It was about 45 minutes after the siren had sounded in the Telekom Dome as the Telekom Baskets Bonn had defeated the Fraport Skyliners in an early season BBL game. The Fraport Skyliners were already on the bus and on their way home while the Bonn players had strengthed themselves with a delicious dinner in the VIP area. I was actually waiting for ex Arizona (NCAA) standout point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, but also wanted to catch Skyler Bowlin a player I had become aware of in 2015-2016 during the Fiba Europe cup season when he was playing for the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). He finally came out and I yelled over to him with a word he had to be familiar with. Hey Skyjack! Bowlin’s head turned around rapidly and he greeted me with a big smile. I have been covering him since that Fiba Europe Cup season and have always enjoyed his high intensity play on the court. He was wondering where I had heard that word. I asked him to take a guess. His first reply was Jordan Talbert his ex teammate at Missouri Southern State another player I have been covering in Germany for ages. Then I gave him a hint saying that he was teammates with him with club Horsens IC. He didn’t hesitate and blurted out Marquis. Of course it was Marquis Addison (193-G-91, college: MSSU) his ex teammate who is balling with Donar Groningen this season in Holland. It really doesn’t matter which ex teammates of Bowlin you talk to, but the love and respect is mind boggling. ‘Being teammates with Skyler was great for my career, he taught me how to be a pro and really showed me the ropes. We remain close to this day. His game has came along way! Especially as a passer. In college we called him Sky Jack because he would Jack up so many 3s lol. His will to win was one of the biggest things I took from him’, remembered Marquis Addison. The love is mutual. ‘Marquis has turned into a very good pro. From our days back at Missouri Southern to his first professional year in Horsens with me, he has always been a hard worker and good teammate. More importantly, Marq and I have remained close as friends and keep in close contact to this day’, remembered Skyler Bowlin.

Marquis Addison who lists his five best teammates of all-time with Skyler Bowlin Nimrod Hilliard Chima Moneke Chris Cooper and Iffe Lundberg was born on December 16th, 1991 in Olathe, Kansas.. He began his basketball career at Olathe South high school and graduated in 2010. His further basketball path then took him to Missouri Southern State University (NCAA2) where he enjoyed a fruitful career for 4 years where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He also remembers giving his teammate Cameron Corneilius buckets in one on one battles even if it was a tough match up. He was able to average in double figures of scoring in his last three years. Especially in his last two seasons, he turned up his production averaging 17,0ppg and shot over 40% from outside for a season twice. He had to wait until the end of his time at Missouri Southern State to achieve his most memorable moment. ‘My fondest memory was my senior year winning the conference championship with my team. That was my Coaches last season after 26 years so to send him out with a Ring was special’, remembered Marquis Addison. It is often the things on the court that remain in the minds of players, but also learning those life long lessons off the court that is a part of that whole school experience. ‘Coach Robert Corn was and is a great mentor for me. He taught me more about life and becoming a man than anything, I’m forever grateful’, stressed Marquis Addison. In his last two seasons there, he demonstrated his smooth game and vast versatility at both ends of the court as he averaged 17.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 84.5% as a junior and 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 44.5%, FT: 82.8% as a senior.

The active defender who can guard multiple positions and lists his NBA Mount Rushmore with legends like Kobe, Michael Jordan Shaq and Lebron James began his professional career in 2014 in Denmark with well known team Horsens IC and rapidly found out what it is like to taste victory in terms of hardware. He was a part of three titles as he needed no adjustment period to the game overseas playing a total of 79 games in his 2 year stint and as a rookie he averaged 16.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 79.7% and in his second year averaged 15.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 79.1%. Those wining teams helped many of his teammates and himself make the next step. ‘Those years will always be special to me! A lot of teammates of mine from those teams have moved into top divisions all around Europe. My coach Arnel did a lot for my development in Europe. I owe him a lot of credit’, expressed Marquis Addison. The club also proved in his second season there that in basketball it’s not always about the budget and which ex NBA players are on the roster, but often about the will and who wants it more that can get a club to the top. Horsens IC dueled top team the Bakken Bears in an epic 7 game playoff series where they came out as the winner. ‘I could never forget that. Those guys had so much more money and experience than us but we were just hungry dogs and we came out champions’, commented Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 70 games for Horsens IC including 30 points in a win over Naestved. In his third professional season he made the next jump going to Israel and playing in their second division and is also known as being a stepping stone for players to continue to climb the ladder. He played for Maccabi Rehovot (Israel-National League) playing 28 games averaging 15.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-2 (2.5spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 78.7%. It really doesn’t matter which American you ask about their time in Israel, almost 100% will rave about their experience there. One could also guess correctly each time what each players three favorite things were in Israel without problems. It wasn’t any different with Marquis Addison. ‘ I loved the culture there in Israel! The food, weather and beaches were some of my favorites. Maybe in my last season or 2 I will have to go back and enjoy the weather’, warned Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 23 games including netting 25 points against Maccabi Raanana.

The very quick lateral guard who lists Kansas City’s finest Marcus Denmon as his toughest opponent in school was able to add on to his titles in Denmark with two more in Switzerland with the Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-SBL). These two years continued to be very prosperous with his game as he played a total of 59 games averaging 16.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 80.4% in his first season and 16.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 83.3% in his second season. He was rewarded with 2 Super Cup championships and he had no difficulty choosing a favorite. ‘Both super cups were a great experience in Geneva. I would say the first one was a lot of fun because I got to beat one of my favorite teammates, Markel Humphrey’, said Marquis Addison. It wasn’t all glory next to Lake Geneva, but there was also a hardship in his first season as his club lost a brutal playoffs series against Fribourg against ex easyCredit BBL guard Chad Timberlake. But sometimes there can be something positive wrapped within the grief. ‘That was a good battle, they had a talented and deep team. Favorite moment was having my only career triple double in game 3! Chad was a good, veteran player’, remembered Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 54 games including dropping 26 points in a victory over Massagno. In between his two years in Switzerland, he sought a new challenge in France playing for Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 81.8%. Here he again proved that he can put up consistent stats no matter what the country or league is. So far he has played in first divisions in countries like Denmark, Holland and Switzerland, but still hasn’t made to a top first division like in Israel, France or Germany. Not having had that opportunity hasn’t phased him at all. ‘France was a very challenging season. Our team went through a lot of imports and changes. I was blessed to have good numbers and compete in a good division. It doesn’t bother me. I know I can play at those levels. I just try to deal with the task ahead of me and let the rest handle itself’, stated Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 30 games including getting 31 points in a loss against Nancy. In 2020-2021, he was able to experience another new country and first division with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) where he played 27 games averaging 16.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 81.2%; and played 4 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 16.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 28.6%, 3PT: 48.4%. In Romania he was teammates with ex NBA player Xaver Rathan-Mayes and once again demonstrated his incredible consistency the same way the amazing baseball home run collector Zach Hampel does finding ways to catch them at ball games. But being consistent his season in Romania wasn’t easy as he had to contend with Covid, but he still found a way. ‘It was a great season for our team and also myself individually. Playing with XRM was a great experience, we worked together on our games often and had genuine conversations about things bigger than just basketball. Covid was a very tough season, wasn’t able to have visitors, crowds or normal life. In Romania my city was on lockdown several times. And the worst part was playing every single game in a ‘bubble’ last season. Not to mention weekly covid testing’, expressed Marquis Addison. He also learned to have to live life differently during the hard times and helped him grow as a man. ‘I was able to live a pretty simple life with little distractions. Made me a little more self sufficient’, added Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 30 games including 28 points in a win over Oradea. He also hot Besiktas for 23 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game.

