Sacar Anim (196-G/F-1997, college: Marquette) s a 24 year old 196cm forward playing his second professional season and first with medi Bayreuth. He played his rookie season with Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League). He began his basketball career with De La Salle High School. He played at Marquette (NCAA) from 2015-2020 playing a total of 114 NCAA games. In his senior year he averaged 13.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 67.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 111-95 win over the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Congrats Scar on the big 111-95 win on the road against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. After a 5 game losing streak, medi Bayreuth is playing better basketball now having won three of the last four games. What is the team doing better now than during the losing streak?

I think that we are playing more together and at more of a high level now. We are also moving the ball well and just fighting through adversary a lot better. When teams are going on runs, we are able to fight through it a lot better. I think that our home court also has ben an advantage especially with the fans back in the arena’s.

Was it easier going in or more difficult not having played them yet and knowing they had undergone a coaching change?

I think it was more difficult to play against them. They have been playing better as of late and have their things together. It wasn’t easy to prepare, but we watched film on them. We knew coming in that they don’t run many plays, but just play a fast paced style.

How much did scouting play a role in this game. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg play a new style of run and gun. What did medi Bayreuth want to pay attention most coming in?

We wanted to control the pace as much as possible, but then again not slow it down as much, because we also like to play fast paced. We wanted to limit them to one shot and try to get out on transition as much as possible. We did good job doing that finding the open man.

Guys like Heidegger and Michalak really profit under the new system of Ingo Freyer. Did medi Bayreuth just let them go more and focus on the rest more?

Not necessarily. They are two great scorers, but everyone on that team can score. We did focus a little more on them, because we didn’t want them to get too hot. We focused on containing them as much as possible.

The first quarter was a shootout as you led 30-27, but in the second quarter you allowed only 17 points. What adjustments did you make on the defensive end?

We contained the high pick and roll well and not overhelp as much leaving the shooters open. We also did a good job getting back on transition defense.

In the third quarter BBL identity figure Rickey Paulding nailed two three’s in a row. You were 7 years old when he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons and were 10 years old when he came to the EWE Baskets and is still here now. What kind of an experience was it playing against him in his last season?

Oh wow I didn’t know that. It was a great experience playing against him. We talked a bit during the game. I didn’t know him personally. It’s incredible how he can still make plays at that age. It is really nice to be able to cherish the moment playing against him. It is a real honor to play against a great player like that.

After the Paulding baskets, Martynas Sajus made big plays and baskets. How vital a part of the team has he been?

He has been a big part of our success. He has proven to be an inside force this season and can make plays and finish at a high level at both ends of the court.

Medi Bayreuth broke away in the third quarter. How much fun was it beating Oldenburg with their own game?

It was a lot fun. Coach told us at the start of the game, that if we played the right way then there would be a lot possessions and we could score a lot. If we could execute a lot then it would be a lot of fun. It is good going into the break now with this momentum.

How important was game management and always having an answer when they had a blow?

Game management was very important. Coach made adjustments all game long. Cam Wells and Basti Doreth did a great job controlling the game. We didn’t stay passive when they scored. We remained aggressive and kept our foot on the pedal and kept the lead.

How refreshing was it seeing Janari Joessar explode for 24 points. He had scored 22 points in a cup game at the start of the season, but in between been injured and been up and own?

His output was huge. This game was good for him to build his confidence. We know what he is capable of doing and he stepped up big giving us a big boost. Different guys have been stepping up all season long even when we had Covid issues and injuries. When he is making shots, he gives us a totally different dynamic.

You won’t be winning the Fiba Europe Cup. How hungry is the team to finish the season strong? The playoff race is very tight.

We are extremely hungry. We have always felt that we have the right pieces and talent to be a playoff team. We have had so much adversary this season, that we were fortunate to always have different guys stepping up all season long. We feel like we will be playing our best basketball now.

After a tough rookie season in the G-League with Ontario, your having an incredible first season overseas. Did you feel pressure coming to one of the best leagues in Europe? I mean a bad second season could have had an impact on your future.

I didn’t feel any pressure coming to Germany this season. I know what I’m capable of doing on the court. My rookie season in the G-League was unfortunate. It just wasn’t the right fit. I was happy to make the change and come overseas. I’m very thankful to have landed in such a good league like the BBL. I’m really happy that I have been able to make an impact in the BBL

What has been your secret to being able to play so well? You needed little adjustment time.

I just play my game. I know what I can do on the court. I worked very hard in the off season. Some friends that have played in the BBL told me how it is. I don’t think that it is really much different than college. The only difference is that the players are better at the pro ranks. I see great players 1-15 every night.

How beneficial have Marcus Thornton and Terry Allen been for your adjustment period in your first season overseas? How has each guy helped you best on the court?

They have been great and helped me so much. These are two high level guys that have been around for a while. They have made the transition so much smoother for me. Not only on the court have they helped me, but also off the court. It can be very tough off the court especially when your away from family. On the court Marcus has helped me so much. Marcus is one of the best scorers in the BBL. I try to pick up as much as possible like how to create space and seeing how he uses quickness and just his shooting ability. Terry has helped me so much with little situations on defense and offense with picking my spots and when to be aggressive and when not.

You really have picked up your game right before Christmas and since scored in double figures in 11 straight games. Did your game profit from the many injuries in the last months?

Yes I would say that that has been a part of it. I have gotten a bigger role on offense. Injuries forced many guys to step up and I just happened to be one of those guys. I have a role now to have to do more. I have always been confident of my abilities and just try to help the team as much as possible.

At Marquette (NCAA) you improved your game step by step each season. What are your goals in the next few years concerning your game. In what areas do you want to make the most growth?

I want to do the same that I did in college and just improve step by step. I want to sharpen up my shooting and playmaking and make my body stronger. I won’t always be this athletic so I have to work on my body and make it stronger. I also want to be a student of the game knowing when to pick my spots. I will really lock in this summer.

How tough was your rookie season in the G-League with Aqua Caliente? You did finish the season well off in your last two games. How true is the cliche that there are many guys that are just there to fill the roster. Did you feel like you were one of those guys?

It was tough especially coming off a good senior year at Marquette. I didn’t really know what to expect, but then again I did. Everybody wants to get to the NBA and the G-League offers you the chance. It was really tough not playing much. That can be true that there are guys in the G-League just filling the roster and sitting.

What was the hardest lesson that you learned in the G-League?

There are some things that you can’t control. My biggest lesson was keeping a level head and always being ready. It was frustrating where there were games where I didn’t play, but I learned you have to always be there for the team and be ready when your called.

Who won a one on one in practice at Marquette (NCAA) you or Sam Hauser?

I won that for sure.

What was your take on the James Harden deal to the 76ers. Are the Brooklyn Nets stronger now?

Brooklyn won that trade. They got good pieces with Curry and Drummond.

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

They should of left it alone. Sometimes it’s not good to have a sequel. They waited to long for this one.

Thanks Sacar for the chat.

