. He is such a humble guy. Important for him reaching the Euroleague was that he always knew what he had to work on and he accepted it. He also understood to make his weaknesses to strengths. If he can get a bigger role in the Euroleague, then I could see him in the NBA in 2 years. It could go very fast for him’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. The memories that he had with Kam Taylor will last a life time as he unleashed so many dimes. ‘Yes I had many assists. The whole season was a highlight. We had such a good understanding together. I always knew where he would be. The game winner against Frankfurt was very memorable. We also had many nice moments in practice. We were very competitive and made each other better. He had some incredible personal games. There were a few triple doubles. The game I will never forget was in Coburg. We were down by 15 points and nobody was hitting shots. He stepped on the court and took over and scored like 20 points in the second half and carried us to the win. I told him after the game. ‘Kam you are a sick mother fuc. He never took the limelight after games’, remembered Viktor Frankl-Maus.

The charismatic German who has Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry and Hakeem Olajuwon on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore was born on September 8, 1993 in Wuppertal, Germany and grew up in Cologne and began his basketball career with the Koln 99ers. In 2012 he sought a new challenge with the Dragons Rhondorf. He would remain 6 seasons there and in his last season even was able to play a Basketball Champions League game with cooperation partner EasyCredit BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn. He made a steady development in Rhondorf and quickly became known as that quick and shifty pass first point guard. In his fourth season, he was the fifth best assist giver in the Pro A. It was a season to forget for the Dragons as they moved right back down to the Pro B. His best season was in 2016-2017 where he averaged 13.7ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 94.1%. And his second best season was in his last season together with Kam Taylor where he averaged 13.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.2apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.6%. He would play 132 games for the Dragons and some of his best games included scoring 23 points in wins over Wurzburg and FC Bayern Munich.
At the age of 25 the ex U-20 German national player who last watched the movie House of Gucci went to play with FC Bayern Munich 2 from 2018-2020. Not many people can say that they played for the famous German organization FC Bayern Munich. Even if he only laced up his sneakers with the second team, he always felt as if he belonged with FC Bayern Munich and it was an experience that he will never forget. ‘It was a sensational experience. It was a totally different world. You notice that being a part of FC Bayern Munich was totally different compared to other organizations. There was that bond between football and basketball. We were allowed to attend the football games as well as eat lunch at the football training facility at Saebener street. You could be eating lunch and next to you was Giovanne Elber or Karl Heinz Rummenigge. You noticed that it was a family’, stressed Viktor Frankel-Maus. When you play for an organization like FC Bayern Munich, you can only develop further as a player and person. He soaked up as much knowledge as possible in the two years. ‘ Those 2 years in Munich was huge for my development on and off the court. That first summer in 2018, I did an apprenticeship at the FC Bayern Munich office. I learned so much from Demond Greene and development coaches. I worked in the gym every day that summer. That helped me bring my game to a new level. I noticed that right away when the season started. I played my best basketball. My shooting percentages in the first 10-12 games were incredible. We had many injuries so we had to put more young players and I had more responsibility. I became mentally stronger in my time there. You could always practice as the door to the gym was always open’, remembered Viktor Frankl-Maus. He also had the pleasure of learning from young and ambitious coach Demond Greene who played together with Dirk Nowitzki in the national team and is confident that he will go places. ‘I had a very good relationship with him. He will land in the BBL one day. He is a very detailed and a hard working coach. He has very much basketball know how and is learning a lot under Andrea Trinchieri. He is getting more and more experience which will help him’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. Two of the most talented teammates he had on the farm team were Jason George and Sascha Grant, guys that will surely go their way, but not necessarily with FC Bayern Munich. ‘ Both have developed very well. Both play the same position. I have a feeling George could go somewhere else in the future. Grant was loaned to Verona to have a bigger role and get experience. Both will go their way, but it will be difficult in Munich because they expect so much’, said Viktor Frankl-Maus. He played 45 games in total with FC Bayern Munich 2 averaging 9.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 81.0% in his first season and 11.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 76.9% in his second season. He had his best scoring game in his second season registering 27 points in a victory over Speyer.

After two years in Munich, he felt it was time for another change and he went home to Cologne to play with Pro B team RheinStars where he started his career. But this was a season to forget as Covid was at it’s height and he suffered a severe injury. He was reunited with 4 ex Rhondorf players and was even teammates with the German Batchelor Andrej Mangold. ‘It felt like home being back with so many guys from Rhondorf. That was a reason why I went. I was recruited and we all had contact before I came. Everything started off well, but then came my injury and Covid was always there. The season didn’t go the way we wanted to. It is over now. I loved my time there. Being with so many old friends was great. But sometimes things just don’t go the way you want them to’, explained Viktor Frankl-Maus. There he was teammates with the talented Tibor Taras who surprisingly still hasn’t reached the easyCredit BBL and has found a new challenge in Holland in Amsterdam. ‘ He is a great player. Tibor wanted a new challenge and the RheinStars didn’t stand in his way. He wanted to do something else and he also left for his studies. To reach the BBL, you need luck and timing. He was in the Bamberg organization, but perhaps it was bad timing’, commented Viktor Frankl-Maus. Last season was tough, but he mastered the hardship of recovering from a serious injury during COVID. ‘Last season was unfortunate for me as a player. Corona didn’t hit me so bad even though I did get it. But my season ended after only 3 games with the RheinStars. I did my own rehab so covid didn’t affect me during the season the way it did for other guys that were playing. My biggest challenge was getting healthy again. Often you fall into a hole during an injury. I was worried if I could get fit again. I’m glad I did’, stressed Viktor Frankl-Maus. COVID has been such a terrible thing in the world and so many have suffered. But one tries to make the best out of it, and he has even drawn positives out of it. ‘You see the separation in society about Covid. Everybody has their own opinion. I have a clear view and I feel it is important that we respect what the German government does. You can be critical of the decisions, but you must follow and accept them. That is the only way that society can get through this quicker. Covid has shown me exactly what I want in life. My focus isn’t only basketball, but there are other things as well. I am thankful that I wasn’t effected badly. I had corona a year ago, but I got through it ok. There are so many other people in the world that have suffered very bad. I’m thankful that I’m ok’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus.

