COVID-19 has played so much havoc in so many basketball seasons and it hasn´t been any different in the Pro B league. Clubs have had to postpone games because of Corona cases with players that they then had to find ways of being able to reschedule games. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were supposed to have played Bavarian team TSV Oberaching Trpoics back in November, but that game had been postponed and now both teams finally met on a rare Wednesday afternoon. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors arrived in the game with a poor 1-8 record and had only lost 72 hours earlier in a hard fought nail bitter to Dresden 67-62 while the TSV Oberaching Tropics last played on December 28^th, 2020 losing to Hanau 77-71. The Bavarian club came to Frankfurt having some injury woes, but also had some young German players on board ready to do battle with the very young Frankfurt side that only have an average age of 19 years. After a very solid first half where the Fraport Skyliners Juniors displayed more disciplined defense, they erupted in the second half for 60 points to totally tear apart the TSV Oberaching Tropics 99-76. It was without a doubt the best performance of the season on both ends of the court and the rebound work was very much improved as well as the team gathered 15 offensive rebounds. “A big reason for the win today was our hustle and we fought for 40 minutes. We played team basketball today and communicated very well on the defensive end. We still made a lot of mistakes, but overall it was a very good performance”, stated Fraport Skyliners Juniors center Noah Kamden. After the loss a disgusted Mario Matic head coach of the TSV Oberaching Tropics was furious about his team´s performance as despite having injuries, he did expect more from his players. “I´m very disappointed. We gave up way too many second chances. In the second half they began to hit shots. We made them strong today. This was simply not a very good game at both ends of the court. We have to be better on Saturday when we face Frankfurt again”, warned Mario Matic.

The TSV Oberaching Tropics were without their big man Moritz Wohlers and Shkelzin Bekteshi while the Fraport Skyliners jUniors were without German forward Konstantin Schubert. German Calvin Schaum got Frankfurt on the board first, but that didn´t last long as the guests got good production from their two bigs Bent Leuchten and Bernhard Benke as the latter made a lay in to tie the score 2-2. Frankfurt then received a huge three pointer from German Alvin Onyia who entered the contest shooting only 25%. The German´s early aggressiveness would pay off as he would bea huge offensive factor for the team on this day. Frankfurt would set the tone and keep the slim lead throughout the first quarter as both teams found an identity on the defensive end and kept the game low. Frankfurt´s offense was still trying to find itself, but showed early on that many players were contributing as ex Nurnberg guard Matthew Meredith scored inside and ex Coburg center Noah Kamden scored. German Maxi Begue also added a 10 footer giving Frankfurt a 12-7 advantage. French player Joris Ortega who moonlights as a photo model hit a huge three over Begue, but Kamden responded right back catching a Jordan Samare airball for the lay in and 14-10 lead. Frankfurt held the lead until the end, but allowed the guests to cut the lead down with two baskets from 17 year old Lithuanian Emilis Butkus who snuck inside twice and caught Frankfurt napping on help defense scoring as Frankfurt had only the 17-14 slim advantage after 10 minutes. “We had a good start which was helped by us setting the tempo and defending well”, said Noah Kamdem. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 32% from the field and 14% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 0 turnovers while TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 33% from the field and 33% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

The second quarter was a real dog fight as there were 8 lead changes. Half way through the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to stabilize the lead and go into the break with the 4 point lead. Maxi Begue who has been struggling on offense recently had a better game as he made a pretty turnaround shot, but TSV Oberaching Tropics got key baskets from captain Janosch Koegler and Ortega who used their speed and scored in the paint. Both would do this all afternoon long as this was the only real deficiency with the Frankfurt defense on this day. “Koegler scored four three´s, but the rest all came with lay ins and free throws. He is a very good player. He knows how to play and when he finds space he is hard to stop. We have to be better with our 1-1 defense”, warned Frankfurt head coach Miran Cumurija. Both teams traded leads back and forth as the Bavarian club got a huge trey from ex FC Bayern Munich guard Benjamin Schroeder, a lay in from ex IBAM center Bent Leuchten, a three from ex BBL player Peter Zeis and a lay in from ex Leitershofen center Bernhard Benke. Frankfurt got key baskets from Kamdem who was a beast on the offensive glass, a runner from Alvin Onyia and a three pointer from ex Hanau forward Calvin Schaum, but Frankfurt still trailed 29-28.  But Frankfurt then showed a first sign of what their offense is capable of going on a brutal 11-1 run to take the comfortable 39-30 lead. In the run Frankfurt got another trey from Schaum, received two buckets from Onyia who made a pretty pull up jumper and scored on transition and Noah “Mr put back” Kamdem dropped free throws and made a put back after hauling down one of his seven offensive rebounds on the day. Good defense led to easy baskets on transition while on defense there was good communication and keeping the Tropics big men out of the zone. Alvin Onyia finished with 13 points, 6 boards and 5 assists in 18 minutes and showed that he can be a valuable scoring option. “Alvin´s primary job is defense and distributing the ball, but he has a lot of self-confidence and proves that he can carry the team. When he gets room, he can make the lay up and even make the three pointer. You can´t underestimate his three. His shot is improving”, warned Miran Cumurija. Frankfurt couldn´t keep their run going into the break as they allowed a Oberaching 5-0 run to close out the second quarter. Koegler nailed a tough deep trey and then made a great decision and perfect feed to Leuchten who scored at the buzzer as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 39-35. “We continued to defend well and just fought harder than they did”, added Noah Kamdem. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 1 turnover while TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 41% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors broke the game wide open in the third quarter exploding for 30 points and allowed only 15 points taking the overwhelming 69-50 lead after 30 minutes. TSV Oberaching actually got going first getting four points from Koegler to cut Frankfurt´s lead to 41-39. Koegler once again beat Frankfurt with his quickness scoring with his left hand. Frankfurt then finally broke out going on a 13-2 run to extend their lead to 54-41. In the run they got three three´s as Calvin Schaum knocked down one, Len Schoorman did and Alvin Onyia hit another one as well. Schoorman also took something from Kamden´s put back game getting an offensive rebound and put back. “It is always good when our defense gives us transition opportunities. We have an advantage with our athleticism. They went to zone and we stayed cool and moved the ball well and got open looks and hit our three pointers. We attacked well, played unselfish and played together”, stated Miran Cumurija. Every once in a while Oberaching would get some points as usually Koegler was the recipient, but overall Frankfurt continued their offensive consistency. Frankfurt would continue to execute at a healthy rate extending their lead to 20 points as they continued their solid inside out game attacking the rim getting baskets from Matthew Meredith and Len Schoormann and a trey from German Jordan Samare. Koegler did it again being involved in a buzzer beater ending quarter this time making the lay in, but Frankfurt had the massive 69-50 advantage. “We went on a nice run and were able to make our three´s. Everything was working for us”, stated Noah Kamdem. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 46% from the field and 32% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 4 turnovers while TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 43% from the field and 31% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors defense let up allowing 26 points in the fourth quarter, but the guests couldn´t make up any ground because the home team dropped 30 points to keep up their healthy lead. Koegler continued to give Frankfurt head aches with his scoring nailing two more three´s while for Frankfurt Calvin Schaum finished with 15 points continued to execute hitting a trey and lay in. 17 year old German Benjamin Schroeder who will play in the NCAA next season continued to showcase his athleticism and speed scoring twice in the paint, but the guests couldn´t gain any ground as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 78-60. Kamdem´s dominance grew as he scored three buckets including two offensive rebounds and put backs while Koegler drilled home another three pointer and made a massive one handed dunk, but Frankfurt still led 86-66. German Robert Becker finished with 4 steals and made two in a row and also scored while Koegler nailed another trey. Matthew Meredith who was kept fairly quiet in the first three quarters found some offensive momentum down the stretch hitting a three and making a lay in as Frankfurt led 93-74. Len Schoormann who entered the game with 15 BBL games under his belt finished made a lay in in the last minute finished with 20 points and was very significant for the team having played two back to back Pro B games. “He gives us that extra punch. His aggression and athleticism gives the defense problems. I´m happy how well he got integrated which isn´t easy. He helps us a lot and I´m happy he got game practice”, said Miran Cumurija. Frankfurt could have reached the magical 100 points at the end, but Schoormann missed a free throw. “We let up a bit, but overall we closed out the game ok. Everybody came in and gave their best and made plays. Our team paly is always getting better”, stressed Noah Kamdem. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Noah Kamdem with 21 points. Len Schoormann produced 20 points while Clavin Schaum added 15 points and Alvin Onyia had 12 points and Matthew Meredith contributed 11 points while TSV Oberaching Tropics were led by Janosch Koegler with 32 points. Benjamin Schroeder and Joris Ortega added 10 points apiece. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 31% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 10 turnovers while TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 43% from the field and 36% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

In 2003 like any other year, a lot was happening in the sports world in the United States. In baseball, Sammy Sosa continued to clobber baseballs left and right out of stadiums as he hit his 500^th, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whipped the Oakland Raiders 48-21 in Super Bowl 37, but it was sports basketball and ice hockey that really left the New York metropolitan area proud as two New Jersey teams had terrific seasons. The New Jersey Devils won their third Stanley Cup in history after winning their second only 3 years earlier in a exciting 4-3 series win over the Anaheim Ducks while basketball team New Jersey Nets who would move to Brooklyn in 2012 lost to the San Antonio Spurs 4-2. It was a very exciting period for sports fans and probably had many new young boys at age 8 or 9 finding new sports hero´s like Patrik Ellias or Scott Gomez of the Devils or Jason Kidd or Richard Jefferson of the Nets. However not every little boy was on the playground shooting hoops from dawn to dusk on a Saturday in Brooklyn, New York as Kamari Murphy actually was indoors playing video games. Back in 2003 there were some great and popular games like Ratchet and Clank or Beyond Good &Evil that could of held little guys from spending their time on the play ground for hours. So not every kid discovers their love to basketball at the age of 7 or 8. Who knows where Kamari Murphy would be today if a slightly annoyed step father hadn´t pulled the plug on him playing video games. Making that jump from video games to basketball wasn´t any easy one for the American especially if you feel like your being forced to play. He had never played much and simply didn´t have any skill set. That finally came to him as he played in a youth organized league. The coaches did a good job helping him to learn the game and with that so did a slow craving for the sport. On top of that he lived in a violent area and it was often said you had to be a performer/entertainer or jock to get out of there. Basketball saved his life and the rest is history as Kamari Murphy has carved a nice professional basketball overseas. He traded the joystick for the basketball and can´t complain today. Even 17 years later, you never totally lose the interest of having that joystick in your hands again. His ex teammate Josh Young remembers what interested Murphy off the court last season  “We definitely had other teammates that were more interested in playing video games but Murph for sure was one of the guys who played as well”, stressed ex teammate Josh Young of Rasta Vechta. Today Kamari Murphy balls for the Fraport Skyliners and is featured in the ex teammate scouting report Josh Young Vs Kamari Murphy.

