One of the worst moments for any aspiring player is having to wait for that first NBA experience. Just sitting at the end of the bench and hoping that coach calls your name can be as nerve wracking as it is for a guard going into the lane and seeing Rudy Gobert come out of nowhere to make the monster block. Just getting to be on a NBA roster is difficult, but then having to wait for that first call can sometimes never occur. Just ask a guy like Tony Gaffey who was on the roster of his home team Boston Celtics and rival Los Angeles Lakers in the same season, but never played a second for either team. For a guy like Ishmail Wainright (196-G/F-94, college: Baylor) who has experienced the full Cinderella story in his career playing in the German second division only three years ago reached the NBA this season with the Phoenix Suns, but had to wait a while before being inserted for the first time against the Dallas Mavericks and in his second game scored his first NBA basket against the Denver Nuggets driving in from the wing and making a crisp lay up. Ex teammate Brandon Jefferson who played with him in France last season with Strasburg knows it must have been difficult for him to have to go through such a long time before playing his first NBA minute, but all in all had the needed patience to stick it out. ‘Ish is competitive and wants to play of course, but he knew that he would have to wait his turn and that his opportunity would come! Before the season, Ish told us that he wanted to be in the NBA someday and he made it happen. He had a great season and him being with the Uganda national team helped a lot also! He got to showcase his talent’, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen guard Brandon Jefferson. ‘ We still have a group message from the imports last season, and we all said no matter when your time comes, ‘keep your head up, we’re all proud of you and what you’ve achieved. When your name is called, just be ready’, explained SIG Strasburg guard Deandre Lansdowne. Of course hard work, timing and luck have aided Ishmail Wainwright in reaching the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, but there has also been something else. Royce O’Neale of the Utah Jazz played in the easyCredit BBL as a rookie and with Strasburg his second season while Wainright did the same with the only difference being that the Sun had a steeper road to go beginning in the German Pro A. More than two seasons ago when he was a rookie, he already had massive thoughts about what O’Neale had done and where his journey could go. ‘I’m not saying it could happen to me but you never know what the future holds you know. God works in mysterious ways’, warned Ishmail Wainright. The one’s who truly knew him as a person and his game knew that it could become reality. ‘Not many people would’ve guessed, but some of us thought, if he got the chance, he deserved it. Character wise, but also because he extremely skilled’, stated ex Basketball Lowen Braunschweig American Deandre Lansdowne.

Ishmail Wainright who lists NBA player Buddy Hield as his toughest cover in the NCAA, because he had to know at all times where he was was born on September 12th, 1994 in Kansas City, Missouri. He split time at Montrose Christian high school and at Raytown South high school where he played his first two seasons. There he averaged 13.6 points and 9.8 rebounds as a sophomore in 2010-11. He then finished his high school career at Montrose where he aided the team to a 19-5 record as a senior in 2012-13. He earned 2013 All-MET honors after averaging 8.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists for the school. He then played at Baylor (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 131 games where he was a sports management major. In his first two seasons he didn’t average more than 1,9ppg and had some serious growing pains, but he survived his freshman year. He had some very good players as teammates with Brady Heslip, ex NBA player Cory Jefferson, Isaiah Austin, NBA player Royce O’ Neale, NBA player Jonathan Motley, and NBA player Tauren Prince. ‘That year was a grind. Practices was by far some of the toughest practices ever. We were all fighting for playing time. I loved every bit of it too’, stated Ishmail Wainright in 2019. In his last two seasons he became a solid two way player filling up the stat sheet and showing his vast versatility averaging 5.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 73.0% and as a senior averaged 5.5ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.3%. He scored in double figures in 11 games, but even more important was that he helped his team reach the NCAA tournament 4 times in a row and made the Sweet 16 twice. The school has only reached the NCAA tournament 13 times dating back to 1946. He remembers exactly which one was sweeter. ‘2017 because it was my senior year, I was the only senior and we were picked last in the BIG12, wasn’t even ranked in pre-season. They laughed at us man. We started that season off on a mission. Non conference was tough but we took care of everyone. Conference play was conference play. The Big12 was stacked from head to toe. Everyone wanted us to lose in the first round of the tournament. We fought until the end’, remembered Ishmail Wainright. He once saw ex teammate and Belgium national player Manu Lecomte go off for 10 straight three’s in practice was lucky to have Scott Drew who has been instrumental in the school having so much success. ‘Hall of Fame coach for sure. He treated us like professionals since day one. Talked to us like one. Worked us like one. He used to tell us, ‘ You guys want to be professionals someday, you have to walk, talk, eat, work, and take care of your bodies like professionals do’, stressed Ishmail Wainright.

The American who lists Kenny Cherry, himself, Royce O’Neale, Taurean Prince, and Isaiah Austin in 2018 as the best starting five he has been a part of didn’t turn professional right away in 2017, but instead remained at Baylor (NCAA) and put his strong 235 pound body to good use playing football catching 4 passes for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns. He finally turned professional in 2018 moving to Germany to play for the Nurnberg Falcons (Germany Pro A) playing 39 games averaging 12.1ppg, Reb-5 (7.3rpg), 2.8apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 65.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 74.8%. He needed no real adjustment period having played a season of football. He was able to use his strength to the full advantage and is still doing it today. ‘My weight really helped realizing that most players aren’t as strong as I am so I can use that to my advantage’, expressed Ishmail Wainright. He was an instrumental part of Nurnberg making a surprise visit to the final losing to the Hamburg Towers. They won their last 11 games to reach the playoffs. ‘We came together and knew what we wanted to do. We wanted to do something that hasn’t been done in years’, said Ishmail Wainright in 2019. He scored in double figures in 25 games and being that lethal and consistent scorer was no surprise to him. He just didn’t need to show it at Baylor. ‘When you are playing with Pros like Isaiah Austin (China) , Corey Jefferson (NBA), Brady Heslip (BBL), Royce O’Neale (NBA), Taurean Prince (NBA), Johnathon Motley (NBA), And Rico Gathers (NFL), and others, I didn’t need to score in my mind’, remembered Ishmail Wainright in 2019. He had monster games against Rostock with 26 points and 17 boards and 26 points and 11 rebounds against Chemnitz. He was also very fortunate to play for a very experienced head coach Ralph Junge who has a track record of developing young players that is unmatched. ‘With this being my first year in Germany, Ralph has helped a lot. I mean a lot a lot because basketball is just different. He’s helped with just understanding the style and the movements with and without the ball. The automatic reads on the floor. He also encouraged me to just go play and kill whoever is in front of me. ‘, commented Ishmail Wainright in 2019 who’s toughest opponent as a rookie was Trier’s Canadian Jermaine Bucknor. The team success as a rookie was vital in him landing in Europe and making the next step to the easyCredit BBL. ‘That being the first year it went pretty good but I’m extremely hard on myself. I know I can give more. I have to give more. I have A LOT of work to do. My game grew in many different ways. And far as being a leader, that just came with everything. You have to want that. And I want that. And I feel like the team this year allowed that to happen. We had a great team and we all worked well together’, remembered Ishmail Wainright in 2019.