The Cologne native who never battled Andrej Mangold in a one on one duel, but is sure that he would win is back in his second home Rhondorf where he is now in seventh season trying to lead the team back to the playoffs. Coming back to the Dragons Rhondorf was a no brainer. ‘I’m happy to be back with the Dragons Rhondorf who gave me so much in my career. I have a different role now. I’m not that young player anymore. I have more experience and have played a long career. I feel like Rhondorf is my home’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. When he left Rhondorf, he was 25 years old and now will be turning 29 in 2022. When he looks around, he sees guys 10 years younger than him. Heck head coach Julius Thomas is even younger than him. ‘I feel old. But at the same time it is also a blessing. You remain young when you play with young men. You are able to see their perspective on things and how they think. I already went through that in Munich. There I learned to listen to the kids and observe what the young generation does. The young players of today have a better skill set than 5-10 years ago’, stressed Viktor Frankl-Maus. It was no secret that the team could have early problems this season with such a young roster, but the club continues to make strides in their game as the last results against Schwelm and sandersdorf show. ‘I’m very happy with the team’s current development. I remember reading the box scores at the start of the season. They lost by 40 points in Wedel and now play well against Schwelm and win in Sandersdorf. The team got more stable and mentally strong since the loss against Wedel. The team needs to have that belief now that they can beat anyone. They continue to show that now they can play with anyone on the league’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. An area where the team really needs to keep getting better at is at the defensive end where they give up an unacceptable 84 points per game. ‘Our defense won the game in the Sandersdorf. That was the first time this season that the defense was able to do that. We need to keep that level of defense that we had in Sandersdorf in every game for 40 minutes. Things like communication and making the right reads can always be done well. We have to get better in 1-1 defense. The blow bys are a big problem when there is no help. Easy baskets like that can’t happen’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus.

He is the oldest on the team with fellow German Paul Albrecht and has the pleasure of being able to watch so many young talents develop and give his expertise about the game of basketball. Two young guards that he sees daily and helps are Bruno Albrecht and Oshane Drews. It is no secret that these two guys will continue to climb the basketball ladder. ‘Both are really talented. Drews at 198cm is very athletic and a real team player. I love that. You can see on the court that he wants to make his team better. His decision making needs to get better. I hope that he can profit from me. If he can develop a more consistent shot, then he can decide how far he goes. Bruno has a different role. He is a shooter that is at the three point line waiting for the kick out. He needs to become more consistent. He also needs to find that balance between when to shoot and when to drive’, explained Viktor Frankl-Maus. Another really talented scorer is German Nicholas Bucholz who already sampled Pro A experience with the Rostock SeaWolves and could reach the highest level. ‘I can see him becoming a BBL player. He needs to notice now what kind of role he wants and then stick with it and work at it. Does he want to be a three and D player, ball handler or more a guy that does all. He needs to understand that he needs to do whatever role he wants very well’, commented Viktor Frankl-Maus. One player where many eyes are observing is Ousmane Ndiaye from Senegal. He already gave his German Regionalliga debut at age 15 and also is developing really well at the Pro B level. The sky is the limit for him as some NBA teams have him on their radar. ‘ Ousmane has quiet self-confidence. He doesn’t talk much. He has the killer instinct, but needs to get tougher. He needs to use all of his strengths more. He wants to shoot much, but he is also a great finisher. He should use that more. He has no fear. His mentality will grow with more confidence. He also needs to be more calm in certain situations and read the defense better, but he is so young. That will all come with experience’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. Even if German head coach Julius Thomas is a few years his junior, he is another person that Frankl-Maus is really impressed with. ‘He is a great guy. I could go on and on lauding him. I have so much respect for him and what he is doing for his age. He is a student of basketball and just understands it so well. He understands the players very well, because he is so young. He is already a very good coach, but he also understands that he still needs to learn a lot. Learning about certain in game situations and staying calm, but he knows that. I know that he will go his way. The door is open for him’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Viktor Frankl-Maus in Frankfurt in 2018

So far in his first two games, fans haven’t seen the old Viktor Frankl-Maus yet who lists Cardel Mcfarland and Matthias Perl as his toughest opponents in the Pro B as in the loss to Schwelm he produced only 6 points and 3 dimes in 20 minutes while shooting a dismal 2/9 from the field. In his second game, his shooting continued to falter in the win over Sandersdorf shooting 1/5 scoring 3 points, but had 9 assists in 25 minutes. His role is a different one from his first tour of duty in Rhondorf. ‘I came in mid season and need to get used to the team. My role is to be that leader. That is why they got me. I think that I can bring the needed calmness in situations when things aren’t going so well. I was always that dangerous player that liked to pass the ball. Now we have more shooters than when I last played here. I haven’t played for a year. I still need time. I won’t panic if my shots don’t fall right away’, stressed Viktor Frankl-Maus. The club now also has more offensive options then when he and Kam Taylor tore apart the Pro B in 2017-2018. ‘You will see my scoring again. We don’t have that 1-2 punch of when I was together with Kam Taylor. Back then we had to do it all. Now we have more responsibility on more shoulders. Back then we had clear roles. Now so many guys can help. We need to find a weapon and feed him. I will always be aggressive’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. At age 28 he is in his prime, but the question is how much of a priority is basketball for him now as he is about to complete his studies. COVID-19 definitely has opened up his eyes about life and beyond. ‘When COVID hit, I had more time to think about life. Basketball is my passion, but I understood that I didn’t want to be at home until the game started. I wanted to develop outside of basketball. I am almost finished with my studies basketball management. I am already looking for jobs. I would like to balance basketball and a job. Maybe it will work for the next 3-4 years. It depends how well my body holds up and if my job permits it’, stated Viktor Frankl-Maus. Even if Kam Taylor is far away and doing his thing in the Euroleague, I’m sure that Dragons fans will see some really good games from Viktor Frankl-Maus and give everyone basketball joy again. Even if Kam Taylor is missed, maybe the German will find a new favorite combination in the second half? I’m sure nobody will be sad if one begins to see amazing alley-ops from Frankl-Maus to Ousmane Ndiaye and other incredible hook ups. Time goes on and everyone in Dragons country are prepared for a great second half by the Dragons Rhondorf and Viktor Frankl-Maus leading the charge to success.

