Jimmy McKinney (192-G-1983, college: Missouri) is a retired basketball player that had a 10 year professional career in Germany from 2006-2016. He played a total of 285 games for teams like the Fraport Skyliners, Wurzburg, Tuebingen and the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He began his basketball career at Vashon High School and then played at the University of Missouri (NCAA) from 2002-2006 playing a total of 123 NCAA games. He was teammates with Rickey Paulding at Missouri from 2002-2004. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of his good friend Rickey Paulding.

Jimmy how have you been? Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m in St Louis, Missouri. Everything is good. I’m a high school basketball coach at Kirkwood high school.

You retired in 2016. I always hoped that you would of played longer. Could your body still have let you played a few more years?

Body wise yes but not mind wise. I just felt that at that time I couldn’t do it on the court the way I was accustomed to. I knew my time had passed by and I didn’t want to cheat the game and let it be a money thing. You should be playing the game for the love of it. When I lost it, I knew it was time to go.

Are you still connected to basketball in other ways besides being ahigh school coach?

Yes I am with my sons. I have an 18 year old who is more connected to football while my 13 year old is more connected to basketball.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

A legend. He is a good friend of mine and I respect him a lot.

What was your first impression when you met him? Was his smile and personality instantly infectious already there at Missouri in the two years where you were teammates?

The first time I met him was on the campus of Missouri when I came in as a freshman. I remember that I was very small when I came to Missouri. I was something like 180 pounds. I talked to him about the college life. I wasn’t afraid, but I was weary of not being strong enough. He was very understanding and told me you will get stronger and that everything will be all right. I will never forget that.

What was your first impression when you saw him on the court? What was the first thing that really stuck out?

How he competed and what it took to win. He was the best offensive player, but also the best defensive player on the team. He always guarded the other teams best player. That really opened my eyes. He was an incredible athlete and was always number one in the sprints. But even more he was a great person that took me under his wing.

You played two seasons with him at the University of Missouri from 2002-2004. What was your fondest moment on the court with him?

It was my freshman year when we played Marquette and Dwayne Wade. He had something like 36 points. He only had something like one mistake in the game. I remember the game was on the line and I was open, but opted to take the last shot and missed. The game went into overtime. This is one of those games that I will never forget. It was on national tv and he hit 36 on Dwade.

If someone had told you in 2004 that he would have a professional career until 2022 what would you have thought? Was his work ethic already very good in school?

I would of definitely believed it. Especially with the way he took care of his body and how his conditioning was. He had a God’s gift and he wanted Rickey to be the kind of player that he would be.

Do you think your record against him in the BBL was above or below 500?

It is below 500.

That is correct.Your record against Jimmy was 6-11 not including cup games. What was it like playing against your ex teammate and friend?

It was always tough playing against him. He was the focal point and they always had a good team around him. It was bitter sweet. On one hand I was playing against a friend, but at the same time, I wanted to win. But I was always happy to see him do great things. But I always wanted to beat him.

Was there a specific game that you will never forget?

The first time we played against each other in Frankfurt.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

I don’t think it will ever happen again. It is like if someone would beat Steph Curry’s 3 point shooting records. I think that if someone could do it then Quantez Robertson. I don’t know if he can. He is close though. He needs 2-3 more years.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

I want to thank him for being a friend and being a positive role model. I want to thank him for taking a kid from St Louis and taking him under his wing and showing me the ropes. I also want to thank him for not cheating the game and playing it the right way at a high level. I also want applaud him and his family for opening their arms and accepting me. If they ever need anything, I will lay down the red carpet. I’m really proud of you and your a great role model and father. Now it’s time for your second life.

Tags : JIMMY MCKINNEY, TELEKOM BASKETS BONN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Keith Hornsby (192-SG-1992, college: LSU) is a 30 year old 193cm shooting guard from Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia that is playing his sixth professional season with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg averaging 14.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT-1 (50.9%), FT: 90.3%; BBL Cup: 2 games: 11.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg. In the 2019-2020 season he played with Polski Cukier Torun (Poland-EBL) playing 19 games averaging 15.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 75.7%. He played his first 3 professional seasons with the Texas Legends (D-League) playing 116 games and averaging 4.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg in his first season, 10.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 78.3% in his second season and 12.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT-2 (49.1%), FT: 84.1% in his final season. He began his basketball career with Oak Hill Academy. He then split time with 2 schools with the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) and : Louisiana State University (NCAA) playing a total of 116 NCAA games. His best season with the: University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) was his last season where he averaged: 15.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 92.5%. He put up very consistent stats with Louisiana State University (NCAA) in both years averaging 13.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 78.4% and in his senior year averaging 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the incredible career of Rickey Paulding.

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

Hey Miles. I’m currently in Pau, France right now preparing to play the second game of quarterfinals. We lost the first game at home two days ago so our back is against the wall today. Our roster has some serious injury depletion, but we’ll still come out and compete hard of course.

Your playing this season with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) and have reached the playoffs. Your having another great season. How would you compare the France Pro A with the easyCredit BBL? Which league would you say is the skill level better?

I would say the French league is a bit tougher. It’s more physical and athletic from what I’ve experienced, although the BBL might take the cake in the basketball IQ department. They’re similar levels, and I do think if I’d played last year in the BBL under normal circumstances with full fans and heightened emotional environments, the level of play may have been naturally higher.

Your once again shooting out the lights. Did some of your incredible accuracy from last season carry over to this season?

Haha I’d hope so. I never go into a season with the die hard goal of shooting an incredible percentage. It’s just kind of happened. I’ll say this year it’s more impressive , because many of my shots have been more difficult. A lot more pin downs and off the dribble threes as opposed to more catch and shoots last year in Oldenburg. I also adore the Spalding basketball the French league plays with much like the BBL.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

Legend and genetic specimen! Haha Although Rickey would never like to be called a legend or anything so boast worthy becuase he’s so unbelievably humble.

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

No. Not even close. He turned 38 last season when I was with him and was doing things on the court that players 10-15 years younger couldn’t do. That’s why I call him a genetic specimen. Guys built like Rickey don’t come around too often.

What was your first impression when you met him? Was his smile and personality instantly infectious?

My first impression was that he was soft spoken and quiet. He can obviously be vocal, but I wouldn’t call him an extrovert who wears his emotions on his sleeve. He’s a kind soul, but on the court he has a killer instinct that’s engrained deep within him. Oh and his smile. Yes, it’s infectious. When Rickey laughs, it’s contagious.

What was your first impression when you saw him on the court? What was the first thing that really stuck out?