The suffering of the Fraport Skyliners continue as ever since they had that massive COVID fall out in January, winning again has been as far away as 50 Cent losing 100 pounds. Since the 2000 BBL cup winners last win on January 2^nd, they have endured a brutal four game losing streak. It is a fact now that when they are without starting point guard Will Cherry, they are a severe lost case. After a tough mid week loss to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg where they witnessed a 110-103 shoot out game, they then had to deal with top team FC Bayern Munich and defended better allowing 72 points, but couldn´t muster any proper offense scoring only 53 points. It didn´t get any easier for them as 48 hours later they had a date with BBL champion Alba Berlin who had had a tough January losing five games in a row, but as of late had found rhythm again and were sporting  a three game BBL win streak having last creamed the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t have much time to recuperate from the Munich loss, but had some fortune as they met a lack luster Alba Berlin team that looked for the most part as if they were in semi-hibernation, but they were still good enough for the Fraport Skyliners as they allowed only 2 points in the fourth quarter pulling out the 72-56 win. “We got careless with the ball. Frankfurt did a good job in the second half denying our entries. We shot the ball well in the first half, but in the second half we struggled. Our legs were tired”, stressed Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith. The Fraport Skyliners were in the game for three quarters, but couldn´t take the momentum of the third quarter and be competitive in the fourth quarter. “I thought we took good care of the ball and we forced them to 22 turnovers. I thought we did a good job on the defensive boards. But at the end we had some back to back turnovers and they took advantage of it. We couldn´t control the pace and didn´t take good shots in the fourth quarter”, stated Quantez Robertson.

                The Fraport Skyliners were without ex NBA player Will Cherry who had back problems. Alba Berlin didn´t take Frankfurt easy at the get go going on a rapid 8-2 lead. They got behind the three point line and got baskets from Maodo Lo and Luke Sikma and 2021 BBL MVP Jaleen Smith dropped free throws. But the Fraport Skyliners didn´t stay in a hole early, but were carried well by ex FC Barcelona 2 guard Brancou Badio who was aggressive and scored 5 points. German national player Lukas Wank contributed a trey to tie the game at 8-8. But Alba Berlin had the smoother game and hit Frankfurt with a 11-4 run to led 19-12. In the run the defending BBL champion got their transition game going with buckets from Jaleen Smith and ex Stanford(NCAA) forward Oscar Da Silva. Alba Berlin also got valuable minutes from 221cm big man Christ Koumadje who got to the free throw line twice and converted a thunderous dunk. Alba Berlin got many easy baskets while Frankfurt weren´t given anything easy. Alba Berlin kept up the pressure down the stretch having the 24-16 advantage after 10 minutes getting five points from German Tim Schneider while Frankfurt got points in the paint from Badio and Mclean. Alba Berlin had 6 turnovers which is very uncommon as they kept attempting lob passes that didn´t arrive and led to turnovers. “We usually make those passes. Frankfurt scouted us well and got deflections”, stressed Jaleen Smith.  Alba Berlin shot their usual high percentages from two point with 70% and from outside 50% and had the rebound edge.

                In the second quarter Alba Berlin were able to manage their comfortable lead and lead by as much as 13 points, but were never able to completely shake Frankfurt. Alba Berlin continued to show their smooth flowing offense getting a trey from Tamar Blatt, two handed dunk from Da Silva and lay in from Smith while Mclean had 4 points and Badio a trey, but Alba Berlin led 31-23.  Frankfurt´s offense was working pretty well, but they couldn´t make any ground mainly because they couldn´t shake Alba Berlin´s clock work offense. Even when Alba Berlin coughed up balls, Frankfurt still couldn´t make ground. German fine role player Malte Delow added good support getting a lay in and a trey while Frankfurt received  a runner from rookie Matt Haarms and a 20 footer from Felix Hecker who continues to make the best of his opportunity and minutes, but Frankfurt still trailed 37-26. Alba Berlin definitely weren´t playing their best basketball, but it was still enough to have a double figure lead. Down the stretch, Frankfurt got a trey from Quantez Robertson who had  a poor  shooting night after being up most of the last night as he became a father for the third time. Alba Berlin got a pull up jumper from Jaleen Smith a trey from the corner from German national player Jonas Mattisseck as Alba Berlin led 42-31 at the break. “They executed well being able to keep the lead. We also didn´t do a good job getting back on transition defense”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Alba Berlin continued to shoot the ball well with 60% from the two point range and 40% from outside and had the 23-16 rebound edge, but had 9 turnovers.

                The Fraport Skyliners experienced their best basketball in the third quarter outscoring Alba Berlin 23-16 and cutting their lead down to 58-54. Alba Berlin continued to execute pretty well early getting baskets from Delow and Smith, but Frankfurt stayed with them getting their inside game going as Matt Haarms scored and also got more aggressive on the offensive boards and trailed 48-37. But the Fraport Skyliners didn´t let down, but actually stepped up their game going on a 9-2 run to cut down Alba Berlin´s lead to 50-46. As usual it was Badio leading the charge as he continued to have the hot hand scoring 5 points. Forward Brooks DeBisshop made a dunk and as did Jamel Mclean. Alba Berlin continued to let Frankfurt hang around and had no luck with their lob passes that Frankfurt had figured out. Alba Berlin has such a deep bench and have numerous guys that can go off and Jonas Mattissek continued to be hot hitting two three´s as Alba Berlin tried to get away again leading 56-48. But the Fraport Skyliners still had energy and upped their intensity closing out the third quarter with a 6-2 run to trail only 58-54. In the run, Frankfurt got solid support from Mclean making free throws, Len Schoorman made a steal and coast to coast sprint for two points and Badio made a runner at the buzzer. “We turned over the ball too much. Badio is a good young player that read our defense well and found the sweet spot. We didn´t pressure him as much”, added Jaleen Smith. “We didn´t make any real adjustments. We came out aggressive and got back into the game. We exerted a lot of energy to get good open looks. We did a good job holding them to one shot and controlling the rebound”, warned Quantez Robertson. Alba Berlin continued to shot better than Frankfurt over 40% and had the 29-26 rebound edge, but had an unacceptable 17 turnovers.

                The Fraport Skyliners were unable to take their momentum of the third quarter into the fourth quarter and instead took an extreme 180 degrees turn scoring only a pathetic 2 points the whole quarter and allowing Alba Berlin to walk into the sunset with the win. The Fraport Skyliners actually began well getting DeBisschop involved throwing up a lob pass that he converted into an easy basket as Frankfurt trailed only 58-56. It was hard to believe that they would never score again after this. What happened after this must have been a bad dream and one that head coach Diego Ocampo surely might have some sleepless nights. For the next 5-6 minutes Alba Berlin would score only 5 points as Blatt nailed a trey and Koumadje made a tip in dunk for the 63-56 advantage. Frankfurt got chance after chance to execute on offense, but couldn´t. You could notice that that third quarter of high energy took a toll on them. Their offense was slower and their shots were untypically bad off the mark. They were unable to hit the ocean. Luke Sikma made a lay in at the 2,30 minute mark as Alba Berlin led 65-56. Mattisseck then made a trey which led to a Delow three  and then it was game over as Alba Berlin led 68-56. Alba Berlin then took advantage of Frankfurt´s five team fouls and got free throws from Koumadje, Mattisseck and Jonas Thiemann. “Frankfurt´s shot were flat and short. Fatigue got to them. We stepped up our defense to get stops”, said Jaleen Smith. “Not being able to get points as a team hurt us mentally. When we couldn´t get stops, our confidence went down”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Alba Berlin was led by Jaleen Smith and Malte Delow with 11 points  apiece while Christ Koumadje and Jonas Mattisseck added 10 points  apiece. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Brancou Badio and Jamel Mclean with 17 points a piece. Alba Berlin shot 40% from the field and 37% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 22 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 34% from the field and 19% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Jaleen Smith (193-PG-94, college: UNH) is a 27 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 before the BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Jaleen for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first Euroleague season. How crazy has it been for you personally with Covid and all the postponements etc. Is there one trip you won’t forget so quickly?