So let’s fast forward to 2021. The very intelligent tall 195cm guard who is see’s Michael Jordan as the Goat over Lebron James is back with an organization called Donar Groningen where the chances to add on to his 5 professional titles is very good. Groningen had an incredible run form 2016-2018 winning 5 titles and is craving to get back on the winning track. He has great teammates and is very impressed by the professionalism of the organization. He knows the feeling of having won and already has that notion that very good things will happen this season. ‘Our team this season is special, I can feel it early. We have a lot of guys that are ready to make the next leap in Europe & a mixture of vets that have been there before’, warned Marquis Addison. His versatility as always is what stands out in his game, but his sniper talent and ability to shoot at a high clip from the parking lot has set him apart from other guys. He has delivered from down town having shot 40% or better in 5 of his 7 professional seasons. He doesn’t have any special recipe for success. ‘I would say I just put the work in just like a lot of people. The thing I feel that separates me is my confidence in my abilities. I’m willing to live with the results, either good or bad because I know I’ve put the work in’, said Marquis Addison. But for him it has never been about the stats as that is just a part of the game. Winning that chip is what it is all about. He isn’t even 30 yet and is as hungry as ever to add on to his title list in Holland. ‘Championships are why we play the game! I have been very fortunate to have great teammates & have played in great organizations in my career that have helped me win 5 professional titles and 2 in college’, stated Marquis Addison. It will be interesting to see if he can win more than one title this season. It has been a few years since he won his last chip and it definitely is time again. If one visits him next summer at home in the States and he is in a bad mood then one will know how his season had gone in Holland. ‘Picking the right spot is crucial for me because I’m not a great loser’, warned Marquis Addison. If I had to bet then I would bet on Marquis Addison being in a good mood next summer.

Ethan Alvano (185-G, college: CSUSM) is a 185cm guard from Corona, California playing his first season in Europe with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in Germany and third season as a professional. He has previous professional experience with San Miguel Beermen (Philippines-PBA): ASEAN League) playing 28 games averaging 6.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.9apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 60.0% and also played with Hitech Bangkok City (Thailand-TBL) playing 6 games averaging 19.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-2 (3.3spg), FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-1 (82.5%). He began his basketball career with Corona High School averaging 23.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.8apg, 3.9spg. He then played at Eastern Michigan (NCAA) for two years playing 49 NCAA games. He then moved to California State University San Marcos averaging 18.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.7apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 75.0% and as a senior averaged 20.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Ethan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Your about to become a dad. Is this the greatest moment in your career?

I definitely believe this is the greatest moment not only in my career but my life. This is something that is beyond basketball, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a father and I’m excited for it. It definitely will be the greatest moment of my life when my daughter is born.

Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about how you experienced COVID. You were in Thailand at the time. What was the most challenge you had during this time on and off the court?

Yea I was in Thailand when the pandemic hit and there was a bunch of challenges but I’d say the most was simply just being shut down, no basketball. we couldn’t get on the court, no workouts, etc but off the court I’d say it was a challenge finding a routine that still allowed myself to be productive. with no basketball I had to adjust.

With everything that you experienced off the court during COVID, how do you feel did it help you become stronger as a man?

I think covid helped me a lot in a sense it made me sit back and appreciate more. Appreciate little things we take for granted like spending time with family, friends, etc. just as much as a man is supposed to provide, he’s also supposed to support and be there for loved ones and I made sure to put that in the forefront.

Your playing your first season in Europe in Germany for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. What kind of an experience has it been for you?

Yea this is my first year in Europe and it’s definitely been different. I love it here though, the team and club have welcomed me and it’s helped my transition to Europe and basketball here very smooth.

After playing in Asia you haven’t needed much adjustment period. What stands out in the German Pro A in style?

The style is very offensive oriented, lots of high IQ players. I’d say that’s been the biggest standout, which has been pretty easy for me to adjust too because I fit in right with the style.

What kind of an experience has it been sharing the back court with the highly talented Carrington Love? How have you profited from his game?

It’s been a great experience thus far, he’s one of the best guards I’ve ever played with. it’s helped me a lot from competing against him every day, but also learning from him too. We’re a scary backcourt that’s for sure.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 185cm guard that can do it all. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

My favorite player is Mike Conley. He is a left handed player, little undersized, but good defender, can facilitate, shoot it, etc. I even use a right hand floater because I saw him do it so I’ll say him

You really fill the stat sheet nicely. How big is versatility a strength in your game?

I think versatility is an important part of my game. I think it allows me to be plugged in different positions or situations during the game but also allows me to have success. Being a good rebounder from the guard position allows me to push the break and play to my strengths like attacking downhill to score or getting in the lane to facilitate. it all goes hand in hand.

Your also an incredible one on one defender. Talk a little about how you have grown as a defender since leaving school?

I think I’ve grown tremendously as a defender. I’ve always had a knack for reading offenses and getting steals but I also gambled a lot which got me out of position. I’d like to think now I’m a much more solid defender, a smarter defender.

Do you feel like you could become an impact defender at the pro level?

Definitely so, like I said earlier being versatile allows me to have success and I think being an impact defender is another thing I bring to the table. it’s all pride at the end of the day, and I take my matchup personally so I’m always looking to be an impact defender.

What is a hidden strength that doesn’t always get noticed right away on the court?

I’d say it’s a culmination of my game and everything I can bring to the table. I’m a guy that does the ‘little things’ so add those up over a course of a game I think they make a big impact.

You put up incredible stats in the NCAA 2. But you opted to play in the Philippines and Thailand. I can’t imagine that you didn’t have offers from Europe. Talk a little about your first pro years in Asia.

My first years in Asia were great, got to get my feet wet to the professional life overseas. Being Filipino, it was a great situation for me to go to the Philippines and I enjoyed it.

You began your professional career with San Miguel Beermen (Philippines-PBA): ASEAN League. I remember interviewing Chris Oliver some years ago when he was playing in the up and coming Asean League. Talk a little how you experienced this league?

The Asean league was awesome, we got to travel all over south east Asia. I got to see the world, and the competition was good so it was a great experience being a first year guy.

You were teammates as a rookie with two legends Renaldo Balkman and Peter Ramos. What was it like being teammates with these guys? It must have been like being a kid in a candy store.

Yea playing with Balk and PJ was an experience for sure. Both high IQ players so it made it easy for me as a PG. They also took me under their wing per say and helped me in different ways. A great experience as a rookie.

Do you have some cool stories about your memories with them on road trips?

Yea every road trip was out of the country so they were all dope. I’d say going to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia we’re some of my favorite trips.

In your second season you played with Hitech Bangkok City (Thailand-TBL) averaging 19.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-2 (3.3spg), FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-1 (82.5%). You exploded for 39 points in one game. What do you remember from Thailand?

Thailand was a great experience as well, where our gym was right downstairs so it was great experience because I lived in the gym and jus worked on my game. met some good people and got to play ball, I enjoyed it there.

You began your NCAA career at Eastern Michigan playing 49 games. In your two season you averaged 14 and 8 minutes. Despite limited minutes what positives did you get from these two years?

Eastern was a great experience for me, I got to be around a D1 program and really learn what it was like to be away from home. I had to grow up a little and I learned accountability because when you’re on your own it’s just you and you got get it done.

As a freshman you played Michigan and Michigan State back to back and combined played 34 minutes and beat Michigan in a 45-42 thriller. You played against numerous future NBA players. What do you remember from these two games?