My first impression was that he has an incredible ability for making difficult shots. I suppose that comes with almost two decades of professional experience. I’d be matched up with him many times in practice , and I’d know exactly what he was about to do on offense, and he’d still find a way to score on me. I would contest the hell out of him, and it would still go in many times. He’d go down the court grinning at times, and me (in frustration) couldn’t help but do the same. Guarding him made me a stronger defender. He was also so nice. If he fouled you in practice he’d apologize if it seemed too rough

You played a whole season with him. Is there anything specific that you feel you were able to take from his presence on the court?

It was a successful season with him. One thing I can take away from him is the influence he can have on you during games and he wouldn’t even know it. There’d be times I’d be dead tired during games, and I’d glance at Rickey and see him still going full tilt 100%. I’d be thinking ‘if Rickey can find the energy right now , then I have no business succumbing to fatigue and being tired’

In your season he had so many great games. For instance exploding for 36 points in a loss against Crailsheim or hitting Bamberg and Munich for 36 points. What game will you most remember from him?

That Crailsheim game was unreal. We ended up losing, but we may have lost by 40 if Rickey wasn’t playing at god-like levels. Everything he threw up seemed to go in.

What is your fondest moment with him on and off the court that you will never forget?

His buzzer beater in Game 2 of the playoffs last year against Ulm was great. We all ran up to him and gave him the normal ‘buzzer beater’ treatment. Rickey is one of those guys where when he does great things, you can’t help but want to share the moment with him and make it even better.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

I think Rickey is one of a kind. A one and done. There will never be another American player like Rickey in the BBL. To have such loyalty to one club for fifteen seasons is incredible unique and I don’t see that happening again. Never say never of course, but the chances are slim. Maybe we’re experiencing the start of the next Rickey right now in the BBL and we just don’t know it yet

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

He knows who the real Tiger are. Them LSU Tigahhs!!! Geaux Tigers baby!!

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber has been a basketball journalist and play by play commentator for nearly 20 years covering basketball in Germany. He began his career in Frankfurt for AFN (American Forces Network) and in the 2003-2004 season began to cover the Frankfurt Skyliners. He began his play by play career in the 2004-2005 season calling games for the Skyliners BBL team. He recently finished his 18th year calling games in some kind of a capacity for the organization and others. He began writing for eurobasket.com in 2008 and started to write for germanhoops.com in 2009. He has interviewed 1600 + players in his long career and has interviewed Rickey Paulding (196-SF-1982, college: Missouri) on occasion. A detailed chapter about Rickey Paulding will be in his upcoming book ‘The Real Deal’ set for release in the autumn of 2022. He also wanted to pay his respects and looked back on his memories of Rickey Paulding.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

Ageless, competitor, BBL legend. There will never be an American like him again in the easyCredit BBL. It isn’t possible. An American with a character like his where he has family and Oldenburg before anything else happens once in 100 years if that. It just isn’t possible for an American to stay in one place for a long time.

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

There have been guys in the BBL in the past like Derrick Allen and Chris Ensminger who were able to play to 40 and still play at a high level. But stat wise I think Rickey could of continued playing and still been consistent. He may not have been on the same page defensively, but offensively could of still made an impact and played 2-3 more years.

What was your first encounter with Rickey Paulding?

I remember my first encounter with Ricky Paulding was in the 2007-2008 season. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were playing a game in Oldenburg and after the game it was the perfect opportunity to interview him. It was our first interview and as I often did, I took a photo with him and I will never forget that huge smile that he had. It was also a photo that would be discussed in one of our interviews in 2015. There have been times in the last 15 years in loses against Frankfurt where he wasn’t his usual friendly self, but had that post game loss face on, but that is understandable. He is a big competitor that can’t just digest a loss after 10 minutes. As soon as he was home again and saw his small children, the loss was surely forgotten. I only interviewed him a few times for Eurobasket/German Hoops, but mostly would talk to him after games for my game articles.

How do you remember interviews with him?

I always enjoyed how he told it the way it was. There was no bla bla when we talked, but just honest facts about that game and I really respected him for that. He was another player that not only I, but many other fans in the easyCredit BBL would come to watch. A guy where any fan would mark their calendar when he was playing against their team. There has to be a reason why he was chosen as the BBL’s most likeable player three years in a row.

Favorite head to head battles with a player?

Without a doubt his friend Jimmy Mckinney. Both had been teammates at Missouri (NCAA). They always had intense battles on the court. After the game they were joking around like friends.

Please tell a special story that you had with him on the court? There was that story about copying a move and then doing it.

My nicest memory with him was in 2015 when I visited the BBL top 4 cup final in Oldenburg. I had made the trip with the Sport Eagle TV team from Munich who were filming interviews. This was the magical weekend run where the EWE Baskets Oldenburg won the cup over Brose Bamberg. I remember watching how Paulding and Co celebrated and even peeked into the dressing room after the win and saw what partying was really like Oldenburg style. My favorite interview with Paulding is what I did in front of the camera with Sport Eagle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXsuIZHuUPs). I will always enjoy my last 2 questions. First I asked him if he and Julius Jenkins ever look at old pictures because both started to sport the bald heads. Paulding commented saying he saw that picture from our first interview in 2007 on social media where he had a full head of hair. My last question was who would win a one on one not inside on the court, but outside where weather can always be a nasty obstacle him or his good friend Jimmy Mckinney. He was very fair and gave it to Mckinney. I thought that was another pure example of how charming and humble he was.

Did you ever have an embarrassing moment with him?

Yes I did and I still cringe to this day when I think of it. I mean if it was his wife or mother waking him up is normal, but me? Damm that was just cruel from me. I wanted to interview him again after a long time. It was during the exciting playoff series against medi Bayreuth in May 2017. I remember calling him in the morning in Bayreuth and waking him up. I think that was about as bad timing as I have ever had. We didn’t do it and I let him continue sleeping.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

Rickey Paulding as of now is the greatest American that ever played in the easyCredit BBL. He played 15 years for one team which is just unheard of. No disrespect to Americans, but it’s not uncommon to see these guys jumping from country to country every season taking the best contract available. I mean it’s a normal thing. Doing what’s best for my family a phrase I have heard hundreds of times in interviews. But not only his longevity and faithfulness to the EWE Baskets is incredible, but also his consistency on the court. There aren’t many guys that have put up the kind of stats that he has.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

Thanks Rickey for sticking around in the easyCredit BBL for 15 years when you knew you could of landed on a Euroleague team after the BBL title in 2009. You would of played at a higher level and made so much more money, but instead you did what was best in your heart. Seeing you play every season was an enrichment for every basketball fan in Germany. I always enjoyed watching you play. You are in my top 5 of favorite players in the BBL all-time. You will be missed on the court. I wish you all the best in your life after basketball.