            Murphy was born on December 14, 1993 in Brooklyn, New York and is a 27 year old 203cm forward and is the second oldest of six boys with Jacori, Kusamae, Maalik, Mikwan and Kieron. He continued to develop his game in high school at / Lincoln High School playing for head coach Dwayne Martin averaging 17ppg, 10rpg as a senior. This school produced future NBA stars like Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair and Lance Stephenson. He was the 6^th best player in New York in 2011. Before going to the NCAA, the American decided for one more season of fine tuning and attended  IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida averaging 20ppg and 10rpg. After being recruited by schools like Miami, UConn, Missouri and Florida, he chose Oklahoma State where he played 67 NCAA games from 2012-2014 averaging 3.8ppg, 4.0rpg as a freshman and averaged 6.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 57.1% as a sophomore. In his freshman year he scored 13 points against Virginia Tech and 12 points against Tennessee Tech while in his second season he scored 12 points against Kansas and 10 points against Butler, Robert Morris, Texas and Louisiana Tech. He wanted to go to Miami initially, but turned it down because of the Nevin Shapiro booster scandal. Two years later, he changed his mind and finished his last 2 years at Miami averaging 5.6ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 53.4%, FT: 55.8% as a junior and as a senior averaged 7.1ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 51.1%, FT: 60.9% reaching the NCAA Sweet 16.In his junior year he scored 11 points against Buffalo, Notre Dame and Charlotte. In his senior year he had a 16 point 10 rebound effort against Syracuse, scored 15 points against Clemson and had 14 points and 10 boards against Wofford. The American finished his 2 year NCAA stay at Miami with 740 points, 769 rebounds (241 offensive / 528 defensive), 114 blocks, 79 assists and 51 steals in 3,219 minutes. 

            He turned professional in 2017 and had his first taste of how the NBA works playing at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV (Brooklyn Nets) playing 4 games averaging 1.5ppg, 3.5rpg. He played his rookie season with the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) playing 50 games averaging  10.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. He had more of an offensive role with Long Island scoring in double figures in 23 games and had 8 double doubles. His best games occurred against Wisconsin scoring 22 points in the 109-105 victory, 21 points in the 115-99 win over Ft Wayne and 20 points in the victories over Reno and Raptors. In the summer of 2018, he played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV again (Brooklyn Nets) playing 5 games averaging  5.0ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 35.7%. In his second professional season he had a very short stay with Filou Oostende (Belgium-Euromillions League) before coming back home and suiting up for a second season with the Long Island Nets (NBA G League): playing 51 games averaging  8.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 73.1%. He scored in double figures in 20 games and registered 6 double doubles. He put up a 25/12 game against Canton and had a 22/10 game against Lakeland. Last season after 2 years in the G-League, the Brooklyn native came back to Europe and stayed until COVID-19 hit playing with Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL) playing 21 games averaging  5.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 72.0%; and played 12 BCL games averaging  6.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 47.8%. With Rasta Vechta, the American was teammates with 32 year old 185cm guard Josh Young who is playing his 11^th season in Germany and 5^th in Vechta. The Oklahoma native has seen many many players in his basketball career and gives his personal scouting report and memories he had with Kamari Murphy last season.

            Anybody that has followed or knows Josh Young the last years knows that he is a team player and leader and a guy that sprouts positive energy in any locker room. He is a guy that can get a long with any teammate and it wasn´t any different with Murphy. Last season they were teammates and this season opponents as Murphy will suit up with the Fraport Skyliners. “Murph is my guy. I’m happy he’s back in Germany playing and nice to be in a great city, program like Frankfurt”, stressed Josh Young. Murphy is one of those players that can bring it at both ends of the court on a consistent level. But it isn´t anything special on offense or defense that Young appreciated most, but moreover the attitude he brought to work day to day. “The thing I appreciate the most is his willingness to compete. Whether it’s blocking shots on the defensive end or making plays on the offensive side”, added Josh Young. He had some good games in the BBL scoring 13 points against the EWE Baskets and hauling down 10 boards against Wurzburg and in the BCL league scored 15 points against Anwil and 11 points against Bandirma and Pau Lacq Ortez. Last season BBL fans already got to experience his game and it isn´t any different this season as he brings that multifaceted game every night. “He’s a very versatile player who has tremendous athletic ability. His ability to guard 1 through 5 make him a big asset. He also can run the floor very well and is extremely mobile. At times, he will step out to the three and stretch the floor as well”, added Josh Young. Last season the American played with highly talented and touted head coach Pedro Calles who moved to the Hamburg Towers this season. Murphy couldn´t have played for a better head coach in his first season overseas in terms of being able to adapt and develop further in the easyCredit BBL. “Pedro is going to get the best out of his players and he demands a lot. Murph as well anyone who has played for him has benefited in that. He helps bring out the best in the strength of his players”, remembered Josh Young.

            Now Murphy has a new challenge with the Fraport Skyliners in his 4^th professional season and second in Germany. He has joined a traditional organization that has had some growing pains the last 2 years missing the playoffs. Reaching the playoffs probably won´t be any easier this season, but he has a role and performs it to the best of his ability. He is in good company in the front court sharing space with Michael Kessens and German Marco Voeller. “He will fit in well in Frankfurt. He and Kessens know each other and can compliment one another. With someone as physical as Voller, it makes for a good combination”, warned Josh Young. Currently he is averaging 7,6ppg and 3,9rpg. He isn´t the big time scorer and won´t need to be with the Skyliners as they have enough of that, but will add his expertise in other areas for head coach Sebastian Gleim. “On the offensive end, his ability to create separation out of the pick and roll mixed with athletic ability to finish is definately one of his biggest strengths.”, stressed Josh Young. Murphy will most likely showcase his athleticism on a daily basis as well making those showtime plays that he also displayed with Rasta Vechta last season. The only difference now will be that Young will only be able to remember the acrobatic plays in a Vechta uniform as now he will be on the other end seeing him do it in a Frankfurt uniform. “I remember connecting on a lot of alley oops out of a cross screen play we’d run for him. He was always able to go upstairs and get it”, said Josh Young. He has already made huge dunks this season for Frankfurt. Another positive basketball trait that Murphy brings to Frankfurt is his passion that he showcases after a big play. “I used to enjoy Murphs celebrations during the game, after a dunk or one of his teammates makes a big play. He plays with a lot of emotion and I think that’s clear to anyone who watches him on the court”, warned Josh Young. Murphy is an enrichment to the Fraport Skyliners and will give the club a lot of joy on the court. If he continues to play video games with his teammates the way he did in Vechta is possible. His main focus is basketball and helping the Fraport Skyliners be as successful as possible, but if he really needs to get away from basketball for a moment, then he can always find a good video game mate in Quantez Robertson

 Ronny Weihmann is a 38 year old German professional player and individual coach who currently is playing with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Regionalliga). He had experience in the United States playing with Dubuque (NCAA2) and Emmanuel College (NAIA):, but since 2004 has crafted a fine professional career in Germany playing with clubs like the Baskets 98, BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Regionalliga), BSW Sixers (Regionalliga), USC Leipzig (Regionalliga), TuS Red Devils Bramsche (Regionalliga), Wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen (Regionalliga), SG TV Duerkheim-BB-Int. Speyer (Regionalliga) and 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2.Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

First of all thanks for having me, I feel honored to have this interview with you guys here at EuroBasket. Basketball is always love and just like everyone else I’m making the best out of this situation that we are currently in.

Currently you’re a very ambitious individual trainer. How challenging and what kind of an adjustment was COVID-19 for your basketball life and being able to perform your job?

Well having your own Training facility helps a lot, that way I am more flexible when it comes to the training aspect and I can really work with professional players in a closed one on one setting. As freelancer and trainer, you must find a way within the rules and you have to be able to adapt to the situation, I mean its not a secret that the COVID-19 is hard on the whole basketball world especially the players and organizations, but we have to keep going right. Therefor we will always find a way.

From everything that you experienced off the court how do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

Of course, this whole pandemic is a life changing experience for a lot of people and all we can do is grow and become stronger individuals from this.

I thought that you were retired, but your still playing professional with Regionalliga team Saarlouis. How thankful are you that your work as a individual trainer has been able to prolong your professional basketball career?

I am thankful because it helps me to stay on top of my game and keep my body right. As a trainer you want to lead by example especially if you want to be one of the best in the business. So, taking care of your body must be a priority. 

Let us talk a bit about your work as an individual trainer. When did you know that you wanted to be a individual trainer and when did you start?

Well, that is a funny story because that was never really my goal, I always just wanted to play basketball and play as long as I can professionally. I started working as a personal trainer while I was still playing just to have an extra income and build something for later. Back in 2014 a kid that was sitting on the side watching us play pick up, was dribbling the ball and I saw some things and started to talk to him and helped him out with some stationary drills on the spot. His dad saw us and asked me to train his son, my reply was ‘no I am not a skills trainer I just want to hoop’. After a long conversation and constantly asking me to train him, I gave it a shoot and here we are now.

Talk a little about your pool of players and which players you are helping on a regular basis?
On regular basis I have been working with;

Pros:
Brian Butler Dimtrj Kreis
Anish Sharda Gergely Hosszu
Kelvin Okundaye David Blackburn
Chris Miller Aaron Reams 
Chelsea Waters
I work with DBBL Team in Saarlouis and I have a big pool of Highschool Athletes from US Military Bases around Germany. Which includes the top and most dominant player on this level for the past 3 years in Chandler Pigge’.

You have a cooperation with Weller Sports And Entertainment. How vital is it to give young players the opportunity to get that extra training from an a player agency?

That’s big because together we can really work on getting our young athletes to the next level as a player and on the business side of things.

There are many basketball agencies in Germany but Weller Sports And Entertainment only handle German players. What kind of an advantage is it for you being able to work together with this agency?

Well, the advantage is that Weller Sports And Entertainment works with a lot of German talent, young German talent is the future of German basketball and if I can be a part of developing these talented players, I’m all for it.

You and Weller Sports And Entertainment also have important contacts to American colleges. Do you see the interest of German kids going to play basketball at college to rise again in the future?

I think College Basketball is always an option and a great experience, especially for kids coming from Germany. Receiving a free education that will help you in the future while playing the game you love is a beautiful option to have. So yes I think it will rise in the future for sure.

Talk a little about your individual training methods. What is your formula for success that you attempt to give the kids you train.

Real Basic, fundamentally sound, tailored to the players needs. It is the little things sometimes that makes big difference. My formular to success is work hard work smart work often. 

What future goals do you still have as an individual trainer? Do you want to expand this job more or do you have interest in tackling other fields in sports?

Well I started as personal & athletic Trainer, I have always been working with athletes from different sports, such Soccer, volleyball, Track, American football and much more. Now I’m at a point where I can expand the basketball part because that’s what I’m really passioned about.

Let’s talk a bit about your playing career. 16 years ago you played at the University of Dubuque (NCAA2) and also played at Emmanuel College in Georgia (NCAA2). What do you remember from your days in the States and what do you feel was the most important thing you gained from this overseas experience?

Expanding your horizon as a young adult in a country that’s in a different part of the world with no family just by yourself makes you grow up really fast and being able to see things from a different perspective. 

You have played most of your professional basketball career in the German Regionalliga. Were you a guy that had ambitions to play at a higher league and do you feel like you just didn’t get the right opportunities?


I had the opportunity to play higher a couple of times but most of the Regionalliga teams I’ve played for had ambitions to move up and therefor invested more money than some other clubs that was one or two leagues higher, at the same time I never saw myself as a role player. Because at that time that is what they did with German talent in the higher leagues. I was good with making my money and playing 35 minutes a game and being a leader instead of playing a role with 15-20min. a game.

You played 2 seasons with the Wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen (Regionalliga). What memories do you have of head coach Alen Velcic and are you surprised what he has done with that club and been so successful?

I had a great time in Schwenningen a lot of ups and downs a lot of great people. I’m not surprised that they are where they are now, if you have a club that is financially stable over years it is just a matter of time till you can buy the players that will help you win on a high level. 

You played 6 seasons with 1. FC Kaiserslautern (Regionalliga) and had your best seasons from 2017-2020. How do you explain that your performance got better as you got older?

Just keeping my body right and getting smarter while getting older 

What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with Ricky Easterling. He is a ambitious gym rat likw you. You guys could make a competition as to who will play the longest? Do you have any feeling who might retire first?

Yes Ricky is one of the hardest workers I know, and I always loved to compete against him. We both could probably play at least 3-5 more years but with my business and the time I invest in that, I might be the one retiring first.