Yea those two games were both fun environments, and it really showed me if I kept working I belong on that stage. Like you said I played against multiple NBA guys but that was fun, as a player you want play against the best every night.

You then finished at California State University San Marcos (NCAA) putting up great stats averaging 18.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.7apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 75.0% as a junior and 20.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 82.3% as a senior. How did your game grow and mature in these 2 years?

My game grew a lot at csusm because I was given the keys. I was able to blossom into the player id really always been but at the collegiate level. I was also given more and whom much is given much is expected so it helped grow as a leader as well.

In your first season there you lost both games against CS Domingeuz. Do you remember your battles against Vincent Golson? He is in his third year in Germany in the Pro B league.

Of course I remember those games, me and two two (vincent) are good friends. We actually met prior to us playing against each other as Cs dominguez was a school who recruited me. fast forward now we’re both here in gGrmany, but that’s my guy. I”m rooting for him every chance I get.

You had some incredible games in narrow wins like your 38 points against CS Monterey in the 84-81 win or 37 points in the 109-108 win over CS East Bay. Which game meant more to you?

I’d say the east bay game meant more. We were down big against East Bay so to be resilient and come back is a little more special.

How did BJ Foster groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He helped in a couple ways, I think instilling confidence in me and giving me the keys was the biggest. It allowed me to be me.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Brian Wright?

We never played but I would win

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

That’s a tough one, I’ve played against a handful of guys but I would say Caris Levert. I think his game is super smooth.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time.

C Love at the 1
Ray Parks jr at the 2
K Ward at 3
Balk at the 4
Pj Ramos at the 5

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

Lebron, MJ, Bean, and probably James Harden

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

I’m taking Lebron, my era, who I grew up watching

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

No I didn’t see it but I would say they should’ve left it alone. first one a classic.

Thanks Ethan for the chat.

Not too long ago, the future and season of the Fraport Skyliners seemed like a nasty Hawaii summer washout, but sometimes all it takes is one player and a win to turn the whole tide around. After starting 0-5 and having Ulm and Bamberg next on the menu, the season of the Fraport Skyliners seemed like a bust, but then came in Will Cherry und conquered in Ulm leading the team to an amazing win. The only thing missing was a cape on his back. Even if he had had some question marks concerning his health, he seemed quite healthy and played the way a real point guard should doing the playmaking and scoring all in one. But the question was could the ex NBA player and Lebron James teammate perform the next incredible task against the potent 4-2 Brose Bamberg club? Bamberg was coming off a brutal 101-89 shoot out loss against Alba Berlin, but against Frankfurt found back to their steady defensive ways and were able to play good ball for about 32 minutes giving up a few Frankfurt runs. In crunch-time, they lost a little focus allowing the Fraport Skyliners to stage a furious late come back, but the guests were able to buckle down and escape with a narrow 77-72 victory. ‘Defense was the key to the win. Our communication was very good. We knew that Frankfurt would make their runs today. We were able to slow them down when we had to. It was a complete team effort’, stated ex Monmouth (NCAA) guard Justin Robinson. For the Fraport Skyliners, it was another typical game where they had good spurts on offense, but it was unnecessary turnovers and not getting to the free throw line that was a big thorn in their side. ‘Whenever we come back, it is always turnovers that hurt us. Everything is mental and knowledge is key. There wasn’t any communication from the players, but were working on it. We need this too happen as soon as possible. We have to be patient, but I feel like were improving. I can’t understand the big difference in fouls called. You don’t see a difference like this often’, stressed Frankfurt head coach Diego O’Campo. ‘They made it really tough on us on defense. Their wall up’s were tough, but I thought that we moved the ball well. Our bone head plays and easy misses allowed them to always get the lead again’, stressed ex NBA player Will Cherry.

In the first quarter Brose Bamberg quickly found their offensive rhythm and did a good job controlling the game and getting a lot of easy baskets and just wining the 1-1 battles easily. Ex Boston College and William & Mary players Patrick Heckman and Omar Pruitt scored identical baskets using the glass to give Bamberg the quick4-0 lead. From that point Frankfurt had to play pick up the whole game. Frankfurt got some early baskets from Len Schoormann, rookie Matt Haarms and ex WIHA Panther Rasheed Moore, but were still trailing. German Christian Sengfelder and Kenneth Ogbe did the total damage taking responsibility and hitting three’s at ease and scoring in the paint as well. Frankfurt was unable to come to terms with the Bamberg athleticism inside and Bamberg defended very well 1-1 forcing Frankfurt to tough shots. With Bamberg leading 19-12, New Skyliner Donovan Donaldson may have scored his finest basket in a Skyliner jersey as he was aggressive and finished with total authority. Ogbe who played at UTAH Valley closed out the first quarter with an offensive rebound and put back for the early 23-14 advantage, ‘We had a bad start and they made us pay. Our turnovers hurt us!, stated Will Cherry.

In the second quarter Brose Bamberg achieved their second biggest lead of the game with 14 points, but the Fraport Skyliners staged a big run only to be slapped right back with a run and trail 43-32 at half-time. The Fraport Skyliners actually began the second quarter positive surprising Bamberg with a rapid 5-0 run to cut the guests lead to 23-19. In the run, ex Purdue (NCAA) center Matt Haarms used his 221cm length to snag an offensive rebound and make the put back and ex Barcelona guard Brancou Badio nailed a three pointer. Brose Bamberg didn’t let the little burst of fire irritate them as they struck back with a explosive 10-0 to extend their lead to 33-19. In the run, it Was Kenneth Ogbe who continued to display his fine inside out game with a three pointer and lay in while diminutive guard Justin Robinson contributed 5 points with free throws and a trey. Bamberg’s self confidence rose with every new bucket while on defense their pick and role was working well, while Frankfurt had nobody that sought to take responsibility. But when the going gets tough for Frankfurt, there is one player that has proved time in and time out that he can lead a team back it’s Rasheed Moore. Moore took charge again leading Frankfurt on a swift 10-0 run and scored the first 6 points. He scored twice inside and on his second basket fell to the floor and let out a loud cry just like a satisfied lion does after feeding time. Badio also scored as did 18 year old German Alexander Richardson who finished with a hard two handed dunk as Frankfurt trailed only 35-30. But as is so often the case, Frankfurt couldn’t keep the momentum and had a quick defensive lapse allowing a trey to Justin Robinson and three free throws and suddenly the lead was double digits again 41-30. Both teams traded buckets at the end as Bamberg got production from Sengfelder and Ogbe and Frankfurt from Richardson and German national player Lukas Wank. ‘Rasheed played a hell of the game. He spearheaded the come back and gave energy. He hit big shots and helped cut into the lead. I hope that he can ride that and continue you it the rest of the season’, added Will Cherry. Frankfurt did a better job rebounding taking the lead in that department, but had 10 turnovers.