Marco Buljevic (197-SG-1987) is a 35 year old 197cm shooting guard that recently finished his 18th professional season and first with the EN Baskets Schwelm. He began his career in Ehingen and played 4 years in the easyCredit BBL from 2006-2010 amassing 65 games with Giessen and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He then played 6 years in the second division Pro A with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets playing 182 games and averaged in double figures scoring in 5 of those 6 seasons. He then played the last 6 years in the Pro B with teams Schalke, Bochum and Schwelm totaling 84 games. He shared the court with Rickey Paulding form 2008-2010 and shares his memories.

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

I’m in Greece on vacation with my wife and two sons. Lately I’ve been watching lots of basketball, NBA and Euroleague. I keep telling myself I need more sleep. Never works. Games are just too damn good.

You just finished your 18th professional season with the EN Baskets Schwelm. How do you feel? Will you continue next season?

Now that you say 18 seasons I definitely feel like I’m close or maybe even at the finish line. I feel fine. Will I continue? No clue right now.

Has some of that longevity that Rickey Paulding has shown rubbed off on you that has allowed you to play so long?

What’s allowed me to stay around is just not being able to live without basketball so far.

After your last season in the BBL in 2010, you played 6 Pro A seasons and 6 Pro B seasons. Why do you feel couldn’t you have a BBL career like others?

After my fourth BBL season where I was on a Euroleague team but didn’t get to play a lot, I wanted to be on the floor 35 minutes plus. I was able to get that in the Pro A. I enjoyed it, found a home, went to university, got married and became a two time father. I simply did not want to move around anymore. For the past five years I’ve been only a part-time basketball player as I’v received an offer for an exciting full-time job in sports business in 2017.However, had another promising BBL situation occurred, I would have considered it for sure. But it never came, so part of the truth as well is that I just must not have been quite good enough for a long BBL career which is ok. I’m happy with how life went.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

Mayor of Oldenburg.

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

My Dad in Tennis, no joke. But Rickey is a freak, hats off to him.

What was your first impression when you met him? Was his smile and personality instantly infectious?

For sure, it was. Everyone will tell you that. I’ll tell you how nice and friendly he is: Day 1 my first year in Oldenburg, Coach Krunic has me playing 1on1 full court with him. Rickey is making sure I don’t look bad so I can make a good impression and feel good after just getting there.

You played two seasons with him. Is there anything specific that you feel you were able to take from his presence on the court?

Being pretty friendly with referees. I liked his demeanor with them.

In your two seasons he had so many great games. I can imagine his great play in the Bonn series that allowed you to win the BBL title is something that will always remain in your memories or was there one other particular game?

Yes, he was great in that finals series against Bonn, won MVP. But I don’t have a particular game in mind from those years. He made sure others got theirs too.

What is your fondest moment with him on and off the court that you will never forget?

2009, Slovenian Mountains (Rogla), pre-season, we’re in the cold tub post practice. I asked him about opportunities he had before extending his contract with Oldenburg. After learning what and who he turned down, I thought he’s crazy. But that’s what makes him special. And I can understand now as a father much better how valuable and beautiful a stable environment is.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

I believe he showed how beautiful loyalty to a place can be in a world where we often seem to feel like another place might be better. Jarvis Waker, Tez Robertson come to mind. But I believe Rickey would list above them. I think I might be old and grey before we see this again.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.


Rickey, you had an amazing career.It was an honor to be a witness for two seasons, especially in 2009, when that most special trophy was lifted. All the best to you and your family!

Chris Carter (193-PG-1992, college: Florida Tech) is a 30 year old 195cm guard that was born in Brooklyn, New York and is from Port St. Lucie, Florida that completed his seventh professional season and second with the Rostock SeawOlves averaging Rostock Seawolves 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 65.9%. In 2019-2020 he played with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 9.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 66.7%. He also played two seasons with Rasta Vechta. In 2018-2019in the BBL he averaged 4.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.4apg. In his first season with Rasta Vechta he helped the club move from the Pro A to the easyCredit BBL winning the Pro A title averaging 11,0ppg,3,4rpg and 5,3apg and shot 40% from outside. In 2016-2017 he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 40 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4 (5.7apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 73.4%. As a rookie he played for Bipa Basket Odessa (Ukraine-SL Favorit Sport) playing 32 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 77.3%. He started his basketball career at Air Force (NCAA) and then played the last three years of school at Florida Tech (NCAA2) and as a senior played 21 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to eurobasket about his memories of Rickey Paulding.

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

Heading to Florida tomorrow and life is treating me well right now.

You just helped a third different team move up to the BBL. What else do you still want to achieve in your illustrious playing career?

I want to now have a solid career in the BBL.

Do the Boston Celtics have any chance in a 7 game series against the Golden State Warriors?

No they have no chance against the Warriors.

What do they have to do to win?

Everyone has to play exceptionally well for them every night.

Who will take the title?

Warriors will win.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

Legend.

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

Not in real life no.

Did you follow him when you were playing in the Pro A?

Oldenburg was always a good team so I would keep up when I could.

What did it feel playing against a legend like that?

Was a fun atmosphere.

You played once against Rickey Paulding with SC Rasta Vechta losing 81-62. What do you remember from that game?

The crowd was crazy and they had a really good team.

What about his game will always stay in your mind when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

Consistent

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL?

He has left his footprint in the BBL and will be remembered for a long time.

Do you feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

No there will not.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

Congrats to you and your family on a great career!

Tags : CHRIS CARTER, ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Josh Carter (201-F-1986, college: Texas A&M, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 35 year old 201cm forward from Dallas, Texas that finished his 13th professional season with PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 6.4ppg, 1.0rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 75.0%; and 8.0ppg, 3.3rpg, in the BCL league. He has played in countries like Germany, Israel, Russia, Italy, Turkey and France. He played college ball at Texas & Am. He played his rookie season in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg averaging 7.8ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 60.9%; in the Euroleague averaged 7.7ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 75.6% in the BBL. He had a very close relationship with Rickey Paulding and spoke about his memories of him.

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

Hey Miles. I am doing well I am in Dallas Texas right now. I spent the first part of the season with Paok in Greece. Unfortunately I suffered an injury that ended my season but I am back healthy and hoping to play again next year.

You played as a rookie in Oldenburg as Rickey Paulding was already in his seventh season and third in Oldenburg. Has Paulding’s amazing longevity in some way rubbed off on you to keep grinding and keep playing?

