It was only 4 years ago where having a professional career become a sweet reality was still very far away for Tanner Leissner (201-PF-95, college: UNH). He had just come off a third straight AEC tournament semi-final loss this time to Vermont and that would be the last game of his teammate and good friend Jaleen Smith. Both guys had had solid careers at UNH and put up consistent stats that many guys in the NCAA would have died for. But when you play in a weaker conference like the AEC, you probably will go pro like both guys did, but not necessarily find a home in a high league. 4 years later one can truly say that both Tanner Leissner and Jaleen Smith are living the Cinderella dream and have really made it as their road to where they are now didn’t come easy. They both had to pay their dues, but Jaleen Smith recently played NBA Summer League and if he had chosen to try the NBA route could have possibly landed on a roster, but instead gave his Euroleague debut last week with Alba Berlin against top team FC Barcelona while Tanner Leissner is playing his fourth professional season and first with top Lithuanian club BC Rytas Vilnius. Smith had to play two seasons in the German second division before making his ascension up the basketball ladder while Leissner played his rookie season in the German second division also called the Pro A before continuing to make his rise moving to the German first division and then to Turkey. Leissner is extremely humble in what his thoughts would have been back in 2017 if someone had told him if he believed he could go pro. ‘If you told me we’d both be pro players, I’d be skeptical. But for both of us to be playing at this level, coming from a mid major and starting in Pro A, I wouldn’t believe you. We’ve been given great opportunities, shown our abilities and both been able to grow from them. It was an honor being able to grow with Jaleen. We are similar in our love and respect for the game, our work ethic, and drive’, warned Tanner Leissner. Tanner Leissner (BC Rytas Vilnius) was always overlooked as A youngster but the whole UNH experience helped him become the player he is today.

Tanner Leissner who lists ex NBA player Jameel Warney from Stoney Brook as his toughest opponent in the NCAA as he always gave them problems regardless of what they threw at him as he was a dominant force was born on September 25th, 1995 in San Antonio, Texas and grew up in Coverse and attended Judson high school. There he was HS District MVP in 2012 and 2013 and made the All-State Team in 2013 and 2014. He then attended the University of New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 121 NCAA games. He reached three AEC tournament semi-finals. Not winning a AEC title is something that was tough. ‘I know winning a title is a major accomplishment and experience. Not winning, especially when we had talented players working hard every single day, definitely stung. In my four years at UNH, alongside Jaleen Smith, we made the most of our time on the court and accomplished a lot for the program and for ourselves’, remembered Tanner Leissner. He gave the word consistency a new meaning averaging 15,0ppg and 7,0rpg in his four years there. He scored in double figures in an incredible 103 of 121 NCAA games. He scored 20 points or more 36 times. He had many great games in the NCAA like hitting UMBC with 36 and 30 points or Dartmouth with 32 points. Even though he lit up the scoreboard like no other, he actually remembered another game as being his most haunting. ‘I remember that double OT loss to UMBC, but my most memorable was losing to Vermont in the America East semis my sophomore year after almost coming back from a 20+ point deficit’, said Tanner Leissner. He also showed his stellar play against top level competition like UConn and Florida and many more that he could hold his own against future NBA players. He always got up for games like that and having that chip on his shoulder allowed him to flourish. ‘I was grateful for my time at UNH and the conference I played in. Coach Bill Herrion put a lot of confidence in me and allowed me to develop on the court. Without those opportunities, I’m not sure where I’d be today. Since I was young, I’ve been overlooked and underestimated. Whether it comes to my size, my speed, or my abilities. I constantly try to improve and have to always prove myself. I’m blessed to have made my way to a good organization in the champions league, but I’m hungry for more. I know I can compete at the highest level’, stressed Tanner Leissner. One guy that most likely now has a life long pass of getting free meals from him is UNH head coach Bill Herrion. This extraordinary coach was a big reason why Leissner was able to make his difficult route as a professional. ‘Coach Herrion helped me in numerous ways. He helped me become a better defensive player. He also gave me the opportunity to start my freshmen year and gain confidence throughout college, playing a high amount of minutes with many opportunities to score. He’s a good man and the opportunities I had at UNH helped me become who I am today’, remembered Tanner Leissner.

His experience at the University of New Hampshire wouldn’t have been as enriching and enjoyable if he hadn’t been teammates with Jaleen Smith. They went through thick and thin there and later would be reunited in Germany in Ludwigsburg with the MHP Riesen. That was where Smith would make his professional break through while Leissner played his first full professional season in a first division. They have been through so much and their early connection at UNH will last a life time. ‘Jaleen Is one of my closest friends. I would say my sophomore summer, when I stayed with Jaleen and his wife Monica in their apartment, was when we got close. I hold him in the highest regard. We stood up in each other’s weddings, our wives are best friends, and I’ve gotten to grow our relationship over the years. We have both come along way and then reuniting again in Ludwigsburg for a year was unfathomable. We’ve both come along way and he’s earned being in the Euroleague. I’m so happy for him and his family’, expressed Tanner Leissner who won most of his one on one duels in school against Jacoby Armstrong. For Smith the feeling is mutual as he has the same amount of love for his ex teammate. ‘Me and Tanner together accomplished so much at UNH and over the years there and even after we left school we still stay in contact to this day. He was in my wedding and I was in his. That’s my brother for life for sure. I’m just glad I met another great player but also a great friend. He would be the main guy everyone would focus on. I would try to get him in his best spots and he would deliver. We just had great teams over the years when we were in New Hampshire’, stressed Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith.

The American who lists Khadeen Carington, Jaleen Smith, Nick Babb, Pako Cruz, and Evaldas Kairys as his five best teammates of all-time began his professional career in Germany with Team Ehingen. On the court he didn’t need much adjustment time as he averaged 16.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 84.9%. But off the court he did have a wake up call that so many Americans have when they come overseas. ‘The culture shock for one. Living in a different country was a whole new experience, having never been to Europe before. Also, the physicality and quickness of the game, coming out of college, was like nothing I’d seen before’, remembered Tanner Leissner. He scored in double figures in 28 of 33 games including hitting the Uni Baskets for 29 points and registered 26 points a piece against Hamburg and Heidelberg two teams that since have moved up to the easyCredit BBL. One teammate that he will never forget is Reyshawn Simmons who like him had to pay his dues and then reached the highest league in Belgium called the Euromillions league. ‘Rayshawn is not only a great PG but also a great leader. He helped me and influenced me a lot in a positive way, especially since I was a rookie and new to being overseas. I know he’s dedicated and aspires to play at the highest level, which I admire and know he can do if given the opportunity’, added Tanner Leissner. He then finished out the season in Israel which is probably one of the most favorite countries to play for Americans. In Israel the players have great weather and often the beach only 100 feet from their apartments and delicious food. He was about an hour from the beach and an hour and a half from Jerusalem and he had a lifestyle that many players that play in Bosnia or Romania can only dream about. He played with Hapoel Beer Sheva (Israel-Winner League) playing 7 games averaging 9.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 62.5%, FT: 80.0%. He had some talented players on his team like Jordan Swing, Travis Warech and Kerron Johnson all of whom have played in Germany before, but he also witnessed at times not just good opponents, but breath taking and legendary guys he had to battle. You have to wonder what his first thoughts were when he dueled against ex NBA player Amare Stoudimire. He didn’t play against him just once, but actually three times in only seven games. How much luck can a player get to receive this honor? ‘Once I signed and figured out his team was my first opponent, I was shocked. I remember watching him be dominant in the NBA for years. Going against him was one of the top moments in my early career. That opportunity Beer Sheva gave me was the icing on the cake, and I’ll be forever grateful to them! I think about my time there quite often and fondly’, commented Tanner Leissner.

After his rookie season the ex UNH forward who last saw Seven with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman signed in Germany with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and was teammates with old friend Jaleen Smith. With Ludwigsburg, he once again was able to prove that his game was suited for a new league as he averaged 10.2ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 81.4%. There he played for top easyCredit BBL coach John Patrick who took him a little out of his comfort zone and gave him new challenges to master which he did. ‘It definitely tested me mentally. I feel like that was the first year I got to prove myself as a shooter and prove I can play at a high level especially coming from Pro A as a rookie. Also, playing the 5 showed I could be used in multiple ways and made me more versatile’, said Tanner Leissner. His best scoring games was 21 points in a win over Hamburg and 20 points in a victory over ratiopharm Ulm. He is back in Germany tonight and will face up against the always tough EWE Baskets Oldenburg. ‘It’s great to be back! Germany was my first destination in Europe, and it has been one of my favorites. I hope to have the opportunity to come back at some point in my career’, warned Tanner Leissner. He played his third professional season in an up and coming Turkish first division called BSL. He balled for HDI Sigorta Afyon Belediyespor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 11.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 84.6%. He had 21 points against Darussafaka and 20 points against Buyukcekmec, but without a doubt his two best games occurred against Efes who would win the 2021 Euroleague title. He hit them with 19 and 20 points and split against them. Being able to play against the best team in Europe gave him a kind of self-confidence that will help him this season and down the road. ‘It reassured me that I can play against high level opponents. The whole Turkish league in general has a lot of talent. Last year, I had to opportunity to compete day in and day out at a very high level, which was a great test for me as a player. I learned a lot’, warned Tanner Leissner. After his strong season in Turkey where he performed at a very high level on a high stage, I would have thought his next address would have been a Euroleague team. But he is still young and has to be patient. Good things will come to those who’s game continues to progress. ‘I felt my game grew in a few ways. First, I realized I had to get stronger to compete with power forwards in the very physical league. I made that an emphasis this last summer. I also feel my IQ of the game grew from the many different situations thrown at me last season. I think being at Rytas this year is a good next step for me in my career’, stressed Tanner Leissner.