In his second professional season the ex Baylor player who’s toughest opponent in the BBL was Alba Berlin’s Luke Sikma made the next step to the easyCredit BBL playing with Rasta Vechta. He continued to make strides in his game as he played in 2 higher leagues BBL playing 26 games and averaging 10.4ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 77.6%; and played 13 Basketball Champions League games averaging 10.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 67.9%. ‘I came in with a chip on my shoulder and will continue to have that throughout my whole career’, warned Ishmail Wainright in 2020. He had a great season stat wise and needed no adjustment period even if it was a massive step coming from the Pro A to the BBL. ‘I was trying to be the 1st steal getter in the BBL this year. But the toughest adjustment was really , the players. They are smart. Older. And also our style of defense. I love what Pedro does on the defense standpoint of the game. Play to the limit and I will carry that with me where ever I go throughout my career. My game has developed a lot and still will continue. Shooting the ball. Scoring off the dribble. Finding my spot on the floor. Things I still have to work on to being one of those top guys in Europe’, stated Ishmail Wainright in 2020. He will never forget this season because it was interrupted by Covid-19 as there will always be what if questions. ‘There will always be a what If. Before the break we were in 6th and just got things rolling. Down to 1 game a week. Guys were starting to really feel their game and we were clicking. You never know what would’ve ‘ happened. I will cherish the fans. The team. Pedro and the coaching staff, man, it was an amazing year. Everyone knows about RASTA now on the international level. What more can you ask for? I loved every bit of it’, added Ishmail Wainright in 2020. He proved at the international level that he could hold his own against top players in the Basketball Champions League as he scored in double figures in 7 games including 19 points against Anwil and 16 points against AEK Athens. His teammates like Jarelle Reischel will always have him in their memories. ‘I used to call him Issaaaaahhhhhhhhmeeeeee! Hard working on the court and off the court and a very positive likeable guy that I enjoyed playing with’, said Jarelle Reischel. Even his BBL opponents like legend Quantez Robertson is happy that he made the NBA. ‘I remember him being a strong forward who could stretch the floor and shoot the ball. He had a pretty good season in Germany and even better one in France. It didn’t surprise me that he made the NBA. It just shows what can happen if you perfect your game, work hard and have decent numbers. You can get a look anywhere. I think he could remain in the NBA. The game has changed a lot. Teams are always looking for guys who can shoot and defend’, warned ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson.

In his third professional season he made another jump playing for top French team SIG Strasbourg (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) playing 36 games averaging 11.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 72.6%; and played 14 BCL games averaging 10.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 82.6%. He scored in double figures in 25 Pro A games including netting 19 points against Levallois and Chalon and in the Basketball Champions League scored in double figures in 9 games including 19 points against Tenerife. Here he had great talent around him and was teammates with two ex BBL players Deandre Lansdowne and Brandon Jefferson as well as ex NBA player Bonzie Colson. It really doesn’t matter who talks about Wainright, but the love is always huge for him and Lansdowne who like Wainwright also made a steep trip up the basketball ladder beginning in Germany’s third league. ”I really look up to guys like Ish. Ish is my guy. He is a great player and person. We room and often talk about our college days. He is always pushing everyone in practice. Every team should have a guy like him. They always come to work with a smile on their faces. They are an inspiration for all’, warned Bonzie Colson Jr in 2021. Everybody looks up to Ish. ‘Just being in the trenches with Ish last season as we made our run in BCL and in French league was great. We went through a lot of ups and downs and he was always the same. Would come in with a smile! I’m glad he’s made his dream come true, but now the work really begins! Ish will do big things in his career’, warned ex Metropolitan State University of Denver (NCAA2) stand out Brandon Jefferson in 2021. The trio of Wainwright, Jefferson and Colson were very special, but the team wouldn’t have had the success if it hadn’t have had the services of Deandre Lansdowne who gave his special touch to the team. ‘Some games would get lost and I would hit Ish with an extra pass and he’d hit a corner three and he’d say ‘Thank you Dre! ‘. With a big smile. just always made me realize even in a game you’re not scoring much, it can take one thing and he’s still so positive’, stressed Deandre Lansdowne

The American who lists Scottie Pippen, Lebron James, Tony Allen, and Magic Johnson on his NBA Mount Rushmore is a tweener that has a game similar to Draymond Green that can bring the ball up, rebound, defend the positions 1-4 and basically do whatever the team needs. Defense is easily his recipe to being the successful player that he is today. ‘I’ve always been a defender. It’s just in my blood. Watching Tony Allen lock up the NBA just fired me up. I want be that player that stays on the court because he can hold the other team’s best player from start to finish. Rebounding and just getting my teammates involved. I love when my teammates score’, warned Ishmail Wainright in 2019. It is no secret that a big strength is his rebounding. Any big man that he plays with knows that if a rebound does get lost, Ish will be around the corner to scoop it up. ‘It’s just a mindset. You aren’t going to stop me from getting that ball off the rim. If you do, believe me, I won’t stop going after it. And that’s the mindset you have to have’, warned Ishmail Wainright in 2019. If he is having a bad shooting day, then it will always be his defense that will pick up his game like deflections which is a hidden strength in his game. ‘I’ve always prided myself on deflections. I want to get the most deflections and at a high rate too. It’s just something that’s followed me throughout college. Even in practices I do the same’, said Ishmail Wainright in 2019.

In the last year he made waves with the Ugandan national team as he showed his all around game and exploded for an incredible 36 points against Cape Verde and also added 13 boards and 7 dimes. This happened at the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 qualifiers where he led the tournament in scoring and was fifth in rebounding and assists averaging 21.3ppg, Reb-5 (8.3rpg), Assists-5 (5.7apg), 1.0spg. He continued to perform at a high level at the FIBA AfroBasket in Rwanda where he was fifth in rebounding and first in assists playing 5 games averaging 12.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 6.4apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 32.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 70.6%. He also registered a superb triple double of 22/12/10 against South Sudan. His excellent play in Europe and continued rise up the ladder plus his domination in the FIBA AfroBasket put NBA teams on his radar. His ascension to the NBA began last summer with the Toronto Raptors where he signed a 2 year non-guaranteed contract and played NBA Summer League averaging 7.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. Despite a solid performance in the Summer League, he was waived on October 17th and was very close to making the team, but his NBA dream didn’t end there. Only a short time later on October 22, he signed a two way deal with the Phoenix Suns. He couldn’t have landed on a better team. He may not be playing much, but he is enjoying the current incredible run as the team has a 17 game winning streak and beat the Golden State Warriors last night. So far he has played 3 games.It is no surprise for me that he has made his NBA dream a reality. Ish is so much more than just a magnificent versatile player, but so much more. Just being his teammate is a fabulous experience that is rarely seen. ‘When I hear Ish’s name, I always think about how his energy and smile is contagious. You can be having a bad day and when you get around Ish, your whole mood changes. Ish is able to adapt to wherever he is. Ish being himself attracts a lot of people to him. Dude is a joy to be around! He was the X factor for our team last year in Strasbourg. He did a lot of things that didn’t show up on the stat sheet that helped us win a lot of games! He even ran point forward for us occasionally’, remembered current Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) point guard Brandon Jefferson. It will be interesting to see if Ish can remain in the NBA? Just checking the Suns box score every morning in Germany is an experience and fun to see if he got in or had to witness a DNP. His own self confidence and that of his ex teammates is huge for him being able to stick in the NBA. ‘As long as Ish stays locked in, he can do whatever he wants to do’, warned Brandon Jefferson. He has so much going for him that everyone is rooting for him. ‘He just enjoys every moment. Through ups and downs, he’s always smiling, he’s always having fun. He does everything, from understanding the game, can shoot, create for others, rebound, defend, and is always the loudest on the floor, which is a rare trait’, remembered Fort Lewis College (NCAA 2) guard Deandre Lansdowne. All eyes are on Ishmail Wainright as he continues to claw his way through the NBA especially those of 2021 NBA MVP Jaleen Smith. Smith was in his second professional season and Wainright was a rookie when they battled 6 times during the 2018-2019 season. Wainright got the best of him having a 4-2 record and winning the playoff series 3-1. Last summer both played in the NBA Summer League as Smith opted to go back and become a Euroleague player instead of taking the risk of reaching a NBA roster in training camp and then possibly being cut making his trek back to Europe more difficult finding a team in October. The risk for Wainright paid off as he is in the NBA. Smith will always have a what if, but at the same time is happy to be with Alba Berlin and battling the best players every week in Europe. The respect from Smith was always there for Wainright, but has grown even more with his arrival in the NBA. ‘Ish worked hard to get to the NBA. He went from Germany Pro A to Germany BBL to France LNB to now play for the Phoenix Suns and seeing someone make it not even the easy way. He really took the long route to get to the league and he’s a down to earth guy. Nobody deserved it more than Ish himself’, warned Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith. There won’t be any haters toward Ishmail Wainright simply because you just have to love his journey, game and his character.