In the third quarter Brose Bamberg continued to control the game as the Fraport Skyliners just couldn’t get over the hump. Both teams found their offensive rhythm as both teams connected from down town. Bamberg got three’s from Heckmann, Dominik Lockhart and Pruitt while Frankfurt got three’s from Lukas Wank who connected twice in a row, but the guests still led 58-43. But basketball is a game of runs and when Frankfurt wants to, they can give opponents problems with their defense and did. The Bamberg offense was just very well oiled and one where Frankfurt had severe problems trying to slow down as they were always late on the made three’s. The Fraport Skyliners showed again that they are able to string together longer stretches of good basketball as they closed out the third quarter with a 13-4 run to trail Bamberg only 62-56 after 30 minutes. In the run, Frankfurt got consistent play from Rasheed Moore once again as he scored on transition and nailed a three which was still a work in progress three years ago in the Pro B, but now is a very reliable outside shooter. Badio also made a catch and pop jumper and Will Cherry made a nice ending to the quarter with a floater at the buzzer. ‘We kept our composure when they made the run we just stuck together on defense’, said Justin Robinson. ‘We were trading baskets. You can do that when your leading, but when your behind like we were, it wasn’t good’, stressed Will Cherry. Frankfurt continued to rebound the ball very well leading 28-20, but just coughed up the ball too much having 15-7 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Brose Bamberg kept up their old ways always being able to respond well to Frankfurt runs extending their lead to 13 points. But the Frankfurt staged one last comeback coming close, but it just wasn’t enough. The Fraport Skyliners began well getting a basket from Lukas Wank to cut Bamberg’s lead to 62-58, but Bamberg then hit Frankfurt in the mouth with a brutal 11-2 run to lead 73-60. In the run, Bamberg got key three’s from Sengfelder and Heckmann. The Fraport Skyliners made one last attempt of some how turning the game around striking with a 9-2 run to cut Bamberg’s lead down to 75-72 with 7,8 seconds to play. Instrumental in the run was young German Len Schoormann who scored 8 points under the watchful eyes of German national team coach Gordon Herbert. He had had misfortune earlier with three point shooting, but in the run connected once and also added a reverse lay up and runner. Badio also added a runner, but it was all too late. Patrick Heckman added icing on the cake with free throws to seal the victory. ‘They made a good comeback. What was missing in the third quarter, they made in the fourth. They are a good team’, stressed Justin Robinson. ‘We played with good defensive intensity in the second half. We need to start with that and have it for 40 minutes. We are fighting. Our energy is never down. We want to get better and know we have the talent to’, added Rasheed Moore. Brose Bamberg were led by Omar Prewitt (201-SF-94, college: William & Mary) with 17 points. Christian Sengfelder added 14 points while Patrik Heckman scored 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 21 points. Brancou Badio added 12 points and Len Schoorman and Lukas wank added 11 points a piece. Brose Bamberg shot 45% from the field and 38% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 38% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

After starting the season off with a tough home loss to Pro B favorite EPG Baskets Koblenz, The Fraport Skyliners Juniors have been perfect since winning their last 4 games in a row and had extreme self-confidence and momentum coming into the game against the Ahorn Basket Bis Baskets Speyer who had a 3-3 record and were coming off a tough 81-73 loss to Koblenz. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors last had won an incredible come from behind game against Karlsruhe and living legend Rouven Roessler where a big 15-0 run helped the team overcome massive adversary. The club had had a bye week the weekend before and had a lot of time to rest and refuel. They came into the game missing bug guns Marco Voeller, Felix Hecker and Philipp Hadenfeldt, but that didn’t hamper them as they had enough fire power, energy and a brutal Matthew Meredith (200-SG-00) in crunch-time powering the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to their fifth win in a row in OT 97-94 over the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer. After the game Konstantin Schubert was all smiles again after another big crunch-time win and was able to equal his career best 23 points from the two weeks ago. ‘I’m proud of the team that we still won despite missing three key guys. I’m dead tonight despite playing only 20 minutes. We fought so hard. We rebounded so well getting 16 offensive rebounds. I remember three from our smallest player Alvin Onyia, the guy with the biggest heart. We moved the ball well and got out on transition well. I tip my hat to Speyer. They are a super team a lot better than their record shows’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. The Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer also fought to the end, but just couldn’t stop Matthew Meredith. ‘We got off to a bad start. We saw some of their better players were absent so we got a little lazy and weren’t focused. They hit us in the mouth and had guys that really stepped up’, stated ex EPG baskets Koblenz guard DJ Woodmore.

The first quarter was very tight as there were five lead changes as no team led by more than four points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had problems taking care of the ball early as they tried to really get big man Alexander Richardson involved, but inaccurate passes led to turnovers which was fully taken advantage of my Speyer’s best team defender German Valentin Rappold who scored four points on transition after getting steals and also scored once as Frankfurt had a lapse with bad communication. Speyer also got vital production from German Darian Cardenas who averaged 20,0ppg last season in the Pro B as he took apart Frankfurt’s defense with his strong 1-1 play and attacking of the rim. Frankfurt also got key production from little used German Felix Feilen who scored tying the game at 15-15. Richardson finally found to his game better in the last minute scoring a tip in dunk and a two handed dunk cutting the Speyer advantage to 22-21. Frankfurt was shooting solid from the field at 50% as was Speyer, but the guests couldn’t hit the ocean from the parking lot going 0-7. Frankfurt had the sound rebound edge 11-7, but early turnovers gave them 5 after 10 minutes. ‘Frankfurt had problems communicating and helping on defense. They had some bad turnovers at the start trying to make cute passes, but overall shot the ball well and took the open shots and got transition baskets’, commented Quantez Robertson.