So now let’s fast forward to 2021 as the Texas native who has Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Shaq, and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is looking for new success in Lithuania. The last year and a half wasn’t easy for anyone during COVID. He was in Ludwigsburg when it hit and then was in Turkey and now is in Lithuania. He experienced so much in this time, but it was something he like everyone else had to get used to. ‘During covid, my biggest challenge has been adapting to the new life it has created. In Germany, the virus was new and just emerging, so there was a lot of chaos and unknowns. Last year in Turkey, the constant testing was uncomfortable and playing without fans really changed the atmosphere of the game. This year, it’s starting to feel like we may get back to normal eventually. Having people behind us in the stadium brings energy and life back into the sport’, stated Tanner Leissner. Last season in Turkey was the most difficult time for him during COVID, but the experience definitely made him stronger. ‘Being alone and living in a hotel in a small city in Turkey really tested me. While the country was on lockdown for a good portion of the season, the only time you could leave was for practice or to grocery shop. Mentally, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Not only is it lonely, but my family wasn’t able to visit either due to the difficulty and uncertainty of traveling with the virus. Now, I feel mentally stronger and more appreciative of everything’, reflected Tanner Leissner. With BC Rytas Vilnius. He is playing with one of Lithuanian’s most famous basketball organizations. Lithuania has 2,7 million inhabitants, but are in love with their basketball. Leissner noticed that rapidly when he signed. ‘So far, my experience has been great. Right when I signed, my inbox was overwhelmed by welcoming messages from fans. The culture around the club is well established. This club is very professional and well organized. Our first away game was about 2 and a half hours away. In the stands, there were more fans for Rytas than there was for the home team. The amount of noise that came from our section was astounding. Afterwards, the team was greeted outside by team chants, flares, and celebration.
‘, commented Tanner Leissner. He is on a team that has few Americans, but many high class Lithuanians that should compete for the country title. ‘We have some great Lithuanian players. They are a good mix of young and experienced players. We have a club that is well sized and can stretch the floor. You can expect a team that plays hard and may surprise some people’, stated Tanner Leissner. It will be interesting to see how he will continue to develop. One thing is for sure, his basketball IQ will rise another level as he plays with guys that give the name team basketball a new meaning. ‘I am very excited. This is a new challenge for me at a higher level. I have some great Veterans to learn from. My expectations are to continue to develop my game and to play my role to the best of my ability, while trying to help the club win games’, warned Tanner Leissner. The country is very small and perhaps his head coach Giedrius Zibenas will allow him to watch his best friend Jaleen Smith play BC Zalgiris in Euroleague action. Vilnius is only an hour drive away. This time they will meet only off the court, but who knows perhaps next season they will be opponents in the Euroleague. Tanner Leissner has the game and character to deserve a Euroleague opportunity. One thing is for sure that he and Jaleen Smith will continue to give UNH a great name overseas.

Mike Nwabuzor (188-G, college: NMHU) is a 188cm guard from Lakewood, California that been a part of three professional season last playing briefly for Crailsheim Merlins 2 as Covid stopped his season in 2020. In 2019-2020 he played for Regionalliga team BG Dorsten playing 3 games averaging 21.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 6.0apg, 3.3spg As a rookie for BG Dorsten he put up massive stats averaging 22,2ppg, 8,2rpg, 5,6apg and 2,5spg. He scored 20 points or more 19 times and had an incredible 43 points against Hagen-Haspe. He also produced a triple double against Dortmund with 27 points, 12 boards and 10 assists as a rookie. He played at three schools with Central.Arizona JC (JUCO)UTRGV (NCAA) and finished at N.Mexico Highlands (NCAA2) playing 28 games averaging 12.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 80.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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


I appreciate the interview. I am currently at home and the basketball is treating me well, I can’t complain.

The 2021-2022 Regionalliga season has started, but you haven’t surfaced anywhere. For me that is tough to believe. How tough is it at the moment not having a team?

It’s tough not having a home to start the season but I know that God has a bigger plan for me and I just have to stay the course and be ready when that time comes.

We spoke in April 2019 after your successful rookie season in Dorsten. If someone had told you then that you would play only 4 games in the next two seasons what would you have thought?

It’s crazy because in life you always have a plan of how things will go and you are hit with curveballs. You either adjust or get left behind. After having the season I had that year, I thought I would be in a much different position right now but because I’m not, I’m hungrier to get to where I belong.

The 2019-2020 season was already tough you didn’t sign until January 2020. Why didn’t you just resign with BG Dorsten in the summer of 2019?

I didn’t resign because I had a very successful season that year and I believed it was time for me to move up to Pro B. I was also promised different deals that never came through which ultimately led to me continuing to decline the Dorsten re-sign until it was my only option.

How have you experienced COVID in the last year and a half? What were the most challenging things that you had to deal with on and off the court?

Luckily , I haven’t experienced Covid and I have been blessed with good health. On the court, the toughest aspect is not having control over problems caused by Covid. Seasons getting cancelled, being sent home out of your control, etc. Off the court, the biggest challenge was continuing to keep going. It’s tough working out for months and not being able to display what you’ve worked hard to improve on because of things out of your control.

With everything that you dealt with off the court how did COVID make you stronger as a man?

This whole pandemic has built me up as a man mentally more than physically. I feel like it’s not much that can phase me in this life after what we have been through. I learned that regardless of circumstances, you have to keep going because when everything blows over, nobody will feel sorry for you. World just keeps going so you have to keep going.

Then you signed with Crailsheim 2 and played one game and then the season ended. How tough was life then mentally having to sit out the season?

It was tough because I felt like a I had a really good summer of improving on specifics that I needed to improve on and I didn’t get a chance to showcase it. Coming home and having to get right back into basically an off-season was tough but I’ve found a love and satisfaction on improving daily whether I’m working towards a season or not.

You were the leader on that Crailsheim 2 team and had many young Germans. How often did you think about where the journey of that team could have gone to?

We had a lot of young but talented guys that played hard. We were also very well coached and disciplined. We won our first game and we didn’t even play up to our potential so I believe we could’ve accomplished more than we even imagined.

Why didn’t you resign with Crailsheim 2? It seems like you have unfinished business there?

I didn’t resign because they went down a division and I want to continue to elevate divisions every year that I play.

Do you feel like your development suffered the last two years? What did you try to do best in the last two seasons to help your game progress despite not playing games?

If anything I feel like I developed even more than I would playing because I was able to be in the gym at home, have access to workout multiple times a day and work on all my weaknesses that I would continuously see on opposing team’s scouting reports. I have been able to play in multiple Pro-Ams and leagues while I have been home to keep me in good game shape.

On what area’s of your game did you work on most during COVID in hopes of continuing to improve your game?

My jump shot is something that will always be the focal point of my training so that’s a given. If you can’t shoot you can’t play this game at a high level. I made it a point to continue to watch film and work on mastering pick and roll reads as well.

You showed in the Regionalliga that you are a lethal scorer that can fill the stat sheet. You would love to give the Pro B level a shot. Please explain why you could help any team right now?

Man the things I can do for a team.. I believe that I can do pretty much everything at that guard spot, it’s shown and proven. Numbers don’t lie, I can score efficiently from all three levels, rebound , facilitate. My best attribute is I am a physical and athletic defender and the PG spot. I can pick up full court for a full game if need be.

Your itch to play again must be huge. What part of the game have you missed most?

HUGE. I’ve been working for so long and I’m ready to display a brand new arsenal. I just miss the setting of a team. The relationships you build in practice and team trips. The intensity and pressure of games that matter. The energy you get from the crowd. Everything that goes into a season , I miss it. I want to get back to it and I believe I deserve to get back to it at w high level. I have put the time and work in to back that statement.

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

I didn’t watch it because the preview was pretty bad. There are some movies and shows that should for sure just be left as they are.

Thanks Mike for the chat.

For basketball fans in the easyCredit BBL, basketball life has been rather brutal since the pandemic hit in 2020, but with the visit back into arena’s has been a massive bright spot. Being able to be back in their living room and to see their favorite team and players and being able to cheer nonstop has been dearly missed. So imagine what kind of feeling you can get when the two league identity figures (only Per Guenter is missing) Rickey Paulding and Quantez Robertson don’t clash two times, but three times in a season? Well that is exactly what will happen this season as the Fraport Skyliners and EWE Baskets Oldenburg drew themselves in the first round of cup play. Being able to see a Paulding and a Robertson for an additional new season is very similar to what fans during the magical NBA Showtime era must of felt getting to witness a new Bird and Magic playoff series. Combined these two extra special players are playing 28 seasons in the easyCredit BBL and quite honestly don’t seem to be slowing down. These guys always give their all in every game and it isn’t any different when the two future BBL legends battle for the win. ‘Tez is a special player. He is someone you watch and see that he’s giving his all every play. What I admire most about him is leadership. There’s been times for instance last season when the team isn’t doing well. He never let up. That’s the best example especially for young players’, stressed Rickey Paulding. Ex Fraport Skyliner head coach Gordon Herbert who now is the German national team coach hadn’t even heard of the Paulding announcement that this would be his last year. ‘I saw two legends going at it today. Both are in the twilight of their career’s but still play major roles within their clubs. Rickey has been one of the best imports to ever play in Germany. He is even a better person. I saw his son play in Heidelberg. He looks pretty good’, smiled Gordon Herbert.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg came into the game with a 1-1 record having played two real nail biting gems first losing a tough 79-78 contest to the always surprising and pesky Ninners Chemnitz and then eking out a hard fought 82-79 victory over the Hakro Crailsheim Merlins while the Fraport Skyliners are still far away from any solid form having lost their opener at home against Braunschweig and then getting blown out in Berlin 101-63. The EWE Baskets wanted a good start into the cup season while the Fraport Skyliners was seeking their first positive moment on the court with an upset. It was an even game at the start, but the guests took control in the second quarter as they let it rain three’s, but in the second half, suddenly the three onslaught stopped as Frankfurt picked up their defense and always stuck with Oldenburg as the guests couldn’t shake the Skyliners. ‘We couldn’t close them out. We were up 10 and Tez was in foul trouble in the third quarter with four fouls. But I have to credit Frankfurt. They killed us on the offensive board and with second chance points. This isn’t a very good feeling at the moment’, stressed ex Missouri (NCAA) standout Rickey Paulding. The Fraport Skyliners gave a tremendous spirited effort and never gave up keeping them in the cup competition. ‘It is a good feeling beating a tough team like Oldenburg. We fought until the end. We played as hard as we could and when we got down, we got up again. We got the needed stops and transition baskets. This win is a huge moral booster for us’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) great Quantez Robertson. ‘Frankfurt’s defense was good in the second half. They took Oldenburg’s three out of the game’, said Gordon Herbert.