It has been impressive to see what Rickey has been able to do with his career. I definitely have looked to him many times in my career and have strived to have longevity in my career just like he has.

You have played in so many countries and with so many teams. Did you ever think about staying with one team as you got older? Granted as an American it is tough as money is always a temptation, but Rickey somehow was able to remain 15 years with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

I think every player would love to stick to a good situation that they enjoy. As you said money and being comfortable becomes the main issue. I don’t know Rickey’s situation in Oldenburg over the years, but I would assume Oldenburg offered solid money and comfortability for him and his family and that’s why he always chose to come back. He rewarded them with his loyalty for them rewarding him with something that was fair and reasonable on the financial side of things even if it was a little less than he could make somewhere else.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

There have been some gems that have played for a long time and pretty well as they reach an older age. Of course it doesn’t happen often and is very difficult to do. Thats what makes it so special that Rickey became one of the few players to accomplish this and he deserves all the respect and praise he is receiving. It’s not easy to have success year in and year out as you get older.

What was your first impression when you met him? Was his smile and personality instantly infectious?

First impression was he was just a true professional and a great person. Always kind and always respectful to everyone. I was his back up and his neighbor my first year so I spent a lot of time guarding him and with him off the court. Him and his family really took care of me and taught me many things about overseas basketball and just life in general that year. I always say I don’t know where I would have been if it wasn’t for the Paulding’s my first year.

What was your first impression when you saw him on the court? What was the first thing that really stuck out?

On the court my first impression was probably his smoothness. He could shoot and he was explosive but he was very calm and poised with it all. Never out of control. Always played at his pace and played his game.

You played one season with him. Is there anything specific that you feel you were able to take from his presence on the court?

I just learned to take what the defense gives you but also be aggressive. He was also very smart with the way he trained. Smarter not harder. Our coach that year used to love making us do long distance running around a lake and I was a rookie and was trying to be first and go hard and I remember him and another teammate telling me it doesn’t matter how fast or good you do at running these miles, if you ain’t putting that ball in the basket in practice or games you will get cut haha so save your energy for things on the court that actually matter.

Was there a game that stuck out most?

Rickey had many games during my time there that stood out. It’s hard to pen point just one. He was always showing up when it mattered.

What is your fondest moment with him on and off the court that you will never forget?

My fondest moment on the court is hard to pin point it’s been a very long time since I played with Rickey so it’s hard to remember exact things. Off the court though it was all the times spent having dinner with him and his family at their home and at restaurants. We spent a lot of time together off the court and those are the memories that stick more so than the basketball memories.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

I think his legacy will last forever. I don’t think there will ever be another Rickey Paulding that did it at the level he did it with one team for that long of a duration.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

Congrats on an awesome career Rickey. Many people are celebrating your success and are very happy for you and proud of you. Enjoy retirement!

Tags : JOSH CARTER, PAOK THESSALONIKI, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Quantez Robertson (188-G-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) is a 37 year old 188cm guard that has played his whole professional career with the Fraport Skyliners. He recently finished his 13th season with the club and his biggest feat was helping the club win it’s third club title in 2016 with the Fiba Europe Cup. He belongs to the BBL identity figures with Rickey Paulding and Per Guenther. He began his career at Laurinburg Prep Institute and then played at Auburn (NCAA) from 2005-2009 playing a total of 126 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com sharing his memories of Rickey Paulding.

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

I’m at home relaxing with family. No basketball yet. I played basketball all year long. Now it’s time for the family.

How did you take the news of the horrible school shooting in Texas? Alabama is right next door. What should be done to prevent this?

It was a sad day in Texas. It was horrible seeing how a school was shot up. This is something that we go through too much in the United States. There should be very strict laws about how you can obtain guns.

You just finished your 13 season with the Fraport Skyliners. Seasons continue to get harder as you grow older? How vital will this years off season training be?

My off season training this summer will be vital. I will make sure that I come back in very good shape. Really important will be taking very good shape of my body and staying healthy.

Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

He is a hell of a player.

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

The only guys that I have seen play that well at his age were the trio of Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins and Immanuel Mcelroy. I would also put Chris Ensminger in that list.

What do you think your record is against him in regular season action? Would you say it is above or below 500?

It is below 500.

Your correct it was 10-13 in the regular season.

That isn’t good, but not bad.

You played your third professional game against Rickey Paulding losing 63-61 and posting 7/3/2/3 stats. What do you remember from your first meeting against him? What was your first impression when you saw him on the court? What was the first thing that really stuck out?

I remember getting a steal in Oldenburg and he facing me down and getting the block.

He was in his sixth season when you met him as a rookie. If someone then told you he would play until 40 what would you have thought?

He was already in great shape then. I would of believed longer.

What about his game will always stay in your mind when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

His turnaround shot and pull up three.

Please tell a special story that you had with him on the court? There was that story about copying a move and then doing it.

We were watching film of Oldenburg and there was a move I liked form him. I took note of it It was his turn around shot. In the game I took one of his moves and told him, I took that from you. He then just laughed and the next time down, he did that move on me and said I got you back.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league? Maybe you?

Besides me and him, I don’t think there will ever be another American that will play that long in the league or for one team. The temptation for money is too big and guys will go somewhere.

Who would have won a 1-1 contest in 2009 and in 2022?

(Tez takes a long time thinking). It would be 1-1, but I don’t know who would win when.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

It’s been a honor playing against you. It was also fun talking to you before and after games. I enjoyed having you as a friend in basketball. I wish you nothing but success in everything you do in your next career.

Sometimes things can change drastically 180 degrees from one season to another. One year ago the Telekom Baskets Bonn had missed the playoffs again and were sulking in their own pity. Bring in a new coach and little known point guard and fast forward one year and all of a sudden the basketball world is incredibly jolly in Bonn. After a sweep against the always ambitious and pesky Hamburg Towers, the Telekom Baskets Bonn now met the always annoying FC Bayern Munich. They may have lost the first regular season game by 19 points, but they stormed back in the return game and offered a mind boggling 35 point shell shocking that had most Bon fans wondering did that just happen? If that wasn’t the perfect omen for game one against FC Bayern Munich. The Bavarian club was also coming off a sweep of the Niners Chemnitz, but on this untypically cooler late May evening, it would be no one sided affair but a real slugfest for 25 minutes as fans saw real gritty playoff basketball. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were able to cling along for a half, but in the second half lost their consistency little by little and then gave up a mammoth run in the fourth quarter as FC Bayern Munich marched to the 80-68 win. In some gyms, certain players would be booed after a performance like that, but not in Bonn, where the die hard fans celebrated their hero’s as if they had just won. Ex Missouri Southern State University guard Skyler Bowlin who is playing his 11th professional season put up the big goose egg, but was very professional explaining between autographs why Bonn couldn’t win game one. ‘They are a Euroleague team for a reason. They make everything difficult for you. They push you into mismatches and then punish you. They have many options to score and beat you 1-1. They also punished us down low and found options to score or make the right pass’, said ex Jena guard Skyler Bowlin.