The second quarter was very tight and had some lead changes, but overall the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had control and had the slim lead at the break. Frankfurt came out on fire ripping the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer with consecutive three’s from ex TG Hanau forward Calvin Schaum and Felix Feilen for the Frankfurt 27-24 lead. Basketball is a game of runs and DJ Woodmore got aggressive and scored back to back buckets including an offensive rebound and put back for the 28-27 lead. Frankfurt needed extra support from guys like Calvin Schaum to compensate other guys being absent and did as he scored five unanswered points to get Frankfurt the lead back. But the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer did a good job being aggressive and drawing fouls and stole the lead back again with Woodmore baskets 35-34. Frankfurt did a better job slowing down Darian Cardenas better in the second quarter defending him more physical and defending the three point line excellent as the guests still had no three pointer made at the break. German kid Alexander Richardson didn’t have an easy time being double teamed and sometimes triple teamed, but down the stretch scored two baskets. Frankfurt kept the slim 45-40 lead at half-time as ex Giessen guard Niklas Bilski hit a clutch trey at the buzzer. Frankfurt continued to shoot over 50% from the field and the guests were over 40%. Frankfurt also continued to control the boards. ‘We rebounded the ball a lot better and didn’t allow second chance points. Also Frankfurt’s on ball defense was better. Bilski did a good job directing the team and making big plays and shots’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors took control leading by as much as 10 points and keeping the lead at nine points after 30 minutes. Eight year man Konstantin Schubert only played 2,58 minutes in the first half, but did get off to a big start with 4 points, but had two fouls. He came into the second half on a mission and would score 7 points in a row in not even 2 minutes. After Cardenas scored, there was a 10 minute delay because the shot clock had to be fixed. After that Schubert got on fire hitting a three pointer and two lay in’s for the 52-42 advantage. ‘I was very motivated. I used that delay to get warm. Everything fell for me. I really felt like I was in the zone. I thought that I had gotten an offensive foul on that off balance shot, but everything worked for me’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. The will for Schubert to succeed is so high that his energy was able to help his teammates soar with their play. Speyer got some heighted play from Spaniard Michael Acosta who scored twice and a step back from Cardenas, but Frankfurt still led 58-50. Frankfurt continued to execute well down the stretch as Alvin Onyia tested his 42% from outside and hit, Schubert connected on a 20 footer and Feilen used his aggressiveness and scored on a reverse lay up at the buzzer as Frankfurt led 65-56. ‘We slowed down Cardenas well and our goal in every game is always to keep as much energy at the end to be able to win’, added Konstantin Schubert. ‘They did a good job making the right plays and getting out on transition. They stepped up their defense which led to turnovers’, said DJ Woodmore. Both teams shot over 40% from the field, but Speyer still had not hit a three pointer. Frankfurt still had the 31-24 rebound edge.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were unable to close out the game, but instead witnessed a shooting clinic from German/American rookie Kelvin Omojola and led them into overtime. After David Aichele and Niklas Bilski traded baskets, the guests went on a lethal 19-4 run to retake the lead 77-74. The Nevada native Omojola scored 14 of his game leading 27 points in the run. The guy was hitting from everywhere making two lay in’s and three three’s. He averaged 13 points per game in his senior year at Northwest University (NAIA) and demonstrated his keen scoring touch. ‘Kelvin is a special talent. When he gets hot, nobody can compete with him. He set the whole floor on fire and gave us a chance to win’, stressed DJ Woodmore. Frankfurt fought and got a vital three pointer from Niklas Bilski tying the contest at 79-79. Bilski had his best game in a Frankfurt jersey and gave that Hadenfeldt effect with big time energy with big shots as he finished with 15 points and 6 dimes. Woodmore nailed a huge trey for the 82-79 lead, but Bilski stepped up again with a lay in and Meredith hit a massive three pointer and game saving block on Rappold to send the game into overtime. ‘All found me and some shots went in for me. I had some last energy in that block. I really wanted to win’, added Matthew Meredith. ‘Omojola really hurt us with his three and he hit tough shots. We lost some intensity on defense in their run, but had enough to force overtime’, expressed Konstantin Schubert. In overtime, the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer came out gunning getting a lay in from ex BBL player Marc Liyanage and another trey from Omojola for the 89-85 advantage. But Frankfurt kept fighting and got big buckets from Meredith who nailed a deep three to tie the game at 89-89 and then on the next possession made a runner to tie the game again at 91-91. After a Liyanage miss, Schubert hit a 15 footer for the 93-91 win and Frankfurt never looked back. Meredith then made another crucial block which led to Oniya free throws for the 95-91 Frankfurt lead with 15 seconds to go. Woodmore would drop a trey to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 95-94 with 9 seconds to go. Meredith made free throws for the 97-94 win. ‘We fought so hard and Meredith took over. He is a great player. He doesn’t play so much with us because he is with the BBL team. This game was huge for him and will give him self-confidence’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. ‘Despite missing three guys, this was one of Frankfurt’s best offensive games this season. Meredith made big shots. I hate it how I have never won in this gym. This gives me an incentive to keep playing and try to win here’, said DJ Woodmore. The Fraport Skyliners had five players in double figures. Konstantin Schubert led all scorers with 23 points. Matthew Meredith added 17 points and Niklas Bilski 15 points while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer were led by Kelvin Omojola with 27 points and DJ Woodmore had 22 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 14 turnovers while The Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer shot 47% from the field and 26% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 26 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

A tough 85-75 loss against the Tigers Tuebingen. How much does this one hurt? I feel like in a way you let it slip away in the fourth quarter?

It sucks to lose of course but we have to learn from our mistakes. We have a short turnaround this week so we have to move forward and get back to work!

How bitter is it when three players combine for 59 points to beat you?

It’s tough because we didn’t do enough from a defensive standpoint to give ourselves a good chance at limiting their opportunities. We have to follow the game plan and execute at a higher level.

Ps Karlsruhe had a good start into the game, but in the second quarter lost control allowing 27 points and being down 42-36 at the break. What did the team get away from in the second quarter?

It all starts with our defense, we gave them clean looks at the basket, we also didn’t finish possessions gave up 13 offensive rebounds, and we turned the ball over too much. Those are recipes to losing ball games, so we have to clean up and be better in those areas.

PS Karlsruhe had massive difficulty controlling ex BBL player Mateo Seric. What gave the team the biggest problem with his game in the paint?

He is just a crafty veteran guy, very understanding of his game and sticks to what he knows. His teammates did a great job of getting him the ball in his spots. He is a good player, much respect to him.

Seric continued to be a menace in the third quarter and also hit a three pointer. You took control and hit back to back baskets in the last minute to give the team the 57-56 lead. Do you have the freedom and green light to take control whenever you want?

I just try to help my team as much as I can. I know my teammates trust me to deliver so I have to do a better job at doing so.

In the fourth quarter big three’s hurt you. Why couldn’t you strap down as a team on the defensive end?

Those 3s in the 4th quarter sort took like life out of us as a unit. We tried to throw different looks at them defensively to disrupt their rhythm. It didn’t go in our favor this time but we will continue to work on the defensive end and be better.

You didn’t have one of your better nights. Is the team missing someone that can pull the lever and take over when you have an off night?

Definitely wasn’t one a good night for me but that’s comes with the game sometimes. I’ll be better going forward just have to shake this one off and move forward.

You scored only 10 points, had 5 assists and 6 turnovers. What annoyed you more the shooting percentage or turnovers?

The turnovers because that’s stops us offensively from getting a shot in those possessions so I have to be better and take better care of the basketball going forward and I will.

Did the Tuebingen defense do anything out of the ordinary to limit you or was or was it more on you?

Credit to Tubingen, they were aggressive, denying me the ball, sending two defenders at me at times. It was a solid defensive performance from them collectively.

You next have the double weekend playing Nurnberg and Paderborn within 3 days. Will the team show it’s true colors during this weekend?

We have to lock in this week. Two good teams in front of us, we’ll prepare accordingly, take it one game at a time and hopefully we can come out victorious in both!

How did you experience Halloween in Germany? Are you surprised how Americanized it is here?

I didn’t get to experience it much but my some of my teammates got to enjoy some time at the theme park which they said it was really nice so I’m happy for them and about that.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

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

Thanks John for talking to germanhoops.com Another game another loss. How did you spend Halloween? If you could of chose a costume to demonstrate the frustration you must have what would it be?

Honestly I don’t even know, I try to stay positive through all the frustrating moments so it doesn’t turn into negative energy. I definitely am trying to make the best play and win and encourage my team.

The club now is 0-6. Have you ever suffered a losing streak like this before in your life?

No I have not ever lost like this in my life, working my behind off to make sure that changes very quickly.

It seems to be the same old adage defense. You score well, but can’t seem to defend well for 40 minutes. Does this get more and more frustrating?

Yes but we are working on staying positive and fixing the issues by watching the film.

As a veteran have you been able to pinpoint the biggest problem now? How much does effort play a role?

It’s all about effort and focus, it has nothing to do with offense, we just need to defend for 40 minutes and we can be a top team in the league.

You knew as a team that Ibbenbueren was very talented. What do you believe was their biggest strength on this night?

Just staying disciplined, everybody on that team knew their role and played it very well.

What was it like playing a fellow NCAA player Marco Porcher-Jimenez? You also couldn’t slow him down?

The whole team played their role to a T and made sure they stayed calm in pressured moments.

What positives could you take form the game? I mean scoring continues not to be a problem.

Positives are, the film doesn’t lie and when we watch the film, that’s where we get better and fix our mistakes.

Your scoring continues to be down. You had 14 points and took only 8 shots. You had 6 assists. Are teams brutally keying in on you more or are you trying to be a facilatator more?

A little of both, the double teams are coming and more frequent so I’m looking to get my team involved more.

Is being aggressive a problem at the moment? How brutal will this week be for you personally in preparation for Dorsten?