The Fraport Skyliners came storming out of the gate climbing all over the EWE Baskets Oldenburg taking a rapid 12-4 advantage with almost five minutes having been played. In the run as usual it was a motivated Rasheed Moore who does his magic on or off the bench scoring 8 points draining two three’s. Frankfurt also received a lay up from their identity figure Quantez Robertson. Frankfurt played with vengeance and was very focused getting an offensive rhythm quickly. Oldenburg seemed there, but then again wasn’t there as the only bright spot was 2,0 Keith Hornsby reloaded guard Max Heidegger who recently had a solid NBA Summer League campaign with the Atlanta Hawks nailed a few baskets. His energy kept the EWE Baskets in the game as he connected on another three as Frankfurt led only 12-7. A 10-3 Oldenburg run got them back into the game as they trailed only 15-14. In the run the guests got vital support from Paulding, ex MBC scoring champ Michal Michalak and ex Texas Tech (NCAA) forward T.J Holyfield with buckets. The game remained tight now as there were a few lead changes, but Frankfurt kept control. One player that really stuck out was 19 year old German guard Len Schoorman who really picked up the slack for the sick Donovan Donaldson. Schoorman had been out and was expected back in a few months, but returned a lot quicker. He had no fear and was the go to guy in the latter half of the first quarter supplying 6 points. He made a two handed dunk, but also a pretty acrobatic lay in form the wing. ‘That was a pretty good lay up. Len hit big shots and gave us a push. But he did get blocked by the old guy. But so did I when he was still a young guy my rookie year’, smiled Quantez Robertson. Of course the old guy Tez was referring to was Rickey Paulding. Paulding remembered that game where he blocked Tez. ‘That was the first game we played against each other. I remember him going up for the lay up and he wasn’t expecting me as I blocked him. But that was my last block on him. I haven’t blocked him since’, said Rickey Paulding. Ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke got the last laugh hitting a timely three pointer at the buzzer to give Frankfurt the 22-20 lead after 10 minutes.

In the second quarter the EWE Baskets Oldenburg were able to make some ground thanks to three point execution, but could never shake the Fraport Skyliners, because their rebounding kept them in the game. The first few minutes saw the team trade lead changes. Diminutive German national player Bennt Hundt dropped two three pointers while Frankfurt got loyal support from their young bigs Lorenz Brenneke and 18 year Alexander Richardson who’s development has been rising. He was fortunate to get BBL time, because Brooks DeBisshop has been out. Richardson finished with 5 points and 4 rebounds in 11 minutes and definitely has been noticed by head coach Diego Ocampo. ‘He is young. He has good size and hands. Most important is he enjoys what he is doing’, warned Diego Ocampo. Oldenburg then caught some fire going on an annoying 11-3 run to take the 37-30. In the run, the EWE Baskets showed their snipper qualities getting three three’s. Michalak, ex Crailsheim guard Sebastian Herrera and Heidegger connected. Oldenburg had some momentum and kept their offense rolling as now it was time for Mr Oldenburg Rickey Paulding to get himself some action scoring 5 points as Frankfurt trailed 42-36. Heidegger then made a big hustle play following his miss and making a put back for the 44-36 Oldenburg advantage at the break. The EWE Baskets had shot 70% from the parking lot and weren’t too shabby form the field either shooting 55%. Frankfurt was ruling the boards with the 19-14 advantage. One interesting instance late in the second quarter involved Oldenburg head coach Mladen Drijencic. Shortly before Paulding nailed his three pointer, he went a few steps on the court and disposed of a wild Butterfly and then threw it into the trash can while somehow still following the game. ‘I didn’t realize that was happening. That’s hilarious. It doesn’t surprise me that he would be able to do something like that’, stressed Rickey Paulding. ‘We didn’t pay attention on defense. We didn’t communicate and didn’t fight through screens. They had good looks’, added Quantez Robertson.

In the third quarter with the Fraport Skyliners down 10 points and Quantez Robertson being hit with his fourth foul at the 7 minute mark, the future didn’t look too rosy in the game, but the cup competition always brings out the best and has surprise moments. Badio began the second half with a lay in which was followed by a high floater off the glass by ex Boston Celtic Phil Pressy and a beautiful left handed hook shot from ex BG Goettingen center Tai Odiase for the 48-38 Oldenburg lead. But the Fraport Skyliners continued to battle and despite Tez getting into foul trouble took it upon themselves to go on a 9-1 run to trail only 49-47. In the run Frankfurt got good support from 221 Dutch giant Matt Haarms with two baskets, Rasheed Moore beat everyone on transition for a quick lay up and Schoorman hit another three pointer. The German had his BBL break out game finishing with 17 points and a lot of praise from Ocampo. ‘He worked hard in his recovery. Him coming back so early was a surprise. He is young and played solid. He created and played with a lot of self confidence’, stated Diego Ocampo. But Frankfurt also had some fortune in this phase getting crucial loose balls and the guests missing some easy give me baskets. The game of runs went back and forth as now the EWE Baskets Oldenburg found some daylight going on a 10-2 run to get another 10 point lead 59-49. In the run, their three wasn’t falling so they had to find other means to score. They got baskets inside from ex MHP Riesen center Martin Breunig and Michalak and the only three of the second half from Paulding. Frankfurt did come back closing out the third quarter strong with a 6-0 run to trail only 59-55 after 30 minutes. In the run they got more solid production from Len Schoorman who scored posting up, Richardson made a nice hook shot and Tez made a left handed lay in. ‘We fought better through screens and talked more and were more aggressive. We rebounded better on defense and Haarms altered shots well and Richardson was a monster at both ends’, stressed Quantez Robertson. ‘Frankfurt stepped up. They played harder and we didn’t execute. We allowed them to get easy baskets’, expressed Rickey Paulding.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight as the Fraport Skyliners made their comeback and secured the lead and never relinquished it as Badio was the crunch-time hero. The team basketball effect was missing from the EWE Baskets Oldenburg on this afternoon as they had too much hero ball on their mind while the Fraport Skyliners fought together and went on a 6-0 run to dead lock the contest at 61-61. Richardson got key offensive rebounds while Rasheed Moore made another key basket and German national player Lukas Wank who had an off night on the scoring front snuck in for the lay in. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg still had some energy left and grabbed the lead back 65-61 as Breunig got a basket and two free throws. A Paulding block on Schoorman led to the free throws. Frankfurt continued to buckle down on defense and got stops as Tez and Brenneke free throws allowed Frankfurt to tie the game at 65-65. Heidegger would give Oldenburg their last lead 67-65 with free throws as crunch-time had arrived. Then came the big moment for ex FC Barcelona 2 player El Hadji Badio (188-G-99) who hadn’t had the best game shooting 1/9 and having 5 turnovers, but the athletic youngster stepped up. First he tied the score with free throws and then scored two key baskets for the 71-67 lead as Frankfurt had stopped Oldenburg twice. Badio made a lay in on transition and then made a massive one handed dunk as some were wondering who was that guy. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg seemed helpless as they gave the word force a new meaning as they tried crazy plays and crazy shots that had a few people who know the game shaking heir heads. This led to Robertson and Schoorman free throws which iced the win. ‘Badio is a young athletic player. He saw the opportunity and opening and made big plays. But we expect that from him. He was our spark plug’, commented Quantez Robertson. ‘We are a young team. In the past we would have found a way to win this game. We are still a new team finding our way. Badio made big plays. All of the Frankfurt young guys made plays’, expressed Rickey Paulding. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Len Schoorman with 17 points while Rasheed Moore added 14 points while the EWE Baskets Oldenburg were led by Max Heidegger with 15 points while Michal Michalak and Rickey Paulding added 10 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 45% form the field and 29% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the EWE Baskets Oldenburg shot 37% from the field and 33% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Justin Stallbohm (182-G-92) is a 28 year old 182cm point guard that is playing his 11th season with the Bona Baskets Limburg. Between 2012-2018 he played 156 Regionalliga games and averaged 10ppg, 4,0rpg and 2,0apg in this phase. He began his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt and began his professional career in 2011 in Limburg playing for his dad Danny. He spoke to germanhoops.com after he contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 dimes in the convincing 86-66 win over SV 03 Tigers Tuebingen.