Craig Moller (206-F-94, agency: BIG) is a 27 year old 203cm forward that is playing his first season overseas with s.Oliver Wurzburg currently averaging 6,0ppg, 4,9rpg and 1,6apg. He hails from Australia and played basketball and Australian Rules football when he was a kid. He then decided to try Australian Rules football professionally, but his love for basketball got the best of him and then he chose to play that professionally. In the 6 years he has played in three leagues in Australia with the WARATAH, SEABL and NBL. He suited up for teams like the Sutherland Sharks, Ballarat Miners (SEABL), Sydney Kings (NBL), Melbourne United (NBL), Hobart Chargers (SEABL), Southern Huskies (New Zealand-NBL) and Inner West Bulls (Australia-WARATAH). Last season he played with the Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL) playing 36 games averaging 6.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 72.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the 2021-2022 basketball season about his basketball career.

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

I’m currently at home in Sydney after just finishing the nbl21 season here. Unfortunately my team missed the playoffs on percentage however it was great just to be back playing again, especially with fans! It was a long and tough extended season due to covid so I was fortunate enough to have a week away but I’m now back to training and preparing to leave for Germany in about 6 weeks time or so.

You have a German passport. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

My grandfather was born in Luneburg and spent much of his early life in Germany before meeting my grandmother (who was born in Grenoble, France) on the boat that they both immigrated to Australia on in the early 1950s. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel through Europe and Germany twice already, once with my family and once with some friends. I absolutely love it over there; if I had time pre covid I would’ve gone back again. It’s a beautiful country with deep history, great food and very kind people. Fortunately I’ve been given this opportunity and can’t wait to get arrive.Basketball wise I know the BBL is a tough and competitive league. Players play hard and physical but with discipline so not too unlike basketball in Australia. And of course I have to mention the great Dirk Nowitzki when referencing German basketball. One of my favourite players growing up and a former Wurzburg local!

Congrats on signing with s.Oliver Wurzburg. How key was your ex teammate Xavier Cooks in helping you make the decision?

I certainly asked Xav a lot of questions. He enjoyed his time here and played some good basketball under coach Denis, so it certainly made it a little easier. Another friend of mine James Duncan was a former assistant coach at Bamberg. He helped to give me a lot of advice and knowledge about the league in general and playing in Wurzburg as well. At the end of the day they didn’t impact my decision too much, playing overseas is something I’ve always wanted to do and Wurzburg seems like a great fit for me to do that this season.

What kind of impression did you get of head coach Denis Wucherer in your talks? Did you feel something special between the two of you?

From talking with both Denis and Kreso Lonar as well, my first impression was that Wurzburg is a very professional club with a great culture. Denis and I talked about my biggest strengths on the court and how he plans to use me next season to help the team best. We seemed to be on the same page which is always good, being mainly at that 4 spot and spreading the floor or short rolling and making decisions with the ball in my hands, which is when I’m at my best. I’m excited to get to work and for our relationship to grow over the season. I think I can learn and improve a lot whilst playing some good basketball along the way.

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

Lebron James. Can I say that? Haha no I’m obviously joking, I’m not sure there is a player that I would say has a direct comparison. I like to play both ends of the court so guys like Kawai Leonard are always impressive to me. The NBA is a very offensively orientated league with plenty of 1v1 matchups, especially with the rules put in place to limit the defence. I enjoy watching European and international basketball just as much.

You play with a lot of energy and are a physical player. Talk a little about your other strengths on the court?

I’d describe myself as more of a slashing type of player. I like to get on the rim and make plays putting the ball on the floor however I think my biggest strength is simply versatility, both offensively and defensively. I’m just over 6’9 but I played point guard as a junior and only later developed into a wing/forward as I continued to grow tall. So being able to use speed, agility and to put the ball on the floor like I said against guys bigger than me to create opportunities, or to utilise my size and length against smaller guards. Whether that’s against a switch and playing out of the low post or just spacing the floor.
Defensively I think is where my versatility really helps me. I had a game against Melbourne United this season where I guarded every player on the opposition team for a least a couple possessions each. I think that is a huge strength for me. Depending on the opponent I think I can defend positions 1-5 at times. Some of those quicker guards and 125kg centres can cause some problems for me, but I always want to have a crack at guarding them anyway.

You also play the game with a lot of passion and have that team first mentality. How vital was having played Australian Rules Football for shaping how you play basketball?

I loved my time playing in the AFL, it’s Australia’s number one sport by far, however I don’t think that had too much of an impact. It certainly helped to have great conditioning and fitness but I’d say some of my junior coaches had the biggest influence over that part of my game. A guy called Steve Delaney was my first junior rep coach and also ended up coaching at the school I was attending at the time. He along with a few others were just really passionate and loved the game, volunteering so much of his time. I know he still tries to play in the old man leagues down the local gym and is still coaching juniors today. He really taught us to play the game selflessly. He just exuded energy and passion and that was infectious. He even got a tattoo of our school mascot!Secondary to that when I first came back to basketball my skills were certainly a little rusty. It took a fair amount of time to get them up to scratch so I had to find ways to impact trainings and games otherwise I was going nowhere.
I still keep that mentality these days as well. I try to not to worry too much about scoring and getting my own shots, even though that can be a huge measure of if you’ve played a good game or not. I think the best coaches and players see and appreciate the other aspects of the game. I just try to go out and play hard, impact the game positively and things will happen naturally.

Your also a good rebounder and defender, but have shown that you can be a lethal scorer. How confident are you that you can be a good scorer at different levels?

I think that’s a good point you raise. I’ve been a big scorer in the second level here in Australia (SEABL) and started to have some bigger games last nbl season. I will always base my game off defence, rebounding and effort plays however getting more aggressive at times and being relied upon more offensively is something I’m hopeful to do this season. I think being able to shoot the ball as well as I did last NBL season was a huge improvement for me. If I can carry that momentum into this BBL season it should help to open up other aspects of my game and help the team.

You haven’t been a professional basketball player long. On what area’s of your game are you tweaking most as you continue to develop as a player?

Saying everything is a vague answer but it’s defiantly true. I feel I still have so much room to grow and improve in so many areas. I think I have a very all-round game, so I certainly don’t want to neglect anything. Continuing to work on my outside shot, different types of finishes around the basket, finishes from the low post, continuing to improve my footwork and my ball handling are all top of the list at the moment.

Why did you change sports? You were a successful Australian Rules player. What was so inviting about wanting to become a basketball player?