I won’t forget our Belgrade trip. The city, the fans, just everything about the trip was really cool. I loved it out there.

Alba Berlin had a tough January in Euroleague but have won two of the last three games. It seems like you really have picked up the game on the defensive end. What has been
key in the last games besides against CSKA that you have been able to play top defense?

We just tried to be more physical on both ends of the floor. With us being more physical, we can see teams struggle sometimes against it.

How much do you get up playing against guys like NBA champion Jordan Loyd? What gets you most pumped playing against guys like that?

I love those games going against ex-NBA guys. You always want to try and match your skills up with theirs.

A couple weeks ago you played against OJ Mayo. You weren’t even in high school yet when he was making a name for himself in the NBA. What was it like playing against an aging player like that? Are you the type of guy to take the opportunity to do some small talk with him before or after the game?

No because its surreal to even be on the same court as him. I just watch how be plays and try to learn little bit from his game.

In the win over Monaco you played solid having 10 points in 12 minutes while ex NBA player Mike James netted 25 points for the losers. What does a Jaleen Smith still have to do to reach his level?

I have to put in a lot of work for the next couple of off-season to match his level. Mike is a seasoned veteran in the league too so a couple of years to get a feel for all the teams and coaches.

Alba Berlin is currently 8-18 in Euroleague. With what kind of an approach is the club going into the rest of the games? Does the club still believe they could accomplish something great with a run?

We just try and get better every game and just taking it one day at a time. We still looking towards the end goal and that is to win a championship in the German BBL.

Alba Berlin is only in sixth place at 12-5. How competitive is the easyCredit BBL this season. How dangerous is a team like ratiopharm Ulm? The 71-66 win was a tough piece of work this season.

ULM has been playing really well in EuroCup and in the BBL they are really fun to watch. The BBL is really competitive this season its actually really fun to look forward to every game because you have to be ready to play every night.

How have you seen the development of Maodo Lo? For two seasons you were opponents and now teammates. His quickness stands out, but what do you feel is off the radar on his game?

His defense is really underrated. He’s a great defender just as good as his offense is.

Welcome back to Frankfurt. Alba Berlin crushed Frankfurt in Berlin 101-63. But Frankfurt is a different team. They have added some new faces with Cherry and Mclean. What kind of game will w see this time?

They definitely will be playing a lot better this time around and they are going to have revenge on their mind when we play them. So we will have to be ready to play.

When Will Cherry was in the NBA, you were just starting at UNH. Lebron James gave the assist for his first NBA basket. How much of a challenge will it be facing his very aggressive defense?

Definitely ready for the challenge of a really good defender. Also I know he will probably guard the best perimeter guy on our team so I probaly won’t be me haha.

You will face Quantez Robertson again. With what kind of feelings are you going into the game that this could be his last game you play against him? He is 37 and a BBL identity figure. But don’t worry I think he will be back next season in the BBL.

Just treating him like it’s another game I think he’ll play until he’s 40 I believe. So it’s just going to be another basketball game for me.

You will face Rickey Paulding soon in Berlin. Is there anything you would like to ask him when you say farewell that game?

I have nothing at the moment actually

Next weekend you play against the Niners Chemnitz to reach the easyCredit BBL cup final. On paper Alba Berlin is the favorite, but not the big favorite or?

In our mind we will play our way and we know they are a very good team so we’re going to be ready.

Alba Berlin won the first game easily 82-63, but Chemnitz have stepped up their game as of late. Will the Alba three point party and the Chemnitz easy baskets inside be the main element to the game or could we expect some other surprises?

The game is going to be very physical for sure it’s the POKAL they are going to let us play all game. I think it’ll come down to whoever is the tougher team.

How much of a factor will it be just wearing out Chemnitz? It has been along season and there were times where Covid really depleted them roster wise.

Yeah when we played them I think they were missing a couple of players and they’ll be ready to play us this time around. They are a very prideful team and we’ll have to be ready for whatever they come at us with on Saturday.

How hungry are you win your first pro chip? How do you feel has your winning mentality grown since playing with Alba Berlin?

I can’t wait to win my first pro Championship it’s going to be a crazy moment and I won’t forget about it for the rest of my life. I have 3 years to complete the goal for sure a lot of chances.

You have been in and out of the starting lineup all season long. How much of an advantage is it for you to come off the bench? What main things do you watch the most during the game so you are best prepared when you come into the game.

Just seeing the tempo of the game from the bench is something I pay attention to. Also how my match up has been playing just to be ready to give extra energy out on the court.

You continue to work on being the most efficient player you can be. How tough has it been mentality having to play so many games on the fly with COVID?

I actually like it because it’s less practice time haha. More games to just figure stuff out and we’ve done a good job with it.

Your shooting under 40% from the two point range. What is the biggest challenge to correct this while having more limited shots with a deep roster like Alba Berlin. Is this shooting percentage more to do with bad shot selection?

Just taking better shots would help with the overall percentage for sure. I’ve been taking a lot of midrange pull-ups more this year than recent years and those are tough shots.

How has your defense game developed in a team like Alba Berlin that prides good defense? How have you become a better on ball defender?

Learning a different technique is definitely great to have here in ALBA. I’ve learned different techniques for one on one and pick roll defense it’s helped my growth a lot.

What is your take on the James Harden trade to the 76ers? Can Brooklyn mesh better now without a Harden?

Yeah im actually surprised he asked for a trade from Brooklyn I thought things were going great.

Will Cherry believes that Lebron James could score 80 points in the easyCredit BBL. What is your take on that?

If he would want to Lebron would average that but I think he’ll definitely average a triple double in our league for sure.

Who will win The 2022 Super Bowl Rams or Bengals?

The Bengals

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Rickey Paulding (196-SF-82, college: Missouri) is a 39 year old 196cm forward playing his 18th professional season and 15th season with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Prior to coming to Germany in 2007, he gained experience in Israel and France. The Detroit Michigan native who was drafted in 2004 by the Detroit Pistons played at Missouri (NCAA) for four years before turning professional. He spoke to eurobasket after the big 110-93 win over MBC.

Congrats on the massive 110-93 win over MBC. You have won three of the last four games. How good does it feel like winning again?

It is fun that were wining again. The main thing is that we are having fun and playing competitively to our abilities.

You had the 56-41 lead at the break. As a team you are scoring a lot more than before Ingo Freyer. Do you feel like the team confidence is growing each game?

I think key for us being so successful on the offensive end is that every guy has been put in the best position to use their strengths. It shows that all can be good.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg exploded for 36 points in the third quarter. What offensively was key in the third quarter for being able to really explode?

I think key was continuing to be in attack mode and sharing the ball well. We also were aggressive on defense allowing us to get easy baskets.