Who wins a one on one on the court in basketball and who wins a 200 yard dash?

Well, I have to say me in both even thou Ricky wouldn’t see it that way 
It definitely would be a good match up, because both of us are true competitors.

Who is the best player that you ever faced as a professional player?

Monyea Pratt played with him and played against him, one of the most versatile players you will ever see, and that is a big reason for his long and successful carrier.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Venom.

Thanks Ronny for the chat.

2020 was a really difficult period for everyone in the world, but also in sports, it wasn´t generous to certain clubs like the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. Basketball life could only get better for Frankfurt in 2021.They began the season with a 6 game losing streak and finally beat Karlsruhe at the beginning of December. Frankfurt which has an average age of 19 have no real experience and that has shown on the court as they only average 61 points per game and allow 80 points per game. Their opponent the Dresden Titans on the other hand came into the contest with a very solid 5-1 record, but came to Frankfurt for their first contest in 2021 last having played on November 28^th. They were hit by the Corona bug as were their opponents which gave them a very long Corona break. It was a homecoming for Dresden big man Aaron Kayser who played in the Frankfurt organization last season and Georg Voigtman also returned even if he had never played for the Fraport Skyliners club, but his brother Johannes had made history bringing the team their third club title in 2016. Both teams came into the game motivated especially Frankfurt who had been blown out in their last game in Koblenz by 43 points. But the Dresden Titans showed strong nerves in crunch time getting big stops as they were able to grind out a nail bitting 67-62 victory over the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they moved to 6-1 and Frankfurt fell to 1-8. “I have to give a huge compliment to Frankfurt. They are much improved from the first game. We made this game unnecessarily exciting in the second half. We shot very poorly and when you give up so many offensive rebounds, it is likely that it will be a tight game”, stressed Dresden Titans head coach Fabian Strauss. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors played a very spirited game, but in the end it was their inexperience and errors that cost them the game. “We played la la in the first half. We had our ups and downs on offense and defense. In the second half we came back and played with more pressure on defense and got stops. We had our chances to tie the game, but we just couldn´t do it”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors guard Maxi Begue.

                The Dresden Titans didn´t waste anytime jumping all over the Fraport Skyliners Juniors going on a rapid 6-0 lead. Frankfurt couldn´t handle the Titans intensity as ex Chemnitz center Georg Voigtmann scored a massive two handed dunk, ex Alba Berlin youth player Daniel Kirchner used his speed for a lay in and ex Stahnsdorf German Julius Stahl also scored in the paint as Frankfurt´s one on one defense was non existent. The first quarter would be an up and down affair for both teams as now Frankfurt responded with a 7-2 run as NBBL allstar Jordan Samare made a tip in, Len Schoorman who had played in Weissenfels the night before connected on a floater and two time ANGT player Alvin Onyia scored on a lay in, but Dresden still led 8-7. Now it was Dresden´s turn again to find some offensive daylight going on a 8-1 run to extend their lead to 16-8. Dresden upped their defensive intensity getting two steals in a row that led to easy baskets by ex Chemnitz German Arne Wendler and ex BBL player Lennart Laryaz. Ex Skyliner Aaron Kayser also made a lay in in the run. There was time for one more run as the Fraport Skyliners delivered a swift punch with a 8-2 run to cut the Dresden advantage to 18-17 after 10 minutes. In the Frankfurt run, Frankfurt got some potent three point support from ex Nurnberg guard Matthew Meredith and ex BG Goettingen guard Philipp Hadenfeldt. Meredith also made a huge hustle play under the Dresden basket getting a loose ball and making a shovel pass to ex Rostock Noah Kamden who made the easy lay in. The Dresden Titans shot well from the field at 53%, but hadn´t made a three pointer, while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were struggling shooting 32% from the field and 33% from down town. Dresden had 11 boards and 5 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

                In the second quarter the offense was reduced in the first few minutes, but half way through the second quarter the Dresden Titans were able to break away and lead by as much as 10 points and led 37-28 at the break. There were four lead changes in the first few minutes as ex TG Hanau forward Calvin Schaum gave Frankfurt it´s first lead 19-18 with free throws. Georg Voigtmann then scored on transition for the Dresden 20-19 lead, while Jordan Samare reacted catching a Schaum airball and tapping in the ball for the 21-20 advantage. Voigtmann struck again nailing a pretty 20 footer for the 22-21 Dresden lead. This was followed by a Stahl transition basket and Max Von der Wippel free throw for the Dresden 25-21 lead. Schoormann followed up with a hard two handed dunk from the wing giving a nice head fake as he had a clear lane to the rim and Frankfurt trailed 25-23. But as quickly as Frankfurt was tight on Dresden as quick as they were trailing by 10 points as Dresden manufactured another swift run of 9-1 to extend their lead to 34-24. In the run, Dresden got valuable support from their big men as ex Coburg center Von Der Wippel who did a fantastic job using his massive body to get easy position next to the basket for a lay in and Voigtmann scored on transition while Laryaz hit a runner. Frankfurt had problems taking care of the ball while Dresden lived off Frankfurt turnovers and got easy baskets. Frankfurt got some vital buckets at the end as Matthew Meredith was aggressive getting an offensive rebound and tap in while 18 year old raw German Alexander Richardson made a lay in off the lob pass from Calvin Schaum, but the Dresden Titans led 37-28. Dresden still was shooting at a high percentage from the field at 54%, but couldn´t hit the ocean from outside at 14% while Frankfurt had their shooting woes at 33% from the field and 22% from the parking lot. Dresden controlled the boards 21-16.

                In the third quarter it looked like the Dresden Titans would shut the door tight on the Fraport Skyliners as they extended their lead to as much as 17 points, but a late Frankfurt run which was helped by Maxi Begue´s aggressive defense helped Frankfurt get back into the game. Dresden got some early buckets from Laryaz and Stahl to give Dresden the 45-33 advantage. Frankfurt had some defensive break downs as there was little communication and the switching wasn´t working which led to easy Dresden scores. Begue then made a huge play on defense making a steal under the Dresden basket and making a lay in. This didn´t infect the Frankfurt team defense yet as Dresden was able to execute on offense well going on a 10-4 run to extend their lead to 54-37. Dresden was having no luck with their outside shooting so they always continued to rely on their guard quickness as Bryan Niessen who has been with Dresden since 2013 scored as did Laryaz and Wendler. Frankfurt couldn´t contain the Dresden transition and on offense couldn´t execute. Begue then made a monster block denying a Dresden player on transition. “Making a block like that has to do with your attitude. I had lost the ball so I came back and just tried to reach him. I was happy that I did and was rewarded with a block”, stressed Maxi Begue. This block was the start of a 12-2 quarter ending run by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to trail only 56-49 after three quarters. In the run, Frankfurt was aided by the heightened Frankfurt defense which led to Dresden turnovers. On offense Frankfurt received massive support from Jordan Samare who was a beast on the offensive glass and scored 9 points in the run. He also nailed a quarter ending buzzer beater and Kamden helped in the run with a left handed hook shot. “Anybody that knows me knows that defense is my strength. I knew coming in that I would be covering Laryaz one of their best players. I upped my pressure in the third quarter, but it wasn´t just me but was a team effort”, stressed Maxi Begue. “Begue is a very interesting player. If he wants to make the next step he will have to do more on offense. But he is without a doubt one of the best defenders in the league”, added Dresden Titans head coach Fabian Strauss. Dresden continued to shoot at a high rate from the field at 53%, but only shot 10% from outside while Frankfurt was at 37% from the field and 14% from outside. Dresden still had rebound edge at 30-26, but had 17 turnovers while Frankfurt coughed up the ball 15 times.

                The fourth quarter was a real dog fight as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to cut the Dresden lead down to 4, but were never to get over the hump despite having their chances. Frankfurt made some big defensive stops, but just couldn´t execute on offense. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors began the fourth quarter with vengeance stopping Dresden´s first 5 possessions, but couldn´t get more than 3 points with a Samare lay in and Schoormann free throw. German Daniel Kirchner then dampened the great Frankfurt defensive beginning with a real deep trey giving Dresden the 59-52 lead. Kirchner was one of many great Dresden role players who ended the night with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 dimes. “On the stat sheet he was everywhere, but I still saw mistakes. He was a bit impatient passing the ball and that is a reason why he isn´t at a higher level. But he did make a lot of huge plays and hit that big three. He has a lot of potential”, stressed Fabian Strauss. Schoormann then responded with a lay in coast to coast to cut Dresden´s lead down to 59-54. Kirchner then made free throws which was followed by another Schoormann lay in to cut Dresden´s lead to 61-56. Frankfurt then made huge stops, but couldn´t capitalize on offense. Kamden and Schoormann missed two tough lay ins. With time running down, Dresden was able to keep a comfortable 5-6 point lead getting free throws from Voigtmann and Kirchner. Kamden and Schoormann would score garbage points, but it all wasn´t enough. “At the end, we just had more experience, that was it”, added Fabian Strauss. “We just weren´t consequent enough to finish off the plays. If you give 99% then that 1% will be the ball rolling off the rim. In some situations we just lacked the needed communication and execution”, stated Maxi Begue. The Dresden Titans were led by Georg Voigtmann with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Daniel Kirchner added 12 points and Lennard Laryaz had 10 points while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Jordan Samare with 19 points while Len Schoormann produced 13 points. The Dresden Titans shot 42% form the field and 9% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 24 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 35% from the field and 11% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

If I were to track down Kameron Taylor in Hamburg and ask him the magical phrase “are you still happy that you took a step back to take two steps forward”? I´m more than 100% sure the Maryland native would release that golden smile and in his soft voice say “yes I am” He said that more than three years ago as he career turned into a total Cinderella story. After having a solid Pro A rookie season in Ehingen where he averaged 10,0ppg, he decided to take a step back to the Pro B(3^rd division Germany) to the Dragons Rhondorf and he totally dominated the league putting up crazy stats of 23.4ppg), 7.9rpg, Assists-4(5.6apg), Steals-2(2.6spg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.4%. He picked up six Eurobasket.com awards and then made the jump to the easyCredit BBL joining s.Oliver Wurzburg thus proving he can go back a step and make two forward. Since then he dominated a season in Hungry and returned back to Germany last season averaging 10,0ppg with Bamberg and this season is having his best BBL season with the Hamburg Towers averaging 14,0ppg. This basketball cycle of players deciding to take a step back just keep repeating itself. Currently in the EasyCredit the best example of a player taking a step back to take steps forward is Crailsheim Canadian guard Trae Bell-Haynes. Two seasons ago as a rookie, he had some good games in Frankfurt, but also sustained growing pains. So last season he took a step back to play in Finland for the Seagulls and put up solid yet not spectacular stats of 12/3/4 and returned back to the BBL this season and is having a type of season that has him as an early MVP favorite. The Canadian is leading the league in scoring and assists and is near averaging double double stats. Another player who would like to follow in Kam Taylor and Bell-Haynes foot steps is Kendale Mccullum. Last season he tore up the German Pro A averaging 18.1ppg), 5.3rpg, Assists-1(7.2apg), Steals-2(2.6spg), FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 76.2%. He even racked up a triple double against the wiha Panthers as he won five eurobasket.com awards including player of the year, but his fascinating rookie season didn´t reward him with a ticket to the easyCredit BBL. “Honestly, I was devastated! I know I’m better than some of those guys in that league but now I am okay and I will be ready when it´s time for me to perform. I thought after the year I had in Pro A, there would be no question I’d be playing at the level. Even with COVID-19, there was no doubt in my mind. But some teams struggled with money issues, some teams just took guys who were already in the league, or took guys who had experience. I talked to some of the higher level teams there at one point! But never pulled the trigger but I’ve now accepted that”, said Kendale Mccullum. Playing for the Helsinki Seagulls could prove to be a very good omen, because his point guard predecessor was Trae Bell-Haynes. Mccullum could profit from his head coach Jussi Laakso the same way Bell-Haynes did. “Coach and I have talked about Bell-Haynes before! He’s a talented player. I’ve been watching him play this year. He’s doing it all. But of course, before coming here Jussi told me they have good connections with the Crailsheim coach and that a lot of players end up in the BBL Or they go to France or Italy”, stressed Kendale Mccullum. The American is in the driver seat now playing for a great new team, coach and teammates and sees Bell Haynes as a huge motivation. “I think yes since he’s played here and he’s now proven teams wrong that he belongs there! But, I’m also looking at other PG´s that I see playing. The steps they took to get to where they are”, warned Kendale Mucullum. So far his game has been soaking in some serious Seagulls magic the same way it has helped Trae Bell-Haynes and now it will be interesting to see if the American can hold his consistency in Finland.