Andree Michelsson (188-G-97) is a 197 cm guard from Sweden that is playing his first season in Germany with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) currently averaging 18,7ppg, 3,0rpg and 3,8apg.He has scored in double figures in all 11 games including 29 points against Berlin BG 2000 and Bergedorf.He began his career in Sweden with Malbas Oresund Malmo (Basketettan) He played the last four seasons in Iceland with Ungmennafelagio Snaefell (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 11.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 81.7%. Then he played two seasons with Hottur Egilsstadir (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 8.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 51.9% in his first season and in his second season averaged 11.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 65.5%. His last team in Iceland was UMF Sindri Hofn (Iceland-D1) where he averaged 18.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about his basketball career.

Thanks Andree for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we talk about basketball, talk a little about how you witnessed COVID-19 last year in Iceland. What were the biggest challenges for you on and off the court?

The Covid situation in Iceland was shut down in 2020, so the season ended a little earlier. I’ve been in Malmoe Sweden working/studying and just trying to build something here as well this Year.

With everything that you experienced in Sweeden and Iceland off the court, how do you feel did COVID make you stronger as a man?

It really did, I saw things from an other perspective and realized that some things in life is bigger than basketball.

Congrats on signing with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga). Is this like a dream come true? You always wanted to play in Germany.

Thank you! This has been a goal of mine for a while now to play in Germany. Good country and basketball is big there, I hope for a great season and that everything goes well.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you known any guys that have played in Germany?

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Germany and the basketball over there. Have some friends that been playing there as well so I’m looking forward to get going!

What were the main reasons for signing with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga)? What was the deciding moment that allowed you to make this step?

Coaching staff had a great mindset and I hope I can be a good fit for the team and help out.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a good shooter, but also very creative and can read the pick and roll well. What other strengths does your game have?

Yes, I like to have the ball in my hand and make decisions that’s best for the team. I’ve scored a lot my whole career but I also see the floor very well and make my teammates get looks as well. Some say that my NBA comparison is like a Deron Williams play style.

On what things do you continue to keep working on so you can continue to grow as a player?

A lot really, I can get better at everything.

You began your basketball career with Malbas Oresund Malmo (Basketettan). How important were these young years in your development and which coach do you remember being very important in your growth?

Malbas times where great for me growing up, specially thru the age of 13-16 when a lot happend in my life and basketball really made me to man I am today.

You played the last 4 years in Iceland in the country where your mother comes from. What did you enjoy most about the country?

Yes, it’s a beautiful country first of all and very good and helpful people that I am very appreciated of. And the competition was great, I developed a lot there!

You played in the first and second divisions of Iceland. How do you feel did your game grow in the last four years? How are you a different player today than when you arrived there in 2016?

For sure, I went straight after high school in Sweden and it was a tough challenge with taking care of yourself on a professional level. But I’m Happy I got the experience it at a young age that is a big factor now.

What memories do you have of teammate Charles Clark? Are you surprised that he has hasn’t continued his career?

It seems like COVID got in the way. Charles and I got a great relationship and I played with a lot of good guys that year that still are my friends today.

You played together with another talented American with Aaron Moss who had Westbrook like stats with 23/12/9. How much did your game profit from a guy like this?

I took a lot of vision and play making from Aaron, he knew the game very well and how to change the game with in positions.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being Iceland your first year where you knew that you were very far away from home?

It took like 3 days for me to understand what was going on, because everything happens so fast but you have to get in a good routine and make sure to stay ready.

Who was the best player that you ever played in your career that played at a high level?

That’s a good question, I’ve played with/against very high level guys in my career and I can’t pick really.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Elijah Clarance, David Guardia Ramos, Robert Northmann, Charles Clark and Tobias Sjoeberg

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

MJ, Lebron, Kobe and D Wade

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

MJ at the moment but Lebron is on his way.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I saw a really good documentary of Conor McGregor. I’m going to eat dinner with that guy some day, believe that. Thank you for the interview Miles, appreciate it!

Even if the 2021 FIBA Window is in full effect, it didn’t put a dent into the NBBL schedule as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were back at it and wanted to continue their winning streak. Last week they got revenge over IBAM winning a 68-66 thriller in their living room as the week before they stunk up the IBAM living room losing 76-58. This weekend they met the always dangerous Brose Bamberg who were reeling off a brutal 92-73 loss at the hands of FC Bayern Munich 92-73. Both clubs met on a cold Sunday afternoon as Frankfurt’s Alesio Santagati was looking to duplicate his fine and flashy play from the week before, but couldn’t totally, but German Bennet Schubert led a brutal comeback in crunch-time that wasn’t rewarded losing to Brose Bamberg-Troester Breitengussbach 79-73. After 40 minutes Bamberg head coach Jan Schroeder was totally angry even if his team won, but the 27 team turnovers were totally unacceptable. ‘I’m happy how we rebounded and our overall tempo in the game. But I’m not happy about how we defended and our communication. We allowed too many turnovers and 27 is an absolute catastrophe.I can understand getting 27 turnovers against FC Bayern Munich, but not against Frankfurt. We lost our concentration at the end. But a win is a win. It is never easy on the road especially in Frankfurt’, stated Brose Bamberg/Troster Breitengussbach head coach Jan Schroeder. Frankfurt as usual had the biggest heart, but couldn’t finish in crunch-time as turnovers hampered their play all afternoon long. ‘We had way too many turnovers and weren’t physical enough. We put ourselves in bad situations the whole game. Yes we fought back, but it wasn’t enough. Bamberg have enough guys that know how to put the ball in the hoop’, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners head coach Miran Cumurija.

Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skjyliners began well, but allowed Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach to rally and come back and then take control of the game mid way through the first quarter and never looked back. Frankfurt began very well taking the early 9-4 lead as point guard Alessio Santagati scored twice in the paint using his aggressiveness and quickness to his advantage and captain Bennet Schubert got his three going rapidly as it would be his biggest weapon all day long. Frankfurt had a lot self-confidence from the big win over IBAM and were constantly attacking the rim while Bamberg got a good grip on the boards early which would hurt Frankfurt all day long. The guests started chipping at the Frankfurt lead and got 3 big offensive rebounds and 2 baskets from Lithuanian player Danas Kazakevicius which helped dead lock the contest at 14-14. Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach then took charge in the game closing out the first quarter with a 13-5 ruin to lead 27-19 after 10 minutes. In the run the guests made 3 steals in a row leading to 3 easy baskets from Adrian Worthy (186-PG-03), Nico Hoellerl and Lukas Passarge. which gave them the momentum. Point guard Calin Nita and FrankfurtvGeran Romario Holloway added three’s to close out the quarter. The guests controlled the boards easily 13-5 and forced Frankfurt to 6 turnovers.