I played both sports as a kid growing up and loved them both. It was always going to be a difficult choice. I signed my first AFL contract at the age of 14 with the team that drafted me, the Fremantle Dockers. I think from that point onwards I put a lot more focus into my football. I stopped playing basketball, except for my high school. A lot of people used to tell me that I couldn’t play for my country or go to an Olympic games playing AFL. These were dreams I had growing up like many do. One of which I’ve been fortunate to achieve since but would love to again.
Even when I was playing AFL I still followed basketball closely. Occasionally some of my teammates and I would go and have a casual shoot-around down the local rec centre. I think when I was delisted by Fremantle I had just turned 21. You naturally start re-assessing your life and what you want to do. It was at this time I travelled through Europe with some friends. I bought a basketball the day we arrived in Barcelona and carried it with me all across the continent. It’s a little worn out but I still have the ball sitting in my garage. When I returned to Australia I had some good offers to continue playing football but I still loved the game of basketball and rediscovered my passion for it. I thought its now or never if I want to make the jump and I’m glad I did.

How do you feel did your game develop the last years in Australia due to having played in different leagues like the WARATAH, SEABL and NBL leagues?

The SEABL was a really good league where I got to go down and play a different role. I touched on it a little in a previous answer, but being the main go to guy on your team always gave me great confidence when I returned to my NBL team. You get the opportunity to put in some major skill development during the week, more than you usually would during an NBL season. It’s less team training and scrimmaging and more individual workouts. You get to break down your game and really improve on a certain area or aspect in a more 1 on 1 environment with your coach. Then on the weekend go out and play 30+ minutes each game and put up between 15-20 shots. Those seasons were really vital for me to improve my game as quickly as possible, especially after not playing any basketball for so long while I was in the AFL. Being able to win a SEABL championship is still one of the highlights of my career so far. At the NBL level I think I’ve just had a steady improvement each year. Increasing my minutes and contribution each season.

How has your football past helped your basketball game most? What have been the positives to having been a football player?

The two sports have a lot of similarities. Many of the AFLs best players also played basketball as juniors. I think I was the first to go the other way from the AFL to the NBL. There’s a long running joke in the AFL that one of the best players in the competition, Scott Pendlebury, has a ‘basketball background’ because they mention it about 20 times each game. He’s played about 300+ games by now so you can understand the repetition. A football game can be very tight and congested. You have to make quick and decisive decisions with the ball, not too dissimilar to a basketball game. The physicality was definitely one of the bigger positives, in terms of strength and conditioning, but also just being used to contact and embracing the physical battles in a game of basketball is something I enjoy.It wasn’t all on field things though. I think some of the biggest positives I got were off the field. I moved from Sydney to Perth, from one side of the country to the other, as soon as I finished high school. I had to learn a lot about living away from home and the AFL system does a great job of helping its younger players. Simple things such as what foods to eat; how to recover and look after your body properly, things like this really helped me learn how to be a professional athlete early in my career. I’ve also been able to make a few lifelong friends from my time in the AFL who I’m in regular contact with, so that’s definitely a positive.

You were teammates with Xavier Cooks on many occasions. How much have you appreciated him being a teammate and how do you feel has his game and constant battles in practice helped your game most?

Its funny because we compete so hard against each other that we forget when we’re on the same team we actually play pretty well together. Whether it’s as a 3,4 or as a 4,5 combo. He’s a tough competitor and a tough matchup. We compete hard and then we share knowledge about how to do things better, or what works in certain situations. Unfortunately last season when he arrived at the kings I got injured and required ankle surgery. We had a great off-season competing against each other and then he went down with an injury for most of this season. I’ve been fortunate to have some very high quality teammates to go against over the years. Jae’sean Tate, Brad Newely and Casey Prather just to name a few. I think competing day in and day out against quality players like that can only help you improve because if you don’t bring your A game you’re going to get shown consistently. It’s certainly made me a better player and I think I’ve helped them as well.

In 2018 you won the NBL title with the Melbourne United. You guys had some great talent on the team with ex NBA players David Anderson, Josh Boone and Caspar Ware. What made this team so special?

I have so many great memories from that season. It was my first fulltime contract not being a development or training player. We were title favourites from the get go so it was fantastic to live up to the hype and win the championship. Winning game 5 on our home floor in a win or go home circumstance was just the cherry on top. I still remember Chris Goulding hitting a flurry of threes early and it felt like we were never going to lose from that moment on. The atmosphere was crazy that day. I think what made that team so special was everybody’s willingness to sacrifice and buy into their role. We were so talented as a team; every player 1 through 10 could’ve had a bigger role on a different team. We had a great mix of the experienced guys like you mentioned combined with a few younger guys just starting out in the league like myself. We were all hungry for success and our training sessions were often just as intense and competitive as our games were. I think that’s the sign of a really good team.

What memories do you have of Josh Boone? That guy must have had some great stories of his UConn and NBA days.

He’s got a story for everything big Booney. A guy with that much experience and exposure around the world, he and David Anderson were just great to be around for that exact reason. I believe he’s still playing in South America somewhere. He just loved the game and was a huge part of that championship.

What was it like being teammates with the eccentric Andrew Bogut? Is he a lot different than how the media perceive him?

I really enjoyed it. I had no idea what to expect upon arriving in Sydney given he’s such a huge persona in Australian basketball. He and I got into a bit the season before whilst I was playing for United. I cracked him on a box out and he didn’t like it too much and tried to take my head off in retaliation. Lucky he missed otherwise I probably would’ve woken up about a week later. He ended up being one of the best teammates I’ve ever played with. His on court stuff speaks for itself. The basketball knowledge, the rim protection, passing ability etc. He was a great leader for us and propelled us to the finals that year, even though you could see his body was starting to let him down a little bit. Guys would just pick his brain; JT (Jae’sean Tate) asked him about a 1000 questions a day about everything and anything. Our young centre Jordi Hunter had a great season this year after a year of his tutelage.
I wouldn’t say he’s a lot different than how the media portrays him because that’s who Bogues is. He likes to stir the pot, he’ll put his opinions out there and he likes to challenge you whether it’s in person, on the court or on Twitter. He certainly gives as good as he gets and won’t take a backwards step. When you have a conversation with him he’s a pretty genuine and down to earth guy; I’d say that part might get lost in the media sometimes.

You played many years with Caspar Ware. What did you learn to appreciate most about his game? It seems like Australia has become his second home?

We’re good friends. I’ve played the last 4 seasons with Cas, 2 in Melbourne and 2 in Sydney. He congratulated me when I signed in Wurzburg and I sent him a tongue in cheek message back saying I expected him to follow me. I think you just appreciate his toughness and competitive spirit. We had some great battles at training day in day out. I’d be telling him he’s too little and he can’t guard me and he’d come straight back at me down the other end. Many imports come and go in the NBL, so for him to hang around so long is a credit to not only his playing ability but his character as a person too.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Xavier Cooks?