            2021 has finally arrived and everybody is hoping that the new year will be better while trying to forget 2020. Before landing in Finland, Kendale Mccullum had to deal with COVID-19 just like everybody else. His season ended early in Germany and suddenly he was back home in March. He quickly realized that it would be a big challenge being able to continue to work on his craft. “It was definitely tough because there was nothing to do! Nothing was open. So, I’m working out in my basement, going outside to run then back in the house for video games or movies or puzzles. But, around June was when gyms opened up and I finally got to work on my craft”, remembered Kendale Mccullum. COVID-19 really made him look at life in a totally different way and also had to accept that the whole brutal Corona calamity could be a blessing in disguise in terms of what kind of direction his basketball career could go. “It definitely helped me grow mentally! I feel as COVID is the reason why I’m not playing in the BBL or some other countries because of money budget. But, maybe it’s a sign saying in need another year of experience and to get better. So, when I get that phone call, I will be ready to perform”, warned Kendale Mccullum.

            The American last watched the movie Soul with Jamie Foxx is playing his second professional in Finland and despite having dreams of making the next step to the German easyCredit BBL, he has accepted his move to Finland. The Koriisliga has proved over the years to be a league that players like to pick to help refine their game. There have been many players that have made the next step from Finland to higher leagues like a Trae Bell-Haynes or Ken Horton. “I’m happy because I still get to play. I get the chance to grow as a player and get more experience. There are some very talented players who are still back at home waiting for opportunities to get a call. This system is perfect for me and it allows me to show what I can do. I’m showing I can lead a team as a point guard! The club is off to a huge start having won it´s first 11 games and the American is enjoying basketball life to the fullest. “It’s nice being in a winning team. Knowing you have a high chance of holding that trophy come March is what gives me the most joy! I don’t think I’ve ever started a season 11-0 in my entire basketball career. I’ve been on 14+ game winning streaks but never started 11-0”, stressed Kendale Mccullum. So far the club has done everything right. It has defended on a very consistent rate, and have won the nail bitters, but their biggest strength is their lethal offense that have scored 100 points or more in 5 games. “We just have so many offensive weapons. We’re a tough team to defend. There is no secret to success. We work hard every day, we take care of our bodies, and we do the little things. But, I guess you can say the old guys with their experience is our secret. They never get frustrated or panic when things aren’t going our way”, said Kendale Mccullum.

            A big reason why the American has been able to be so successful on the court with his game is because of his talented teammates. With Tuuka Kotti an ex BBL player and Timo Heinonen he has two 39 year old veterans who still shine on the court and give their expertise to the younger guys like Mccullum. He is also teammates with another ex BBL player Shawn Huff who played six years in Germany with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and Fraport Skyliners. He is that ultimate glue guy player that plays hard defense and can hit the three pointer and a player that he can soak up a lot of basketball knowledge from. “Shawn is a great guy! He’s a very talented veteran! But, seeing where he been definitely gives me hope. Not just to play in the BBL but other high level leagues in other countries too”, stated Kendale Mccullum. Another guy who just keeps chugging along year for year is 37 year old three time Romanian allstar Porter Troupe. He became an identity figure in the Romania-Liga Nationala) and even though he isn´t a point guard, he has been able to give the American valuable advice. “I’ve learned a good amount from Porter. He’s played at some high levels and he has a lot of experience. So, any time he speaks to me i listen and take his advice. Biggest thing he taught me so far I would say would be having even more patience when playing within the ball screen”, added Kendale Mccullum.

            Last season he played in the second division in Germany called Pro A while this season in the first Finish division. In both leagues he was able to put up great stats. But there are distinct differences to the two leagues. “I think the competition and the players were slightly better in Pro A. Especially, at the point guard position. I was battling a tough PG every night in Pro A! Also, I’m on the best team here in Finland with the most money. To whereas, in Germany, I wasn’t on the best team and we had the least money”, expressed Kendale Mccullum. So far this season he is racking up stats of 15/5/8/3 stats which is very solid, but especially when your on a team that has so many scoring options, one can´t expect him to be averaging 20,0ppg. Even if he is second in the Finish league in assists with 8,0 and leading the league in steals with 3,3, he isn´t doing cart wheels in joy about how he views his performance. “I’m never satisfied, I could always be better at something. There’s still a lot I can improve on to potentially make those stats better. Especially, not that I am 100% healthy”, stressed Kendale Mccullum. Last season he shot a very respectable 42% from outside, but so far this season is struggling at 31%. After an amazing rookie season in Germany, his self confidence is still very high concerning his outside shooting. “I started out well shooting from three! I think I was around 44%! But after our 5th game I believe it was, during practice I got an injury. I partially tore 4 ligaments in my hand and it was swollen. I missed one game but played and the others and caused my % to go down! It was hard to dribble, shoot and pass. I haven’t practiced since before the FIBA break. My first practice back was a couple days before Christmas. Just trying to find my rhythm from 3 again. The shots will fall, I’m not worried about that. If I go 3-3 from 3pt next game I’m back to 37%. So no worries here”, warned Kendale Mccullum. There have been two significant areas of his game that have really improved since he arrived in Germany in August 2019. When he came to Paderborn, he had some self doubts at the beginning if he could compete in the Pro A believing that he was only good enough for the Pro B. He then had a talk with head coach Steven Esterkamp and after that everything clicked and he knew he had the game to be successful. “I think the biggest thing for me was trusting my craft. Also, to know wherever I end up playing that I belong there and I’m there for a reason. Even if I’m one of the best players in the league or in the middle of the league. I’m there because I can play”, remembered Kendale Mccullulm. The other area that has improved is his leadership that he felt was a bit off the radar in his rookie season as he still had to get used to the idea that leading a team as a professional is more challenging than his college team. “I am more vocal now here, I’m more controlling of the game here. I don’t get mentally frustrated when things are going wrong. It’s not because even the older guys listen and take my advice when I say something. And most of them have been playing for over a decade”, stressed Kendale Mccullum. One can´t forget that he has played hurt this season at about 60%, but is back at 100% now. He definitely wants to cut down on his 4,2 turnovers per game while also working on other areas. “I´m continuing to work on weight, different finishes around the rim. Such as floaters. Then, just coming off the ball screens and pulling up from the three”, stated Kendale Mccullum.,

            Not only is there a difference in the German and Finish leagues that he has experienced, but also in the two cities he has been able to call home the last two years. In Paderborn, he could take a quick city tour in his car in about 15 minutes as only 148,000 people live there, while in the Finish capital of Helsinki he could take days touring the city that has 631,000 inhabitants. Even if COVID-19 has hindered his sight seeing a bit, he has found the time to explore and understood to enjoy every moment of his overseas experience. “With COVID, it’s hard to go out and go sight seeing. I have done a little and seen some beautiful things. The city is gorgeous here. There’s a Rocky Mountain I would go chill and just relax and clear my head and remind myself not to take things for granted”, stressed Kendale Mccullum. The days are short in Finland, so when he does have some extra time and isn´t dreaming about making his mark in the easyCredit BBL, he does follow the NBA  One guy he does monitor closely is 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors Jordan Loyd who is in Europe now balling in the Euroleague with KK Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (Serbia-KLS). They both battled in the NCAA 2 and took completely different basketball journeys. Loyd is another one of those players where he can take a lot of inspiration and hope from and won´t forget how focused he was when they battled head to head in the NCAA 2.. “They way he led his team in the heat of the moment! When it was crunch time, you were not stopping him. We still talk here and there and I do watch his games. Learning a lot from him. That’s the level I want to be at. He gives me hope since he came from where I came from. I just have to be patient. That’s what he has told me”, warned Kendale Mccullum. He also saw the 5 minute video of Steph Curry drilling home 103 three´s from the corner. He didn´t quite reach the amount of three´s that Curry sunk last summer, but simply can take Curry´s feat as more motivation to hit more with his never satisfied attitude. “My trainer, Matt Mooney and I had a drill this summer. You shoot from 5 spots and you see how many you can make in a row. No time. I made 32 from the corner and 21 in a row from the top”, said Kendale Mccullum. Obviously he wants to make the next step after his Finland stint and follow a Trae Bell-Haynes to a higher league, but for now he wants to take care of business with the Helsinki Sea Gulls. He will never be satisfied with his own game and also has the ultimate highest goals with his team to win a championship. “Life is good here in Finland. We’re all happy but we’re not satisfied. We have more we want to accomplish as a group”, stressed Kendale Mccullum.

            It all depends where the heart thumps for most in terms of how a basketball player choses to live their life in the basketball world with exactly how many teams they want to play for. In the easyCredit BBL, it has been no secret that legends like Rickey Paulding and Quantez Robertson have had their hearts focused on 1 organization as the Missouri native Paulding is playing his 14^th season with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and the freak athlete ex Auburn(NCAA) great Quantez Robertson has been lacing up his sneakers for the Fraport Skyliners for 12 seasons. Then again there are other players that choose to live that nomadic basketball life taking the globe trotting path. One of the best examples in Europe has been 35 year old Ekene Ibekwe who led the ACC in blocks as a senior at Maryland(NCAA). Currently he is in his 13^th professional season and has that very special basketball equation of 25/10 which equals to 25 professional organizations and 10 countries. That is an amazing feat for a player that played for 5 German teams and in the NBA there have also been guys that have bounced around from team to team the way singer Katy Perry has changed her men over the years. The record in the NBA is 12 teams shared by 4guys with Chucky Brown, Jim Jackson, Tony Massenburg and Joe Smith. In German basketball there are also guys that have enjoyed bouncing around from team to team and one of those is Dutch forward Chaed Wellian who currently is balling in the Pro B for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He has his only special basketball equation of 14/8 with 14 organization in 8 countries. Staying with one team just hasn´t been in his equation and he doesn´t adore those people that criticize his nomadic basketball life. “I’ve actually never stood still and realized it’s been so many teams haha. Honestly I love to travel and while I was younger I think it was also important for me to experience different cultures when I had the chance to. As I get older I’m looking more for stability and stay with a team for a longer period of time. But experiencing different leagues and countries was a blessing I was fortunate enough to experience. I’d say try to walk in my shoes. Professional basketball is not mentally cut for everyone the pressure we endure is completely different. I can go real deep into this matter but long answer short why don’t try it themselves and see how it works out for them”, warned ex Itzehoe player Chaed Wellian. He has that special 14/8 basketball equation and at the moment has no desire moving as he is very happy playing for the EPG Baskets Koblenz.