The Bona Baskets Limburg had a slow start losing it’s first two games. Why didn’t the defense find the form from the Pro B tournament in June and against the pre season duel against Pro A team Kirchheim Knights?

I think that it was a matter of concentration and not having the right communication yet. We did a better job with our zone today against Tuebingen. We took a step in the right direction

The teams has great players and scorers, but this season depth sems to be lacking. Couldn’t that be a problem down the stretch for the starters?

I think that since I have been here that we have always had a depth problem. But I feel honestly that our bench is deeper this season than the last years. We should of beat Saarlouis that is one of the best teams in the league. I think that we will play a good role in the Regionalliga this season.

How much of a pleasure has it been playing with KJ Sherrill. You have played with some great forwards like Kris Douse and Kevin Yebo. Where does he rank in the best power forwards that you have played with in Limburg?

I would say that KJ Sherril has been the best forward that I have played with. He has the complete package. He gives you 30 points, but also plays for the team and plays good defense. No other player has had that. Kris Douse was only a great offensive player.

How vital has Noah Westerhaus been? Please explain his best quality and why isn’t he a star player in the Pro B?

I think that Noah will go his way. It was hard for him to find his way in Koblenz. They always have 12 strong players. He will show with us that he belongs in the Pro B. It will help him here getting more minutes. That will help his self confidence.

You have been in Limburg as long as Kus Kan. What kind of relationship do you guys have having been teammates so long? Is he like a brother for you?

We are like brothers. We played together as youths and he is my best friend. We understand each other blind on the court. He always gives everything for the team. He is always hustling and can hit the open three.

Please tell your nicest Mantes Bernatavicius story. Could he be the perfect body guard for the German chancellor?

Mantas is a very good basketball player, but he could also be a very good body guard. He has an incredible IQ and was a Lithuanian national player. All love him. He is a super teammate. This is the best chemistry that I have had since I began here.

Does it ever get old playing for your dad Danny? Is there anything that he can still teach you?

I have played for him since joining the men’s team in 2011. Playing for my dad has it’s good and bad points. You obviously have to take a lot of criticism form him. But on the other hand he gives me and my teammates a lot of self-confidence. I can still learn from him now. He has so much experience having played in the second Bundesliga.

Do you feel like having that three and D label is just? I feel that you are so much more than that?


I have nothing against that label. I drove more to the basket in the past. Now I’m more the three and D player. I do whatever the team needs from me. I had 11 rebounds tonight.

You have an incredible smile. That rascal like smile. Do you have a funny story that involved your smile?

That smile has been with me since my childhood. Kids called me scream face. My smile reminded them of the Scream mask from the movie.

Do you ever wonder where your career may have gone had you remained in the Fraport Skyliners organization?

Frankfurt always has many good youth prospects. But they pick out a few each season and really try to push them. I feel giving each player that push is missing. I didn’t have the trust. They wanted me to be a point guard and not shoot. Back then I played for both youth teams Frankfurt and Limburg. When I played with Limburg I remember scoring 40 against Frankfurt. I don’t think they really liked that.

Please name your five favorite teammates of all-time?

Butch Wennerstrom, Kris Douse, Alex Nelcha, KJ Sherril and Kan Kus

What was the last movie that you saw?

Squid Game.

Thanks Justin for the chat.

September wasn’t a good month for the Bona Baskets Limburg as they got off to a slow start in the Regionalliga South west after having last season cancelled. Right in their opening game, they may have already had the most spectacular game of the season even if it didn’t go in their favor losing a wild shoot out at home 121-120 to the Sunkings Saarlouis on a brutal Jesse Ani buzzer beater. This was a game they could have won, but once again was deserted by their defense. They came back on the road losing to Mannheim 85-77 as they continue to have problems establishing an identity on defense. Limburg met SV 03 Tuebingen 2 team in their third season game who are very young for Regionalliga standards having an average of 22 years of age. Tuebingen saw two extremes in their first two games getting hammered by Fellbach 101-70 and then winning a 109-96 shoot out against new Regionalliga team Bensheim. More fans were in Limburg than at the first home game for and were delighted as their team finally won their first game of the season 86-66 over SV 03 Tigers Tuebingen. Both teams were even after one quarter, but from the second quarter until the end, the Bona Baskets Limburg controlled the game thanks to steady defense and a powefulr KJ Sherril who was unstoppable inside as the guests were undermanned and had a severe size deficit. ‘Key to getting our first win was energy. We lacked energy in Mannheim last weekend. We began with a zone and they had good ball movement. As soon as we went to man we controlled the game helping us get the win’, stated Justin Stallbohm. ‘We had a very thin rotation. Timo Fischer has been out since the first game with a ACL. We began well against their zone, but once they went to man it got harder for us. We were very small and it was tough’, stated German Nico Hihn.

The Bona Baskets Limburg didn’t waste any time jumping all over Tuebingen taking an early 10-3 lead. Their offense got cooking as Stahlbohm, ex Koblenz forward Noah Westerhaus, work horse KJ Sherril and Lithuanian beast Mantas Bernatavicius got buckets. Limburg played good inside out basketball, but got their three point shooting going first. The guests couldn’t muster much against the Limburg zone. Basketball is a game of runs as Tuebingen struck back with a 9-3 run to dead lock the contest at 12-12. Key in the run was young German Joshua Schwalbold who got the team the needed energy which was followed by instant baskets from Nico Hihn. Limburg kept the slim lead, but couldn’t get away, because the guests got some extra offensive rebounds that gave them extra possessions. Hihn continued to be a big offensive threat with another trey and 38 year old guard Hans Kienzle also connected on a deep trey. KJ Sherril continued to be a monster in the paint doing whatever he wanted to making the opponent dizzy with his quick turn around shot and helped on the defensive end with his talking. After 10 minutes there was no leader as the game was tied at 20-20.

In the second quarter the Bona Baskets Limburg made a run and would never look back leading by 13 points at the break. The first few minutes were still a tight affair as Stallbohm, Sherrill and Kaan Kus scored while Tuebingen countered with baskets from Mirjan Broening and Joshua Schwalbold to cut the Limburg lead to 28-26. But the Bona Baskets Limburg then turned the game around into their favor going on a 11-3 run to extend their lead to 39-29. In the run it was Austrian/Croatian Matjei Kljaic who once had a triple double with Idstein against Stuttgart showed just how strong he can be scoring 7 points. He nailed a trey and scored twice on the penetration as when he is on, is very hard to stop. Tuebingen made bad decisions on offense and didn’t have the best shot selection. The Bona Baskets Limburg kept up the momentum closing out the second quarter well as the two bigs Westerhaus and Sherril continued to annoy the guests with their play. Sherril began the fury in the last minute making a quick steal at the center line near out of bounds and making a no look circus pass that found Westerhaus for the crushing dunk as the fans went wild. After stopping Tuebingen on offense, Westerhaus returned with a three pointer and after another Tuebingen stop, Sherril and Kljaic executed the pick and roll beautifully. Sherril finished with patented turn around shot which is close to unstoppable as Limburg had the 46-33 advantage at half-time.

In the third quarter the Bona Baskets Limburg didn’t let down and continued to play their ruthless hardnosed game at both ends of the floor always keeping that double digit lead and having the very comfortable 65-44 lead after 30 minutes. The Bona Baskets Limburg noticed that the guests would continue to get exhausted as time went on and did their best to take advantage of the length and size. Sherril began with a lay in which was followed by a Westerhaus three pointer as Limburg led 51-33. Limburg played good aggressive defense using their physicality and stopped Tuebingen’s first four possession. German Nikals Schueler scored the guests first field goal at the 7,10 minute mark. Tuebingen got some solid offensive production from Hihn and Schueler, but couldn’t make any ground and get back into the game. Limburg kept involving Sherril as best they could and feeding him the ball. It also helped when role and bench player Norman Klima gave energy under the boards with an offensive rebound and put back as Limburg led nicely 57-44. After Schueler hit a 20 footer, Limburg closed out the third quarter with 8-0 run to lead 65-44. Limburg got 5 points from Stallbohm and a lay in from Kljaic. ‘We got more tired. We were missing many big guys including our Danish player. He was with the Pro A team. They won so it was worth it for him to be there’, stated Nico Hihn. ‘Our man to man worked. We continued to get KJ Sherrill (203-F/C-91, college: Augusta) the ball more and more. He is the best player in the league’, stressed Justin Stallbohm.