The first five minutes of the first quarter was a real battle in the trenches as missed shots and extreme aggressive defense made the game look like a high scoring ice hockey game. FC Bayern Munich got out of the gates storming taking the quick 6-1 advantage. It didn’t help the Bonn cause that head coach Tuomas Iisalo was also hit with a technical foul. Munich pushed the ball inside and also had to work for everything as Bonn defended with high class. Ex Tuebingen center Augustine Rubit and ex Alba Berlin center Leon Radosevic scored. Munich did a great job making offensive life extreme difficult for BBL MVP Parker Jackson-Cartwright and walking bucket Javontae Hawkins who had less touches and little room to operate. But Iisalo then made the right switch inserting ex Wurzburg guard Tyson Ward and ex Fraport Skyliner center Leo Kratzer who turned the game around going on a 8-2 run to grab their first lead 9-8. In the run, Bonn got easy baskets as the pick and roll worked and Tyson Ward and Kratzer harmonized nicely. The big German scored twice in the zone and Ward scored on transition. Both teams had found their rhythm and there would be three more lead changes until the end. FC Bayern Munich got some key baskets from ex Ohio State big Deshaun Thomas and German national player Andreas Obst for the 12-9 lead. Bonn regained the lead back 13-12 as Lithuanian shooter Saulius Kulvietis scored from outside. Soon parker Jackson-Cartwright made his first basket with a floater, but FC Bayern Munich led 18-16 after 10 minutes as Andreas Obst connected as when open will drain the three as easily as Steph Curry blindfolded. FC Bayern Munich had a pitiful 8 turnovers and Bonn only 1, but they couldn’t capitalize on it. The guests had great shot selection and were shooting 70% from the field and 50% from outside and had the 11-6 rebound edge. ‘They hit us first and we hit us second. That is how the game goes at times’, stressed Skyler Bowlin.

The second quarter continued to be a tight rope battle as no team could get away and there were 5 lead changes. Parker Jackson-Cartwright began the second quarter with a lay in as his quickness was challenged by the keen rotating of the Munich defense. But ex Iowa State (NCAA) guard Nick Weiler-Babb answered with a clutch trey for the 21-20 Munich lead. Munich at times were making it so tough for themselves seemingly trying to find the more difficult solution trying to make those tough Rondo passes through the zone instead of making it easier which led to turnovers and the game remaining close. Both teams then traded baskets and leads as ex Fraport Skyliner Michael Kessens showed his brute scoring inside as did Radosevic as the guests led 23-22. Munich then got another clutch basket from Weiler-Babb as Munich led 25-22. Jackson-Cartwright and Hawkins were under control and seemingly on a leash controlled by the guests as they could muster little scoring power. But luckily for Bonn came the emergence of American Tyson Ward who has had a difficult season having a smaller role from the bench. But he made the most of it coming into the game and scoring three buckets in a row giving Bonn the lead back 29-27. Ward is one of those players that can find a variety of ways of scoring and did unleashing his mid range game including a pretty turn around shot in the post. Bonn’s offense was working better and they were getting easier shots and executing at a better rate, while FC Bayern Munich continued to cough up the ball too often. The Telekom Baskets Bonn would not relinquish the lead in the first half again as Kulvietis nailed another three pointer and Hawkins scored his first basket of the game right before the break as FC Bayern Munich moped back to the dressing room trailing 35-33. ‘We did a good job searching for the mis matches and Ward was huge for us. He made some really tough shots in the post’, stated Skyler Bowlin. Munich’s shot percentages went down while Bonn’s continued to be inferior despite having the lead. The guests continued to have the overwhelming rebound edge 22-13 and had an incredibly massive turnover number at 14 while Bonn did a great job taking care of the ball with 3 turnovers but weren’t rewarded with the bigger lead.

In the third quarter the tide of the game slowly began to shift in the direction of FC Bayern Munich as their offense continued to roll while the Telekom Baskets Bonn couldn’t execute the way that they wanted to. But for the first 5-6 minutes, the Telekom Baskets Bonn still were offering a tight affair. There would be 5 more lead changes as Bonn continued to stay with the guests. Hawkins got Bonn going right away draining a three pointer for the 38-33 lead. But basketball wouldn’t be basketball without runs and that is exactly what FC Bayern Munich did exploding for 7 unanswered points leading 40-38. FC Bayern Munich did a great job in this phase being patient and moving the ball around great which resulted in good shots and execution. Weiler-Babb dropped a pull up jumper, Thomas a jumper and top Serbian forward Vladimir Lucic (204-SF-1989, agency: BeoBasket) a three pointer. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had lost rhythm and tried to be too fancy while just searching for the best shot. Bonn would grab the lead one more time as ex Bamberg three and D player Karsten Tadda nailed a trey and ex Crailsheim forward Jeremy Morgan made a pretty spin move on the base line scoring for the 43-42 Bonn advantage. FC Bayern Munich’s offense was rolling and made their move and went on a 10-2 run to lead 53-45 and would never trail again in the game. FC Bayern Munich used good spacing and shared the ball and got key baskets from Lucic with a jumper and one handed dunk while Weiler-Babb hit an open three pointer. FC Bayern Munich used the mismatches and just crushed Bonn inside. FC Bayern Munich kept the pressure on in the last minutes getting vintage contribution from versatile Serbian guard Ognjen Jaramaz and a bucket from 36 year old ex NBA player Othello Hunter who was with the Hawks organization and still shows good athleticism at his age with a nice spin move and basket. Hawkins closed out the third quarter with a long trey at the buzzer, but Bonn still trailed 59-51. FC Bayern Munich was shooting over 50% from the field and Bonn over 40% while both teams were around 30% from down town. The guests still had the overwhelming 31-16 rebound edge and did a better job taking care of the ball with only 3 turnovers. ‘Jaramaz is a strong guard that can do it all. He hit big shots, posted up and showed why he plays at a high level’, expressed Skyler Bowlin.