            Chaed Wellian is a 28 year old 204cm forward that was born in Amsterdam, Holland. He didn´t go the usual route that Dutch players take developing his game for a Dutch club, but instead took a plane ride over the pond and played 4 years of college ball in the States. There was never any doubt in the mind of the Dutch player that he would play college ball. “For me it was to be able to experience the American side of basketball. I’ve had playing college ball in my mind since I was 8 years old, and it was something that I set my mind to for so long that nobody was taking that away from me. At that time it wasn’t that common for Dutch players to go to the states and play college ball, they usually stay within a clubs youth program and transition into the professional life. But nowadays you see more and more kids going over and it’s amazing there is so much young talent in the Netherlands and it’s being showcased more and more”, remembered Chaed Wellian. He began his career in the States with Atlanta Metropolitan College (NJCAA) and in his last season averaged 14.9ppg, 2.0spg, 7.0rpg, 3PT: 40%. Even if he left the school having proven that he can survive JUCO ball, the beginning wasn´t easy as he saw how tough JUCO ball can be. “My first year had to be my toughest year. JUCO basketball isn’t for everyone. I came into a school with players that were literally starving for an opportunity. So me coming from Amsterdam meant that there was basically a target on my back. They weren´t going to let some guy from a different country come in and take someone’s spot. So I literally had to fight for my spot on the team. But I’m glad I’ve had that experience because it made me realize how life works”, stated Chaed Wellian.

            The Dutch player who last watched Harlem Nights and lists it as one of the greatest comedy movies of all time then made the next step and played in the NCAA for 2 years at Tennessee State University (NCAA). He played only 33 NCAA games and never averaged more than 2,9ppg, but will always remember the experience with a lot of joy. “I was blessed to come out of JUCO and transfer to a D1 school. When I got there you also realize that there are levels. You are now playing in a bracket where there are so many talents in one league it’s stacked. It’s where I noticed I need to get physically stronger and need to comprehend the game on a different level”, remembered Chaed Wellian. In his freshman season he played only 8 games, but had 2 good games where he played well and effective scoring 5 points in 9 minutes in a 92-53 win over Fisk and 5 points and 5 rebounds in 4 minutes in a 80-48 massacre over Tennessee-Martin. He was more than fortunate to be able to learn from future NBA pro Robert Covington who has more than 400 NBA games on his resume and currently is playing for Portland and will never forget the experience. “We had a good relationship in college and he was always open. Still speak to this day, most humble player I’ve played with given the magnitude of hype that was surrounding him. He never let it get to his head. Always hung out with his teammates, just a down to earth guy. Focus, Rob’s focus is relentless doesn’t matter what aspect. He shoots every shot the same way plays defense with so much tenacity. It just shows why he’s one of the elite players in the NBA. It was amazing to be able to share the court with him”, explained Chaed Wellian. He didn´t recall any one on one games with Covington, but played against him in pick up games. “We had some battles. He is one of the only people that I can honestly say who really posterized me. But I won the pick up games”, smiled Chaed Wellian. In his senior year he played 25 games averaging 2,9ppg and 1,5rpg and scored in double figures in 2 games including 12 points and 5 rebounds in a 66-61 win over SIU Edwardsville and 11 points in a loss over Morehead State. Even if he didn´t play many games or minutes, he was very grateful for the opportunity from head coach Travis Williams. “Coach TWill was a very good motivator. He has coached in China prior to coaching us at TSU so he already knew what it took to become a pro. And he was a great collegiate player himself. So he was one of those coaches who wasn’t just worried about your college career, but he made sure you were ready for what’s next after college if it was pertaining basketball or any other career you wanted to pursue. But for me he helped me a lot with making decision in life and how to adapt in particular situations”, stressed Chaed Wellian. One teammate that he remembers fondly is Patrick Miller who averaged 23,0ppg as a senior, but never got an opportunity in the NBA. “Pat, as the German league probably noticed when he played for Ulm was an absolute killer. Our senior year in college he was simply on a mission. Showing everyone what he was capable of. If you were in his way he made sure your not anymore. A factor was also we didn’t have a great season that year so with a losing record you sometimes don’t get the attention you deserve. He is definitely a guy that is supposed to compete in the NBA. But I’m certain that we will see him in an NBA jersey soon”, warned Chaed Wellian.

            The Dutch basketball globetrotter returned back to Europe and began a career that would land him with 14 teams and 8 countries. Playing in his homeland was really never a serious option. “I rather traveled and use the ball as a tool to travel while I have the chance. The Dutch league is great but it’s basically home for me. And at some point in my career there weren’t any matching capabilities with me and teams in the Netherlands so the automatic option was to go abroad again. But who knows I might end up back home eventually”, stressed Chaed Wellian. He played his rookie season for the Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 30 games averaging  6.2ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 50.0%. It was a solid first season as a professional as he scored in double figures in 5 games. It was a very first important pro season for him as he was very fortunate to have many veterans around him. “I was a very immature player back then but I had great vets around me. Johnell Smith who is a legend in Scandinavia mentored me in basically everything to this day. We had probably the smartest point guard I’ve ever played with who easily could play NBA level basketball, Antonio Porta. He has an amazing resume and he also just helped me understand the game of basketball. And playing for Craig Pederson the head coach of the Icelandic basketball team. When it comes to basketball this man is a pure genius, I really wish at that time I would’ve have listened more and soaked up the information that he distributed to us during that time basketball wise”, stated Chaed Wellian. In his rookie season, he also experienced his first taste of professional playoff basketball. He helped his team beat the Randers, but then was disappointed losing to IC Horsens. “We ended up losing to 3-2 in the play-offs and they ended up winning the league that year. That was the toughest loss for sure. We had such a great team on every position and we had weapons. If it wasn’t experience it would be talent but Horsens was the better team. They earned that title so looking back at it my hats off to them for having a better game plan those series”, said Chaed Wellian. In his second professional season, he began to build on that special basketball equation moving from team to team as he began with Umea BSKT (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 8 games averaging  7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 58.1%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 50.0%, and then moved to TSV Crailsheim Merlins 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 14 games averaging 15.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 69.7%. “That was my first year from making a jump from a top league to a lower league. It was a humbling experience. I was able to practice with their BBL team and notice how top level basketball is in Germany. It made me realize how serious you have to take sports to make it to certain levels”, stressed Chaed Wellian.

            The Dutch player remembers future NBA players Cleanthony Early and Fred Van Vleet (Wichita State) as being his toughest foes in the NCAA and heplayed his third professional season in 2 countries for BC Apollo Amsterdam (Eredivisie playing 2 games averaging 6.5ppg, 2.0rpg, and SG DJK Saarlouis-Roden/BBF Dillingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 10 games averaging  23.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 67.9%. In the German Regionalliga, he scored in double figures in all games and had some huge games against Mainz with 31 points in a win, but none was bigger than his 37point explosion and 9 three´s in a bitter 89-85 loss against Limburg. Despite the loss, this game was one of his best as a professional. “Scoring wise it was just one of those nights where the shots were falling. But I would say that one of my best games in my professional career came from last season where I was able to help my team get certain key wins where we able to remain and regain the top position”, remembered Chaed Wellian. In the 2017-2018 season he once again played with more than just one organization splitting time with KIT SC Karlsruhe (Germany-ProB) playing 14 games averaging  8.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 28.9%, FT: 70.8%, in Mar.’18 moved to Favl Basket Viterbo (Italy-Serie C). With the Karlsruhe he scored in double figures in 5 games including 17 points in a loss against Frankfurt and also contributed 14 points in loses against Wurzburg and Rhondorf. He has played with many great players and one of those that he will never forget is American Jeremy Black. “One thing that people might not know about Jeremy besides the obvious that he is strong as an ox and like you mentioned never stops working is that he has a great heart. Everything he does is being done with passion. Also a player who helped me with my first year in the Pro B. He took me under his wing and made sure I was good. He’s the type that will make sure you are good before he is. For sure one of the best bigs I’ve shared the court with.”, remembered Chaed Wellian.

            The 2018-2019 season was his most insane roller coaster season as he began with the Scanplus Baskets, then moved UMF Sindri Hofn (Iceland-D1) averaging 20.3ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.0spg,  and in January.’19 signed at FSU Selfoss (Iceland-D1) averaging 16.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 58.3%, 3FGP: 37.5%, FT: 90.9%, and in March’19 agreed terms with Surrey Scorchers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 7.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 57.1%. It was one of those seasons where he got to know how to pack a suitcase the right way. “Man that was such a crazy year! From getting fired in Elchingen to switching teams in Iceland. It was a very mentally draining year for me. Getting fired is a part of the job no matter what the reason was. But I was supposed to sign with FSU Selfoss right after Elchingen but ended up deciding to go to Sindri, which wasn’t a good fit so I ended up transferring to Selfoss where I was extremely happy and loved the place and organization. Unfortunately we didn’t make the playoffs by one game so our season got cut short. So I had the opportunity to go to the Surrey Scorchers to finish out the rest of the season with them. So for me it was more of a stay active situation towards the end”, stressed Chaed Wellian. Even if his Iceland time was a short one, it was one that also will last a lifetime and a place he may visit again . “It’s a very fast paced basketball league. A lot of high numbers are being put up in terms of scoring. The thing I will remember most is the people they are very open and caring. They live life very easy and stress free”, commented Chaed Wellian. Last season, he did something very rare and played only for one club the first time since being a rookie in Denmark. He couldn´t make a dent in his basketball equation as he played with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-Pro B) playing 22 games averaging  8.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 75.9%. There he had the big pleasure to learn from a great coach in Pat Elzie. It really doesn´t matter to what player you speak to that have played for him, only the best words are said about him. “Where do I start, Coach Pat played a huge role in my career actually still is. He is one of those coaches who genuinely cares about you. You can come to him about literally everything and he will give you the best advice or help that he can give. My time there was great basketball wise, Pat was one of the first coaches who really let me play my game and showed me that he fully trusts me in what I’m capable of. To be honest he really reignited that spark in me for the love of basketball. He knows how to win and turn programs around that’s what he’s known for so you can’t do nothing else but trust the guy. In my opinion one of his greatest assets as a coach is that he knows what he wants and he gives you the feeling that if you trust his plan he will trust you and when you have that you want to go on the court and give your all because you know the leader of the team has your back and I think that’s a very underrated powerful thing to have on a team”, warned Chaed Wellian. Not only did he play for a great coach, but also played together with a great player in Chris Hooper who is one of many playing in Germany that should be at a higher level. “Oh yeah for sure come on now, I think that’s a no brainer. Chris told me in the beginning of last season that he had something to prove and boy I’m pretty sure that he said everyone what he is capable of. He could easily compete in the highest levels. But again it kind of shows what kind of coach Pat is, bonds are created when playing for him. It’s just a different experience. But I have no doubt that we will see Chris compete at a higher level soon. I’m not too sure what the ambitions are of Itzehoe but I´m pretty sure they would like to move up as well so it could be a reason for his return there. Haven’t seen to many dominant players like Chris before he’s definitely up there”, stressed Chaed Wellian.

            He lists guys like Patrick Miller, Johnell Smith, Robert Covington, MJ Rhettand Chris Hooper has his 5 best teammates of all-time and 2020 has also been a tough year for him just like it has been for everyone else around the world. COVID-19 has struck the world hard and getting used to a new life wasn´t always easy for everyone. Guys that experienced the pandemic in the United States didn´t always have the opportunity of using a gym, but the Dutch player had more luck in Europe. “Fortunately I was lucky enough to spend my summer in Amsterdam where some gyms stayed open so staying in shape wasn’t really that big of an issue I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for years! But I can imagine for some athletes it was a really rough time with finding training facilities”, stressed Chaed Wellian. He mostly worked out on his own, but also had the opportunity to share the court with Dutch national players Charlon Kloof (ACB) and Mohammed Kherrazi (Belgium Top League) Not only was he able to stay in shape and work on his game in the extra months he had to train, but also was able to use the free time off the court wisely. “To be honest it just made me a little bit more cautious and cherish my family and friends a little more. Got to spend a lot of time with my family and I feel like that quality time was much needed. Mentally it was definitely nice to have a break“, commented Chaed Wellian.