The Bona Baskets Limburg continued to control the game well in the fourth quarter, but lost some focus in the last three minutes. One would have thought that the guests would have totally caved in because of exhaustion, but instead it was Limburg that lost intensity allowing Tuebingen to go on a 11-0 run to close out the game. SV 03 Tigers Tuebingen got off to another slow start allowing Limburg to go on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 72-47. In the run Limburg got good support from KJ Sherrill who continued to own the paint area making a couple of buckets and Stallbohm made an easy lay up as he caught the guests napping making an easy basket on an in bounds pass. Limburg kept the pressure on executing on offense and playing good defense. Sherril continued to be a beast inside, but also stepped outside once and nailed a trey to give Limburg the 82-52 lead. At that point the game was over and Limburg lost concentration. Tuebingen then played their best basketball closing out the game with a 14-4 run. In the run the guests got most of their damage from German Nico Hihn who had 8 points and connected on two three’s. He finished the game with 25 points on 56% shooting from the field. He could easily play in the Pro B as he is a big talent, but has decided to play at the Regionalliga. He was a very important offense force on this day as he got little support from his teammates. ‘I take to heart having to have a lot of responsibility on offense. I have to do more on offense than others, but I feel that all can score well on our team’, stated Nico Hihn. ‘Sometimes it’s hard to stay concentrated when your up by 30 points. We gave some of our bench players like Mueller and Eduardo who did a good job’, stated Justin Stallbohm. The Bona Baskets Limburg were led by KJ Sherrill with 30 points and 14 boards. Noah Westerhaus added 23 points and Matje Kljaic 14 points and Justin Stallbohm had 13 points. The Bona Baskets Limburg shot 52% from the field and 33% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 16turnovers. SV 02 Tigers Tuebingen shot 34% from the field and 24% from outside and had 23 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Over the years the Fraport Skyliners who have won 3 titles in their 22 year history have had some very special point guards that could take over the game at any time in the last 11 seasons. If I were to make a top 3 in that time, it wouldn’t be difficult. The names that pop into my head come as quickly as being able to remember that magical 70 point explosion by Devin Booker in the NBA or recently the overwhelming offensive onslaught by Luka Doncic marking an Olympic record with 48 points. Obviously Dashaun Wood is #1. The ex Wright State (NCAA) standout was able to take over games like no other. Ex teammate Quantez Robertson could write a book about his teammate. In second place is clearly ex Seton Hall (NCAA) great Jordan Theodore who got Frankfurt out of countless jams in the easyCredit and helped lead the team to the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup. In third place is easily ex California (NCAA) great Justin Cobbs who was the general on the court and had a special calmness on the court seldom seen. He led the team into the playoffs after the club has started very poorly and led them into the 2015 Eurochallenge Final 4. Could a new point guard named Donald Donovan compete with these guys and try to challenge for entering the top 3 ranking? When the club had made it official that he was the new point guard, I have to admit that I had never heard of him, but the ex Tusculum (NCAA2) standout has put up incredible numbers in lower professional leagues in Europe. The big question is, can he make the next step in a top 5 league EasyCredit BBL? ‘I have 100% confidence that he can make the next step with Frankfurt. He is playing with a confidence level right now that most coaches dream of having on their roster. He’s going put in the work and he won’t get comfortable, it’s just not in his personality. I expect Don to make a name for himself in this league’, warned Tusculum (NCAA2) head coach JT Burton. Will Donovan also be able take over games the way Wood, Theodore and Cobbs did? Burton will never forget a game against Wingate where the American showed his unique abilities netting 32 points in an exciting 80-77 victory. ‘As a team we were on a winning streak, and when we went into that Wingate game, that was huge. It was on the road, and they were a team that in years past we had struggled against. He took that game over and was making one play after another. Whether it was scoring, assisting, or locking up one of their players, he did it all the game. He carried us to that victory and I felt that was the point in our season when he, along with our entire program knew what we were building here and that success was just around the corner’, stressed JT Burton.

Donovan Donaldson (185-G-96, college: Tusculum, agency: Mansfield and Associates) was born on October 1, 1996 in Nashville, Tennessee. He got early basketball experience at Hillsboro high school where he was coached by Rodney Theweatt and Jamie Graham. He averaged 14,5ppg, 5,6apg and 4,5rpg. He led the school to the district and region championships and was named to the All-Metro team and was District MVP. He then attended Trevecca Nazarene University from 2015-2017 playing a total of 53 games. In his freshman year he played 27 games averaging 6,7ppg. He made a big jump in his second season playing 26 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 64.9%. He scored in double figures in 18 games including 26 points against Christian Brothers, 21 points against Auburn-Mongomery and 20 points a piece against KY Wesleyan and twice against Mckendree. After two years there, he decided to make a change and went to Tusculum. There he was able to develop further as a player playing a total of 55 NCAA 2 games and as a junior played 27 games averaging 14.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 80.4%. He scored in double figures in 18 games including 26 points against Newberry and 24 points against Wingate. In his senior year, the school made a change as JT Burton came on board as head coach. He had made a big leap in his career having made a name for himself at St. Catharine College (NAIA) and Motlow State College (JUCO) registering a NAIA D1 Elite Eight appearance and NJCAA D1 Elite Eight appearance while also winning the TCCAA Tournament. He was instrumental in Donaldson continuing to develop. As a senior he played 28 games averaging 15.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 69.9%. He scored in double figures in 19 games and had some explosive games netting 32 points a piece against Newberry and Wingate and also hit Lincoln Memorial for 27 points. J.T Burton remembers seeing Donovan Donaldson for the first time on the court in the first team practice in 2018. ‘I knew he had the talent to be something special. His speed and ability to shoot at a high level separated him from anyone on our team’, stated JT Burton. He scored 818 points in his NCAA 2 career and 212 career assists, 188 rebounds, 67 steals and 10 blocks.

The American turned professional in 2019 and played his first season overseas with KK Gostivar (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) playing 17 games averaging 16.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.9%. He scored in double figures in 13 games, His best scoring games included scorching Kumanovo for 28 points. He also had fantastic games against Kozuv with 31 points and produced 29 points against Euro Nickel. Last season he continued his offensive onslaught in Europe playing with two Hungarian teams JP-Auto Jaszbereny KSE (Hungary-A Division) averaging 21.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.4apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 45.6%, FT: 81.4%, and with Zalakeramia ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 13.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 84.0%. He scored 32 points a piece against PVSK-Veolia and against JP-Auto JKSE. He also had a monster game against Kaposvari with 30 points. He had a chip early on in school and it must still be on his shoulder now as a professional as he continues to play very consistently at the pro ranks. ‘The chip on his shoulder was there when he put his focus on winning. He knows he can play with anybody, D2, D1, or even professionals. That chip on his shoulder became present when he saw the opportunity to win and make a name for not only himself, but his teammates as well’, said JT Burton.

Donaldson will begin his third professional season in Germany for the Fraport Skyliners in a top 5 league called the easyCredit BBL.So what type of player will German fans witness in the arena? If one observes his game one could compare his game to a Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. A coach will always cringe badly and the way an old man will when his family tells him for the 100th time that it’s time to enter a nursing home when his player takes a bad shot. Donovan is one of those players that won’t always make the best shot selection, but there is a big difference to other players in the result of the shot. ‘He takes ‘bad’ shots, but he makes them at a consistent rate. He has the speed and vision to create any shot for himself, and his IQ makes everyone around him better. He has that type of mentality, he plays with so much confidence and has a swagger about him that is contagious’, warned JT Burton. It is obvious to see that a big strength in his game is his scoring, but he has an even greater quality if not the greatest quality of them all. ‘I’d go far enough to say that he is a winner. What he did for our program in his one season with us was incredible. His confidence is second to none and he just simply finds a way to win’, stressed JT Burton. He also has proved at many levels that he is a two way player. ‘He can defend. Here, he had to guard. For us and our culture, it’s not just about scoring. Don struggled a little bit with that at first, but over time he became one of our best on-ball defenders’, added JT Burton. His offensive game has overshadowed his spirted defensive game that took true form at Tusculum. ‘He has a lot of pride on defense now, that took some time to develop but once he saw how much he can impact the game on the defensive end, that’s when it clicked and he bettered himself in defending ball screenings, not getting backdoored, standing opponents up on drives, etc. He got better at all those little things defensively and before you knew it, he was one of our best on-ball defenders’, stated JT Burton. He had always been a solid three point shooter in school, but his percentage hit 40% for the first time his senior year as JT Burton was helping him develop it further and has continued to eclipse the 40% mark as a professional. ‘. I think he always knew he could shoot it and had that big play potential in him. He just wasn’t as consistent, and I think that related to confidence. Once he saw what we were trying to do here, he played with a confidence level that was unmatched’, remembered JT Burton.

Tusculum head coach JT Burton has continued to watch Donovan Donaldson progress as a player at the pro ranks. And now that he is playing in a top league with the Fraport Skyliners he will most likely keep an even closer eye on his game. ‘I’ve been fortunate to maintain a relationship with all of my players in my coaching career. I am proud of Don, I’ve watched him work himself into being a pro, and to maintain the consistency in his work ethic and drive to being better each and every day has been special to watch. Players like Don are the reason I’m proud to be a coach’, expressed JT Burton. The ex Tusculum guard is also one of those players that will be an important role model for the young Skyliners on and off the court. ‘ He’s a great guy off the court. He keeps his nose clean, he stays out of trouble and was always super respectful to others around him. He’s a quiet guy, but very polite and stays humble and hungry’, commented JT Burton. He is a player that will make mistakes, but a guy who won’t just brush them off and not reflect on them. He is a player that has a real heart and wants to do good on the court for his team and himself. Head coach JT Burton got a real close account of what kind of person Donovan Donaldson really is. ‘I’ll never forget the time he wasn’t going hard in practice. I remember bringing him in and telling him that he wasn’t traveling with us to Catawba because his effort wasn’t where it should be. We go to Catawba, lose a tough one, and that night when we got back from Salisbury, NC he was waiting outside my office. He begged me to let him back on the team, and I did. The rest is history, his effort and attitude took a complete turnaround for the best. I tell that story to our young guys within our program to remind them of the expectations we have set here’, warned JT Burton. Playing in the easyCredit BBL will be a challenge for Donovan Donaldson, but one he will be able to master. He may not necessarily leave a type of legacy that Wood, Theodore and Cobbs left right away, but he will leave an impression on everybody every day on and off the court.

Article written July 29th, 2021

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser)r 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 will team up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Stan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on a massive 97-70 win over the Kirchheim Knights. How good did it feel to win your first Pro A game in Germany?

Getting that first win always feels good. We came out protected our home court in front of our fans. We still have more work to do, but we take this first win and look to improve!