In the fourth quarter you were outscored 31-18. Did the team already have the win in their heads after three quarters?

It wasn’t easy for MBC coming into the game coming off COVID. We wee a bit disappointed that we didn’t execute as well. We knew that we would win. Sometimes having a big lead allows you to work on things which we did in the fourth quarter.

What was it like playing against John Bryant again? You had had many battles with him over the years. Is there one memory that you will always remember most about him?

I remember playing Ulm in a series that was a real battle. I don’t remember when it was, but we ended up winning. That was MVP John in that series. He is such a good and smart player. He is still an effective player today. I have a lot of respect for him.

AS a team you gave up 93 points despite forcing 21 rebounds. Ingo Freyer has never been known as a defensive specialist. I can remember players saying he never practiced defense in Hagen. What impulses did he give for this total change in playing defense? Can a team make steps on the defensive side under a Ingo Freyer?

We want to be very aggressive on defense and pick up full court and get in the passing lanes and get steals and easy baskets. Giving up 93 points really didn’t show how we really played on defense-. We let up a bit. In the future we have to find ways to finish better.

Before winning three of four games you had had a long 11 game losing streak. With 5 0r 6 of those as wins you would have been close to a playoff spot. This team was obviously better than their record showed. How big did the mental side play a role in the losing?

It was really tough losing so much. We lost confidence and began to question things. But the season is long and we hope that we can continue to head in the right direction.

Can you ever remember suffering a 11 game losing streak in school or as a pro?

No I can’t. This was the first time. It was a good learning experience.

What was your personal feeling of Ingo Freyer after the first practice? What has he given the team that it didn’t have before?

I had played against his teams and knew his style. You begin to understand his system and it is really one where all profit. I have a different role now. I come off the bench now and play around 20 minutes. I continue to be aggressive and take normal shots.

What was always your personal opinion of him when he was coaching Phoenix Hagen. He was a coach that loved the shoot out games.

I remember that you could never go to Hagen unprepared. Because if you weren’t ready they would run you out of the gym. You had to be prepared mentally and physically no matter where they were in the standings. I always admired his teams, because they always played hard and challenged you.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg could always put up points but now have an offensive minded coach. How are you better as an offensive team now?

We play fast paced and try to take as many shots and get all in involved.

Heidegger and Michalak are reborn under Ingo Freyer. Why are they functioning now better than before? What else is it besides freedom?

These two guys benefit a lot from the many shots we take. We play fast paced and that suits Max’s game as he constantly attacks the defense while Michal is a great shooter and we give him good open looks.

Phil Pressey also has been reborn. How has his game benefited now under Ingo Freyer? How has he profited most under Ingo Freyer?

I think that Ingo’s system fits everyone including Phil. We have a young and athletic team that can push the ball. Our defense sparks our offense allowing everyone to use their strengths.

How tough has this season been with all the losing? You had always had success with the EWE Baskets. Did you at times doubt yourself and what you were bringing to t6he table on a daily basis?

The season definitely has been a different one with the losing streak and being in last place. I just revaluate my game something I have always done. I ask myself am I giving 100% and if not, I go back into the gym and watch videos to get better and see how I can help my team. I never lose confidence, but just continue to play my game.

You didn’t have a great BCL campaign, but are playing solid in the easyCredit BBL. What is your main focus with your game in your last season?

I want to enjoy myself now. I’m not out there to set any new records or lead the league in scoring. I’m not putting any pressure on myself and just taking it game by game. I have had a great career and now just want to enjoy myself.

In your first season in Oldenburg in 2007 you were teammates with Jason Gardner. If you guys were teammates today for first time instead of 2007, how would your game be in today’s BBL?

I think that today’s BBl style fits Jason’s game. A point guard that knows how to run a team. I had such great times with him back then. We clicked and I remember many alley-oops. The game is faster now and more shots are taken. It was a fun time with him.

Super Bowl prediction Bengals-Rams?

I have to go with the Rams. But it is hard to count out the Bengals. The Bengals have a good quarter back, but I like the Rams offense and they have a tough defense.

Thanks Rickey for the chat.

In the stretch run of the NBBL season Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had put together a solid run having beaten Hessen clubs Sud Hessen and Giessen, but now had a real test against Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. The guests came onto the floor in Frankfurt as the heavy favorite as they were sporting a 8-2 record and a crate full of players that had Regionalliga experience. On a mild Sunday afternoon the 5-5 Frankfurt club met Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg who destroyed Frankfurt in the their first meeting 85-57 and gave the word board domination a new meaning hauling down 31 offensive rebounds. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had to find a way to give better resistance on the rebound and for some phases did a great job against the bigger Ludwigsburg big men, but in the end were unable to get over the hump as they cut the deficit to 4 points with a few minutes left but lost 65-55. After the contest Frankfurt head coach Miran Cumurija was as usual composed and a bit disappointed, but really proud of the effort of his players. ‘This was our best game of the season. We fought the whole game and showed how much we wanted to win. We were able to execute our game plan at both ends of the court and that is why we stayed in the game. Ludwigsburg is a physical and great team. We got tired at end, but I tried to help by calling timeouts’, stressed Miran Cumurija. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg didn’t play up too standard, but at the end it was enough to beat a Frankfurt team that only had a eight man rotation. Head coach David Mccray wasn’t amused with his team’s effort. ‘Congrats to Frankfurt. They played hard and made it very challenging for us. We had a game plan that we couldn’t execute on offense or defense. Our point guards struggled and we couldn’t establish a post presence. We only had 66 possessions which is way too little for us. Our defense wasn’t aggressive and our rotations weren’t solid’, said Porsche BBA assistant coach Brent Tipton.

Despite only having a eight man rotation and not having captain Bennet Schubert on board, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners showed right away that they wouldn’t play lax, but play hard. That toughness was rewarded with a rapid 8-2 run as they caught the guests totally off guard. In the run Frankfurt got super support from Dusan Nikolic who scored in the paint, got a lay in from Joschua Zentgraf who had his NBBL breakout game with 21 points and 12 rebounds and Alexander Lagerman scored on transition. Frankfurt played aggressive defense as Ludwigsburg took hurried shots and just didn’t have the needed calmness and were passive. Frankfurt also controlled top NBBL player Paul Minjoth (197-SG-03) limiting his touches and attacked the rim on offense. But the guests rut didn’t hold on forever as they crawled out of their hole going on a ruthless 12-0 run to lead 14-8 after 10 minutes. In the run, Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got big support from German Leonardo Kraetzer who produced 6 points. Minjoth also finally got on the board with a lay in and big man ex Jena German Eduardo Roschnafsky got to the free throw line twice. The guests stepped up their aggressiveness on defense and whipped out a press that forced Frankfurt to turnovers as they had eight. Both teams shot under 30% from the field while Frankfurt had the slim 13-10 rebound edge.