I’m definitely taking it personal to go get a Win and hyping the team up to do the same. Losing is no fun AT ALL.

Dorsten is a must win. How confident are you that the club will finally pull out the first win?

Pretty confident to get this win as we prepared well with good practices during the week and corrections on defense.

The Boston Celtics have had a slow start. Shouldn’t they let Dennis Schroeder start and have Marcus Smart come from the bench?

I believe that might be a good fit, Dennis is a really good guard who pushes the ball and is able to control the tempo of the game.

Thanks John for the chat.

DJ Woodmore (190-SG-92, college: VWU) is a 29 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his seventh professional season and fifth with the Ahorn Basket Bis Baskets Speyer. Last season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz he averaged 13,3ppg, 6,0rpg, 4,3apf and 1,3spg. In 2019-2020 with the Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6%. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He spoke to germanhoops.com before the Pro B game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

DJ thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you and how is basketball life treating you?

Thanks for having me as always!! Just enjoying the season so far again in Speyer!! Basketball has been good so far this season. Couple games we should have won but we’re getting a little better each week.

You are back in Speyer for a 5th season. Could you say your back home in Germany?

Absolutely. Love being back in this place surrounded with friends and family. Makes the long season away from home feel a little shorter!

Returning back to the Ahorn Baskets was a no brainer. Did you feel after your time with Koblenz you needed to go back or could you have gone elsewhere?

I had a few options on the table before I made my decision to go back to Speyer, but it’s always an easy decision to come back to where it all started!!

I believe you have no agent at the time. What was it like having to negotiate with the team?

I’m signed with Dagger Baskets agency! They’ve been helping me a lot time with negotiations.

A lot happened in the last season. Mostly new players came. Is it your team again or are you sharing the duties as main leader with Darian Cardenas?

Darian is definitely our captain and has been leading us this season, I’m just trying to do my part and bring some experience to the table.

The team is currently 3-3. You came in mid way through. What is your impression of the team? Where could it’s journey go this season?

I love this team this year. Definitely dropped the ball the first two games to two teams I feel like we should have beat. Could be looking at a completely different record had we not gotten off to terrible first half starts.

There are a lot of veterans on the team, but also young guys. Have you become like a mentor to Nicklas Geier? What has been your impression of him?

Nick has been solid for us so far! I definitely believe he can play well at this level and bring a lot to our team. I’ve been trying to help him here and there but he’s going to find his own path for sure! He has a really bright future ahead of him.

You suffered a tough 81-73 loss against your ex team EPG Baskets Koblenz. With what kind of feelings did you enter the game with?

I just treated it like any other game. Definitely wanted to win and play well but I tried not to think about it too much. Thought we had our chances to take the lead but they handled our runs well.

They did a severe house cleaning. How much better is this team and do they look like one of the favorites to win it all?

Yes they’re pretty strong and they’re much deeper than last year’s team. I think they’ll have a really good regular season. Hopefully get some favorable matchups in the playoffs but I think Speyer can get there as well. We just have to peak at the right time.

You guys were in the game in the fourth quarter, but just couldn’t get over the hump. What was key in crunch-time for Koblenz to get the victory?

Brian and Marvin stepped up big time in the fourth quarter. Every time we made a run, they answered. It just made it hard to keep momentum. We were one play away multiple times. But that’s what good teams do!

Despite being opponents now, what is it like to compete against Brian Butler? What will you always remember from him as your teammate?

Brian was definitely one of the most competitive players I’ve ever played with. Always a battle when we’re on the court together. Great leader and Better person. Def a great teammate.

Your turning 30 next year. Do you feel like your in your prime now?

Absolutely. Feel like my body and mind is still getting better these days. Hope it doesn’t change too much when I hit my 30s. But we’ll see.

You continue to put up very consistent stats this season. Does anything change with your personal goals or as always are they to do all you can to help the team win?

It’s the same as always. I feel like as long as I’m impacting the game and trying to make plays on offense or defense, the wins will pile up. And the rest will take care of itself.

Your returning back to Frankfurt this weekend. You have played there so many times. The team this season is very young. What is your impression of them?

I think they’ve been playing good basketball so far this season. It’s going to be a tough game for sure. When they’re hitting shots, they’re hard to beat!! Our pick and roll defense will have to be on point if we want to make it tough for them.

You will face off against Marco Voeller. What does that last name mean to you when you hear it?

Voeller is def a great player and will be a tough match up for us. His first league experience has helped them be successful all season.

Another Halloween in Germany. How have you witnessed Halloween in Germany in the last years. Has it become even more americanized since you arrived in 2014?

Yes!! Each year it feels like the celebration has gotten bigger. Glad the tradition is going worldwide

What was the last movie that you saw?

James Bond: No Time to Die

Thanks DJ for the chat.

In February 2020 Joshua Scott (185-G-98, college: Thomas Univ.) played his last NAIA game against Keiser University and then came COVID that changed the whole world. For the psychology major from Thomas University now came the moment of truth about whether he would seek a 9-5 job or attempt a professional career overseas. Witnessing NAIA players overseas is about as rare as it is ever was to see Ben Wallace go 10/10 from the free throw line. They do exist, but they are really rare. Scott had the choice of possibly using his major as a career’s advisor, or an education consultant or possibly a social researcher. The type of jobs he could do weren’t scarce, but instead he decided to try a professional basketball career. It will surprise many people, but former NBA greats like Elgin Baylor, Willis Reed, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman all came from the NAIA. So in a sense, you can never underestimate an NAIA player. They are around, but they just aren’t as abundant as NCAA players. Thomas University had their first player go pro in 2017 with William Cruz, but in Scott’s team of 2020 saw him and three other players go pro with Dexter Hood, Cedric Wright and Nick Kunchulia. The German lower leagues see NAIA players on a more constant rate as guys like Stanley Whittaker and Mark Gordon have been two guys that have given the name walking bucket a new meaning. Joshua Scott had a solid rookie season in North Macedonia and now is looking to make the next step in a higher league in Austria with the Kapfenberg Bulls (Austria BSL). The Florida native is more than thankful that he hasn’t had to take on a 9-5 job quite yet. ‘It’s a blessing indeed, I thank God every day. I wasn’t presented with a great opportunity only a few months after I graduated to leave and play in Macedonia. I was prepared to sit out a year because of Covid. So when I got the shot I jumped on it, NAIA player turned pro, that’s just a blessing from God himself’, stressed Joshua Scott. He is just another rare NAIA player living the ultimate basketball dream overseas.