How did you enjoy the atmosphere in your arena? What touched you most about seeing the PS Karlsruhe fans in action?

I really didn’t have any expectations as far as the atmosphere, although I was curious to see how the arena would look on a game day set up and how many fans would show up. What touched me the most about seeing our fans were how live they were the entire game, from start to finish. We as players need that energy, we feed off the energy from the fans, and I’m just glad we were able provide a victory in return for them.

I was impressed how you guys came back from the ugly loss in Leverkusen. How proud are you of the guys coming back from adversary in the Leverkusen game and taking care of business at home?

That tough game in Leverkusen wasn’t our team at all, that loss doesn’t define our group. We understand that we wasn’t ourselves in that game. We put that game far behind us, and wanted to come out against Kirchheim to perform better at the level we know we can, and we were able to accomplish that!

The team actually had a slow start being down 25-16 after one quarter, but stepped it up exploding for 29 points in the second quarter. What adjustments did the team make on the defensive end?

We weren’t disruptive at all defensively early on. We understood we gave up too many points in the first quarter, so we rallied together, got on one accord defensively, which led to us putting together some solid stops and with that we were able to get out and run offensively.

In the second half PS Karlsruhe never let up scoring 52 points and finishing in style. How much fun was it playing offense and being the floor general in a game like this?

It was a good feeling just to see us put together a defensive second half the way we did. With momentum from the second quarter, us only allowing 16pts, we wanted to duplicate that or improve upon it in the second half. When we are playing good defense, and finishing possessions with rebounds, the offense will become better!

PS Karlsruhe wants to find an identity on defense. What steps did the team make on the defensive end against Kirchheim?

As I stated before, the defensive end that is where we want to hang our hats. We have to be on one accord at all times, communicate at a high level, understand our schemes and be able to execute. We had a solid week of practice of preparing for Kirchheim so we just had to stay focused and minimize our slippage.

Where will be PS Karlsruhe be as a team when the rebounding stands? I think the 14 Kirchheim offensive rebounds is one of the only area’s one can criticize from the game.

We have to be better at finishing possessions!! That is way too many second chances opportunities. As a team, we have to increase our level of focus, put a body on someone and secure the rebound!

You and Ferdinand Zylka combined for 45 points. How much fun is it playing with him and will you guys we the team’s definite 1-2 punch this season?

It’s fun playing with Ferdi, he’s a good guy, and a smart player.

PS Karlsruhe next battles Trier who are 2-0. What will be the main focus in practice this week?

We’ll start the beginning of the work we focused on Trier. Our staff will gather a game plan for us we have to execute the game plan that’s given and try to put ourselves in position to win!

You had another solid game and belonged to the best players on the court. You are adjusting very well to the Pro A. Did the three turnovers separate you from being totally happy?

I think I’m still adjusting, it’s only the 2nd match so I still have some figuring out to do. With 3 turnovers, I have to take better care of the ball, trying to put my teammates in position to be successful. 3 is too many.

You shot at a high clip. How happy were you with your shot selection? Is it harder finding your spots in the Pro A than in Austria?

My shot selection from our game against Kirchheim was solid, missed some looks I usually knock in but that’s part of it. I’ll be better. I don’t think it’s harder finding my spots in Pro A than in Austria. I know where my spots are on the floor and I’m comfortable getting to them.

How have you been following the whole Ben Simmons affair? Where will his fate end this season?

The Ben Simmons saga has been a mess, I know the city is ready for him to be traded, he isn’t communicating with anyone. I think it’s time to ship him off and move forward.

What was the last movie that you watched?

The last movie I watched was ‘My Struggle’ it’s a biopic film on American rapper ‘Boosie’

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

It was May 9th as I witnessed the last regular season game of the Fraport Skyliners against the Hamburg Towers. It had been another season to forget for the Skyliners as they had missed another playoffs. At least they had finished the season strong winning the last two games against Wurzburg and the surprising strong team Hamburg Towers who would go to the playoffs and give BBL powerhouse team Alba Berlin a good opening round series but get swept 3-0. For me watching the Hamburg game was a special one to see, because it gave me another opportunity to watch Bryce Taylor play. I had watched him since his arrival in Germany in 2009 and was always impressed with his game and his positive character. Over the years we had developed a nice professional relationship and I had interviewed him every so often after games or for my radio show back in 2010 when he was with Alba Berlin. As he was exiting the court after the loss, we said hi and I asked him if he could bring out TJ Shorts for me. After a shower, he had got Shorts for me to ask some post game questions and after I had finished that, it gave us some time to mingle something we did from time to time after games. The biggest topic was my cancer recovery which was in full swing and nearing it’s end. I had one more very tough Liver surgery a week later and was a bit nervous about it. He wished me all the best and then I had to ask him if he would continue playing next season. He didn’t give me a definite reply, but I had the feeling that he would return. Fast forward to September 26th, 2021 a day before his birthday and he wrote me a message telling me he was going to announce his retirement the next day on his birthday. My first reaction was there goes another one of the great BBL players of the last 15 years. Soon there won’t be anymore as many have retired as the league only has few dino’s remaining in the league with Rickey Paulding and Quantez Robertson. He had 4 offers to keep playing in Germany, but decided to turn them down. He was still in good physical shape and his basketball abilities hadn’t eroded seriously. I could have still seen him play for 2-3 more years. ‘ I wanted to walk away on my own terms, especially having dealt with so many injuries over the last 4 years. I’ll stay fit with my new job and will continue to look for competitive basketball situations in America such as the TBT and the BIG 3’, stated Bryce Taylor (195-SG-86, agency: BeoBasket) COVID put stress on the whole world and totally changed the basketball landscape. Having to deal with COVID also effected his decision to hang it up. ‘I think COVID put a huge stress on the entire world and also the German basketball market. Since the basketball business in Germany is heavily reliant on sponsorships and ticket sales, without those two revenue streams not at the same level, teams cut their budgets drastically. I do believe if I had better financial offers I would have considered continuing to play longer’, warned Bryce Taylor

Bryce Taylor was born on September 27th, 1986 in San Diego, California. His father is Brian Taylor who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. Bryce began his basketball career at Harvard-Westlake high school and then played at Oregon (NCAA) from 2004-2008 playing a total of 117 NCAA games. He remembers Brandon Roy who would go on to have a great NBA career as being his toughest opponent in the NCAA. He averaged double figures in scoring three seasons and his best season was his junior year where he averaged 14.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3Pts: 42.2%, FT: 82.6%. That same season he helped his team win the PAC-10 tournament and make a long run at March Madness reaching the Elite 8. It was a great run and he still keeps in contact with his teammates from then today. He had been very fortunate to have had a very knowledgeable head coach in Ernie Kent who taught him valuable things so he could glide into his professional career well and then prosper. ‘Ernie Kent had us playing a style that was ahead of our time, pace and space 4 out 1 in, a lot of 3s. We did a lot of things that prepped me for becoming a pro, especially how he ran our practices and shoot arounds pre game. He really invested in our well being and development as people. He helped me a lot’, remembered Bryce Taylor He also remembers his duels with future NBA player Malik Hairston at Oregon. ‘First time we ever met, Malik challenged me to a 1v1 game and beat me. That was the only time we played. In general we challenged each other in practice and made each other better for 4 straight years. Malik was a great player’, commented Bryce Taylor

After having pre draft workouts with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors (NBA) and playing NBA Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he decided to embark on a professional career overseas with Premiata Montegranaro (Italy-Serie A) He had a solid rookie season averaging 13.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 82.6%. He was fortunate to have high class teammates like Kimane Garris, Brandon Hunter and Ricky Minard. Despite being able to adjust well on the court, he did have growing pains and that wake up call coming overseas from California. ‘I remember feeling very homesick initially in Italy. The language barrier was difficult at times. I remember getting called for traveling a bunch of times in the preseason because I hadn’t adapted my footwork to the European rules. I knew I wasn’t at home anymore when I tried to learn how to drive manual and got stuck on the middle of the road in Montegranaro where a bunch of angry Italian drivers were cursing me as they drove around my stuck car’, remembered Bryce Taylor He then made the trek to Germany for his second professional season and played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Here he again showed his consistency averaging 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 81.4% in the BBL and had a potent Eurocup season averaging 18,0ppg. As a young buck, he was very lucky again to have supreme veterans on the team like Chris Ensminger who belonged to the best centers then at age 32. ‘Chris was great, all the guys you have mentioned basically helped shape my career and inspired me to stay in the BBL for a longer period of time. Chris was super tough, great rebounder, back to the back scorer and consistent mid range shooter. He also was a rim protector with how physical he played. I think he played another 5 years at a very high level due to his mindset and professionalism’, added Bryce Taylor Not only did he arrive in the German BBL in 2009, but so did current Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson. When he heard that Taylor had retired, it was only natural that he would give his 2 cents on his career. ‘We have been going at it for a long time just like with Rickey Paulding. The only good thing was that he wasn’t that much taller than me. We always got each other’s best effort on the court. I wish him nothing but the best in his next journey’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Taylor battled against Robertson each season and every possession with him on the court was a clash. ‘Tez is a great competitor and leader and Frankfurt is lucky to have had him for all those years. I’ll remember the playoff battles and his relentless attitude and fighting spirit. His speed with the ball, offensive rebounding, fearlessness and versatility are some of my favorite qualities of his as a player’, remembered Bryce Taylor