In the second quarter Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach continued to control the game and lapses by the guests couldn’t be compensated by Frankfurt as their inconsistency plagued them. Frankfurt got on the board first with a Joscha Zentgraf lay in who had a solid game scoring 11 points and securing 6 rebounds constantly out battling players on the rim, but Bamberg had the needed answer with a 8 point explosion form German Adrian Worthy who has Pro B experience. His drive and physicality gave Frankfurt headaches all day long. The German who came from Wurzburg finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. ‘His scoring is so important in every game. He can make something out of nothing. He is so valuable to our team, but also still has so much potential’, said Jan Schroeder. After the Worthy scoring rampage came 6 unanswered points from the team’s best shooter Nico Hoellerl to give Bamberg the overwhelming 37-23 advantage. Frankfurt then came back going on a 7-2 run only to lose some concentration in the last minute allowing a 4-0 run to trail 43-30 at the break. In the run, Frankfurt was aided by free throws by Schubert and Joscha Zentgraf and a massive trey by Dusan Nikolic. But little mistakes caused Frankfurt to allow an easy lay in by Nita and free throws by Worthy. Frankfurt had good shot selection from outside shooting 4/8, but were only at 35% form the field while Bamberg shot 50% form the field. Bamberg continued to have the upper hand on the boards24/13 securing 8 offensive rebounds while Frankfurt had 15 turnovers and the guests 12.

In the third quarter it looked like Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners would change the direction of the game with a massive run, but they allowed Bamberg to slap them right back in the face with a huge run allowing them to keep the double figure advantage. Frankfurt came out on a mission and went on a great 9-0 run to trail only 43-40. In the run they got big three’s from Schubert and Nikolic and lay in from Joscha Zentgraf and a hard two hand dunk from Nikolic. Frankfurt showed their huge heart and stepped up their defense getting 5 Bamberg stops and on offense found a groove again. That groove was stopped by Bamberg as they retaliated with a lethal 10-0 run to up their lead again to 53-40. In the run the guests got three’s from Worthy and Hoellerl and inside used mis matches and the length of Passarge for a lay in and Worthy’s athleticism for another basket. Frankfurt also had some tough misfortune in this phase as their attacking of the basket never waned, but they just couldn’t execute missing easy shots. Bamberg kept control of the game doing much damage inside getting easy baskets from Worthy and Hoellerl. Worthy also showed his precious inside out game also drilling home a trey. Bennet Schubert closed out the third quarter with a trey, but Frankfurt still trailed 63-49. ‘We showed a lot of character coming back from a Frankfurt run. We stayed calm and made plays to get the big lead back again. I don’t like these up and down phases’, stated Jan Schroeder. Frankfurt continued to shoot strong from outside at 47%, but had their difficulties from the field shooting 39% while Bamberg was solid from the field at 47%. Bamberg continued to control the boards 33-22 and had the 12-7 offensive boards lead.

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners made one last push in crunch-time, but it wasn’t enough. Frankfurt started off well in the fourth quarter getting 4 points from Joscha Zentgraf to cut Bamberg’s lead down to 65-54, but the guests always had answers as German Finn Radina and Matteo Sattler connected and the guests led 70-55. Frankfurt believed in their capabilities and slowly chipped away at the guests lead going on a 13-4 run to cut Bamberg’s lead down to 74-69. Frankfurt was aided by Bennet Schubert who continued to wail away from the parking lot scoring twice. Santagati also found space and little cracks to drive to the basket for 2 baskets. Bamberg lost concentration and coughed up the ball time in and time out as Bennet Schubert led the charge with 2 blocks and 2 steals in the comeback. Nikolic also made a steal and coast to coast sprint and dunk. German Abdelkahar Karioui made 4 clutch points to give Bamberg the 77-69 lead, but Frankfurt never gave up. Tyrese Kilee made a basket and Schubert another trey to cut Bamberg’s advantage to 77-73 with 28 seconds to play. Bamberg then broke Frankfurt’s press leading to a hard two hand stuff from Karioui to seal the win. ‘Players are allowed to make mistakes at this level, but the question is what type of mistakes. Our problem was that we were up by 15 and thought we had the game won. We have to finish the game better, stated Jan Schroeder. ‘We weren’t smart enough at the end and didn’t have enough experience’, stated Miran Cumurija. Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach was led by Adrian Worthy with 25 points. Nico Hoelerl added 13 points and Abdelkahar Karoui added 11 points while the Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were led by Bennet Schubert with 25 points. Dusan Nikolic added 14 points and Joscha Zentgraf 11 points. Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach shot 48% form the field and 30% from outside an dhad 45 rebounds and 27 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 39% from the field and 45% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 26 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 basketbal

Stan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. PS Karlsruhe has a 3 week break. How tough is it waiting for so long for the next game? –

The break in itself isn’t really tough we just have to use it in ways that can best benefit our group and look to improve more and come together more.

Do you have the last loss against Jena longer in your mind mainly because the break is so long.

That loss isn’t on my mind anymore, we learned from the game and move forward.

How has coach structured the practices now with such a long break? Is the team focusing more on it’s weaknesses?

The focus is always more on what we can improve upon while sharpening up the things we do well, so mainly just looking to be better in all areas but more importantly emphasizing strengthening up our mishaps.

PS Karlsruhe is 3-6. The next weeks will be instrumental if the team can make a run for the playoffs or not How important will the game be against Vechta?

Each game is important for our group. But all we can do is focus on the one in front of us. Going into Vechta will be a battle but we’ll be ready for the test.

Vechta has a similar record like you. That will be a great test for you. You will have your hands full with their very experienced guards Josh Young and James Washington.

We look forward to the competition.

The team brought in ex NAIA player Trevion Crews. How have you guys began to gel on the court?

We been gelling well, he’s a good player.

How excited are you to play Steve Nash like David Cohn in a few weeks? It must feel like being a kid in a candy story seeing these talented guards each weekend?

Not too familiar with him but I welcome the competition and prepare the way I’m supposed to.

Your second in scoring and fifth in assists in the Pro A. How do you feel has your game profited most from the style in the league?

I think my game profited the most by being cerebral and just being myself honestly.

You average 36 minutes per game and average 3,4 turnovers per game. How confident are you that you can shave this down more?


Just have to take care of the ball and not be careless. Value each possession.

What is your take on the Lebron/Isaiah Stewart tussle. Did Lebron not get away too lightly?

When Battling for position goes wrong. Kind of an unfortunate play which led to unfortunate turn of events.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

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

Congrats John on the huge 79-70 win over Deutzer. How good does it feel beating a 6-2 team?

Thank you it was a magnificent feeling to beat one of the top teams in the league. When we play like that I feel like we are one of the top teams in the league on any given night.

This must give you and the guys an extra boost with your self-confidence. How was the mood after the game? Do you guys have that ‘we still have a lot of unfinished business in front of us’?

Things are always better when your winning, guys are smiling and fans are celebrating, the goal is to build off this win and keep it rolling into next game.

Talk a little about the game. Was it as comfortable as the score shows or was it tougher to pull out than the result indicates?

It was more about just being disciplined and capitalizing on our offensive positions to score and make the extra effort on defense.