In the fourth quarter The Telekom Baskets Bonn began with a last come back attempt with a run, but then suddenly their offense was shut down as FC Bayern Munich overpowered them with a massive run to decide the game. The Telekom Baskets Bonn started with a key 7-0 run to get the Telekom Dome cooking trailing only 59-58. It was Bonn’s two best scorers Jackson-Cartwright and Hawkins who supplied the offensive punch somewhat shocking FC Bayern Munich, but not for long. Bonn had stepped up their defensive intensity that put the Bavarian team to the test as they rushed things and took bad shots. But the Bonn run didn’t totally rattle Munich’s composure or killer instinct as they stayed patient and searched for the best offensive solutions and were rewarded with a lethal 14-0 run to lead 73-58 which paralyzed the Telekom Baskets Bonn. In the Munich run, they were able to display their brutal inside out game which just tore apart Bonn. Munich got a crucial line drive three from Jaramaz which looked like he had seen Anton Gavel take one before, but the Euroleague team really smothered Bonn with their inside game the most. They got a alley-oop dunk and lay in from Lucic who showed his quickness in the post while Babb made a lay in and the two big centers Thomas and Hunter flourished with hard one handed dunks. The Euroleague experience and killer instinct of FC Bayern Munich outlasted Bonn in this phase. They took the three game away from Bonn and also controlled key offensive rebounds. The Telekom Baskets Bonn found better to their offense in the last few minutes closing out the game with a 11-7 run, but it was too little to late as the guests had done the needed damage. Bonn got some baskets from Kessens with a two handed dunk and Tadda and Hawkins nailed three pointers. ‘They turned it up a notch. We couldn’t find any answers. The run hurt us and they picked up their defense. We couldn’t make shots. That is how it goes sometimes’, stressed Skyler Bowlin. FC Bayern Munich also did a great job on Jackson-Cartwright and Hawkins holding them to 9/32 shooting. ‘Our game plan was to be physical. But that isn’t easy against them. They have great length and size and we couldn’t match it. Weiler-Babb is so big and a great defender’, stated Parker Jackson-Cartwright. FC Bayern Munich shot 54% from the field and 29% from outside while the Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 38% from the field and 31% from outside. Key was the FC Bayern Munich 42-24 rebound edge. The 21 turnovers that FC Bayern Munich had really hurt Bonn more than anything as they couldn’t take advantage of it. ‘We always try to win the possession game. That is a huge number. We have to do a better job. We didn’t play to our pace and need to play faster’, warned Skyler Bowlin. FC Bayern Munich were led by Vladimir Lucic with 19 points while Ognjen Jaramaz added 18 points while the Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright with 14 points while Javontae Hawkins had 13 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn will have to win game 2 if they want any chance of having a chance in this series. ‘We won’t beat FC Bayern Munich in the half court. I’m confident we will go to Munich with the series 1-1’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

Tags : VLA

Ben Lammers (208-C-1995, college: Georgia Tech) is a 26 year old 208cm center from San Antonio, Texas playing his fourth professional season and second with Alba Berlin. He played his first two professional seasons with RETAbet Bilbao Basket averaging 10.2ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.1spg, Blocks-1 (2.0bpg), FGP-3 (65.1%), FT: 65.4% and in his second season averaged.8ppg, 4.8rpg, Blocks-2 (1.9bpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 66.7%. He began his basketball career with Alamo Heights High School and then played at Georgia Tech (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing atotal of 123 NCAA games. In his last two NCAA seasons he averaged 14.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, 3.4bpg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 73.7% and 11.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 74.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 89-84 win over the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Congrats Ben the huge game one 89-84 win over the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. How tough was this game. Ludwigsburg just don’t go away?

They are a very talented team and here for a reason. They make shots, play hard and never give up. It is always a challenge playing against them.

Even when you slow down a guy like Jonah Radebaugh, they always have other guys step up. Is their depth a bigger strength than their pressure defense?

Their depth really stands out. Their depth is comparable to what elite teams have. They have plenty of weapons. You can’t only stop just one guy, but the whole team.

The offensive rebounds were key down the stretch, but so were the three’s by Smith and Lo. It seems like the guard rotation is always there for the big shots.

That definitely helps give the team confidence. Our guards have the capability to always make that last shot.

How did it feel being back in the line up after missing the last 2 games? You had 4 points, 6 boards and 2 steals in 11 minutes.

It felt good being back. It has been a weird year for me. I have had a couple of injuries and always been in and out of rhythm. It was good playing good defense, getting some rebounds and helping the team.

Your playing your second season with Alba Berlin. After having won 2 titles already with them, could one say that your in love with the organization?

It makes it so much easier to play when you have won some titles. I hope to get another one. I couldn’t ask for more with what I have here. I’m very happy.

Everyone knows that the organization is run incredible well, but what one example could you give where you see just how well this club is run?

I think what is amazing is that the club is capable of getting really talented players combined with having good characters. Sometimes there will be guys on other Euroleague teams that may be difficult to play with, but that isn’t the case here. Here everyone is nice. It makes it a lot easier to play when you have nice guys.

Despite two titles, how tough have the seasons been? You were injured in both seasons. How do you feel has your game matured in the Alba Berlin organization?

In my first year I got more confidence in my mid range jumper. In Spain I had been more of a pick and roll player. I get easy shots here. It helps when guys like Sikma and Thiemann are on the floor.

You have been an incredible shot blocker for a long time. What do you feel has been key in your career for being able to be that rim protector?

Since I was little, I always seemed to have a knack to block shots. I’m a pretty fast jumper something that others don’t expect from me. I try to avoid contact which throws guys off.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with Johannes Thiemann? 5 years ago he would be a sure bet for the 12 man national team roster, but with the influx of NBA talent isn’t a shoo in. How do you compliment each other best?

He is a very good player. Last year he played more the 5 and this year more the 4. He likes the low post, but can also extend the court well. I think that we pair well up on the court. We both know what we have to do before it gets done.

I can’t remember ever hearing of a guy like Luke Sikma getting as much praise from teammates like he does. You must have that special Sikma story?

It is very tough to say anything negative about Luke. He was key in helping many guys make the transition form Aito to Israel. He is like a glue guy. He is like another assistant coach. He knows the style and keeps everyone level headed.

Just how talented and raw is Oscar Da Silva. Can a guy like him with his Alba Berlin experience reach the NBA?

He is obviously very talented. He is still young. He has skills that could correlate over to the NBA. Now it’s all about getting the chance and then taking advantage of it.

You played the last two seasons with RETAbet Bilbao Basket (Spain-ACB). Was it a tough adjustment coming from the NCAA to the best league overseas? How do you feel did your game grow in the ACB?

One of the major differences is that in the NCAA you play against guys between 18-22 years of age. These kids are inexperienced, but crazy athletic. Then you come overseas and play against guys that might be 39 years old. These guys really know how to play. It is all about being able to learn as you go along,

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Spain where you knew that you were very far away from home?