That’s light work.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Pre covid the nbl would play pre season games against some nba teams. I was lucky enough to match up against some great players. Paul George, Westbrook, and Embid probably top that list.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Casper Ware
Kevin Lisch
Chris Goulding
David Anderson
Andrew Bogut

6th man (special mention): Brad Newely

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Steve Nash
Lebron James
Scottie Pippen
Kevin Garnett

What was the last movie that you saw?

I don’t watch too many movies. I’ve just finished watching a French TV series on Netflix called Lupin, the gentlemen burglar.

Thanks Craig for the chat.

With only two days remaining in 2021, the Fraport Skyliners were more than relieved that 2021 was finally coming to an end as so far the season had been one to forget. In a phase now where the team needed wins as much as the NBA need their players back from COVID sicknesses, the 2004 BBL champion had been losing games that they must win and came into the next do or die game against new BBL team MLP Academics Heidelberg riding a disheartening 4 game losing streak. The good news for Frankfurt was that they had injured guys Will Cherry (185-PG-91, college: Montana) and Brancou Badio back and that their foe Heidelberg continued to struggle in the worst way. After starting the season with a bang winning four of the first five games were reeling to finally win again riding a eight game losing streak having lost unfortunate crunch-time games to Bayreuth, Chemnitz and Alba Berlin all games that they could have won. With the last game of 2021, the Fraport Skyliners wanted to enter 2022 on a positive note and welcomed the MLP Academics Heidelberg and finally won again slugging it out in the fourth quarter as both teams scored 67 points combined, but at the end the Fraport Skyliners had the last laugh prevailing 87-82 and landed at position 14 in the standings. Frankfurt showed in the fourth quarter that when their offense is finally rolling for longer than a few minutes, they can win games. A half hour after the win, a thrilled Will Cherry explained what motivation they had for winning again. ‘We needed to win. Coach Ocampo really had us pumped up after his half time speech. We had no choice but to be fired up after that. We almost gave it up after the missed free throws at the end. Every guy has each other’s back. We wanted to win for Jamel Mclean’s new baby girl that was born today’, stressed ex NBA player Will Cherry. For the MLP Academics it was another very brutal loss, one like so many others this season, they could have won. ‘We gave a big fight. But Frankfurt was simply better and more clever at the end. We have to learn from our mistakes be better the next time’, stressed MLP Academics Heidelberg center Philipp Heyden.

The first quarter was a tug of war as both teams had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm. Frankfurt relied on the three ball while the MLP Academics Heidelberg based their game on getting buckets in the paint. Frankfurt quickly got back to back three’s from Rasheed Moore and German national player Lukas Wank for the quick 6-2 advantage. But Heidelberg struck back with a rapid 7-2 run to get the 9-8 lead. In the run the guests got some key baskets from ex Alba Berlin guard Rob Lowery and ex Missouri (NCAA) standout Jordan Geist and a tip in from ex Harvard (NCAA) forward Keith Wright. Frankfurt had massive problems with 1-1 defense which has been a big problem this season. But Frankfurt struck back with their veteran force of ex Alba Berlin players Will Cherry who nailed a trey and Jamel Mclean made a lay in for the 13-9 Frankfurt lead. But Heidelberg showed early on that they were a fighting team and that would hold on until the buzzer sounded at the end as German Niklas Wuerzner connected on a three pointer and Geist made a pretty runner to dead lock the contest at 15-15. Geist continued his aggressive offensive game converting on a free throw and making a lay in for the 18-15 lead after 10 minutes. Frankfurt already had 5 turnovers, but they would trim down that problem as only 7 more would follow in the last three quarters. ‘We started ok, but were a bit shaky at the end. Some guys came from the bench and gave good energy’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Felix Hecker.

The second quarter continued to be a real dog fight as no teams could get away from the other as there were 8 lead changes and both teams defense stuck out. The guests got on the board first as a Geist steal led to an easy basket by Wuerzner. But Frankfurt fought back going on a 5-0 run to dead lock the game at 20-20. Ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke made a pretty left handed runner and three and D specialist Felix Hecker struck with a trey. It was a game of little runs as now Heidelberg struck back going on a 6-0 run to lead 26-20. In the run, the ex Pro A team got good support from Heyden who made a turn around shot, ex Ludwigsburg American Kelvin Martin scored on transition and Wuerzner also scored on transition. Frankfurt was up and down as usual. After two good defensive stops, they couldn’t muster any new offense and on defense gave up real belated X-mas gifts as their concentration just went down. After a Lowery 25 footer and 28-23 guests lead, Frankfurt made a timely run of 7-0 to regain the lead at 30-28. In the run they got free throws from Mclean, a three from Moore and a put back from Hecker who made an impressive offensive rebound. ‘I play off my defense which than carries my offense. Coach always says to crash the boards. I was a little off balance and was lucky with getting the rebound’, stated Felix Hecker. Frankfurt couldn’t keep the lead as after Barncou Badio made free throws, it was Geist again who made a huge play getting the loose ball with 2 seconds to play and dropping a fade away jumper at the siren to tie the game at 32-32 after 20 minutes. ‘The game was at eye level. We defended pretty well. It was a back and forth game where no one could get away’, said Felix Hecker. Frankfurt wasn’t shooting well, but had control of the rebounds and only coughed up the ball 3 times.

The third quarter continued to be very close as there were 8 lead changes and no team led by more than 3 points as the MLP Academics Heidelberg led 52-50 after three quarters. Heidelberg kept the lead in the first few minutes as ex Wurzburg forward Brekkot Chapman and Academics lifer Shy Ely who was controlled pretty good by Frankfurt scored for the 37-36 lead. Frankfurt then took the lead again getting two buckets from Jamel Mclean, a player who lives off getting fed the ball down low and muscling his way to points and a Cherry three for the 41-39 advantage. The leads kept going back and forth as Chapman scored again as did Moore with a three and the 47-44 Frankfurt lead. Little defensive mistakes kept robbing Frankfurt of the lead as Wuerzner scored again for the 48-47 Heidelberg advantage. Len Schoormann who had put up the big goose egg in the first half got more aggressive in the third quarter making free throws and a lay in for the 50-48 lead. But a Diego Ocampo technical foul gave Jordan Giest the opportunity for 3 free throws and he nailed all of them. ‘Both teams showed that they really wanted to win. But no team could make a run’, commented Felix Hecker. Heidelberg was shooting over 40% form the field, but was only at 25% form outside while the Fraport Skyliners still controlled the boards and had 3 turnovers.