Deutzer is one of those scrapy teams that play well together and stick together well. Were you happy with how the team plan went through the 40 minutes?

Yes we were definitely happy with how we executed, we were also able to stay together ourselves and pull the win out.

Grevenbroich did a fantastic job on the boards. Where would the team have been without Dezemal Selimovic? He was a real work horse.

https://youtu.be/jqAjs4RCHHk

Yes He is one of the best bigs in the league and works his butt off on the boards. We definitely praise his effort and performance with games like this.

How did the team compensate the 20-12 turnovers where they had 8 turnovers more? Basketball sometimes works in a strange way?

Basketball is definitely a roller coaster at some points but we just managed to stay disciplined on defense which gave us more offensive opportunities in which we scored on.

What was it like playing against the two very scrappy German guards Patrick Reusch and Joachim Koschade? I know they kept you on your toes all night long?

It was a challenging night that I over came by just realizing how the defense was playing me and I was able to make the right play off their defensive schemes.

You had another great game scoring 30/5/8 but 5 turnovers. I guess the 5 turnovers don’t feel quite as bad when you get the win.

Just trying to make sure I’m doing everything I can on my end to secure the win, the 8 assists was big for me because I put emphasis on myself to make sure I made the right plays in certain timing and situations.

You shot the ball very well 8/15. What else besides finding your spots helped you achieve good shooting?

Well, Like I said before just knowing when to make the right play, sometimes plays need scoring and other times the play is to distribute so I would say that’s the biggest bonus to my game, being able to control the game, score when needed, and also getting my teammates involved all at the same time.

You next battle Leverkusen 2. Another good team with a 6-3 record. What will be key for getting win?

Just making sure we talk on defense, stay disciplined and make sure we make our shots on the road.

What is your take on Anthony Davis’s play at the moment. Many experts don’t see him as a top 5 NBA player now. Is he too much in shadow of Lebron?

I believe the Lakers and all the players will get things together, they just need some time to gel together.

Thanks John for the chat.

When you have been used to having Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) as head coach of the Fraport Skyliners for more than half of their existence, it isn’t easy forgetting him or reminiscing about great basketball days in Frankfurt when things weren’t going so well for the Skyliners in the last two seasons. Herbert is a figure in Fraport Skyliners history that is as loved as guys like Pascal Roller, Chris Williams or Quantez Robertson, but basketball life does go on. After a long stay with the Fraport Skyliners, he felt it was time for a new challenge and he kept very busy coaching the Canadian National team as well as being a consultant for the Brooklyn Nets and last coached in Russia for VTB team Avtodor Saratov. A guy like Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) isn’t jobless long and when I heard the news last Monday that the German national team was going to present it’s new coach, I immediately yelled Mike Taylor. I have no idea why his name popped up, but he has had success in the BBL with Ulm and Hamburg, but then I remembered oops he has been like a hero coaching the Polish national team the last years. Then I figured they were going to name a German coach, but when I heard it was Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ), I was instantly overjoyed. And why not. Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) was a great choice. He knows the easyCredit BBL, has had success with the Fraport Skyliners and one of his biggest strengths over the years was getting the most of his players with a more limited budget that was given to him. Not only I was very pleased with this announcement, but also many others especially people affiliated with the Fraport Skyliners. One ex player and Skyliner legend who was instrumental in the team winning the 2004 BBL title was Pascal Roller. He can bright up a room with his smile and crystal blue eyes and I would have loved to have seen his expression when he heard of the news. ‘I’m very happy for him. It is good that he will give a full time commitment. I always liked how well Gordie was prepared and putting the players strengths best to use. It will be exciting to see what kind of team he will be able to form in a short time. I’m confident that Gordie can do a good job’, warned Pascal Roller. Mike Taylor gave his respect over social media classifying the holy four letters GOAT to him.

I reach Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) who’s first club he coached in Germany was Wurzburg on a Friday morning in Finland four days after he was named German national team head coach. He is very relaxed and in very good spirits. I notice right away that this new challenge is very exciting for him. Sometimes going from a job were you were released to getting a new opportunity comes quicker then one may expect. He had to go in March 2021 and it took him only six months to get that new chance in Germany again. I remember him joking to me after his release that he actually lasted longer than the last coaches in the last 6-7 years. Sometimes one can be bitter for doing a pretty good job and almost reaching the playoffs and having to go, but he took it in stride knowing it’s a business and was blessed for the opportunity. ‘I had a good experience in Russia and I’m very glad that I did it. I knew coming in the history the club had had with coaches in the last 6-7 years. I have no regrets. It’s the nature of the job’, stated Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). He has sampled vast experience coaching in some very good leagues like in Germany, France and Greece, but being able to coach in the very popular, demanding and skilled VTB league where top teams like CSKA Moscow and Khmiki Moscow play was an enrichment for his basketball resume that he won’t forget so rapidly. ‘The VTB is a great league. It has tremendous teams and coaches. I think that there was only one Russan coach in the league. The VTB had coaches from countries like Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Croatia and Serbia. I really enjoyed my time there. It was a very professional league as well’, stressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

Now the ex Paris Basket Racing (France-ProA) head coach begins a new challenge in his career and for German basketball. Things moved very quickly. The German basketball Federation didn’t waste much time finding a replacement for 1993 NCAA champion with North Carolina Henrik Roedl. He signed on a Monday and had the press conference. The first phone calls and meeting occurred the Thursday and Friday the week before. Sometimes talking to some former coaches like Roedel and Dirk Bauermann help in making a decision, but he didn’t need to do that He remains very laid back in our conversation, but I continue to notice that he was 100% sure about taking this job.’ I intend to talk to Dirk Bauermann and Henrik Roedl soon. I had a great meeting with Ingo Weiss and Armin Andres. I felt very good in the talks. They were very professional. I like how they want to move forward’, said Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). The outpouring of support was huge from people and he also didn’t waste anytime quickly reaching out to his new players that he will be guiding. ‘I got about 50 text messages after press conference. It was very nice. I spoke to Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel, Isaac Bonga and Leon Kratzer. We have a list of 40 players. So far I have reached out to 80% of the players’, added Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). Even when he was bound to other jobs, the personable Canadian never loses track at what is happening in the easyCredit BBL or the German national team. Germany was the country where he enjoyed his most success and has always followed what was happening there. After an embarrassing 2019 World Cup showing where Team Germany possibly had their strongest roster ever, the 2021 team rebounded with an amazing qualifying round and reached the Olympics. Herbert is very excited about the future of German basketball. ‘I was really impressed how they played. They played very well. I really liked their spirit. Henrik Roedl did a really good job. I’m really happy for him. The team has tremendous potential and it was one of the main reasons why I took the job. I like the professionalism of the German basketball federation and the infrastructure. There are some players over 30, but there is a great core of players between 24-30. Plus there are good guys coming up. This is a great opportunity for me. I got tremendous responses from all the players that I spoke to. They are all very excited to play for their country and have success.’, warned Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