Joshua Scott who remembers never playing Thomas University teammate Dexter Hood in one on one, but remembering he was always first in team sprints was born on January 19th, 1998 in St Petersburg Florida. He began his career at St Petersburg high school and then proceeded to play two years at Florida State College of Jacksonville (NJCAA). Playing JUCO is never an easy task as every guy there has his own unique story and wants to earn a ticket out and up the ladder to the NAIA or NCAA. It wasn’t any different for him. Hearing from ex JUCO players that their time there were the most instrumental in their basketball life has been as copious as it has been seeing Derrick Rose execute the floater. ‘FSCJ made me into the player that I am. It was my only offer coming out of high school so I made sure I worked hard every day there. Playing against D1 transfers and guys really trying to get to that D1 level opened my eyes to how hard I needed to work’, remembered Joshua Scott. His good play and development there as a player rewarded him with a NAIA gig at Thomas University where he had two very potent seasons averaging 17.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 81.7% and as a senior averaged 15.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 86.4%. He scored in double figures in 28 of 40 NAIA games including hitting for 20 points or more 18 times. His most spectacular performance came against Florida Tech in a tough 92-85 loss where he exploded for 46 points on 16-22 shooting. ‘Everything in that game just felt so easy. Passing lanes, open shots, the game felt so simple for me. One thing I remember though was my coach yelling at me to shoot more. I got to point and I was like ‘man I think I shot enough’ but he wanted me to keep shooting. When I finally saw the box score and it said 46, I was surprised but I was upset because they got my assists wrong’, remembered Joshua Scott. Thinking that the success of a player and coach is only about being lovey-dovey is a misconception. For Scott not always having his relationship with Brenton Crews be good was key in him being able to mature the right way. ‘Coach Crews and I had our ups and downs but that’s how I feel like any great relationship with a coach is formed. He wanted the best from me and I thank him for not letting me be average. If it wasn’t for him and my JUCO coach I wouldn’t be the player I am today’, warned Joshua Scott. Even if he never won a title at Thomas University, he had a very stellar two year career there that he wouldn’t have swapped for anything in the world. ‘My coach really pushed me to play both ends of the court. Before I really didn’t understand why he was so tough on me when it came to the defensive end but now I know. In order to keep a job as an offensive player only, you really have to be a professional scorer. But with defense, you can find a job anywhere’, stressed Joshua Scott.

The guard who lists LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his professional basketball career at KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) playing 25 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 70.5%. It is never easy for guys who come overseas to make a rapid adjustment as so many factors have to be calculated in how a player can get used to all the things happening on and off the court that have never been seen before. Obviously playing in some countries like Germany where most people understand English is easier than if your going into the back woods of Romania or Hungry to play for a small town team. It wasn’t any different in North Macedona where he had to learn to communicate with his teammates somehow who didn’t have the English language down. On top of that, he had further restrictions in his daily life with COVID which came and never went away. He had to also deal with COVID in a foreign land, but he made the best of it. ‘The Covid year in Macedonia was extremely tough. Being on constant lock down and not able to go anywhere and explore the country sucked. Covid definitely made me mentally tougher. It challenged me in ways most people wouldn’t understand unless they went through it’, stated Joshua Scott. Even if the adjustment in North Macedonia wasn’t always easy off the court, he was fortunate to have had Antwan Maxwell as a teammate who also had balled in the NAIA. ‘It was cool for the short time he was there. We played against each other in college so I was familiar with his game. Made it a lot easier to build chemistry quickly on the court. I would say we pushed either equally to be great’, expressed Joshua Scott.

This season the ex Florida State College of Jacksonville guard who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming To America believes that if they didn’t make a part two back in the day, you don’t need one now is playing his second professional season in Austria with the Kapfenberg Bulls. So far everything has been perfect for the sunny boy from Florida on and off the court. ‘Austria it’s self is so beautiful and peaceful. As for the team, everyone from the trainers to the front office work hard at their job. The bulls have built a hard working and family environment and it shows on and off the court’, said Joshua Scott. The club is filled with many Austrian players, but also two Serbs, a Slovenian and a Croatian player. But he also has two fluent English speakers with Americans Justin Briggs and Kareem Jamar. It is always profitable being able to learn from a veteran. ‘Kareem has been almost like a mentor to me. He’s a veteran and has played in countries I am trying to get to. So I try to pick his brain every chance I get’, commented Joshua Scott.The toughest player that he ever played against that was in the NBA was Josh Selby and he has been compared to Brandon Jennings in his playing style. This season in Austria with the Bulls he has been asked to take on the role of giving his best at both ends of the court and being a vocal guy that leads his team to success. In Austria this season, he has been asked to be a type of player that he wasn’t necessarily in the past. ‘In the last my ability to create my own shot was something that made me a stand out player. Since coming to Europe though I have focused more on using my creativity to get the next man the shot’, stated Joshua Scott. You don’t see defense until the playoffs in the NBA and many shoot outs in the G-league, but in Europe the game of basketball is different and teams take pride on defense. He didn’t turn his head the other way on defense, but knows that if you can be a good defender in Europe, then most likely you will have a long career. ‘In the past I hated defense, I wanted to save my energy for offense. I would give up bucket after bucket. But now I love locking up and then going down and giving the defender a bucket’, warned Joshua Scott. He definitely has the talent to keep climbing the basketball ladder in Europe. He will always know that nothing was ever handed to him on a golden platter and that he will have to keep grinding in the lab. He has a really good head on his shoulder and knows where he came from. He knows now why he landed in the NAIA. ‘I wouldn’t say I was too good to be in the NAIA. I think that’s where I was called to be. I ended up with a very good head coach who was a standout player and coach at the D1 level; he really helped me elevate my game to get to the next level. With that being said, being an NAIA player was definitely a motivation to me. I always felt like I could play with the best of them given the chance to grow’, stressed Joshua Scott. He will give his debut in Germany this week in a Fiba Europe Cup game against medi Bayreuth. He will be able to match up against Cameron Wells who battled Steph Curry in the NCAA a decade ago and held his own and wonder if his game will be good enough for the BBL or Pro A in Germany. ‘The basketball in Germany is one of the higher levels in Europe. Somewhere I am striving to get to within the next few years’, warned Joshua Scott. Almost a year ago Stanley Whittaker said the same thing and this season he is in Germany. Whittaker came from the NAIA and was in Austria in his second season just like Scott. Who knows maybe we will see Joshua Scott in Germany next season?

Michel Diouf (208-C-89) is a 32 year old 208cm center from Senegal playing his 16th professional season and seventh with Danish team Bakken Bears. Before coming to Denmark in 2015, he had played his first 9 professional seasons in Spain in the ACB, Leb Gold and Leb Silver. He has won 9 professional titles with 8 with the Bakken Bears and one with Autocid Ford Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Hakro Merlins.

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

Hi Miles,right now I’m in Denmark playing for the Bakken Bears the biggest basketball team in the country located in Aarhus.

Before we get to basketball please talk a bit about your basketball experiences during COVID. What were the biggest challenges for you in the last year and a half?

I think Covid has been and still a bad situation for the entire world. The biggest challenge was when we were about to play our semi final after beating Minsk in the fiba europe cup. Jjust there they stopped all sport in the country.

With everything that you have seen during COVID how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Not really.

You have had a very interesting professional career. You played your first 9 seasons in Spain and the last seven in Denmark for top team Denmark. How long did it take you to adjust to the cold weather in Denmark?

I still haven’t adjusted. It is ,still cold like the first day lol.

Your playing your seventh season in Denmark with the Baaken Bears. In 9 years in Spain you won one title and with Baaken 8 titles and the list should continue to grow. Was choosing to play for Baaken the best basketball decision in your life?

I don’t know know if it was the best decision but for sure it is one I won’t be regretting.

The Baaken Bears have won 28 titles since 1997. How blessed are you to play for this great organization? What is the best thing about playing for them?

I can’t put it all in words. They really take care of you and make you like their own son. your home with your Family”.

The Baaken Bears are the defending champions in league and cup play. Does the pressure subside a bit for you when you have won so much in the past?

There is a bit of pressure not from anyone but from knowing how many titles the club have won and you have to respect that.

Talk a bit about the importance of Danish player Morten Sahlertz who has won 14 titles with the Baaken Bears. Is he the heart and soul of the team?

He is the captain and he is the heart and soul of the team. He is always there to listen to help not only as a captain of the team but as a brother you can trust.