The fourth quarter became a real explosive offensive showdown as a combined 67 points were produced. Will Cherry and Len Schoorman took over in this quarter combining for 25 of Frankfurt’s 37 points. Cherry began the offensive spectacle scoring 6 points. One of his baskets was a big heads up play as he threw the ball off the back of a Heidelberg player retrieved it and had an easy lay in, but he would save his best for last showing that shade of Kyrie in crunch-time. The Frankfurt offense got going thanks to Cherry, but the turning point of the game was Jamel Mclean’s rare three pointer to give Frankfurt the 61-58 lead. That shot in a way also sparked Heidelberg as now both offenses were clicking and executing. ‘When a guy like that makes a three like that, it gives you energy right away’, stressed Felix Hecker. Len Schoorman also went off scoring 10 crucial points in the fourth quarter including a three for the 66-60 lead. But Heidelberg never let up and always kept clawing away at Frankfurt’s lead. One guy who really was on was Chapman who showed his fine inside out game and Lowey who also scored big baskets including a step back to trail Frankfurt 71-67. Even when Schoormann made a lay in for the 73-67 lead, Frankfurt was never allowed to breathe smoothly because Heidelberg was always in comeback mode and before Frankfurt knew what was up Ely had connected on a floater trailing only 74-71 with 1,57 to play. Even with another Schoormann three and Moore lay in, the 79-71 Frankfurt lead wasn’t secure, because Heidelberg was simply too well oiled in the fourth quarter. Heidelberg kept supplying pressure and somehow made a 8-2 run in crunch-time to trail only 81-79. In the run, they got key support from Chapman who had the touch nailing two three’s. Lowery hit a huge trey from the corner as Frankfurt led only 83-82. ‘Rob is my boy. We played together with Alba Berlin. I didn’t think that he would make it’, said Will Cherry. Frankfurt missed some free throws from Mclean and Cherry and were clinging to life, but then Cherry unraveled a shot that he may have seen the Harlem Globe Trotters perform or ex teammate Kyrie Irving as Uncle Drew. He came down on transition and made a backwards shot that some how went in. ‘That is in my top 10 best shots. The funny thing is I had the lane the first time and didn’t take it and the second time I got it up and somehow it fell in. Kyrie would have given me a thumbs up and said I had taken a page out of his tricks’, smiled Will Cherry. ‘That was the neck breaker and finally did them in. It reminded me of Jordan. Heidelberg never gave up. We were a bit shaky with the free throws, but we pulled it out at the end’, expressed Felix Hecker. ‘Both teams had their offensive rhythm in the fourth and we did a good job fighting against it. They got easy baskets and more stops. That was the difference’, stressed Philipp Heyden. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Cherry with 22 points. Jamel Mclean added 20 points and Len Schoormann 16 points while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were led by Brekkot Chapman with 19 points and Jordan Geist contributed 17 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 42% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the MLP Academics shot 47% from the field and 32% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

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 Stanley on the massive 87-86 victory against number one team Rostock Sea Wolves. Another game another win. What kind of a feeling do you have after beating the best team in the Pro A?

It was a good team win, battled together and remained composed through the ups and down of the game. Glad we were able to get the win to close out December.

It was the fifth win in a row and the team continues to climb up the standings. Is it dangerous feeling invincible when you defeat a game like that?

Not sure what that feeling is because our team collectively doesn’t feel that way. We still have a long season ahead of us and we’re just focusing stacking each day, one day at a time!

PS Karlsruhe had the 51-42 advantage at the break. You seemed to have no problems playing your game against the second best defensive team in the league. What do you feel was key on offense to figuring out their defensive schemes?

The key to our offensive was to remain patient. We were getting the looks we wanted the entire game it was just a matter of missing or making. Gladly we were able to make some down the stretch and get the win.

In the third quarter Rostock came back and defended better. What adjustments did they make on the defensive end to make it harder for you as a team?

They went into a zone in the 3rd quarter, that’s the adjustment they made. We still got looks we wanted we just weren’t able to put the ball in the basket the way we should’ve. In all we still got good looks, but didn’t get enough stops on the other end that’s how they were able to make their run.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fit. Trevion Crews took over scoring and you were the playmaker. Did Crews show a side of him that you didn’t see before?

No, he didn’t show a side I didn’t see before. He’s a professional, I trust him as well as I do all my teammates. Trevion played well, and hit some big shots for us in the 4th.

Take me through the game winning basket from Moyer. This basket was huge as it was the game winner, but it would never have happened had you not had 2 team offensive rebounds.

Yeah, first shot I missed a mid range short, we got the offensive rebound. Trevion missed a three long and we were able to get another offensive rebound. Then, I get the ball back with about 8 seconds left on the game clock, get a high ball screen about to get into my midrange game, a player from Rostock I believe #5 completely came to double me and left Matthew Moyer open in the corner, so I made the pass to him and he did what he was supposed to do, knock down the three pointer and give us a 1 point lead with 2 seconds left!

Matt Moyer has only been with a team a month. What has been your impression of his game and what he can give the club?

He’s a good character guy, high energy, high spirit. He helps our team from all facets of the game, glad he’s with us!

What kind of an experience was it battling ex BBL player Chris Carter? Here was another guy where you could measure your game up to.


It was a good competing against him. He does well for his team. And I don’t really measure my game up with anyone to be honest. I am who I am, and they are who they are.

You had a double double with 17 points and 12 assists and 0 turnovers. How good does it feel having no turnover in a game where you were more a playmaker than scorer?

Felt good not to have any turnovers for one, knew that taking care of the ball was a key to victory and being so the ball is in my hands the most I valued that.

How much extra confidence does a 12 assist game give you for the next game? I know winning is the key but would it be difficult to take a step back from scoring and be that playmaker?

It doesn’t give me any more confidence truthfully, winning always matters first. Even when I’m scoring, I’m creating opportunities for my teammates as well, so it’s never a game where I’m just scoring or a game where I’m just playmaking, I do both. My team expects me to be me day in day out and that’s all I can be.

The next game is against the Artland Dragons who have been struggling. What will be key for getting the sixth win in a row?

Key for this victory will continue to focus on the defensive end, finishing possessions, executing on offense and playing with high energy!