            He picked a good address for this season by signing with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. It is now his second season in a row where he is playing for winning teams. Once you start to win more and more, you just can´t get enough. “It feels amazing, ultimately that’s what it’s all about right winning. I came from a winning program last season (Itzehoe Eagles) so for me it’s important that the same mentality and attitude is being carried over to this team. Pretty sure that a lot of our guys have made sacrifices to come to this great program and make sure we are a winning team with the ultimate goal to move up”, said Chaed Wellian.When you watch the team play, one sees this sense of team and the chemistry gets better every day. It is easy to understand why he loves playing for his new team. “For me it’s the great group of guys we have. Everyone is getting along so well on and off the court even when I came in late as a new addition to the team. There was no problem acclimating and it was just straight to business from day 1. It just seems like we have a special group of guys who have a lot of experience winning and knowing what it takes to take it to the next level and even help the club grow for the next generation that comes in after us”, warned Chaed Wellian. The team belongs to the top teams in the Pro B and they will only get better. The way they play and the how the organization is run, it is clear to see that they are very very determined to reach the next level in Germany. “The club is very serious about moving up. The plan was for this season to play in a new arena which holds if I’m correct over 5000 seats so the team can prepare for a potential move to the Pro A. The organization is doing whatever they can on their part to make their goal as realistic as possible. They try and put us in the best position possible to succeed. So all we have to do is just go out there and win games! I’m a dreamer so for me everything is within arms reach so if I’m being asked that question I’m saying it’s happening. I have nothing but full confidence in my teammates the coaching staff and the organization in making this happen. So we are planning the be in the Pro A next season”, warned Chaed Wellian. But at the same time, that they can´t lose focus and also need to work on deficiencies like defense and cleaning up mental mistakes. “We are still a fairly new team put together so mistakes are going to happen and we will find our rhythm soon so we can hit on all cylinders. It’s difficult to play in sync so soon and trust each other on the court immediately. I have full trust in our team that when we reach that point of trusting each other on defense and know that we can rely on the next guy is certain aspects on defense and offense that like you said a lot of points will be put up and defensively we will even be stronger”, stressed Chaed Wellian.

            At age 28, Chaed Wellian who lists Bill Russell, Lebron James,  Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is close to hitting his prime, but at the moment still feels like he hasn´t played his best basketball yet “I don’t think I’ve reached my peak yet I’m actually feeling younger and stronger. I have changed up a lot of things around basketball nutrition for example. It’s letting me discover my body completely different and makes me feel so much younger. I got so much more to learn when it comes to basketball. What I’m working the most right now is my basketball IQ, knowing to make the right decision in what situation to help the team win”, warned Chaed Wellian.  When he was younger, he always wanted to play like Allen Iverson. As he began to grow more, he grew fond of ex Syracuse(NCAA) stand out Carmelo Anthony. If he had to pick one guy in the NBA that has a game that he tries to mimic then it would be Danny Granger who is a former first round NBA pick and played 10 years in the NBA and one season averaged 25,0ppg for the Indiana Pacers. He is a very versatile player that can score, rebound and play defense, but he credits his biggest strength to another part of his game. “I think it’s my passing I love to pass the basketball I think it’s a very overlooked quality that I have. It’s just something about being able to make the right play or finding that next guy open. But I also love the mental aspect of the game keeping everything together I like to feel in control as in I want to be on the team that dictates the pace of the game. Sticking everyone together that’s a very important skill to me as well, intangibles”, added Chaed Wellian.

            He has put up some big time stats in some places, but then again had other kind of roles for other teams where his stats didn´t rise. With the EPG Baskets, he is in a situation where he could have problems putting up big time stats simply because there is so much talent around him and so many guys that can score 20 points a night. He has no problem putting up lower stats, because he only has one ultimate goal with his new club. “At the end of the day it’s all about winning for me. A championship looks better on my resume than good stats. Of course there needs to be productivity but I don’t think scoring is necessary for that. We have great natural scorers all over the board. DJ can go off for 30 points any given night same with Marly. It’s just about knowing that any of us can have one of those nights. I’ve had average stats last season with Itzehoe but we ended up first I think it’s good to understand that stats are important but winning is the ultimate goal”, warned Chaed Wellian. Another plus when you have such an explosive scoring team is that you are always around very skilled players where one can always soak up added information that could help one´s game. He has been very fortunate to have another very athletic player by his side with Brian Butler. Both Butler and Wellian can profit from each other´s games. “Brian is an amazing human being in general. He’s one of those guys that everyone would love. First time I met him was when we played in Flchingen together and Brian was the first guy together with Edin to come up to me and introduce themselves and just made sure I’m comfortable. And then to mention his athleticism which is completely off the charts he might be the most athletic player I’ve seen in my professional career. Game wise you can always learn no matter who it is even though me and Brian’s game aren’t that similar I can still learn from him. I like his touch around the basket. I think that’s a very underrated aspect of his game because he is so well known for dunking that his finishing around the basket gets overlooked”, stressed Chaed Wellian. The older you get the more the desire for that chip grows, because one knows that there won´t be that many more years left for that golden chance. Last season he won a title with Itzehoe even if it felt weird, because the season was cut short by COVID-19. This season he is going for 2 titles in a row and has a good chance to achieve it with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. “This time around we will do it the old fashioned way and I’m always hungry for more. It’s not just about what I’m willing to do but what we are willing to do like I stated before a lot of players made sacrifices being here to win the league and most of us knows what it takes so I’m confident that we as a collective will feed each others motivation to win”, warned Chaed Wellian. He may have that special current 14/8 basketball formula, but at the moment he hasn´t put much change into the formula, because he is content with staying with the same team for the second season in a row. He has done a great job avoiding change and switching teams, because at the moment he has found the right teams and helped with that special formula of winning.

Quantez Robertson is a 36 year old 188cm guard that is playing his 12th professional season for the Fraport Skyliners. He began his basketball career at Auburn (NCAA) before going overseas. As a professional he helped lead Frankfurt to the 2010 BBL final as a rookie and helped win the 2016 Fiba Europe cup. He also has been named Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Defensive Player of the Year 5 times and maned to the Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team 7 times. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the disappointing 75-74 loss to Giessen

Tez a tough loss in Giessen. How strange was it playing in front of no fans in a gym where you could probably write a book about the aggressiveness of the fans?

It was very weird playing in Giessen in a place where it is usually sold out and where it gets very loud. I missed playing in front of their hostile crowd.

You have lost many tough games in your 12 year career, but where does this 77-74 loss rank?

This game being against our rival, it is definitely up there especially losing by one point. This loss is up there with a bunch of other loses. 

Head coach Sebastian Gleim said after the big Braunschweig win that the Fraport Skyliners have to put a 40 minute game together with the offense you had against Bayreuth and the defense you showed against Braunschweig. How close did you guys come to giving this kind of a performance in Giessen?

I don’t think that we did that in the first half. In the second 20 minutes we fought harder and played more aggressive which helped us cut into their lead and help us get it back. We still haven’t played together for a good 40 minutes on offense and defense. 

The Fraport Skyliners didn’t start well and were playing catch up ball until the last minutes when you finished the second quarter with a 6-0 run. Why couldn’t you muster more on offense?

They did a good job pressuring us and making us take fast shots and delaying our entries. They got us out of our rhythm. 

How different were the Giessen 46ers with new head coach Rolf Scholz?


They still ran some of their old plays, but also had some new plays. Their coach was a key factor in the win.

Frankfurt came back and took the lead at 43-42, but then gave it up again and then took it again leading 54-51. How frustrating as captain is it for you seeing these up and down periods?

It is very frustrating seeing this. We know that we are better than what we are showing. We know that we can get the kind of shots we want with the plays we run. We rushed our plays which led us to not getting good shots or having good ball movement. That was the reason we couldn’t build off the lead.

Giessen made it exciting at the end and somehow pulled out the win. Talk about the last seconds. It was the big plays that decided the game. 


We tried to make a cross court pass which unfortunately was guarded very well by Brandon Thomas. He read the play very well, but that is what a good vet does. He just made a heck of a play. I thought that we had drawn up a good play, but we just couldn’t execute it.

As captain do you have a talk with Jon Axel Gundmundsson or do you just let him deal with his mistake?

Yes we have to keep motivating him and just remind him to keep playing his game. He can’t dwell on it, but learn from it and be ready for the next game. 

You had a great game with 15 points and 12 rebounds. You have always been a great and passionate rebounder, but is it sometimes tough for you having to do so much extra on the glass?

No it doesn’t. Grabbing rebounds what is expected of me. I’m really happy to be able to hit the offensive and defensive glass. It is my job to get the rebounds and start the break for the extra possessions. 

You shot only 1/7 from outside. Does Steph Curry’s 103 three’s in a row in a five minute span give you added motivation to work harder on your outside shot?

Yes most definitely. He made all 103 from the corner. The shots I had in Giessen, I have to make. I really do have to get up more shots after Giessen. I am sure it will show in games.

As a veteran one has to cherish the opportunity to still be able to battle great vets like Brandon Bowmann and Brandon Thomas. What memories do you have of battling them in your career?

When I first played against Thomas, he was in Braunschweig. I had tough games against him there as well as when he was with Munich and Quackenbruck. I remember not having to check Bowman in Bayreuth because we didn’t play small ball then. He can score in many ways. I also remember him having a good game in Cyprus against us in Fiba Cup.

Who will retire first among you, Bowman and Thomas?


I think that Brandon Thomas and I will be playing longer than Brandon Bowman. 

The games don’t get any easier as you travel to play MBC on Saturday. They are a real tough team that are very nasty to play on their court. What will be key in getting the win?

We have to stay focused. We have to stick to our game plan, fight, stick together and enjoy the moment.

Your ex teammate 2011 BBL MVP Dashaun Wood mentioned that Russel Westbrook had another triple double, but the Wizards are off to a 0-4 start. Does this start show again that he has problems leading the ship?

I don’t think that he has any problems leading a team. He hasn’t been so long with Washington and hasn’t been acquainted so well yet. But I think that as the season goes on and has more practice time and games, that the team will click.

How proud are you of your ex teammate Isaac Bonga who is again a starter this season and playing alongside Westbrook and Bradley Beal. He is a guy that doesn’t make many mistakes on the court. How much did Gordon Herbert’s philosophy rub off on him?

Isaac has always been a player that didn’t make many mistakes as a young kid. He was expected to take care of the ball with us. He has done a good job picking his spots and attacking the rim with the Wizards. He also has shown that he is a great passer that finds guys in the right spot.

What new years resolutions do you have for 2021?

I want to start off the year with a win at MBC.

Thanks Tez for the chat.

 Evan Mcgaughey is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Carthage, Illinois that is playing his fourth professional season and second in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg currently averaging 10,0ppg, 4,0rpg, 14apg and 1,0spg. Last season he played with Benacquista Assicurazioni Latina Basket (Italy-Serie A2) playing 12 games averaging 9.9ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 59.3%. The year before he played with BK JIP Pardubice (Czech Republic-NBL) playing 38 games averaging 7.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 66.7%; and played 6 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 10.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 60.0% . He completed his rookie season in Germany with the MLP Academics Heielberg averaging 11.8ppg, 6,4rpg and 2,1apg while shooting 41% from outside. The American played an illustrious career at Quincy (NCAA’) where he averaged double figures in scoring average each season. As a senior he played 25 games averaging 16.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 50.6%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com late in the summer about basketball. 

Evan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been despite the whole COVID-19 effecting the world

I just arrived in Heidelberg yesterday, August 31st. Recently, I just moved to Cincinnati, Ohio with my wife as we got married in early August. It was a wild summer to say the least.