What has it been like being teammates with a fellow veteran like Ryan Evans? Has he become like a brother for you over time?

Having a teammate like Ryan was and still is the best teammate I ever had not only his personality but his carisma a devotion to the team and that over time he became like a brother to me.

Last season you played with explosive scorer QJ Peterson. Where will his journey go and is his height keeping him from the NBA?

QJ Peterson is a really good player and I don’t think his height is keeping him from playing in the NBA . He got lot of talent and if he keeps working hard like he does he might make it.

Adama Darboe is another one of those great players that can do everything. What is the most incredible thing that you saw him do on the court?

Adama was a great teammate. The great thing I saw him do on the court wasn’t about basketball, but his visions and the power to lift a teammate up when he was down.”

You played most of your career in the Spanish Leb Gold (2nd division), played two seasons in the Leb Silver (3rd division) and briefly in the ACB. Did it bother you that teams in the ACB didn’t give you more of a chance?

At first yes like every other players who want to get on the top ,more when you see other players getting there and your asking yourself why I can’t get there but after it didn’t matter because my experience in Fuenlabrada was not the best.

You finally won a title in Spain in your last season in the Leb Gold with Autocid Ford Burgos which had some special guys like Jeff Xavier and Taylor Coppenrath. What was so special about this team?

I think that Leb gold team was by far the greatest team the Leb gold ever had. We lost 3 games at the start of the season and that was it. We didn’t lose any other game untill the end of the season. The team was so united. We had each other’s back at any moment.

You played two seasons with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-LEB Gold). There you witnessed Tyrus Mcghee’s rookie season. Did you know then that this guy would go to show extreme consistency in the top leagues in Italy, Spain, Israel, France and Turkey.

Yeah for sure. We were living in the same building not to say next door. Mcgee already had that hard work ethic and consistency that when you see it you know he will be going to the top levels.

In 2011-2012 you finally played in the ACB for an extended time with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (Spain-ACB). What memories do you have of playing in Europe’s greatest league?

Playing in the ACB was a great experience. meeting great players and coaches that I was watching on TV when I was young, but Fuenlabrada wasn’t a pleasant experience.

What memories do you have playing against the great Real Madrid that had a young Nikola Mirotic and Sergio Rodriguez. How do you remember doing in the game?

They were great memories, but Felipe Reyes was my idol and playing against him I was full of joy and happiness.

You played with C.B. Tarragona 2017 (Spain-LEB Gold) from 2007-2009. After coming from the Silver league you needed no adjustment period there. How do you feel did your game develop in those two years?

Tarragona was great. I was young and needed to learn more to develop my game and that was the right place to go. Listening to Bernie Alvarez who was my teammate at that moment helped me a lot.

You played together with the incredible Adam Hess who would go on to make a real name for himself in Germany. Did you ever see a more versatile player than him?

I think after when Adam Hess went to Germany his game went to another level. Sometimes when we were watching him play we were asking ourselves if this was the same player we played with. He was really good in Tarragona and like you said He went “incredible”Hess!!!

You were with Sevilla in your first years in Spain. Do you ever wonder how your career may have gone had you tried an NCAA career in the States?

Yeah sometimes I ask myself that, but being in Europe and learning all the basketball fundamental playing pro in an early age was really great.

You were teammates with one of my favorite guys and one of the first guys I ever covered in Germany Tyrone Ellis. He was in the latter part of his career. How important was his veteran presence for you as a very young player?

Tyrone was a great player and was kind of a mentor to me. He would take his time after practice and explain how I should improve some part of my game .He was a game changer for me.

Who was the toughest player that you have ever matched up on the court that made the NBA?

Serge Ibaka by far , defending him or trying to score on him on the (sub20 ) was the hardest thing ever.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Ryan Evans, Adama Darbo, Devaugn Akon-Purcell, Tylor Okari, Darko Jukic.

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

Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry.

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

Michael Jordan no doubt no debate.

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

They should of left it alone. I started it and still didn’t finish it.

Thanks Michel for the chat.

Jeremy Morgan (196-G-95, college: UNI) is a 26 year old 196cm guard from Iowa City, Iowa playing his first season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He is in his fifth professional season and has had experience with teams Memphis Hustle, Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga), HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim and Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A). He played in the NCAA with the University of Northern Iowa. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 76-67 win over the Niners Chemnitz

Thanks Jeremy for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 76-67 win. How ugly was this win?

I wouldn’t say ugly. We just didn’t make a great percentage of our shots but we found a way to win, that’s all that matters.

That first half was tough to watch. Chemnitz had a 29-25 advantage at the break. Did it surprise you that the game took this turn of being more a grind out game?

No. A lot of the games in this league will be grind out type of games. And when they are you just need to find a way to win.

The second half continued to be a very hard fought affair. Why do you feel couldn’t any team go on a run?

I guess both teams were pretty locked in on defense, so it made it tough to score in times especially when we’re not making our open shots. Sometimes games are like this.

I believe your block in crunch-time changed the momentum helping Bonn win. Can a block be bigger for you personally then sinking that big shot?

Of course. There is a lot of ways to make big plays in a game especially down the stretch. In the end of the game, I just tried to make plays that I think will help the team win. Sometimes it’s a block, sometimes it’s a steal, sometimes playing good defense or making a shot.

Karsten Tadda nailed 2 huge three’s at the end. If it wouldn’t have been Tadda then it would have been Skyler Bowlin. How evident was team basketball in crunch-time?

Yea they were huge shots. This is how we try to play the entire game so there is no need to try to invent something new. We just try to keep playing our basketball for 40 mins.

You didn’t have your best offensive game finishing with 8 points. Do you feel like you made up for your off shooting night with good defense?

I just always try to make as many winning plays as I can throughout the game. Sometimes shots go in and sometimes they don’t. You just have to keep shooting and keep the confidence. Then try to make up for it by making other plays.

You have played with many great point guards including small ones like Dwayne Russell. But how has it been like being teammates with Parker Jackson-Cartwright? Have you ever played with such a quick guard?

Yea I loved playing with Dwayne and I also love playing with Parker. Like you said he’s extremely fast and very talented player so it makes my job easier. He does a great job not only creating for himself but for others as well.

How much fun is it playing with Justin Gorham? You guys harmonize so well on the court as if you have been teammates forever.

It’s great! He’s a guy that really loves to compete, so it makes it easy to play with him. The more we’re able to practice and be on the court at the same time the better the chemistry will get.

You are playing a second time for head coach Tuomas Iisalo. How has he helped you most become the player that you are today?
He has helped me the most with my mentality as a player. Whether it would be staying focused in my shot or trying to win even little 1on1 boxouts. I’m always trying to stay mentally focused in every situation which is not something that comes easily and takes a lot of practice. He held me accountable so now I have higher accountability for myself which I think goes a long way.

Your playing your first season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. How are you a different player now after getting Italian experience then you were in Crailsheim?

The gaming styles are different between Italian league and German league. I’ve tried to improve the things that I did well and make them even better. I’ve also improved some of my weaknesses like attacking the basket and being more of a creator for others.

The last time you eclipsed 40% from outside was your junior season at Northern Iowa (NCAA). Do you feel like you can still make the next level as a shooter?

Yea that’s my goal to get back on the 40%. A lot of my threes in college were stand still catch and shoot threes. You don’t get very many wide open catch and shoot threes at this level so I have to keep improving on finding ways to keep my shot the same even if it’s contested or off the move.

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

No I haven’t seen the new one. But the old one was a classic, I love Eddy Murphy.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.