With the Fraport Skyliners he returned a few times and always had success again. In 2004 he won the easyCredit BBL title. In 2010 he returned taking over for the departed Murat Didin and reached the BBL final. After coaching Alba Berlin, he came back to Frankfurt for a third time and led the club to the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup title. He will most likely return back to the Fraport arena on occasion to scout potential German talents. He surely felt pressure at times with his tenure in Frankfurt and it isn’t any different now with the German national team. After Roedl did a super job, now German basketball fans want Herbert to take that momentum and ride with it and gain further success and take a new step. Herbert is more than ready for new pressure. ‘Sure there is pressure. But I have always said that the more pressure I have the better the job is. That is the nature of the job. But I tend to put more pressure on myself. It is success orientated. You have to understand that you are judged by how well you do’, expressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). It will be interesting to see what kind of philosophy Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) will instill into the German team. For years he was known as a defensive master with the Fraport Skyliners building top defensive teams with guys like Quantez Robertson and John Little. Last summer Roedl’s assistant Roy Rana introduced the Scram Switches which did wonders for the German team as they were one of the better defensive teams. Herbert already knows in what direction he will be going in terms of what he will be expecting from his players. ‘I will have my own philosophy and will build around the team. There are three things that I believe in. One guard your position, two rebound your position and three execute in the half court offense. Now we have to adjust the philosophy to the strengths of the players. We start with the defense and then go forward. We also have to be unified, play together and be able to have a good skill level. The first two are very important’, warned Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). Not only having success will be a challenge, but also building a roster at certain times when you don’t always have all players available. ‘It will be very challenging especially around the windows. The NBA and the Euroleague players won’t be available. That will be a great opportunity for the other players to get minutes and step up. You never know who is healthy or has contract issues at the start of the summer. So we will have to be flexible and be able to adjust. We need to form a team and find different pieces. The 12 best players don’t make the team. It is like a puzzle. You have to hit the different area’s. We will do the best job that we can to have the best team where the country will be proud of’, commented Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

Two players that he is absolutely thrilled about being able to work with again are current CSKA Moscow big man Johannes Voigtmann who most likely could have played in the NBA for the Washington Wizards, but opted to stick around in the Euroleague and Danilo Barthel who has been a Euroleague player for ages. The trio won the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup together and just harmonized very well. Now they hope to do it again. ‘They are both great people. They are both very good players, but even better people. When they were in Frankfurt, we had one of the best teams ever there. They began with us and it has been great seeing them develop further in the last years. It is hard to say now exactly what kind of role that they will have. The players tell us exactly what kind of role they will play when they are on the court. I had a great experience coaching them in Frankfurt. I’m looking forward to coaching them again. That was another reason why I took the job, because it is intriguing to coach them again’, warned Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). One very interesting issue is Joschiko Saibu. He is a guy that created a massive stir in basketball Germany concerning his political views especially with COVID. Germans fans hated him for it while the German Basketball Federation looked the other way. In the end, he was chosen to represent Germany and did a pretty good job on the court. The question now is will he get a chance under Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket )? ‘I don’t want to discuss personal issues. I had a great conversation with him. I think that he will play for Germany again, but I’m not sure. I look forward to our first eye to eye talk’, stressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). It will be interesting to see what new young players will be invited ‘We start at ground zero. I have had great conversations with many. I have been taken back by how much they are committed to want to have success. There will be variables with injuries and who is available. But we will always put together the best team possible’, said Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

It also will be very interesting to see the ex Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) coach who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming To America but knows it’s always tough following up a classic handle players from his former team Fraport Skyliners. The Fraport Skyliners organization has been known for years to be an excellent breeding ground for young players. One very interesting player is 19 year old guard Len Schoormann who continues to develop beautifully in Frankfurt, but there are also other candidates. ‘Len is one of the 40 players on my list. He has played very well in pre-season. I will look at all the players and decide who is best. Frankfurt has many candidates. Lukas Wank is there. Unfortunately Bruno Vrcic is injured. Then there is also Richard Freudenberg who has had injury problems. There are currently a great group of players especially between 19-23 in Germany. Young players will get a chance to get experience during the next windows’, stated Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). One very interesting player he will have to observe from a far is Joshua Bonga the younger brother of Isaac who played under Herbert in Frankfurt and is currently in the NBA with Toronto. He surprisingly jumped ship from Frankfurt to go to uncharted waters in Lithuania to BC Zalgiris. It is never easy to make a risky move like that, but he does have a German coach with Martin Schiller and will have an opportunity to possibly play Euroleague. ‘I know Isaac well, but don’t know so much about Josh. I watched some games of him last season. He looked good. I have no idea why he left Frankfurt’, expressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). Herbert has been so instrumental for players developing in Frankfurt and making the next step . Two of those guys were Tyrone Ellis and Jordan Theodore. The love from them is immense. ‘I’m extremely happy and proud of him. Gordie and my college coaches were the most influential coaches in my career that made me into the coach that I am today. The reason is that he cares about the players more than he does their talent. We won a championship because we were one big family. We communicated well and always had each other’s back’, stressed Tyrone Ellis. ‘I’m extremely happy for Gordie. I’m still in contact with him today. He’s one of the few coaches I still talk to regularly. He is well known in Germany and loved. This will be a great opportunity for him. We all know that he is an outstanding coach who really gets through to his players. And I know that Danilo and big Joe are happy to be able to play for him again’, warned Jordan Theodore. It will be interesting to see how the German national team will perform under Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). The team is riding a high and Herbert is seeking new success again. His love for the players will be there again and it won’t be any different from his players. History and experience simply show that the love is mutual from both sides and that it goes hand in hand.

Cole Walker (206-C, college: Ferris St., agency: Hamriding Sports Management) is a 206cm forward from Elk Rapids, Michigan that is playing his rookie season in Germany with club TuS ADEMAX Red Devils Bramsche (Germany-Regionalliga) currently averaging 17,7ppg, 9,4rpg, 1,9apg and 1,0bpg. He began his basketball career with Elk Rapids High School. He then played with Ferris State University (NCAA2) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 133 games. In his last two years he averaged 10.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 76.4% as a junior and as a senior averaged 8.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 88.0%. he won the GLIAC Tournament in 2017 and 2018 and won the NCAA 2 title in 2018. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career during the summe rof 2021.

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

I am in traverse city, Michigan. Life is treating me well. I have the opportunity of a life time.

Before we get to basketball, I have to ask you about COVID-19. After finishing at Ferris State in 2020, you didn’t play last year. How tough was it sitting out plus having the whole drama of the pandemic?

It was a tough time. I had a lot of time to think about basketball and realize what I really wanted. All in all it ended really well for me

What was the most challenging thing that you had to endure during COVID-19? How did you survive in the last year during COVID-19?

The hardest thing was not being able to finish my senior season. It got cut short due to covid. I survived by staying positive and looking forward to the future

With everything that you experienced off the court with COVID-19 how do you feel did the whole tough times make you stronger as a man?

It did make me stronger as a man. It helped me realize what I was passionate about and how to get to that goal

Congrats on signing with TuS ADEMAX Red Devils Bramsche (Regionalliga). What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I know that it is good competition all throughout Germany. Other than that I don’t know too much but I am excited to learn

What were the main reasons for joining TuS ADEMAX Red Devils Bramsche (Regionalliga). What was key for you wanting to make your rookie season a reality in Bramscke?

The interest this team showed in me from the start really had me hooked. It is also awesome that they were willing to look into me even after not playing last year.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward/center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I like to think of myself like a Kevin Love who is a good stretch forward who has the ability to shoot from outside as well as play down low

You’re a player that can score, rebound and shoot the three. Would you classify your game as being a modern day forward/center?

I would consider myself a modern center/forward. Bigs are becoming more and more of a threat from the perimeter and I try to push myself to be tougher from out there.

Talk a little about your playing style and strengths. What would you classify as your biggest strength on the court?

I think that my biggest strength is my ability to shoot as a big man.

You’re a very good outside shooter and shot above 40% in your last two years in the NCAA 2. How do you envision yourself making the next step at the professional level as a shooter?