How have you experienced the whole COVID-19 crisis in Italy and the States in the last months How much did the last 6 months change your life and how much of a challenge was it finding the time and places to be able to stay in shape and be able to work on your game?


I was fortunate enough to get out of Italy in late December, so I wasn’t held up there at all. It was weird being in the US at that time though. Everything was shut down and I wasn’t able to get in a gym. We had to compromise and workout in driveways and parks that still had rims up on the baskets.

You played your last game on December 15th in Italy. What did you learn about appreciate most about basketball in the time that you couldn’t compete on the floor against other teams?

I’m not sure what I learned from sitting out, but I realized how much I missed being out there with teammates. We were a very close team off the court in Italy, and it was hard to be away from them..

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I guess COVID made my stronger as a man because I realized if I could stay healthy during the pandemic then it wasn’t my time to go. I’m still on this Earth to serve a purpose.

How much are you yearning to play a professional game again? When a player hasn’t played for so long what do you feel is missing most besides the competitive edge?

The thing I miss most is just being around a great group of guys. We have that again this year in Heidelberg. The club has put together a great team and I see a very successful season ahead of us..

Welcome back to Heidelberg and the MLP Academics. They gave you the biggest compliment saying they never wanted to let you go. What kind of compliment can you give the club now 2 years later?


The best compliment I can give them is that this is one of my favorite places I have played at in my career. I love the city of Heidelberg, and the fans are really supportive of the team here. Management and the coaches are high class as well

You stated in the team press release. You want to help lead the club to the easyCredit BBL. Wasn’t the team ready 3 years ago to go this difficult path?

Yes and no, as a team it was possibly for us to make it to the ProA finals and compete. The club was not ready though because we needed a bigger gym to play in to fit the criteria for the BBL.

You have played many games in your career including college and seen many coaches and people involved with clubs. How has your relationship grown with Branislav Ignjatovic and CEO Matthias Lautenschlager?

I’ve always had great respect for coach Frenki and Matthias. It would be hard not to since they were the ones that ultimately took a chance on my out of college. I’ll always thank them for that

How excited are you to be teammates with experienced guard Shy Ely again. You learned so much from him as a rookie. Could we see a new type of dynamic duo now in that you both have 2 more years of important experience?


Anything is possible when you have two very skilled players, but we also have several pieces around us that are just as able. I can’t wait to start competing with Shy again though, because I know he will be right there every step of the way wanting the same end result..

You also stated in our first interview in 2017 that in terms of having a hidden strength it was this. ‘I would say my ability to keep the team morale in a positive direction would be a strength of mine. I always try to keep things in a positive perspective’. Has been keeping a positive attitude something that has now gotten on people’s radar’s more?

I think it has a little bit. Teams are certainly looking for talent and athleticism first, but they also want to know what type of person you are. If you have all three then they really have no reason to turn you down

You shot 41% as a rookie from downtown and was below 30% the last 2 seasons. What is the biggest challenge for you on a daily basis concerning when your working on shooting a very good three?

I was below 40% the last two seasons. I just have to focus on getting the amount of reps in each day in order to stay consistent. As long as I do that then good things will happen.

How do you feel have you grown as a defensive player now at the pro ranks? What has been the biggest challenge being a shot blocker at the pro level?

Just learning how physical the game is as a pro is something I have definitely learned. It’s a much different game than college. Timing is everything though when you are trying to block shots, and you can’t get happy feet or else you’re sitting on the bench in foul trouble..

On what area’s of your game were you working on most this summer to help you continue to grow as a player?

Really I was working on all aspects of my game. Since it was so long since I last played I didn’t really focus on one certain thing to improve..

You played your second professional season with BK JIP Pardubice (Czech Republic-NBL) playing 38 games averaging 7.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 66.7%; and played 6 FIBA Europe Cup: games averaging 10.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 60.0%. How vital was the Fiba Europe Cup experience? What was the most vital aspect your game got from this competition?

It was great to be able to play in the FIBA Europe Cup. I played against a lot of great players and was able to find out how I stack up against some of the best in Europe..

What kind of experience was it being teammates with Evan Singletary? How much easier did his point guard skills make your game and was that the first time you had had another Evan on your team in your career?

Evan was a lot of fun to play with once he came on board. He’s very underrated here in Europe I believe. Very hard worker and always making the right read on the floor

Last season you played with Benacquista Assicurazioni Latina Basket (Italy-Serie A2) playing 12 games averaging 9.9ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 59.3%. This league has had a good reputation for some years now. It is a league where suddenly that player will pop up and you will say oh yeh he wasn’t in the NBA too long ago like a Brice Johnson. What good do you feel did your game profit from this experience?

Italy A2 is a very competitive league, and you never know what big name you might face there. Brice was a lot of fun to play against. You are always ready for the games when a big name like that is in the gym. He’s a really good guy too, I was talking to him and picking his brain the whole game which helped me out along the way

How proud have you been of Courtney Belger who proved at the Pro A level the last 2 years that he can play at that level. Have you kept the contact with him and followed his career a bit?

Ya Courtney and I keep in touch. I’ve always known that he would be successful in the Pro A as long as he got a shot at it. He’s worked way too hard for his moment and I knew he wouldn’t pass it up.

Who as the toughest player that you battled last season in Italy?

There are several names that I can think of. It was never an easy night in A2. Brice Johnson of course was one, and Kenny Goins was right up there as well

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Top 5 teammates of all time; Shy Ely, Eric Palm, Dalton Pepper, Dwayne Benjamin, and Andrea Ancelloti..

You might have witnessed Luka Donic in your rookie season in Germany. Is he a top 3 NBA player yet?

Luka is definitely getting close to top 3. Right now I’m not even sure who my top 3 would be, but he is certainly in the discussion

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

Thanks Evan for the chat.

Richaud Pack is one of countless guys balling in Europe that has his own unique and fascinating story, but then again doesn´t every player?. The guy already had a special kind of NCAA career playing at 3 schools with Florida International University (NCAA), North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA) and the  University of Maryland (NCAA). He rocked in North Carolina, but had a tough senior year at Maryland(NCAA) which very well affected the type of professional organizations that he signed with, but the lower leagues in Cyprus, Spain and Finland never effected his mind set which has always been in 100% grind mode as he has continued to go his way step by step. This season the 28 year old 192cm guard from Maryland is playing his 5th professional season with BC GGMT Vienna (Austria-BSL) and is really taking off with his personal game. He never averaged less than 11,3ppg as a professional and once averaged 20,4ppg with Ametx Zornotza (Spain-EBA) in the Spanish fourth division and last season with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) averaged 17.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 90.2%, but what he is doing this season is just incredible as he has heightened his game and stats another step to a new dimension. He currently is averaging 22,7ppg, 2,4rpg and 4,4apg while shooting a very respectable 37% from the parking lot. His rise in scoring has raised eye brows in Austria, but what he accomplished this past weekend has put his name on the map in Europe. He scored an incredible 55 points in an Austrian first division league game helping his team to a 104-101 OT win over Arcadia. The victory was huge, but so is his new Austrian scoring record  “It means everything. I’ve put in so much work and to see some of it pay off in this way is priceless. I feel like this is the biggest mark I’ve left in Europe to this point. Now I want to leave many more”, warned Richaud Pack. Ex NBA player Nigel Hayes of Euroleague team Zalgiris said that the NBA has a million eyes and notice players in Europe. It´s no different with other European teams who are always scouting players for the future. My favorite and most classic quote from Richaud Pack is. “I try to focus on dominating where I am rather than focusing on where I could be or where I might go in the future”. That is exactly what he is doing this season in Austria, but one has to really wonder how much awareness he has gotten now in Europe with his 55 point explosion? “I feel like I’m so used to being overlooked that I don’t look to be noticed or worry about it. It can distract you and play with your mental depending on who you are as a person. I saw a quote the other day that said “Wherever you are, be there completely.” I have to give myself full permission to be here. Not in the past, not in the future. I’m surrendering to the moment. Right now is a gift, that’s why they call is the present”, warned Richaud Pack.

            So let´s rewind a few days to December, 26th 2020, a day which forever will be remembered in Austrian basketball. Pack entered the game and just started scoring and didn´t stop. Of course having the OT period helped his totals, but overall everything worked for him. Sometimes what you eat can have an effect on you. Fraport Skyliner Matt Mobley scored 31 points in a win last weekend and had a Christmas pizza, but Richaud Pack didn´t need any food for extra strength, but moreover it was motivation for past failures on the court. “I didn’t eat anything special. However I was inspired. My recent frustrations inspired me. My President motivated me by having a personal talk with me and giving me confidence and comfort to do what I did. Ironically, the same person who had the all-time record, Stjepan Stazic, is the one who talked to me about the mind set it takes to do such a thing. So again, thanks to him”, warned Richaud Pack. Prior to this monumental scoring clinic, the American had had problems shooting against St.Poelten and Klosterneuburg combining for only 7 points on 3/19 shooting. He knew that something definitely had to change and just put in the extra extra work and also mentally was a different type of warrior. “I locked in differently. I did solo workouts when no one else was at the gym. I shot a couple hundred shots on game day in the morning. The main change was in my mentality. I was in attack mode no matter what play was called, no matter how many minutes I played, and no matter who thought I shouldn’t be shooting the ball. I felt like I had to remind the league, our team and my coach that I was that guy. I had a point to prove”, stressed Richaud Pack.

            Scoring 55 points was an amazing and memorable personal achievement, but at the same time getting the win was massive. The league is a real dog fight as the standings are very close. Only two places separate from first place to sixth place. Every game is very important. Pack´s club now has won 5 of the last 6 games and are in a nice groove. If someone were to ask him what is more important the 55 points or a title at the end of the season, one could imagine what he would answer. “I believe God has what he has for me. So I wouldn’t trade anything that I’ve been given by the higher power seeing that it’s already done. However, if you had asked me before the game, 55 points or a championship this season, I would definitely say championship”, stressed Richaud Pack. Pack has been in a groove for most of the season except for two poor games has really dominated. He has scored 20 points or more 8 times and hit Klosternburg for 34 points, but nothing compares to his monumental 55 point demolition performance. This great game didn´t just happen, but a sign that good things would happen already occurred in practice days leading up to his scoring record. “I knew two days before the game. We had a scrimmage to 20 points. I scored all 20. Then we went to 15, and I had 13. The last game was to 20 and I had 17 of them. The entire week I was on a totally different level mentally”, expressed Richaud Pack. Often when guys score somewhere between 30-40 points, one says they were in the zone, but where are you exactly when you score 55 points?  “I was unconscious. . I blocked everything out. I wasn’t going to allow anything to stop me. It got to the point where the moment before I shot until the ball was in the air, I couldn’t feel anything. I would just remember the ball going in all net and thinking wow, I can’t miss”, warned Richaud Pack. It was one of those games where really everything worked for him. He scored a lot from the two point area, hit 7 three pointers and got to the free throw line 12 times. It may seem easy at times being able to score 55 points, but it isn´t always. There is a lot of bleeding involved when defenses are keying in on you because you are the top scorer in the league.  “When I watch the film, I realized the shots I was making were a bit harder than they seemed in the moment. That’s how it is when you are a scorer. That rim gets big and hands in your face don’t bother you”, said Richaud Pack. Learning never gets old even when you score 55 points. Having always been overlooked his whole basketball life, he will never be satisfied and knows that he got something very valuable from this experience. “I learned the sky is the limit when I go to another level of focus and determination. I have to play extra aggressive and keep the defenders on their heels when I have the ball”, added Richaud Pack. When you see a guy score 55 points a quick assumption is that the guy hogged the ball and took all the shots. Ok so he attempted 32 shots, but what other player wouldn´t have kept shooting when every shot was like hitting the ocean? He demonstrated his unselfishness still being that vital team player getting 5 boards, dishing out 7 dimes and getting 1 steal and block. “I remember a play where I was at 25 points in the first half and I was playing 1-on-1. Most coaches will let you shoot any shot at that point. No one will say anything. However, when a player helped on me, I passed to our captain Paul and he made a 3. I was always trying to make the right play. This is something I’ve been preaching to our team to do. I feel like when I still was a team player the entire game despite scoring 55 points, it showed some guys that they could do the same”, commented Richaud Pack.