In the second quarter Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg couldn’t execute the way they wanted to on offense and allowed Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners back into the game. German Luis Nonfon got the first Ludwigsburg basket to extend their lead to 16-8, but that didn’t faze Frankfurt as they never let up. Frankfurt continued to chip away and play strong defense and closed out Paul Minjoth completely not allowing him a field goal. They went on a 8-2 run to cut the guests lead down to 18-16. In the run, they got impressive support from their work horse for the day Joscha Zentgraf who battled against guys a lot stronger, but was able to get into the paint and score twice. German Julian Haskins also made a lay in. Frankfurt stepped up their defensive intensity and forced Ludwigsburg to 9 turnovers which allowed them to stay close to them. Here and there, Frankfurt had slip ups, but that was expected especially down low where the guests had the massive height and strength advantage. Roschnafsky made a bucket on the third chance, but Frankfurt stole the lead back. German Alexander Lagerman made a steal and transition basket and Barnabas Bode made a huge three pointer for the 21-19 lead. But Frankfurt wasn’t able to hold the lead as they gave up an untimely 7-0 run in the last minutes to trail 26-21 at half-time. In the run Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got free throws from Roschnafsky, a big trey from German Edonis Paqarada and a lay in from Luis Nonfon. Both teams continued to struggle shooting while the guests had the 23-22 rebound edge. Frankfurt had 15 turnovers as well.

In the third quarter Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg finally found their offensive rhythm and got Paul Minjoth going as he erupted for 13 points as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners trailed 49-37 after three quarters. Frankfurt did a fine job not allowing the guests to totally run away with the game, but continued to hang around. The guests broke free right away going on a 7-0 run to lead 33-21. Paul Minjoth struck with a trey and steal and transition basket and Nonfon made a lay in. Ludwigsburg defended better and unleashed the press that Frankfurt couldn’t always get adjusted to which led to turnovers. Ludwigsburg kept feeding Minjoth the ball and he had better looks as he got free better and just executed better. He connected on two more three’s and made a lay in as Ludwigsburg led 41-27. Frankfurt remained in the game, because of their fighting qualities led by Joschua Zentgraf. He continued to be a beast and just got inside. He made free throws and two layin’s including getting an offensive rebound. It wasn’t only a MInjoth that gave support, but German Luka Stuebel also scored on a reverse layup for the 44-29 lead. Frankfurt continued to get great support from Joschua Zentgraf who made a lay in and allrounder Alexander Lageman who made a lay in and freethrows cut the guests lead down to 44-34. Down the stretch, Frankfurt got a clutch three pointer from German Leif Zentgraf, but the guests closed out the third quarter with buckets from Kratezer and Nonfon for the 49-37 advantage. ‘We had too much focus at the start going inside, because we had the advantage there. We made adjustments in the third and get Minjoth going and playing pick and roll. The first five minutes were good’, stated David Mccray. ‘We had our ups and downs. You can’t let a guy like Minjoth stand free. We had him in check for three quarters. In the third quarter we were a step away and he punished us’, warned Miran Cumurija. Both teams were shooting better at 37% and 35% and the rebound battle was deadlocked at 32-32, but Ludwigsburg had the offensive rebound lead 10-5 and had 8 turnovers less.

In the fourth quarter Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg kept the comfortable lead, but allowed Frankfurt to make a late comeback that wasn’t rewarded. The guests got some real energy from Emmanuel Ugbo who has BBL and BCL experience as he connected twice inside while Frankfurt received a clutch three pointer from Julian Haskins and a beautiful off balance runner from Alessio Santagati, but Frankfurt couldn’t make ground trailing 54-42. After Paqarara nailed a trey for the 57-42 lead, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners staged one last hurrah slapping the guests with a rude 11-2 run to trail only 59-55 with a few minutes remaining. In the run, Frankfurt continued to get unending energy from Joschua Zentgraf who continued to be a monster inside going against bigger players and scored twice. While Haskins continued to showcase his pretty high rainbow connecting on two three pointers and Lagerman made a turn around shot. ‘I trust Haskins to shoot. He has really been working on his shot. He has a lot of confidence to shoot and knows that he should’, warned Miran Cumurija. Frankfurt continued to play aggressive defense and had Minjoth under control. But in crunch-time, the hero wasn’t Minjoth, but Luka Stuebel who made a massive three and steal to seal the win. ‘We didn’t have the right focus in that Frankfurt run. They played hard and played aggressive. It doesn’t always have to be a Minjoth to make a big basket. I trust a guy like Luka Stuebel. He is on a good way. The good only good thing about this win was that it was close. That helped the guys learn how to close out a game’, stated David Mccray. ‘I always know that we can come back. We have that fighting spirit. Experience and having the needed coolness was missing. But I’m so proud of them’, commented Miran Cumurija. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg was led by Paul Minjoth with 19 points. Luis Nonfon added 12 points while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were led by Joscha Zentgraf with 21 points. Alexander Lagerman added 12 points and Julian Haskins 11 points. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 36% from the field and 26% from outside and had 41 rebound and 18 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 36% from the field and 19% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

The up and down play of the Dragons Rhondorf continue in 2022 as they are just aren’t able to keep a consistent basis. After stringing along a steady three game winning streak, it seemed like some began to talk to early about the playoffs and prompt a two game losing streak followed with losses to Duesseldorf and the TKS 49ers. The biggest problem that the Dragons have is not being able to cut back on their points allowed. It didn’t get any easier as they met the 9-8 EN Baskets Schwelm a club that is underachieving with the talent that they have on the floor. But as of late the team has had a lot of momentum and won six of their last seven games winning two severe nailbitters against Wedel and the Sixers by not more than a combined score of 3 points. They could still have a massive winning streak going, but couldn’t win their third close game in a row losing a heart breaker against Duesseldorf last weekend 78-77. The EN Baskets Schwelm came to Rhondorf with a real ex easyCredit BBL oldie with Nikita Khartchenkov and controlled the game from start to finish, but had to withstand a late Dragons Rhondorf comeback escaping with a 77-70 victory on the road. The EN Baskets Schwelm came with a game plan and were able to execute the way they wanted to for 40 minutes. ‘Our defense was key. We came into the game knowing we had to stop Paul Albrecht and Ousmane Ndiaye. Our switches were able to keep them under control. Our individual plays allowed them to come back at the end. We were the luckier team today and when we moved the ball well, we played well’, stressed ex FC Bayern Munich center Daniel Mayr. The Dragons Rhondorf got into a rut early and weren’t able to recover while their up and down play accompanied them the whole evening. ‘We had the needed energy at the end to make that run. But we normally shouldn’t have that, but should have showed more energy before that. We have to have the energy level high form the start. We should of run them into the ground, because of our age. But our run was too late’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Paul Albrecht.