People not speaking English. In Spain most of the teammates spoke English, but as soon as I went to a restaurant in a city no one knew English. In Berlin it is a lot different. Here English is like a first language for some.

You were teammates for two seasons with Hamburg Towers guard Jaylon Brown. Did you guys develop a special friendship that has stayed until today?

We did. He has been a year longer in Bilbao, but his first year was very tough. So in his second year, I was a rookie. We kind of went through the same things. It was a culture shock and we did it together. It was a nice experience being teammates. We still talk now.

You also played two seasons with Austrian Thomas Schreiner who is with Jakob Polti the countries best known players. Did the aura and play of this guy make an impact on you?

It makes it a lot easier being teammates with a guy like Thomas who has been around so long. He was key in helping me figure out things.

In your second season you beat Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in very tough games. What win was sweeter?

I think the Barcelona game was sweeter. That win helped us get into the cup. We had to beat them. I secured a rebound at the end to bring the game into overtime. It was a very close game and it meant more than a regular season game.

You battled against Walter Tavares. How tough was it playing against one of the best defenders in Europe?

He was a tough player to paly against. I saw right away what kind of caliber players were in the Euroleague. I would try to box him out and he had no effort getting the ball over my head. He was so large, but he moved so effectively and was very graceful. I would rank him in my top 3 of the toughest players I have guarded overseas.

You played at Georgia Tech (NCAA) from 2014-2018. In your first two years you hardly played. What did you learn in your first two seasons that helped you fight adversary?

I came in off a tough injury. I did a lot of rehab and slowed everything down. I learned to be patient. I knew that not everything would happen in one year. I believed in the process and kept working knowing I would get my opportunity.

You played against North Carolina and Duke many times and even beat NC as a junior. From all the battles was there a player that stuck out the most? Brandon Ingram hit you for 31 points in a game.

In the ACC you play against so many talented guys. Jayson Tatum was one of the toughest guys as was Ingram. I remember being mad at the refs believing they were helping him out. It was hard guarding Ingram who made it really difficult with his length and jumper.

How did head coach Josh Pastner groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He gave me a chance and confidence to play. In my first two years I didn’t get a chance. That coach was let go and Pastner came in. Sometimes a coaching change will change everything. You don’t always know what kind of role you will have and how you will play. I just lucked out, because his playing style fit my game.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Charles Mitchell?

He was tough to guard. He was big, but also had a quick spin move. He also had a nice tough. He probably won more, but he also was older and had more experience. But I also won my fair share.

You love studying World War 1 & 2. Berlin is the perfect place to live. What monument or place in Berlin is your favorite?

The first place that I noticed when I went to practice was the Brandenburg Gate. I have noticed that there is so much history in Europe. There are buildings that are older than the United States.

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

John Collins who is very athletic and mobile. He was always difficult to defend.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I feel like I may hurt some feelings. Javier Salgardo (one of the best passers that I ever saw. He is like a Tamir Blatt with 15 years of experience)), Jaylon Brown, Luke Sikma, Tamir Blatt, Maodo Lo

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

Tony Parker, Tony Duncan, David Robinson, Manu Ginobolli, Dirk Nowitzki

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

It is fun to watch people argue this debate. Some are so passionate and can argue for hours. I always liked Jordan, but I’m 50/50 on this.

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

I didn’t see it. The sequel is never as good as the first.

Thanks Ben for the chat.

Tags : BEN LAMMERS, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

A thing I love doing every day is checking stat sheets from all over the world. Seeing what ex NBA players are up to overseas is always interesting, because some of them just can’t make the transition or seeing Americans put up ridiculous numbers in China and some having the audacity to say that defense is actually played there or finding guys after not having had them on my radar for years pop up in a stat sheet. Just the other day I wasn’t only shocked to see Filiberto Riviera who everyone calls Juny the same way every one calls Quantez Robertson Tez still playing professional ball at age 39. But what is really peculiar about his career is simply that after playing 5 solid seasons in Europe including 3 seasons in Germany with Artland and Bamberg, he totally disappeared from the basketball map in Europe and played the rest of his career in Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico. Another guy that I discovered again after a long while on the stat sheet was 39 year old undersized big man Torvoris Baker (201-F-1983, college: Detroit). He gave me that surprised but happy line of wow that guy is still playing. A reason for that was probably because he is back in the Regionalliga where eurobasket.com keeps stats and the last 6 seasons with BBC Osnabruck where he balled in the Oberliga and second Regionalliga, there weren’t stats on eurobasket.com to remain in the fold with how his career is doing. I had interviewed the Detroit native twice once in 2010 and the other time in 2015. So it was only fitting that we would keep our 5-6 year cycle of interviews continue with a new one. I reached him on a cool November day and had to compliment him about still being able to play the game that he loves at the ripe age of 38. I figured that maybe he took some inspiration from his ex Gotha head coach Chris Ensminger who also was a dinosaur playing until he was 40 years old, but boy was I wrong. ‘I don’t really have a secret. I just try to eat healthy and workout. That with a mixture of being mentally strong. Chris Ensminger no comment’, stressed Torvoris Baker. Oh right there had been some kind of issue that Baker had had with him in Gotha.

Torvoris Baker who lists MJ, Kobe, Shaq and Hakeem on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore was born on March 24, 1983 in Albany, Georgia and grew up in Detroit and played at Cooley high school. He then made the jump to the NCAA playing for the University Of Detroit Mercy from 2003-2006 playing a total of 92 games. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding averages each season and as a senior played 32 games averaging 8.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.3apg, FG: 50.6%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 64.1%. He began his rookie season in Ireland with Neptune Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague) and totally dominated playing 16 games averaging 23.0ppg, 14.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 65.5%, FT: 44.2%. As is usually the case with guys that begin in countries with lower leagues like Ireland or Iceland and have that man vs boy dominance on the court normally find their way to Germany as Tovoris Baker did. And one can say the rest is history. He has been in Germany ever since and is playing in his 15th season there. His first destination was Herten in the third division called Pro B. He needed absolutely no adjustment time and averaged 18.8ppg, Reb-2 (11.6rpg), 2.2apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3FGP: 28.0%, FT: 58.7%. Then came the best stretch of his professional career playing in the German second division called Pro A playing 208 games for teams like Chemnitz, Osnabrueck, Wurzburg and Gotha. He even took a step back in 2011 after 3 years in the Pro A and played for Gotha and was an instrumental part of helping them climb to the Pro A. In 3 seasons in the Pro A with 3 different teams, he belonged to the top rebounding big men. With BV Chemnitz he averaged 12,0ppg and 8,1rpg, with Osnabrueck 16,1ppg and 8,8rpg and with Gotha averaged 12,8ppg and 7,9rpg. It really doesn’t matter which pro player you talk to in Germany that isn’t in the BBL, the big goal and dream is always the highest level the easyCredit BBL. I always thought that he should have had a chance and was actually so close, but in the end will always have that what could have been thoughts. ‘At first it was an itch but after getting a call from Bayreuth after my 2009-10 season in Osnabrueck but we never closed the deal. I realized that they will always take the taller or bigger player. But at my size I would have been a small forward and my ball handling just wasn’t where it needed to be’, stressed Torvoris Baker.

