Sam Van-Rossom is a 34 year old 188cm point guard that was born in Gent, Belgium that is playing his 16th professional season and 8th with Valencia Basket (ACB-Spain). Last season he played 20 ACB games averaging 8.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 85.0%; and played 14 Euroleague games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 93.8%. He played 3 seasons with CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB) and currently has played 308 ACB games. He began his basketball career with De Pinte and then played 3 seasons with Telindus BC Oostende and 2 seasons with Scavolini Spar Pesaro (Italy-SerieA). He has won 7 professional titles including 2 Eurocup titles and an ACB title. He has taken part at 4 Euro championships. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich in Munich.

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

I’m currently in Valencia, Spain. Honestly life is pretty good. We are doing good at the Euroleague stage, but struggling in the ACB. If we can fix some things then we will be ok. 

Before we get to your basketball career, let us talk about Covid-19. How did you experience the last 7-8 months with COVID-19? What was the most challenging thing you encountered in these hard times?


It has been a tough and strange time for everyone. It was tough during the first lock down and now a second lock down is coming. We have to adjust to different situations something we aren’t used to. We have to stay positive and find some way to live until that vaccine is found. We all have to find that extra effort to keep going.

How did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man in the last months during your daily dealings on and off the court?

The hardest part for me was at the beginning when the strict lock down came. I was locked up in Spain for 7 weeks. The only thing we could do was go out grocery shopping. The biggest challenge for me was to stay busy. Now with the technology it is easy to stay in touch with people, but imagine what it would have been like 50 years ago. You would have lost touch with many. I tried to stay active as best as I could. COVID-19 really felt like Big Brother without cameras. I didn’t really pick up any new hobbies, but tried picking up on old things like reading and doing puzzles. I tried not to read to much of the papers or watch TV because so much negativity was reported about COVID-19. I feel like if I had done that that I could have been negatively influenced by COVID-19 if I read it each day. 

What kind of experience has it been overall for you mentally with COVID-19? Do you have that fear of getting tested positive or are you confident that you will be COVID-19 free because you are disciplined and be careful of not getting in contact with people?


No I don’t have that day to day fear of it. I try to do as much as possible to protect myself. I realize that anybody can get it. This is a new reality that we all have to get used to. I think if people can stay fit and take care of themselevs well then the chances to contract the virus will be less. In Valencia we luckily haven’t had any cases. 

Your playing your 8th season for Valencia Basket (ACB) and 11th in the Spanish ACB: How has the league changed over the years?

Back in 2010 the ACB was considered one of the best in Europe if not the best and that is the same today. The league is so competitive. If you don’t give 100% each game you will lose. Many believe that only Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the best, but there are many many other contenders as well. The quality of Americans then with guys like Pete Mickeal and Louis Bullock was high and it is still as high today. Now you have high quality guys like Jaycee Carroll who has had a long ACB career or Corey Higgins that remain in the league. Now guys prefer to play in the Euroleague than in the NBA, because you can have a longer career here.

It can happen that a player from a country plays a long time for 1 team in his homeland, but it isn’t often that a player from another country plays a long time for one team. Could Valencia ever compete for your first home before Belgium?

That is a tough question, but in the end, there is no place like home. Valencia does fell like home. For an import player to remain 8 years with one club is exceptional. Now your seeing more guys playing longer in one place. When you feel comfortable and play well at a high level, you get that feeling like you can build something.

What has been your secret to remaining with one team. Didn’t you ever want to experience more different cultures and leagues?

It always depends on the circumstance. I wasn’t supposed to come back after my 4th season. I had had my second knee surgery and was a free agent during the summer. I though that my time was up and I needed to change the horizon, but in the end, I played a good Euro championships and proved that I could play 5 games in 7 days and be healthy. I ended up signing back with Valencia. It always depends on the situation. I could have left, but decided to remain. You never know what will happen. A big thing one has to always remember is that you never really have security. It is about being at the right spot at the right time, having the touch of luck, and meeting the right people. I feel if you work hard at your game and take care of your self, then you will have the best control of where you play.