In the first quarter it took both teams a little longer to get out of bed, but when they did, it was the EN Baskets Schwelm that could find a better rhythm first and then enlarge their lead and have the overwhelming 23-10 advantage after 10 minutes. The EN Baskets Schwelm broke out to a quick 10-4 lead as they got key buckets from Arkansas native Greg Burns, ex Akron (NCAA) forward CJ Oldham and ex Phoenix Hagen forward Marco Hollersbacher. The Dragons Rhondorf had problems finding an offensive rhythm, but were aggressive on the offensive board getting a tip in from Paul Albrecht and a lay in from Nicolas Buchholz. But the Dragons Rhondorf had problems with the guests switching defense which led to bad shot selection and not being able to read the defense well which also allowed Schwelm to extend their lead. A Nikita Khartchenkov who has played over 500 professional games and played 114 BBL games nailed a trey while ex Fraport Skyliner Daniel Mayr who led the Pro B in blocks the last two seasons made a put back and turn around shot and ex Trier guard Rupert Hennen (184-PG-97) connected on a pull up jumper for the 23-10 lead after 10 minutes. Daniel Mayr did a good job using mismatches and getting touches near to the hoop. He finished the evening playing 18 minutes and scoring 8 points and getting 8 rebounds. ‘I had a good start, but I did miss some easy lay ups. But it was good to be back home. I felt I helped make a difference being able to get the big lead’, stated Daniel Mayr. The Dragons only shooting 20% from the field helped them be down by 13 points as the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 47% from the field and 50% from outside and also had the 16-10 rebound edge. ‘We haven’t started well in the last three games. I thought that they did cheap switches. It was nothing special. We definitely had a plan, but couldn’t execute’, added Daniel Mayr.

The EN Baskets Schwelm continued to control the contest in the second quarter leading by as much as 20 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf could cut it down a bit trailing only 40-28 at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf once again began slowly allowing a rapid 5-0 run by the guests as German role player Tim Lang made a catch and pop jumper and Nikita Khartchenkov connected on a trey for the 31-11 lead. Even if the lead may have shocked some Rhondorf fans, Ousmane Ndiaye then definitely put another kind of shock on their faces as he saw daylight and the basket looked real large as he found his lane and flew in for the thunderous dunk. That dunk occurred in a timely 12-2 run for Rhondorf who cut the Schwelm lead down to 33-23 ‘Ousmane is a monster. We see it in practice all the time. He can definitely play. He wants to get to the NBA’, stressed Paul Albrecht. ‘I remember him dunking like that in the first game we had. My teammate Leo Conzane compares him to Kevin Durant. If he can develop a post up game then sky is the limit’, stated Daniel Mayr. In the run Ndiaye also hit a trey while Buchholz connected for two three’s. This could have changed the game, but the Dragons couldn’t build on their momentum and allowed Rupert Hennen to slap them in the face with a 6-0 run to extend the Schwelm lead to 39-23. The game continued to be a game of runs as Rhondorf found some energy getting a three by the heart and soul of the Dragons Viktor Frankl-Maus and a pull up from Ndiaye cutting the lead down to 40-28. But all in the Dragons sustained too many easy misses and couldn’t get consistent stops and close down the zone better. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to shoot bricks shooting 29% from the field and the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 42% from the field and 57% from the three point line and secured 24 rebounds and had 11 turnovers. ‘We didn’t have the needed energy and lost too many 50/50 balls’, stated Paul Albrecht.

The EN Baskets Schwelm continued to control the game in the third quarter and again were able to lead by as much as 20 points as it seemed like the Dragons wouldn’t be able to come back again. Once again the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to begin well again giving up a brutal 10-2 run and trailing 50-30. In the Schwelm run, they received further big support from Rupert Hennen who scored twice, ex Trier forward Robert Nortman made a tip in, Glen Burns free throws and CJ Oldham scored on transition. Hennen continued to do a great job between knowing exactly when to finish himself and when to find his teammates. Schwelm got in the passing lanes well and forced Rhondorf to seemingly unending tough shots. The game continued to be a game of runs as Rhondorf struck back with a 10-1 run to cut the lead down to 51-40. They got two clutch three’s from Esli Edigin who had an efficient game with 9 points in 19 minutes and Buchholz and a lay in by the quiet Ralph Hounnou and tip in by Ndiaye. But whenever the Dragons erupted with a run, they were unable to keep the momentum and then had lapses on defense. The EN Baskets Schwelm closed out the third quarter with a lethal 12-4 run to lead 63-44 after 30 minutes. In the run, the guests got good individual plays from Burns and Hennen who scored on drives and Khartchenkov answered again with his bread and butter three pointer. The guests continued to shoot well at 44% from the field and 45% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 32% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and pulled down 30 rebounds and had 14 turnovers. ‘We kept up the intensity and kept possessions alive with offensive rebounds’, said Daniel Mayr. ‘Our plan was to stop Hennen’s drives, but he hurt us with his mid distance game. He is a super player and it is surprising no Pro A teams wanted him’, stated Paul Albrecht.

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf staged one last come back late, but were unable to get over the hump and gain the lead back. Rhondorf finally began a quarter better as Ralph Hounnou scored five unanswered points to cut the lead down to 63-49. But Schwelm always had an answer as Tim Lang gave vital support again making an off balance shot to keep Schwelm on top 65-49. Rhondorf was definitely executing better getting baskets from Paul Albrecht, Drews free throws and a Ndiaye tip in, but Rhondorf couldn’t make any ground. They were unable to secure the defensive rebound. Schwelm had too many extra chances which led to two Hennen baskets and the 72-58 advantage. But with time running down, the Dragons Rhondorf buckled down for one last hurrah going on a late shocking 12-3 run to trail only 75-70 with one minute to play. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf stepped up their defensive intensity forcing Schwelm to numerous turnovers. This led to an easy Buchholz two handed dunk and Edigin lay in. Rhondorf also let it rain three’s as Buchholz and Ndiaye nailed back to back three’s. Hounnou then made a lay in and suddenly there was life in the Dragon Dome as the fans felt like there was still a chance. But time ran out as Hounnou missed a shot and CJ Oldham put the nail on the coffin with a two handed dunk. ‘The run at the end was unnecessary. We felt like we already had the win. We underestimated them. They got a bit nervous at the end. It was a very close game and could have gone either way’, warned Daniel Mayr. ‘We came back, but it wasn’t enough. They made the plays at the end. We gambled a lot but we had no choice’, said Paul Albrecht. The EN Baskets Schwelm were led by Rupert Hennen with 21 points and Glen Burns and Nikita Khartchenkov added 13 points a piece while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Ousmane Ndiaye with 17 points and 16 rebounds and Nicolas Buchholz added 16 points. The EN Baskets Schwelm shot 41% from the field and 31% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 36% from the field and 29% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Booker Coplin (191-G-97, college: Augsburg) is a 24 year old 191cm guard from Shakopee, Minnesota playing his rookie season in Germany with ART Giants Duesseldorf. He began his basketball career with Shakopee, MN / Shakopee High School and then played his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls (NCAA3) playing 28 games averaging 3.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1apg. he then played at Augsburg College (NCAA3) from 2017-2020 playing atotal of 83 games averaging 13.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 85.3% as a sophomore and 28.0ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.3apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 89.7% as a junior and as a senior averaged 23.7ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.8apg, 1.6spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 85.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

The experience in Duesseldorf Germany has been great so far I’m really enjoying traveling the world, discovering a new culture, and getting to know a different style of basketball all at the same time. Starting my professional career in Europe has also brought on a set of challenges that I learn from each and every day. I had no idea what to expect specifically, but I knew I would love the experience, and that’s exactly how it’s been.

You are the laundry man. In school you liked to wash uniforms. I guess you never had problems keeping your own uniform clean?

At my University I was able to have an on-campus job doing the laundry for all men’s sports in order to make some money while taking classes to help pay for school. I didn’t mess up the uniforms too many times!

With everything that you have experienced off the court with Covid how do you feel did you grow as a man?