2022 is around the corner. Do you have any New Years resolutions?

I do not have any New Year Resolutions, just praying for the best in health for my family, my loved ones and those closest to me.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

It was day before Christmas Eve in Germany, but if you celebrate the German way, then the 24th is technically the night where all the kids open their presents while in the States some parents are still seeking out the local Walmat for the perfect presents for their kids. Tyler Cheese (196-G-96, college: Akron) was far away from home in Albany, Georgia but will never forget hearing his mom’s voice as a child and feeling her happiness knowing her kids were happy and loved getting the Playstation 2 and was performing what he loves most and that is filling up the stat sheet in Germany against PS Karlsruhe. The bad news for him was that his new team Ehingen would lose their 14th game of the season with no wins to show for and For Cheese it was his 9th loss in a row since arriving in October. For most players getting that dub is always the most important thing, but can one get into a festive mood after achieving an incredible and rare triple double. On this night he was involved in a tough shoot out loss one that Team Ehingen have been used to this season losing 111-91 to PS Karlsruhe and after 40 minutes where he battled for 35 minutes, his stat line read 23 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. And if you think this guy takes any plays off on defense, then you are mistaken. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks to his game resume. Sometimes you have to wonder why the basketball God is punishing a player like that after such a phenomenal single game. ‘It’s tough, like I’m glad that I’m playing at a high level and that I am leaving everything out of the court for my team to help try and get wins! I do think we are finding our way though in order to start winning! I think since I got here I’ve been able to get some chemistry with the guys I feel that we are getting better as a whole’, stressed Tyler Cheese. It was actually his third triple double after registering two in JUCO. Even if you suffer the brutal loss, there is still a little touch of being proud of being able to produce something so rare overseas. ‘It feels good to go out there and contribute! For me, I just have to go out there and play to the best of my abilities and compete as hard as I can’, warned Tyler Cheesee. PS Karlsruhe and top Pro A player Stanley Whittaker who like Cheese knows what it’s like to have a chip on his shoulder played in the NAIA at Keiser noticed his unbelievable triple double. ‘He’s a good player, has the freedom and trust from his team to play that way, and I’m sure his team expects that from him. It was a good battle with him’, warned Stanley Whittaker. Clubs in Europe also have Cheese on their radar as he already played in Italy (Serie A) as a rookie and will surely reach a first division in a top European league again soon. Tyler Cheese is another rare guard that has demonstrated that going form JUCO to the highest Level in Europe is possible.

Tyler Cheese who lists Loren Jackson, Charles Manning Jr, Xeyrius Williams, Tremell Murphy and Shaquan Hemphill as his greatest teammates of all-time was born on November 13th, 1996 in Albany, Georgia. He played three years at Albany High School and led them to the Class AAAA state tournament in his junior year. He then finished at Combine Academy in North Carolina where he averaged 17,3ppg, 6,6rpg and 5,2apg in his senior year while shooting 41% from downtown. He earned All-State recognition with his stellar play. He then went on to play at Florida South Western State College. In his freshman year he averaged 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 78.2% and earned Second Team All-Suncoast Conference honors. In his second season he was able to up his stats and averaged 15.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 81.8% achieving first team All-Suncoast honors. He hit IMG Academy for 40 points and recorded two rare triple doubles. With my many interviews with guys that have played in JUCO, almost every guy has stated that JUCO was tough, but an experience that they wouldn’t have traded the world for. It wasn’t any different for Cheese who had a massive chip on his shoulder after showing that he could play in high school. ‘ I definitely had a chip on my shoulder going into my freshman year at FSW. Going to FSW to play for coach Marty Richter totally changed my life for the better! The experience was amazing, Juco was the best and I also wouldn’t trade it for anything. I made friendship and relationships that’s going to last forever’, warned Tyler Cheese. Even if his triple doubles in JUCO were huge memories, he also had another one. ‘I have so many to be honest but the best one was playing against Hutchison at their gym ‘because they hosted the Juco National tournament’ and we were the higher seeded team but the game felt like a road game, it was 7,000 plus standing room and we ended up winning by 20 points. I will definitely always remember that tournament’, stated Tyler Cheese.

After his stellar career in JUCO, the Georgia native who never played teammate Channel Banks in one on one, but won most other duels against other teammates made the next jump up to the NCAA and played at Akron from 2018-2020 playing 63 NCAA games. In his junior year he averaged 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He was able to make another jump in his development as a senior averaging 15.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 82.2%. No success comes without constant hard work something he did his two years there becoming a gym rat so it was no surprise to anyone that he could grow. ‘I think just the work I put in going into the year I felt very confident that I was going to have a big year! We also changed up how we were going to play which was very beneficial for me’, remembered Tyler Cheese. He had many great games at Akron like scoring 27 points against Miami of Ohio, but also had Western Michigan’s number as a senior netting 25 and 23 points in wins. But it was another game that ranks to his most memorable games at Akron. ‘My last game ever as a Akron Zip against Kent State at home. We won a very hard fought game and we were able to clinch the regular season championship for the conference so we got to cut down the nets. That’s a special memory that will always stay with me’, expressed Tyler Cheese. But not only hard work helped him grow as a player at Akron who remembers seeing Lebron James often at his softball charity event or his I Promise school, but also the guidance of head coach John Groce. ‘Coach Groce was the best, he taught me so much in my 2 years with him! I learned so many good habits that were bad habits before I got to him. He really just helped me become a complete basketball player and even a better man off the court’, commented Tyler Cheese. He earned Second Team All-Mid-American Conference honors and in his two year career scored in double figures in 42 games and as a senior scored in double figures in his last 19 games.

The fill up the stat sheet guard who has ex Louisville (NCAA) and current Milwaukee Buck forward Jordan Nwora as his toughest cover in the NCAA has already had experience in countries like Italy, Finland and North Macedonia before arriving in Germany. Despite him going through hardships, he has been professional enough to know that each organization wanted and needed him and that the thankfulness for his services will always be there. ‘I would just like to thank those organizations for even choosing me to be a part of their rosters! I truly learned so much from each of those teams and looking back at each situation I have nothing but positive things to say about each club. Although It was a tough experience, I don’t think I was a good fit to help either of those clubs with the way I wanted to play. Throughout my first year as a pro I was dealing with so many things from a personal standpoint that I just couldn’t focus on the game of basketball. When I was with Treviso-basket I felt I needed to be home with my family through that tough time but eventually decided to try to keep playing so my former agent and I decided to go to Salo to play but my situation had gotten even worst so I decided to end my own year by asking the team for a release to be with my family’, remembered Tyler Cheese. His professional journey began in Italy with De Longhi Treviso Basket 2012 (Italy-Serie A) which was short and lasted only 2 months. He won’t forget what his wake up call was to being a rookie overseas where he knew that he was very far away from home. ‘Just learning to be a professional at all times! I was going through a lot when I was with those teams and after being home after deciding to leave those teams I realized that I must learn how to separate off the court issues and focus when I’m on the court because at the end of the day nobody is going to feel sorry for what I have going on so just always come in ready to go’, explained Tyler Cheese.