He had his most eventful time with Gotha where he played from 2011-2015. His time there began with highs winning the Pro B title in 2012 and putting up stellar stats, but in his last 2 seasons his stats dipped as did his playing time under new head coach BBL legend Chris Ensminger. ‘My relationship with Ensminger I would say was more like a hi and bye situation. I mean we talked rarely. I understand that this is a business and with that being said sometimes we have to make business decisions. I was hesitant to play another season in Gotha. I was convinced that I would get that playing time that I was afraid I wouldn’t receive and asked to return another season. I chose to stay because I had once again no offers and I have a family so my decision was also based on what’s best for them’, remembered Torvoris Baker. After his second season in Gotha where he put up 12,8ppg and 7,9rpg could have been the time to move on, but he stayed on board. That could have been the perfect time to play in the BBL, but there were no coaches that believed in giving him an opportunity. ‘The BBL would have been nice. But I found Gotha to be the perfect situation. I can remember that year Ensminger didn’t want me to have as a player but was convinced by owner and president Frau Kollmar that I could get the job done. I had no other offers after that decent season. In which was also frustrating. Well I had one. But it was to play for the second team in Gotha’, stated Torvoris Baker who lists fellow work horses Jeremy Black and Marcus Smallwood as his toughest foes in the Pro A.

In the summer of 2015 was a tough time as he was waiting by the phone and no one called. His mother and his wife at that time were his biggest supporters keeping his head clear of negative thoughts. He didn’t get those big time offers so he settled to play for BBC Osnabrueck where he was from 2015-2020. Even if he didn’t play at a high level, he did help the club move up from Bezirksklasse, to Bezirksliga, to Oberliga to Regionalliga 2 (5th league). It never mattered where he played, because he took every league seriously and never saw himself as a man playing with boys. ‘I don’t look at it as making an adjustment. Still competition, teamwork, video, strategy, practice, games, ball etc. I approached every game the same no matter the league’, expressed Torvoris Baker. He was able to continue to put explosive stats the last years with BBC Osnabrueck even if his athleticism declined with age. ‘I’m still the same player. Just a little bit slower and jumping ability isn’t the same. Kind of lost that 2-3 years ago. But my legs are definitely not at a high level anymore’, warned Torvoris Baker.

Let’s fast forward to the 21-22 season and at 39 the American who calls Mr sniper 90/50/40 Chase Griffin as one of his five best teammates of all-time was still playing and even moved up a few leagues to the Regionalliga and played with TVI Ibbenbueren which is only one below the Pro B where he played before and two behind the Pro A. He had been affected by COVID just like everyone else in the world and was appalled how a laboratory mistake had destroyed million of lives. The pandemic also made his judgement of the world leaders more cloudy. With everything that happened, he still had to go out like everybody else and perform a job and in his case two. Usually guys balling in the Regionalliga have to have a second job, because the pay is so bad. In his case he works as a construction worker for the German company Herkenhoff. He is a Detroit native that always knew what work was and had to do it from a young age on. ‘I am no stranger to work. Rather basketball or and actual 9-5. I had a job in high school and always found a summer job in the off season in college. So there’s always work to be done on and off the court’, warned Torvoris Baker. Sometimes being a man of color in 2022 and living a normal life in a culture outside of America can be very challenging, but he has been fortunate that people in Germany are more welcoming than people in other countries ‘I believe if you can make it in Detroit you can make almost anywhere. But here in Germany it is peaceful. Of course there are people that don’t agree with you being here but that’s everywhere. No matter the race. Some people will never change’, stressed Torvoris Baker.

The American who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming To America and doesn’t believe it can be good, because they waited too long was a monster with TVI Ibbenbueren in the Regionalliga this season. It has been 8 years since he took apart teams in the Pro A and the game just isn’t the same anymore. ‘The quality of German basketball has definitely changed since I played on a high level. More and more German kids are interested in basketball and they are putting the work in. The style of play is also changing’, commented Torvoris Baker . When you have played as long as he has, there really is only one goal that you strive for. ‘New season, new club, new coach and teammates. Everyone with that one common goal. WIN and everything that comes along with winning’, said Torvoris Baker. He is still a force on the court as he demonstrated in a win over Grevenbroich where he was in total beast mode scoring 20 points, hauled down 17 boards and racked up 6 assists like a Nikola Jokic. And nailed Dorsten with 21 points and 16 boards. He remembers having some 20/20 games in Ireland and many double double games over the years. As he gets older one thing never changes as pressure is always there no matter what level your stuck at. ‘I’d have to say I enjoy pressure. There is still pressure at this age but pressure will always be a challenge and I love challenges’, stressed Torvoris Baker. As you reach 40, you have to take care of your body more if you still want to play well at any level and that is something he has been able to do with the aid of Steffen Droske who he worked with when he was in Gotha. Coaching is something he has already dabbled in and something he could imagine doing again. ‘I only coached 2 years. Stopped because I had too much on my plate. Working, coaching and playing. I might return to the coaching scene next year’, stressed Torvoris Baker. He and ex teammate Chase Griffin who is 38, there will be no bets here as to who will reach 40 and still be active. This had to be a season to remember. He helped lead Ibbenburen into the playoffs losing to Deutzer averaging 11,2ppg, 8,9rpg, 1,3apg and 1,0spg. ‘This is my last run. Closing the locker for good’, warned Torvoris Baker. Even when Baker retires, he will be working his 9-5 job, but it won’t be the end of his affiliation to basketball. One may see him more often in Vechta in the gym. ‘Keep both eyes and ears open for my son Justin Onyejiaka. He’s going to be the next best player coming out of Germany. Don’t forget the name. Stay tuned’, warned Torvoris Baker in November 2021. The big man definitely knew what he was talking about because his son Justin Onyejiaka was instrumental in the Regionalliga team Vechta 2 reach the Pro B and the NBBL team making the Final 4 in Frankfurt.,