            So many professional players in Europe will never eclipse 40 points or even 30 points in a game even if they played a full 40 minute game. Scoring isn´t for everybody but I gulped when Pack told me that his 55 record breaking points in Austria wasn´t even his highest total. He once scored 56 points as a 17 year old senior in high school where he dueled against future NBA player James Young. In the NCAA he scored 30 points twice against Greensboro and NJIT and his professional high before the 55 point explosion was in Cyprus as a rookie where he netted 34 points against AEK where he out scored ex NBA player Primoz Brezec and top Euro players Thaddus Mcfadden and Brandon Bowman. Even if the NBA is about as far away for the American as it is for Lebron James to have all his haters erased, there is no denying that this towering achievement that Pack has made brings some NBA chatter to the picture. Who will forget Kobe Bryant´s incredible 81 point game or forget when Devin Booker scored 70 points or when the immortal Michael Jordan scored 69 points. He must have had some thoughts about these NBA guys big time point totals after his 55. “Kobe pops in my head in this specific instance because I was in a mamba mentality type zone this game”, answered Richaud Pack. Some more NBA chatter you can add is concerning Steph Curry´s recent amazing 5 minute shooting clinic nailing 103 three´s in a row. Pack is more than half way there once having drilled home 67 three´s in a row. But enough about the NBA. What heights can he reach on the court after dropping 55 points? “This performance motivates me to stay a killer on the court. It motivates me to stay in attack mode. The points will come but I’m more concerned with my mentality than obsessing over a high point number. If I attack the game correctly, big nights will happen from time to time”, warned Richaud Pack. The eyes on Richaud Pack will continue to grow this season as more European clubs have him on their radars for next season, but that all isn´t important to him. He goes game by game. His 55 points will only be a great memory as it is in the past and next season is in the future. All that matters now is the present and the next game.

Jonas Herold is a 25 year old 198cm forward that is playing his third season for the Artland Dragons. Last season he played 19 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.8rpg. He began his basketball career with BBG Herford (2.Regionalliga), and then went on to gather further basketball experience with teams like BSG Bremerhaven (2.Regionalliga), TV 1864 Salzkotten (Regionalliga), Paderborn Baskets III (Oberliga) TSV Crailsheim Merlins 2nd team (Regionalliga and the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career. 

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

Right now I’m at home in Bielefeld at my family’s during the weekdays, I’m doing my rehab nearby in Herford. On the weekends I’m always in Quakenbrueck to be with the team. It’s a good mix for me as I still have my usual rhythm in Quakenbrueck and get to be with my teammates and coaches. Basketball wise it’s super tough at the moment, I’m not going to lie. Seeing the guys practice, play and compete sucks because you know there’s nothing you can do in order to help the team succeed on the court at the moment. I get to see the game more and more out of the coaches perspective in some regard, and it’s a terrible perspective! At the same time I’m happy that I get to spend so much time with the team, see the team develop from week to week and be able to talk to the guys and maybe help them out here and there.

You suffered a tough ACL injury just before COVID-19 hit the world. How are you feeling today and how was the rehab during COVID-19?

Currently I’m feeling quite well. I’m making constant progress and the hard work is paying off slowly. The thing bothering me the most right now is my peroneal nerve which got compressed during the injury. It’s responsible for lifting the foot and due to the injury I still can’t lift it, as the nerve is still recovering. Regarding the rehab during COVID-19 I got to say that the virus didn’t really change one bit of rehab for me. I still get to go to rehab every day, my physiotherapists and doctors are still working and available for me, which definitely is a privilege.

How tough was rehabbing in a time of COVID-19? What were the biggest challenges for you to be able to get the best treatment?

Everything stayed the same for me from March on up until now. I got to spend 3 months at Medicos.auf Schalke. where I was only one of a few pro-athletes that were able to be there and get treatment almost 24/7, so that was big-time.

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

It made me a lot stronger! Especially the beginnings were extremely tough. I had surgery in Hamburg a day prior to my birthday, and on top of that nobody was allowed to pay me a visit due to the COVID-19 rules. Definitely not the best feeling in the world being stuck in bed with tons of pain, sleepless nights and nobody allowed to come by. After I was able to get out of bed it was eye-opening what I got to see. My room-mate had stage 3 bone-cancer in his thy. I saw little kids with cancer, tumors all over their face, I saw COVID-19 patients coming into the hospital. It was scary, but extremely humbling at the same time to know that the problems I have are minor compared to others destinies.

Let’s talk about your career. The Artland Dragons is your 7th team. You have seen many organizations in young years. Can you say that the Artland Dragons have become your second home?

100%! The organization treated me well from day one, and nothing has changed ever since. The way they stuck with me during my injury, by far my lowest point in my career, was incredible. I know they got my back no matter what and I’m forever grateful for that. Even though pro-sports is a business, the Artland Dragons in some regard swim against the tide. They never leave out the humanity within the business. 

How much are you itching to play again? How tough has not playing been and what have you missed the most from the game?

It’s itching like crazy! You get to see so many things from the outside during this time span you never really saw before. You would do so many things differently. You get to control your emotions even better than before because you know there’s nothing you can do. You get to understand the coaches better. You think you’d adapt your game if you should return. What I miss about the game can’t be cut down to one or two aspects. I miss everything. The practices, the shootarounds, the lifting sessions, the games, may they be good or bad, the comradery. You even get to miss the pre-season and video-sessions. What I know best is that I will never ever will take anything for granted again because nothing is guaranteed, especially not in sports. I will surely stay the ambitious athlete who hates losing more than anything, but I would deal with all of that in a whole different way.

You increased your minutes from 8 to 19 with the Artland Dragons. How do you feel has your game grown and matured in the Pro A with the Dragons?

I think my offensive game has developed quite a lot during the years with Artland. I worked a lot on my shot with coach Tuna Isler and with Florian Hartenstein previously. I set out my own personal goal in becoming somewhat of a swiss-knife on the court, being a player that has no real weakness. I worked on my shot and ballhandling, tried to strengthen my drive and skills on the defensive end. I tried to erase my weaknesses and build on my strengths. What I saw during the time at Artland is that a lot comes with experience. It might help you to gain that slight advantage over your defender, read in-game situations better and also becoming more vocal on and off-court.

One guy who played a big role in your development has been Florian Hartenstein. What was the most important things that he gave your game that you are most thankful for?

Flo had an impact especially on the offensive end. He’s definitely a player’s coach and pushed me to being more confident offensively, worked with me on my shot and also made me a more vocal player on the court. He stuck with me when I put my head down and always approached me with a positive attitude, not pulling me down but always trying to lift me up when I was too hard on myself. He was the first to give me legit game-time on Pro A level with the Dragons and I’m forever thankful for that.

Let’s talk a bit more in depth about your game? You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I really like the game of Bogdan Bogdanovic and might compare it to him. I followed his game when he was in the Euroleague with Fenerbahce already and same goes for his NBA days now. He’s not a flashy player, so am I. He’s smart on the court, sneaky and really versatile. He got a great shot, for sure a lot better than mine, is able to go all the way to the hoop and also knows how to share the ball and provide for his teammates, like I do as well. Same goes for the defensive end, versatile, smart and sneaky.

Talk a little about your biggest strengths on the court. In what direction do you want to take your game as you continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I’m coachable. As I said before, it might be the versatility and the aspect I don’t have a big weakness. I think I got a high game-IQ, became a decent shooter adding to my drive and am a good passer for my position. Defensively I’m trying to be a vocal anchor and not shying away from doing the dirty work. Looking ahead, I want to be a clear leader on and off-court. Besides that there’s always room for improvement in every aspect, maybe on my shot and ballhandling the most.

You take a lot of pride with your defensive game. How important is your defensive presence for your team?

I think it’s important to have. The last two years I was happy to play alongside my former teammate Jannes Hundt, who always was a pain in the ass for opponents guards. It was great to have another guy like that around because it makes life easier for you as well. Being a defensive presence gives the team some kind of security as well as for the coach. I’m pretty versatile for my size, which helps guarding either smaller or bigger players and also helps in the modern switching defense.

You moved around a lot in young years playing in Paderborn, Bremerhaven and Herford. What memories do you have of these times and why was it difficult staying in one place for you?

I started off in Herford but quickly went to Paderborn to play in my youth days as it was the only team I got to play on the highest youth level back in the day. As Hamed Attarbashi was my previous coach in Paderborn and then moved on to coach Bremerhaven he offered me to come and join him there when I was 16. It was a no-brainer for me as I knew what a great, developing coach he was. With that being said, I have a lot of great memories about that time. We had a lot of success in Paderborn and then in Bremerhaven when I moved away from home with 16. I had to be self-reliant in Bremerhaven, lived in a shared flat with teammates, had to handle both school and practices. We spent so much time together as a team and developed a real brotherhood that is still present today. It was a great time!

You played a season with the TSV Crailsheim Merlins 2nd team (2.Regionalliga) playing 25 games averaging 8.7ppg. How tough was this season as a 20 year old not really making steps as a player as you had to play in the second Regionalliga?


It was really tough. I got to Crailsheim the season before right around January, only to break my hand in the very first game. I was out for the season, got the chance to come back to the club but was stuck in the Regionalliga and didn’t get to practice or play with the Pro A team at that time. It was hard to keep going and keep the motivation up, but I’m thankful for the coaches Kai Buchmann and Pascal Heinrichs back then for always being hard on me, because it paid off and Tuomas Iisalo gave me a chance to present myself towards the end of the season. 

You got a taste of your first Pro A moments with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA). How thankful were you that American head coach Simon Cote gave you a chance?

Man. I’m forever thankful that I got to be around Simon. He taught me so much about what it means to be a pro. He was hard on me, made me fight adversity, made me better and tougher and a better person as well. He was a perfectionist on court and that’s what stuck with me the most. He always led by example. As I got more and more game time towards the end of that season thanks to both Simon Cote and also my current coach Tuna Isler, who was assistant coach back then and invested incredibly much time in me and my game and therefore surely is the biggest promoter during my career, I made the best out of the chances I got, played good ball and earned me a contract with the Artland Dragons.

What are your biggest goals now as a player at age 25? Is just becoming a good Pro A role player the goal or do you have BBL ambitions?
I’

m an ambitious person, so of course my goal is to reach the next level. But for now my goal is to complete the rehab process 100%, then we’ll see.

You don’t only have basketball and play station in your head, but are an ambitious student. Talk a little about what you are studying and how challenging that is despite being a full time professional player?

I study sports science, English and psychology. I always knew for myself that I wanted to do something else besides basketball no matter what and that’s why I’m totally fine with it and the challenges that come with it. Of course it’s tough when it comes to submitting papers, learning for exams and having to do university stuff before or after practice when others are able to chill and relax. But I know that I would go crazy in my head only playing basketball and not gaining new knowledge. For me it’s a great alternation.

Who has been the toughest player that you ever faced on the court?

It’s a toss-up between Josh Richardson and Thomas Walkup. 

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Chase Griffin
Chris von Fintel
Leon Friederici 
Jona Spradley
Robert Oehle

Good players, even greater and/or funnier persons!

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

Michael Jordan
LeBron James
Magic Johnson
Hakeem Olajuwon

What was the last movie/series that you saw?

I recently started ‘House of Cards’, good stuff.

Thanks Jonas for the chat.