He played 3 Serie a games in Italy the only game where he received suitable minutes was in a blow out loss to Milan scoring 10 points in 21 minutes. There he shared the court with Malcolm Delaney a guy he surely watched play in the NBA only a few years earlier and Spanish legend Sergio Rodriguez or ex NBA player Luigi Datome. You would think that an experience like this would be like a kid being locked in a candy store and being in awe. ‘ It was a good experience but it wasn’t a situation where I felt in awe about! Those guys are super talented and I respect their games for sure! If anything, it showed me with opportunity I can play on that level’, stressed Tyler Cheese. When your only there for a very short period of time, you have to soak up as much as possible especially when your teammates with a guy like then 38 year David Logan who was playing his 15th professional season and had racked up 9 professional titles, played at various European championships with Poland and played over 100 Euroleague games. ‘It was definitely a great experience to be a teammate of David’s, I still watch him play and I know if I ever needed to ask him something he’ll be there to answer any questions I have! He’s such a killer and I was able to go against him every day at practice when I was at Treviso. I learned so much and I have tons of respect for him on and off the court!’, expressed Tyler Cheese. He then finished the season in Finland with Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 4 games averaging 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg. The Finish league is a solid league, but not as strong as the Italian Serie A. Coming to Finland must have been like a basketball culture shock? ‘The talent was definitely better in Italy because the league to me is one of the best in the world. It was difficult at times because we ran so many sets and I’m used to playing off instinct and reacting to what the defense gives me. The Finland league was a good league as well, fast paced, kind of similar to how we play in America but they were very heavy in Finland. The positives I can take with me from playing in Italy is to be more patient and always play to my strengths’, said Tyler Cheese.

So let’s fast forward to 2021 as 2022 is right around the corner. The American who has MJ, Kobe, LeBron, and Magic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is currently with Team Ehingen and like everyone else is battling through COVID as best he can. At the moment, COVID is wrecking havoc again all over as in the NBA, teams are desperate for G-League help and in some cases like the Boston Celtics have dug out 40 year old Joe Johnson out of retirement and in Germany games are being cancelled as numerous players are out with COVID. The main reason why his rookie campaign was cut short was because his mother caught the COVID-19 virus and was very sick and it only made sense for him to go home and be by his loved ones. In some ways coming home and not being able to make money was a difficult burden, but in the end experiencing so many different kind of hard ships made him stronger as a man. ‘I was probably at the lowest I ever been because of the situation with me coming home! I felt I let some many people down with that decision but it actually became a blessing in disguise’s because a lot of people that I thought was in my corner had left my side and now I feel like a burden was lifted off my shoulders so it made things so easy going into this new season’, added Tyler Cheese. COVID is still with everyone, but he is playing ball again and putting up incredible stats, but the only negative aspect is that his team is still seeking it’s first victory of the season. The club has no problems scoring, but defense has been as disaster as it is giving up an unacceptable 99 points per game. ‘I think we’re finding our way! A lot of our struggles are because the team has had a lot of moving parts and we’re finally to a place where we have the players that we are going to keep going forward that wants to be here to start trying to win games’, stated Tyler Cheese. Losing so much has definitely been a new learning experience, but he is doing all he can to make a turnaround in the season for the team. ‘I think I just try to use my experiences from my championship teams from high school, Juco , or at Akron to stay positive and do my best to lead a young team. I think me, Mu, Taki, and Zach are essential to doing that being the older guys’, said Tyler Cheese.

The ex Akron guard who believes they should have left the classic Coming To America movie alone is currently averaging 15,4ppg, 5,9rpg, 5,0apg and 1,2spg. He has never liked to compare himself to an NBA player as he has his own unique style that he brings to a team, but he has heard the Manu Ginobili and James Harden comparisons. When you see how he can fill a stat sheet the same way a Rudy Gobert picks a rebound off the glass, then it is no secret what his biggest strength is on the floor. ‘I think that versatility is a big strength to my game! I love to play make for my teammates and myself, and being a bigger guard I always loved crashing the glass so my teams could get out in transition quicker’, expressed Tyler Cheese. There have been many guys that have made the next step from the German Pro A to higher first division teams like Kendale Mccullum, Chris Carter or Terrell Harris just to name a few, so with the kind of stats that Cheese is putting up, he will most surely make the next step up the basketball ladder. He has the focus, will and passion not to dream, but to continue to grind in the lab the same way a Julius Randle has done for years getting the special inspiration from Kobe Bryant. ‘I think I can continue to get better at all areas of my game! I can become a better shooter, whether it’s catch and shoot or off the dribble, or a better play maker, learning the balance of making plays for myself or for the team, while also being able to be a better floor general. The biggest area I’m focusing on is the defensive side, just trying to find my niche with how the overseas game is officiated. Learning not to use my hands but uses my body more, learning to be physical without fouling, things like that! I’m doing a lot of film work to help with that and being on the floor experiencing those things help as well’, stressed Tyler Cheese. At the moment he is a super role model for young Germans on his team like Kevin Strangmeyer, Jakob Hanzalek, and Tim Martinez. He remembers how it was when he was at Akron when he was able to spend time with guys like Romeo Travis and Dru Joyce that not only played in Germany, but had great careers overseas. ‘I learned about Romeo and Dru at a young age being a fan of LeBron’s, I watched the movie (More Than A Game). During my time at Akron, they both would stop by sometimes and watch us practice and play! I also got a chance to workout and play against them when they were in preparation for the TBT tournament. I think guys like that showed myself and others that we can make a great living playing professional overseas’, commented Tyler Cheese. One thing is for sure, if Cheese keeps putting up great stats, developing marvelously and climbing the basketball ladder, then guys like Travis and Joyce will be very proud of their alma mater Akron in that it can always carve out new fine talent like a Tyler Cheese.