After his strong sophomore campaign with the Telekom Baskets Bonn, it was only fitting that he would make the next step moving to Alba Berlin from 2010-2012. With Alba Berlin he played 23 Eurocup games and 85 BBL games. His best season was his second as he averaged 11.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 82.4%. Even if he didn’t win a title with Alba Berlin, the whole experience was very enriching. ‘Alba was the premiere destination in Germany during this period, I was really excited to be there and it was a great fit for me. It was very important for me to prove that I could perform consistently at this high level and it was a very important stop along my journey’, said Bryce Taylor He was able to play with incredible players which helped him develop further in his game. The list reads like a who’s who of the best players in the BBL at that time. ‘Sven Schultze, Patrick Femmerling, Julius Jenkins, Immanuel McElroy, Derrick Allen and Yassin Idbihi. They were great vets for me who helped teach me how to be a pro. Dashaun Wood was a great player and a talent with whom I performed really well along side of’, expressed Bryce Taylor After two years with Alba Berlin, he moved to the Artland Dragons. He had another very good statistical season averaging 14.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 85.2% in the BBL and 10.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 91.3% in the Eurocup. I never understood why he seemingly took a step back from Alba Berlin, but this season turned out to be a very worthwhile season for him. ‘

QB was a perfect step after Berlin. I had a couple minor injuries there but I was able to focus and work on my game almost every day. I worked a lot with our staff, Stefan Koch, Martin Schiller and Ty McCoy helped me a lot that year, as well as Pedro Calles. That was a big developmental season for me. I enjoyed my time there’, stated Bryce Taylor No matter where he played, he must have felt like a little kid in a candy store, because he was always surrounded by amazing guard talent and with Demond Mallet, he couldn’t have been teammates with more of a winner. ‘D Mallet was special, he had a charisma and winning spirit that was unique. He also was very tough and just a flat out shot maker. In his prime I imagine he could have fit anywhere in Europe, as his resume shows’, warned Bryce Taylor

Then from 2013-2017, he had probably his most defining and enjoyable time being able to call himself a member of FC Bayern Munich, the most famous sport organization in Germany and a very famous brand in the world. He played his best basketball with them and was the best three point shooter in the BBL at that time shooting a crazy 48% twice and 51%. The club always has great rosters and talent, but it was surprising that in that time, the team was only able to win one title. That showed already back then how competitive the league was and that FC Bayern Munich didn’t have a monopoly on the league. ‘This says more about how good Bamberg was during their second 3 peat era. They had amazing teams and were very well coached. Without them we would have won 1-2 more’, warned Bryce Taylor In 2014 he won the BBL title and that roster was probably the strongest that they ever had. Everything just came together perfectly that season. ‘The 2013-2014 FCBB was one of the best teams during the last decade of the BBL, we had high level talent and great German players. We also had a hall of fame coach who drove us to greatness each and every day’, said Bryce Taylor Games and practices were never dull when you had German Heiko Schaffartzik with the ball in his hands as he was the master of the crazy shot from way outside. ‘Heiko was an amazing teammate and shot maker. He had crazy range and he was fearless in taking and making tough contested threes. I know he’s an actor now and I bet he’s going to be very successful in that world. He’s a brilliant guy with a one of a kind personality’, remembered Bryce Taylor He not only had a vital role on the floor with his game, but also as a veteran could help some of the younger guys. In his last year in Munich, he was able to witness Maxi Kleber and Paul Zipser make last developments in their game before they departed for the NBA. ‘I would always talk to both guys about their games and playing with joy and confidence. They would make NBA level plays every day in practice, so seeing how their careers have developed comes as no surprise to me’, expressed Bryce Taylor Not every player can say that they were able to play for legendary head coach Svetislav Pesic. Taylor did it for 3 seasons and will never forget it. ‘Svetislav Pesic changed my career and the way I looked at the game. He kept everything simple and held every player accountable to the team. I’ll never forget how much energy he had as an older coach, this man is an energizer and truly loves to coach and teach the game. I’m very grateful I got to play for him for 3 seasons. I have dozens of Pesic stories but I’ll have to share them another time. I love Coach Pesic’, stressed Bryce Taylor Playing for FC Bayern Munich gives the basketball players special privileges like being able to go to the football games. It was obvious that the American took total advantage of that. ‘I had a professional relationship with Uli Hoene, he is a great man and really supported our program. I went to several games each year and had a good relationship with Basti Schweinsteiger, Jerome Boateng and David Alaba. I’ll carry those memories with me forever’, commented Bryce Taylor

After his four year tenure in Munich, he next headed to Bamberg. Here the shooting guard who calls Reggie Redding Will Clyburn Brad Wanamaker Casey Jacobsen and Rickey Paulding as his toughest five opponents in the BBL would play three more seasons. He had injury woes there, but was still a feared sniper as he eclipsed the 40% mark from the parking lot in his first two seasons. He had a little misfortune in that when he came, the Andrea Trinchieri era was ending and the organization would rebuild, but he would win his second professional title with the cup in 2019. ‘Bamberg had great success the years before I arrived but unfortunately things kind of fell apart the year my group arrived. Once Daniele Baesi left for Bayern and Trinchieri got fired, things changed drastically. The talent of the teams before was undeniable, we are talking about 3 NBA players and 3 players going to Euroleague Final 4 teams in one offseason’, said Bryce Taylor Of course in Bamberg, he wasn’t short of having amazing teammates and one of those was Greek legend Nikolaos Zisis who came to Bamberg with many titles. ‘Nikos was the best leader I was ever around. He was the same person every day. His work ethic was unmatched and he treated everybody with respect. I watched him everyday and learned a lot about how to operate as a professional. He had a great feel for what the team needed and was always ready to step up in big games such as the Pokal Final in 2019. A true competitor’, stated Bryce Taylor

In his last season with Bamberg the world saw COVID change everything. Nothing was easy for anyone and it wasn’t any different with him who had numerous challenges that needed to be solved. ‘My family and myself actually had Covid recently and all became very symptomatic. This is a serious virus and we have to all remain vigilant in our behavior. The biggest challenge was not traveling to the USA for over two years and my family not being able to meet my daughter due to these circumstances. This definitely made me stronger and more resilient and brought us closer as a family’, added Bryce Taylor He may not have won a title in his last professional season with the Hamburg Towers, but helped them reach the playoffs. He loved the city and saw it as a unique and diverse city that provided beautiful nature, rivers, canals and parks. He even had my taste liking the beautiful Alster lake over the harbor. Being part of an ambitious young BBL project was very enriching for him. ‘This season was exactly what I hoped for when I signed there. Marvin Willoughby and Pedro Called are two of the best in the business at what they do and are great people. They allowed for me to play meaningful basketball while helping the organization take the next step in its growth. I wish them much success this season in the BBL and Eurocup’, said Bryce Taylor He played 12 seasons in Germany and had many many great teammates. To only shout out 5 would have been a major injustice. ‘ I’ll go with an honorable mention list: Malcolm Delaney, Tyrese Rice, Julius Jenkins, Dusko Savanovic, Immanuel McElroy, Derrick Allen, Chris Ensminger, Augustine Rubit, Deon Thompson, Chevy Troutman, Jared Jordan, Kiwane Garris, Taylor Rochestie, Nikos Zisis, Marquez Haynes, John Bryant, Ricky Hickman, Daniel Hackett, Dorrell Wright, Vladimir Lucic, Reggie Redding. I have to add my top German teammates such as Heiko Schaffartzik, Lucca Staiger, Paul Zipser, Robin Benzing, Maxi Kleber, Anton Gavel, JJ Strasser, Patrick Flomo, Sven Schultze, Yassin Idbihi, Patrick Femmerling, Steff Haman, Jan Jagla, Demond Greene, Sergio Kerusch, Nihad Djedovic, Danilo Barthel and many more great guys who I left off the list’, warned Bryce Taylor He retired having played 370 easyCredit BBL games and 45 Euroleague games.

So what is the next step for Bryce Taylor He is best prepared for the next stage in his life. ‘I am currently pursuing my Sports Business MBA for 2023 and started the program at the beginning of the month. This is a part time program. My main job will be working for the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant for their player development staff. This means helping out with individual workouts, practicing with the team and doing video assignments per request of the coaching staff’, commented Bryce Taylor I will always have fond moments of him on the court and if I ever want to relive them, then I will be able to find enough examples on You Tube. His jump shot was one of beauty that you seldom see. I will remember him as a team player that always played hard and wanted to win. One memory that I will always remember was when I saw him after a convincing 77-57 Munich win in Frankfurt in December 2016 where he had just dropped 22 points to lead all scorers. As he exited the locker room, he saw me and yelled Mr Euroleague legend. How I was I supposed to top that line? After covering him for 12 seasons in Germany he once more gave my ego a push with his words of how he would remember me. ‘You are a very important figure as you have a huge platform and bring more attention to our league. I love your detailed articles and how much you seem to enjoy what you are doing. Thank you for your coverage over the years Miles’, stressed Bryce Taylor He also hopes that the fans in Germany will remember him in a positive light. ‘Exactly as you said, a team player that competed to win games. Somebody who shared the ball, took good shots and competed on the defensive end. I love the game and I hope that shined through as well’, said Bryce Taylor Thanks Bryce for 12 years in Germany and sharing your special talent on the court and your unique character off the court. You will be missed my friend. All the best in the future for you.

Jaleen Smith (193-PG-94, college: UNH) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Alba Berlin. He played the last two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the brutal 101-63 win against the Fraport Skyliners.

Jaleen congrats on the massive 101-63 victory over the Fraport Skyliners. Please describe playing your first game in the Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin as a Alba player?

The Alba fans are amazing and it was great to see them back in the arena. You could really feel that special atmosphere already with only 50% fans there. I can’t imagine the atmosphere when the whole place had been packed.