The whole pandemic has been quite a life-changing experience. Especially in the United States it has exposed a lot about what people are truly like. Have you seen the Netflix show ‘Don’t Look Up’ ? It really is quite humorous and relatively accurate on the state of things. I always thought growing up into adulthood meant maturing and knowing everything about life but it turns out some adults still have no clue.

Your playing your first professional season in Germany with ART Giants Duesseldorf. How much of a blessing has it been for you being able to play the game that you love coming from NCAA 3 where very little guys make it overseas?

I am fortunate to have an opportunity to prove that D3 guys can play at a high-level. I still feel like I have so much that I am capable of and have yet to accomplish.

The club had a slow start but as of late are playing very good basketball. Is this team a lot better than what it’s record implies?

We have known that this team had potential to be great, and unfortunately our record early on did not show that because we weren’t able to finish many games that could’ve been ours. We remained focused and were determined to continue improving until things started to go our way. We are good enough to really make some noise in this league and I’m very excited for the homestretch and playoffs to see what we’re really made of.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for German coach Florian Flabb. How have you grown accustomed to his style best and how has he helped you best?

Coach and I are both in our first years in the new role and have done well learning together and growing together. He has helped me with adjusting my skills and strengths to find the most success on the floor specifically when making reads, knowing when to attack, and when to be patient.

How vital has experienced teammate Andrius Mikutis been in your rookie season and development? Has he been like a mentor for you?

Miku has been so important in my first year as a pro overseas. He has helped me with my transition to everything new that Europe offers, and just finding my way with these adjustments. He is absolutely a mentor for me and I’ve already learned so much from him. I think it would be great to one day play for him if he decides to be a coach!

You’re a guy that can really fill the stat sheet. Is versatility your biggest strength?

I like to think that versatility has always been my biggest strength throughout my basketball career, and I really take a lot of pride in being able to do a lot of things on the floor. I love having the confidence that if one part of my game is struggling I’m still able to affect the game in many ways.

What other strengths does your game have that maybe doesn’t always be seen on the stat sheet?

I believe that I am a smart player, and pick up on new strategies quickly both offensively and defensively. This year I have seen unique sets and coverages I have never played before, and I really have been trying my best to learn and adapt fast.

Augsburg head coach Aaron Griess said that you have great discipline and always have a plan. Is that something that ran in the family?

My family has helped me get to where I am today in so many ways and always having a plan is definitely a lesson I learned from them. We love to compete at anything and everything and never do things half-minded. So when you want to do something, you go at it passionately but also intelligently with a plan, and that allows you to have confidence to do anything you put your mind to.

You twice made the MIAC all defensive team. What kind of defender do you want to be at the pro level?

I want to get to the point where I am as good defensively as I am offensively. I have much to learn and much to improve on, but I know that the better defender you are the better chances you are having success both individually and as a team. I love to compete and I love to win and that means always improving everything about your game.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I’m always trying to work on my weaknesses and right now that includes making my left hand stronger and always improving my decision making skills within the reads and sets I’ve been learning since being here. I want to be not only a great creator but an efficient creator at that, and make plays for my team.

Your tearing up the Pro B. Have you seen any Pro A games? How confident are you that you could be successful at higher levels?

I have seen a few games and I know that it will bring on a new set of challenges, and I know I will have to continue to work to prove I can play at that level. I have the confidence to believe in myself and people around me that believe in me and I’m just hopeful for further opportunities.

You had an incredible career at Augsburg (NCAA3). Was winning the MIAC title your biggest achievement on the court?

So far in my career that was definitely my biggest achievement and one of the best feelings I’ve had with a team.

How did head coach Aaron Griess groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Griess runs his program at such a high level that all his players become experienced in professional ways. The time he puts in to prepare us mentally before any skills are involved is parallel to top D1 programs. The focus we had on scouting reports and film time, the sets, the defensive schemes changing week to week based on opponents all are examples of how daily I was preparing to be a pro basketball player. Frequently I flash back to tips or phrases that coach taught and would say over and over that still help me. Little did I know we were building habits that would evolve into my professional game. People really underestimate the intensity of the Division III level.

Who won a one on one you or Henry Mulligan?

Henry and I played lots of one on one in the off-season so to answer your question yes Henry won a game once in a while.

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

Growing up in Minnesota I’ve played against so many hoopers that are playing at very high level whether that is D1, NBA, or even plenty of overseas guys right now. During the summer I’m fortunate enough to workout with Tyus’ Jones older brother Jadee on a weekly basis. That has led to getting to run with Tre and Tyus and some other former/current pro guys from MN every once in awhile. The Twin Cities Pro am in the summer is my favorite because it brings together a huge group of guys from Minnesota and allows locals to come watch all the best from the area.

Thanks Booker for the chat.

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

Congrats on the massive win against top team Ibbenburen. How big is this win after the last weeks that were so tough with the depleted lineups?

I appreciate it and it felt great, even when we were down double digits in the second half we showed we are not to be counted out. Love and proud of the way we fought for 40 minutes.

How possible could this win be for being the turnaround of the season as you continue to climb out of the cellar?

This plays a major role in our momentum going forward, I feel guys gained confidence in this last game and we learned more about ourselves especially with a full rotation of players to come in and give us a boost of the bench.

You haven’t played many games overseas yet, but was that the biggest win of your professional career?

This was huge, I might have to tie this one with the win against the #1 team in the first half of the season, both of them were a tough battle I really appreciated.

Talk a little about the game leading up to crunch-time. What do you believe was the team doing better in this game then in the last weeks?

I believed we stepped it up defensively as a team, guys helped the helper and we also finished plays down the stretch, I thrive off close games and crunch time, it’s the things I used to dream about as a young boy dribbling around in the driveway.

Talk a little about the crunch time. What was key in the closing minutes for Grevenbroich being able to pull out a huge win?

Just taking care of the ball and trying to capitalize off our stops on the offensive end
I believe when we take care of the ball, we are hard to beat.

Alejandro Vergara had a huge game with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. How big of an asset has he been since his arrival recently?

He has been a tremendous help to us on both sides of the floor, I love his game and what he brings to the table.

Anytime you cough up the ball 23 times and win you can thank God for the win. In what area’s of the game do you feel did the team compensate the many turnovers?

Maybe just careless mistakes, things we know better than to do but just had a mental lapses, I’m sure we’ll take care of that in practice this week, leading up to the next game.

You had a huge game with 32/7/3/2 stats. Despite having 5 turnovers, how much did your top class leadership qualaties take form the last weeks?

Just holding myself accountable on the floor when things don’t go the way we want them to, keep playing get stops on the defensive and just being vocal on the floor.

You next face BG Hagen who have 2 wins more. You lost the first game 93-83. What will be key in getting the win?

Just doing what we do on offense and getting stops on defense, that’s the biggest key for us, consistently getting stops for 40 min can take us to a different level.

In the first game against BG Hagen, German point guard Soren Fritze had 26 points. Will you observe extra film on him to shut him down?

As the old saying goes, ‘back to the drawing board’ and we’ll take it from there.

Thanks John for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Conrats on the huge 99-77 victory over the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How good is it in general beating a team the next time after losing badly the first time?