I will keep the same mentality when it comes to shooting outside, take open good shots and don’t force them.

Talk a little about your defensive abilities. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender would you like to become at the professional level?

As of now, I consider myself a very intelligent defender who can hold the post down very well. In my professional career I intend to become a better perimeter defender.

On what part of your game are you working on most now so you will be best prepared for your rookie season?

The part of my game I am working on the most right now is my ball handling so I will be a better threat when it comes to driving the ball from the perimeter.

You played at Ferris State (NCAA2) from 2016-2020 winning the GLIAC Tournament twice. Which title was the sweetest?

The best title I earned at Ferris was the national championship in 2018. Best experience of my life.

Your teammate Zach Hankins remembers winning the D-2 title over Northern as being a very crazy ending. He watched it like 10 times that first year after the win. How many times have you watched it?

I have watched that ending at least 10 times as well!

Talk about that last play. Northern went on a high ball screen. What do you remember from the last seconds?

I remember a 3 going up for the win and the suspense that was in the air when the ball was shot. The shot looked like it was going in but it was just a little short!

You hit Wayne St., MI for 35 points on 9/10 shooting from downtown. Was that your personal best game at Ferris State?

That was my best game at Ferris. It was so much fun because it felt like no matter what I threw up, it was going in.

Zach Hankins remember learning mental and physical toughness. How did head coach Andy Bronkema groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

The best thing he taught us as a team was to play through adversity and keep your head high while doing it. It helps you get through anything that is going on.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Logan Ryan?

We were very close but I took him down not too long ago.

Who was the best player that you ever played against that reached the NBA?

Zion Williamson was the best player I ever played. The guy is an absolute monster

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Drew Cushingberry
Zach Hankins
Greg Williams
Josh Fleming
Peter Firlik

Please list your personal own NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Lebron James
Shaq
Magic Johnson

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

I have to give it to MJ. Even though it was a different time period, he was such a competitor it didn’t matter who he was playing against. He was winning

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dumb and Dumber!

Thanks Cole fort he chat.

Skyler Bowlin (190-G-89, college: MSSU) is a 32 year old 190cm guard that is playing his 11th season as a professional and his sixth in Germany and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn currently averaging 11,6ppg, 1,3rpg and 3,4apg while shooting 44% from downtown. Last season he split time with GS Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) averaging 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 70.6% and also played with Enea Zastal BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBl) averaging 9.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 78.3%.. In the 2019-2020 season he played with s.Oliver Wurzburg averaging 11.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 87.2%. and the season before averaged 9.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.7% in the BBL and in the Fiba Europe Cup averaged 8.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 5.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 72.2%. The ex Missouri So (NCAA2) began his professional basketball career with BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA) and then played three seasons in Denmark with Horsens IC and a year in Sweden with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). He played two seasons in Germany with the Giessen 46ers and with Science City Jena (Germany-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.1apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com late last summer about basketball.

Skyler thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you in these hard times with COVID?

Hey Miles, always a pleasure! At the moment I’m back home in Arkansas with my family enjoying some time with them while we can!

Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about COVID-19. How did you experience the whole drama in Greece and Poland last season. What was the most challenging thing that you encountered in these tough times?

This season was definitely crazy. I think the hardest thing was my family and my wife’s family couldn’t come and visit our newborn the entire year.

Last season you played in Greece and Poland. It was only the second time in your career where you played for two teams in a season. It was a very successful season for you reaching the Polish final, but on the other hand how tough was it not winning the chip?

Yeah, changing teams is always difficult, but that’s how it goes sometimes. It hurt losing in the finals for sure.

You began the season with GS Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1). What kind of an experience was it playing in Greece and what did you enjoy most about the league, style and players?

Playing for iraklis was a great experience. The Greek style of play is definitely different than Germany. A lot of teams like to slow it down and grind out every game. I enjoyed my time there.

What kind of an experience was it playing against top Euroleague club Panathinaikos Athens? Was this the best talent you have ever played against at the pro level?

Playing against Panathanaikos was a great experience. They are for sure one of the better teams, but tough to say if they were the best or not.

For years Shelvin Mack played in the NBA and then suddenly you see him face to face. Were you overwhelmed by his sheer talent or is the level of skill that guards have not as deep as one may think overseas even with ex NBA players?

He’s a very good PG. it’s always fun to match up against guys who have recently been in the NBA.

What was it like being teammates with veteran and ex guard William Hatcher? He had to pay his dues just like you starting in lower leagues. He played with Bonn farm team Rhondorf back in the day. Could you guys relate to one another very well because of what you had experienced as players overseas?

I loved every second of being teammates with Will. We had a great relationship from the moment he got to our team. We had some great battles during practice.

You finished the season with Enea Zastal BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBL). You played in the highly touted VTB league. Just how good is this league if you compare it to other leagues that you have played in?

The VTB was a lot of fun. The travel was crazy, but it was a great experience and an extremely high level league.

You also played in the Polish EBL league. That league seems to have been growing in status in the last years. What was it like playing in this league and what did you enjoy most about the basketball side?

I was very impressed with the level of the EBL. Once we hit the playoffs the level was very good. It was a pretty physical league also.

What was it like being teammates with ex Virginia tech great Adam Smith? This guy dominated the Italian A-2 twice and has been a prolific scorer everywhere he has gone. This guy really has been underappreciated from teams. Shouldn’t he be playing for at least a Eurocup team?

Playing with Adam was a lot of fun. I wish we would have gotten to play more games, but our time together was great. He’s a high level scorer at almost any level so I’m sure he will find a nice job somewhere.

You will be playing your 11th professional season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Has Germany become your second home?

Germany has treated me well. My family and I really enjoy living here.

How excited are you to be starting a new challenge with the Telekom baskets Bonn? Is there one game that you especially remember? You had some big wins against them with Jena and Wurzburg?

I’m very excited to start with Bonn. It’s always been a fun place to go and play. I don’t recall one game specifically but it was always a difficult game against them.

You will be working with the very talented head coach Tuomas Iisalo. He did an amazing job taking the Crailsheim Merlins to a new level the last years. What do you enjoy most about his coaching ability and what is his biggest strength?

He’s a hard nosed coach and an extremely hard worker and that’s why he’s been so successful. I think those qualities are what make him a good coach.

You will be battling against ex teammates Cameron Wells and Jordan Hulls. They were huge in your development. How do you feel did you make them stronger during your Wurzburg days?

I think we all helped each other. I had a lot of fun with those guys and we had some great battles in those 2 years. It’s going to weird playing against them for sure.

You will be 32 when the easyCredit BBL season starts. What are your biggest goals with your game besides winning? How much better can you get with your scoring/playmaking abilities?

I just want to do whatever I need to do for our team to be successful. I know my strengths and weaknesses so I just want to be as stable and solid as I can be for our team.

How is Skyler Bowlin a better player now then a year ago before going to Greece and Poland?

I’m working on my conditioning and body a bit more this summer so I hope that can help me get through the season as healthy as possible.

Your three point shooting was down a bit last season. Is this an area that you are working more on this summer?

I always try to work on my shooting every summer so it’s for sure something I want to get better at. I’ll try to improve on everything this summer!

Where do you see Chris Paul in the debate of the best point guards of all-time? Would he be higher if he had a ring?

I think Chris Paul is an all time great but I’m not one to argue on the subject. Everyone has their own opinions and thoughts.

Dino Radja said that he couldn’t imagine Russell Westbrook being able to lead a team to success in Europe. Do you agree?