How was the week of practice of after the tough loss to the Telekom Baskets Bonn? How aware were the guys that you needed a win 100%?

We were locked in all week long. There was some stuff that we had to work on. Bonn got us defensively on some things. I felt like we prepared very well for Frankfurt and it worked.

Alba Berlin began hot and finished the game strong and consistent. How far was this game from a perfect game?

We had some issues in the fourth and some things we need to work on, but overall it was a good game for us. Coach Israel had stressed that he wanted us to play a complete game for 40 minutes. I feel that we did that.

How much better was Alba Berlin defensively against Frankfurt than they were against Bonn?

We got a lot of steals against Frankfurt. We pressured them well and made them rush too much. Our pick and roll defense was a lot better. Our main focus was to contain them 1-1, ball screens and pick up the full court.

I believe the only bad point were the 17 turnovers. You, Blatt and Lo combined for 9 turnovers. Is acceptable for you to say that your still learning the system?

Yes we are still learning the system. It’s still early. We have only been at it for a month now. The new guys are still learning the system on offense and defense. I feel that as the season goes on and the more games and practices we play, we will all be able to play with each other a lot better.

In how tough shape are the Fraport Skyliners. Are they as bad as the score showed?

Yes I think that they still need to pick up some more imports. It is still early though. Our main focus was on Tez. Donaldson needs to be more aggressive,

Do you feel for a legend like Quantez Robertson who plays out his heart every night and has to watch the horror show on the court?

Yes I do. He came out with so much energy. He plays so hard at age 36 against so many young guys. He is so dedicated having been with Frankfurt for such a long time. He is all blood, sweat and tears for his team. I have so much respect for him. He is like the Kobe of the BBL with his faithfulness to one team. It’s cool to see.

The team lost some key figures form last season with Giffey, Grander and Siva. People don’t have Alba Berlin as strong as last season. When the bigs are healthy again, I think you will see a totally different Alba Berlin that will be strong.

For sure we will be better. We got Ben Lammers back and I feel like we got so much better. Also when the other two bigs return, it will make us better. It can give Schneider and Thiemann the opportunity to move back to the four. It will be big having so many more bigs in the rotation. I thought last season that that team wasn’t as good as the 2019-2020 team, but then they won the title again. It is all a learning process. When are back, we will be really good.

What has been your impression of Yovel Zoosman. How vital of a role will this guy play this season

I feel that he will be like a Fontecchio for us. A guy that plays the 2/3 can shoot the ball well and finish strong. I feel he could be a type of leading scorer for us. I have heard really good things from people and he has shown here that he can play.

You didn’t have a good debut against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Was the last week tough getting ready for a new opponent? It’s never easy to rebound after a slow start.

The mind set that I had was to come out with vengence. I knew that there were people thinking why is he on the team or why did he have 0 points? Key for me this game was being aggressive. I feel like this game helped a little find my identity. I have to continue to be hungry every night, because we are the target for everyone and I need to compete every night.

You got on fire in the second quarter and finished with 13 points. How happy were you with your second game despite the many turnovers?

I thought that I shot the ball really well. I think that I will get easier shots this season than any other time in my career. I think I won’t have to take as many shots off the dribble, but be more that spot up shooter. I think that fits my game most. I also see myself attacking the close outs more. I need to improve my defense. I didn’t play good defense against Frankfurt.

Alba Berlin has many good guards and are deep. You most likely won’t have the stats you had with Ludwigsburg. How big will efficiency play a role in your performance?

That will be big. I will have to be super efficient with the minutes I get. With Ludwigsburg, I played 35-38 minutes and could take plays off. That won’t happen here. Here there will always be guys as good or better and I will always have to go hard and produce as well as possible in the minutes I get.

How do you feel that you will overall profit this season not having that major type of responsibility that you had with Ludwigsburg?

Efficiency will be the biggest challenge for me. I don’t think that I was that efficient in Heidelberg and in Ludwigsburg my first year was ok. I had a set role, but wasn’t as efficient. I will have to pick my spots here as best I can and be efficient. My game will profit from playing less.

How excited are about the Euroleague? What are you looking forward to most when competing against the best in Europe?

I am excited to showcase what I and the team can do. A lot of people aren’t expecting much from us. That will give us extra motivation. I am super excited to play against FC Barcelona that is one of the favorites. We want to come out and make some noise and prove people wrong.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Squid Game.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Sergej Rudovic (192-G-03) is a 18 year old 192cm guard from Sweden playing in Denmark for BC Amager. So far in his early career he has had found experience playing with teams Stevnsgade U16 team (Sweden), Talje Knights (Sweden-Basketettan) and Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen). germanhoops.com sat down with the young guard to talk basketball.

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

Hi Miles, Big thanks for having me here, right now I am in Copenhagen Denmark, and basketball life has not treating me the best the past 6 months. I had a stressful summer with not knowing where I would end up playing. Despite that I am not giving up on my dreams and when I put myself into something I put myself 100% into it.

Last season you played for Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) playing only 10 games. At the moment you are without a club. How difficult has it been finding a new team with COVID and not getting a real chance last season?

Last season for me as a teenage player was really tough since I think I deserved more than what I got .I recently got picked up by the Coach Almir Zeco from the club Bk Amager who also are part of basketligaen. I was careful with choosing a team this year since I didn’t want to end up in the same situation like last season, it wouldn’t be healthy for my career. I’m super thankful that Almir picked me up and most importantly believe in me, the rest is in my hands.

Do you feel like Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) gave up on you? Why do you feel didn’t you get a real chance there?

I don’t feel they recognize that they gave up on me, either do I. In young age of playing professional basketball there are always players who are paid a lot more than you, so no matter how good you do, they still have to play. It all starts when you are buying players in the beginning if you sign a young player who you want to develop into something, than you are not supposed to buy in 7 other players into the same position.

What kind of relationship did you have with head coach Arnel Dedic? How difficult is it having that player/coach relationship when you are hardly playing?

It’s a relation based on mutual respect and I will always respect him for introducing me to senior/profesional basketball. I was not really focused on the relationship, for me it was mostly that I still stay in love with basketball and keep developing by working out with my personal coaches

What was most challenging for you personally during COVID? Do you feel like mentally it had a toll on you as it did for so many other players around the globe?

It definitely had, I lost 2 seasons and now this last season as u19 I will not play. It’s hard since I still have some goals as a youth player that I wanted to attend to, as far as playing the ADNGT Tournament. Since that didn’t happen I hope to one day play the real Euroleague

Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) has been a solid club for years always making the playoffs. What do you feel was the biggest problem for you cracking the rotation? Was it being Swedish a problem for making a break through past the team’s young Danish players?

As I mentioned before. You can not bring a young player in and give him no space (stack the roster om my position) if I would have got 5+ minutes I definitely would have got into my momentum. No it had nothing to do with me being Swedish, the management loved me and I can’t hide the fact that they wanted me to stay. The problem is not having an overview of what you are buying into.

Despite playing only 10 games and averaging only 2,3 minutes per game, do you feel like this experience could give you some positives?

I definitely showed quality in some of those games. It’s hard to really do something positive in those minutes when the game almost is done. I have had some great assists during those minutes. Positives I got from it is that I BELONG.

Your from Sweden. How is the state of Swedish basketball. Why does a young player like you go to Denmark? Isn’t there better support for bringing up young Swedes at home?

In Sweden I have been under the radar for a while I grew up around in Europe, nobody really knows what I am capable of, and I haven’t really had my focus in the Swedish market this off season, since for me it was most important to go to a coach who will believe in me.

You played for the Serbian U-16 team in 2019. Talk a little about your connection to Serbia. Wouldn’t getting proper basketball training in Serbia be an option?

The National team was fun, really fun and was a nice experience with a great group of guys that I am really good friends with still to this day. Since that summer corona appeared and I have got under the radar in those years. I hope to be part of the U20 squad. I have wanted to play in Serbia back in 2019 where some coaches from good teams came and watched the practices, but I decided I wanted to go to Buducnost Vold u19 squad where Peter Mijovic was coaching. He was promoted to the men’s team and that opportunity was dropped.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 192cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player or player in Europe who would best fit the description?

I hope to grow more, since my grandad was 2,05 cm tall I don’t feel I had my summer where I grew 10cm. I follow a lot Stefan Peno from Alba Berlin and we are very similar with our playing. Calm smart shoot the shots that have to be taken and be a leader.

Talk a little about your strengths as a player. What kind of a player do you want to see yourself developing into?

With the energy I’m bringing on the court I am capable of getting the team into momentum. I want to see myself develop into a stabile Euroleague player, and I’m not hiding the fact that I have been a big fan of Alba where I have been on the radar as a youth.

What are the biggest area’s of improvement in your game where you are working the most time on to get better?

I work all around. During the off season I worked a lot on the way I’m dribbling the ball the right way as well soothing the ball with balance after movement, and get my body in a basketball shape with low body fat.

Please explain in a few sentences why you could help any team right now with your game?

The only thing I can control is playing defense and giving energy. With the team ball movement I am sure I would get to my shoots. I wouldn’t say I am an experienced player yet but I have seen how things work and how they should be.

Who is the toughest player that you have ever played against?

I have played against and with many players who now are in Euroleague or seen as top prospects for the NBA and one of the toughest I played against would definitely be my good friend Mihajlo Petrovic from Partizan. He is a really nice player

Where does Luka Doncic rank right now among the greatest players in world and where will he end up one day in the world’s greatest players?

I can’t say where he will end up being but I am a fan of his game and his smartness, he is never rushing it into some situations but he is controlling the game.

Thanks Sergej for the chat.