It feels good to get a win after a tough slump our team has been in. Getting a win against a very good Leverkusen team is good for our group. We just want to continue to take steps forward.

How do you feel is PS Karlsruhe a better team now then the first time they met Leverkusen?


Well, I believe so. They were our first game of the season so I believe we are a much better team from the first game of the season.

This was a massive win. I asked you in the last interview if the club was aware how important the game was. I guess you could say that the team was all business?

Each game is equally important to our team. We want to continue to take steps forward as a group, continue to try a play a good brand of basketball consistently and see where that gets us!

Talk a little about the game. What was the turning point of the game where it was clear that PS Karlsruhe would go on to win the game?

I think we got out to a really solid start. But it all started with our ability to play defense, holding a high scoring team as which Leverkusen is, to 12 points in the first quarter was huge. Then, we were able to sustain our defensive keys and hit some shots on the other end of the floor.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen won the rebound battle, but you won the turnovers 19-10. How much of a factor was the turnover advantage that PS Karlsruhe had?

Our team had an understanding that if we value each possession and take care of the basketball we give ourselves a chance. So that was a point of emphasis. Turning the ball over against a high scoring team like Leverkusen will hurt any group so we wanted to focus and I think we did that.

The defense seemed to be on the same page. PS Karlsruhe cut down the points again well. What area’s of the defense were you most happy with?

I liked our physicality defensively, but more importantly our want! The want fact was there against Leverkusen, we accepted the challenge, played tough and battled all night defensively.

What was it like defending Spencer Reaves? His three was on, but otherwise you were able to slow him down in other areas.

He’s a good player, shot the ball pretty well and got into a nice rhythm in the 3rd quarter. Glad we were able to contain him late.

Big man Maurice Pluskota had another big game with 22 points. He has been up and down in the scoring department. How refreshing was it seeing him be his dominant self again?

It was great seeing Mo’ play the way he did. He was active on the offensive glass, created more opportunities for himself and our team. Played tough defensively and rebounded as well. He’s a big piece to our group so it helps us when he’s decisive and playing well!

You had another massive game of 33/11/6. Your coming closer to a triple double. Do you feel that your all around offensive game continues to grow?


I think my game in general is still growing. I’m not a finished product at all, there’s so much I can do better on the floor, so I’ll continue to focus on bettering myself each and every day.

You next face Ehingen who you out battled 111-91. How dangerous is a 0-21 team? What will the team have to be aware of most?

Ehingen is a tricky team, they play very hard and they get after it. Both offensively and defensively, they are aggressive and are always in attack mode. We have to come out with a high level of energy and focus.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Jy’Lan Washington (206-F-97, college: Tennessee St.) is a 24 year old 206cm forward from Smyrna, Tennessee playing his second professional season and first with BC Kyiv Basket (Ukraine-Superleague). He played his rookie season with BC Rustavi 1991 (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 15.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT-3 (47.1%), FT: 71.7%. He began his basketball career with / Stewart Creek High School and then played at Louisiana Tech from 2015-2018 playing 96 NCAA games. He played his senior year at Tennessee State averaging 10.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 53.8%, FT: 78.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim.

Jylan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment. You were in the States and then Georgia during the Pandemic. How have you experienced COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

Being in Georgia my rookie year during the pandemic was pretty challenging. The city went on lockdown so basically after practice the only place you could go to was the grocery store and you had to be in the house at 9pm. But honestly it wasn’t bad just had to adapt.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

Just being alone in the city made me a stronger person I really learned a lot about myself.

Your playing your first season with BC Kyiv Basket (Ukraine-Superleague). What kind of an experience has it been playing in the Ukraine? How is this a step up from the league in Georgia?

Playing in Ukraine I feel like every team is good it’s more physical for sure but I think adjusting pretty good. The biggest step from Georgia is traveling every road game in Ukraine. In Georgia most of the games were played in the same gym we really didn’t have to travel as much.

You haven’t needed an adjustment period playing in the Fiba Europe Cup League. What have you been focusing on most on your game to help continue to make new strides against very different competition?

Honestly just playing hard every possession and doing whatever it takes to win the game.

You’re the youngest American on the team. How valuable has it been having so many vets around? Which American do you feel have you profited most from?

It is very valuable to have vets around I listen to them and I try to soak up as much information as I can so I can pass it on for when I’m not the youngest on the team. All the Americans give me advice I feel like they are a big reason to why I’m adjusting so well.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the bill?

My favorite player growing up was Rudy Gay. I always tried to steal bits of pieces from him I feel like he can a little bit of everything an that’s what type of player I think I am.

Is it fair to say you’re a modern day forward with a three pointer? How vital will the development of your three for moving up the basketball ladder? Shooting the ball so well in Georgia must have given you a lot of confidence.

Yes I feel like I can stretch out the floor pretty well with my shooting ability. I feel like it makes me valuable with my size to be able to shoot the ball. Confidence plays a big role in basketball so Georgia helped me believe in myself more after the season I had.

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? Do you feel like sky is the limit with your defensive capabilities?

I take it personal every position is big so I try to my best to help my team get the stop. Yes I feel like I can guard pretty good at my size and being able to switch on guards the sky is the limit for sure.

Last season you played with BC Rustavi 1991 (Georgia-Superleague) playing 26 games: averaging 15.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT-3 (47.1%), FT: 71.7%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

Just not being able to look in the stands and see friends and family. You really have to find your own motivation overseas.

How cool was it wining your first pro title as a rookie. What made this team so special?


It was a great experience what made it so special was that everything I went through that year it was worth it.

How much did guards White and Davis make your life easier on the court? What will you always remember about them?

They were great players we always pushed it other no matter what. We always had each others back it’s a long season so we held each other accountable. We would laugh through the hard times I’ll always remember that about them.

You played at Louisiana Tech from 2015-2018. What memories do have from those years? How do you see yourself having made steps in your game there?

Just winning games with my teammates and having fun on an off the court. I gained like 25 pounds there so it helped me out.

Was the coaching change from KonKol to Davis a reason you left for Tennessee State?

I left la tech because I wanted to be closer to home for my senior year.

What do you remember from your battles with Erik McCree? How did a guy like him help your game in the two years?

Guarding Erik everyday pushed me he wasn’t an easy person to guard. Just watching him and talking to him on how he prepared for games helped out for my junior and senior year.

You played your senior year at Tennessee State. You made big strides averaging 10.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 53.8%, FT: 78.4%. How did your game develop as a senior?

Red shirting I watched a lot of my old highlights and working out everyday. That made me hungry an eager to play basketball again.

How did head coach Brian Collins groom and prepare you bets for a professional career?


When I signed there he told me to prepare myself to be a pro stay in the gym as much as you can. I took it personal and listened to what he said and it all worked out.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Wesley Harris?

Me an west played different positions so we really never guarded each other but if I had to say we probably evened out. West is a very talented player loved his game.

Who was the toughest player that you encountered in the NCAA that would reach the NBA?

I’d have to say Collin Sexton he was just a dog on both ends.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Trip Davis Derric Jean Jacobi Boykins Alex Hamilton Deshwan Robinson

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


MJ ,Kevin Durant, Lebron James ,Kobe

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

All time MJ for sure no debate.

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

Yes let a classic be a classic. Lol

Thanks Jylan for the chat.