The styles are completely different, but I think Westbrook would be perfectly fine playing in Europe.

Draymond Green stated he believes that he is the greatest defender of all-time. Do you agree?

He’s clearly a great defender and extremely versatile. Tough to say all time great or not though.

Did you see the new Coming To America? Shouldn´t they just have left it alone?

I actually haven’t watched it yet!

Thanks Skyler for the chat.

Jermale Jones (186-G-86, college: Tuskegee) is a 35 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama is playing his 11th professional season and first with Nift Al-Shamal (Iraq-Superleaguen): Last season he played in Switzerland playing for Swiss Central Basket Luzern (Switzerland-NLB) averaging 18.1ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-5 (3.8apg), Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 76.7%. He can look back at a long career having played 6 seasons in Germany with 5 in Lich and 1 in Bernau while also getting experience in Luxemburg with Black Star Mersch (Luxembourg-N2) and played two seasons with CS Politehnica Unirea Iasi (Romania-Liga Nationala). He spoke to germanhops.com on his 35th birthday.

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

I’m currently in Iraq and basketball is treating me well. We had a slow start but we will pick it up.

You turned 35 today. Do you cherish birthdays as you get older more than say 10 years ago where the world was fine?

Yes every year I cherish my birthday because God gives me my health and strength to make it each year.

Last season you played with Swiss Central having a very solid season averaging 18.1ppg 3.3rpg, Assists- (3.8apg), Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 76.7%. Was there any thought of having continued your career there?

I would have went back if I had a chance to but things didn’t work out like that. So when one door closes another door opens.

Covid seems to be acting up again. How has it been experiencing it in Iraq where you ball now? Are the protocols any different to what you saw in Europe and the States?

Yes it’s very different here compared to Europe & in the states. In Europe they start closing things ASAP, in the states they close things gradually but here it’s not even talked about.

Your playing for Nift Al-Shamal (Iraq-Superleague) this season. The most logical question is was money the biggest factor in helping you make the decision to play there?

No it wasn’t all about the money, but it was more about the opportunity and getting a chance to play in a different market to show myself also.

What kind of experience has it been balling in Iraq? How would you compare the skill level and play compared to other leagues that you have played in?

I have had a great experience so far. Walking through the streets of Baghdad was the best experience for me. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be walking through that city. Comparing this league in Iraq is really hard to say because it’s very different and each team is only allowed 1 foreign player.

Your team Nift Al-Shamal has started slowly. What have been the biggest problems that the team has faced that hasn’t allowed you to win more games?

We have a very young and inexperienced guys that’s the cause of the slow start but things lately have been getting better and they are starting to understand what it takes to work to be successful & to win games.

How big is the challenge this season for you to lead the team to success? How inviting are your Iraqi teammates to an American leading the charge?

My challenge for me is just lead the team the best way I can. Teach the young guys things from my experience and show them small details to help them be a better player. My teammates are very welcoming and they take my advice on a lot of things I say to them on the court.

You have put up very good numbers as usual. It seems like your getting better with age. Do you feel like your game has come to a new level?

Yes every year it seems like another level of myself is unleashed. During the summer working so hard in the gym and learning new things from guys that have played on a very high level every summer helps my game tremendously.

Your 35 years old. You continue to be that lethal scorer. Does the game become more fun as you get older and you can still be able to compete with young bucks?

Yes, being a scorer is natural to me and the game is very fun because the younger guys always joke about me being a little older but then when going up the court I’m still so faster than them. So I always have a lot of fun and jokes with my teammates.

Do you continue to watch the same NBA guys and their games for inspiration or does every now and then a new guy pop up where you try to get inspiration from?

I don’t watch the NBA that much. I only watch when it comes down to the playoffs. Those are the most important games and watching those games and how players handle themselves in certain pressure moments helps me learn.

What has it been like for you as an American living in Iraqi. Was there any doubt at first to do this? How have you been welcomed in that country as an American?

Well before I decided to come I did my research and all over the media it said do not travel to Iraq because it’s very dangerous and bad. I prayed about it and God lead me to go. I have been here a month now and I haven’t had any problems. Everyone looks to help me and make sure I don’t need anything. The media makes this place sound really bad.

Have you celebrated any wild party’s in owners palaces? What has been your most interesting experience that you have had living in a new culture?

I haven’t been to any parties.

Rickey Paulding is retiring this season. You watched him for years. What legacy will he leave in the BBL when all is said and done? Would it be fair to say he was the greatest American that ever played in that league?

His name will forever be rememberd and his dedication to the game won’t go unnoticed. He had a great career but I wouldn’t say that he was the best American that played in the BBL

Your buddy Quantez Robertson has a nasty injury. How much longer will he play? Could you imagine him playing until his body breaks down?

Yes Tez is a warrior. He will play until he can’t anymore. He might give it 5 more years. He will be back playing in no time.

Some NBA experts have stated that Anthony Davis isn’t a top 5 player at the moment and needs to make the next step now with Lebron Hurt. What is your opinion on that?

I really don’t have one because I haven’t watched much of the NBA

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

They shouldn’t have tried to do a part 2. Part 1 was good enough.

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

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

After getting your first win last week, Grevenbroich suffered the next loss against Essen. How tough is it going from an ultimate high to a low again?

It is tough we are just trying to stay focused and keep the consistency in our play so we can grind out some wins.

How frustrating is it playing your heart out and scoring a career high 36 points and then losing?

It can definitely be frustrating at times but being positive is the key to the game so that’s how I try to remain at all times.

Talk a little about the game. I believe in this game, controlling the boards was a huge factor. You allowed as a team 15 offensive rebounds.

Yes and that’s something we talked about in practice, it doesn’t matter how tall people maybe boxing out doesn’t have anything to do with height so that’s something that we have to get better at.

What was key in crunch time for the ETB Miners being able to pull out the win?

Like you said in the previous question, we would get stops in the 1st possession but they would get 2 chance points off offensive rebounds and score of the second try and that’s what hurt us the most.

How crucial is the bench in general in a league like the Regionalliga? Essen won the bench points 31-5.

Definitely important for us to have the support off the bench, I can say we are getting better and better each day.

Was this another game where just not enough came from everyone else? You had to be that savior with 36 points.

I just feel like it’s a key of how focused you are on gameday, we can’t come in with the lack of focus like we did against a good team like Essen.

What positives do you feel could the team take from the loss? The team took better care of the ball again or not?

Yes the team definitely is taking better care of the ball and making smarter plays on offense, we fought hard and battled for 40 minutes so I must say I am super proud of my guys for the effort they gave. I definitely told them that’s afterwards.

You had 36/3/4 stats. When you lose a game like this do you feel like you could have done more with your playmaking?

Sometimes I do but then I look at the film and try to learn more about my teammates and ways I can make them better in certain situations.

You belong to the top players in the Regionalliga. You have such a huge desire to move up leagues, but does your exceptional play not feel the same when your losing so much?

Yes because at the end of the day I am a winner and as a team we have to all have the winning mindset because the game is played to win.

You next battle tough team Deutzer that are 6-2. What will be the focus this week to see that 2nd win?

Just keying in on defense trying to be better every day on help side and just making shots
When we are doing those things we are just as good as any team in the league.

Do you feel like the great Scottie Pippen is damaging his legacy in the way he seems to bash Michael Jordan in every interview?

I just feel like he deserves just as much respect as MJ because as good as MJ was he didn’t win a ring until Scottie Pippen arrived with the Bulls. Facts are facts.

Thanks John for the chat.