This season Valencia is up and down in the ACB and playing solid in the Euroleague. The club has held on to many guys as well as added many new guys. What kind of a journey do you see the team taking this season?


We are very talented on paper and had great signings this season who have earned their stripes in Europe. A lot of guys have played Euroleague, but not in the ACB and still need to adapt. We still need some time. 

You played with many ex NBA players, but how has it been having Derrick Williams as a teammate? Does he have that NBA swagger when he enters the room?


No no he doesn’t bring that NBA swagger. Derrick is really down to earth. You would think a guy with that basketball resume coming from the NBA would have an attitude, but he doesn’t. He is a great player and guy. We have a lot of fun off the court. He talks a little about his NBA career here and there. It is amazing having a guy like him in the league. He was a very high NBA draft pick. Having a guy like that in the league doesn’t happen often. 

You and teammate Bojan Dubljevic have been on the team the longest since 8 seasons. Do you guys have a special relationship and how perfect is the understanding of each other on the court?


We have learned to understand each other very well over the years. We always know where the other guy will be on the court and what each others movements are. But that is a normal thing. It is easier like that. Our relationship is very good. We have been through a lot together.

How have you witnessed the development of Slovenian guard Klemen Prepelic? 2 years ago, he averaged 4,3ppg with Real Madrid and last season led the ACB in scoring with Badalona at 21,0ppg. Was his arrival with Real Madrid a bit too early?

I wouldn’t say that his time in Madrid was too early. It always depends what the role is in each team. In Badalona, he was the main weapon while with Real Madrid he wasn’t. On a team like that, there are so many guys that have a lot of responsibility that you can’t put up those huge stats. It didn’t surprise me that he was top scorer in Badalona. He is at a age now where he has adapted well to the game. He knows what he has to do. He will have an important role with us as well. He won’t be the guy he was at Badalona with us, but will have an important role with us. 

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 188cm point guard that can fill the stat sheet at ease. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

At the beginning of my career, many told me hey you look like J.J Barea because of our physical similarities. The NBA is different to the play in Europe. Europe is more technical and more defensive while the NBA is quick paced and offensive. I don’t like to compare my game to an NBA player. 

Since coming to Spain you have shot 40% or better from outside 8 times. You have always been a great shooter, but how do you feel have you best respected for other parts of your game over the years?

I think those that know me know that I’m a point guard that likes to control the game and help the team play it’s best. I try to make good shot selection and not take bad shots. One of my best attributes is controlling the pace.

You have never been that consistent scorer in double figures, but overall have been able to put up consistent stats. What has been your secret to really never having an off year?

I think key in my success of being consistent has been not trying to complicate things. I always attempt to find the easiest solution. I feel playing this way also helps the team understand better how I play. Scoring isn’t the most important thing for me. I tend to make plays that aren’t seen on the stat sheet as well. Making the right play at the right time is important. I also like to keep giving that guy who is on fire the ball. I also think my defensive energy is important something that isn’t seen on the stat sheet. I once had a coach who told me during a tough span that to get the confidence back, you should just do the things that come most easy to you. That will help you get back in rhythm. Do the easy things first and the rest will come. All players go through this. 

You have won 7 titles in your professional career. You won the 2017 ACB title and 2014 and 2019 Eurocup titles. You can never compare titles, but if you had to pick one that means the most which one would it be?


The most important title was the first one in 2014. It was my first year in Valencia and we had a great season. The ACB title was big as well, but I didn’t play the playoffs, because I was hurt. When you don’t play in the playoffs and win, it feels strange. I just didn’t feel like a big part of it. 

You played many many times against Luka Doncic in the ACB and Euroleague. Was there a moment that you remember where you knew early on that he was a special player?

I can remember that at already a young age, he would come on the court being absolute fearless. Many young players will come on the floor afraid, but he came on the court as if he was playing against a junior team. He played so loose already at a young age. He didn’t overthink. He was a big talent and was very mature for his age than anybody else. . You just new he was a special talent. A guy like him comes along every 20 years. 

Do you remember a battle or play that you had against him on the court where you left the court as the winner?

It was hard to get the better of him. His last 2 years in Madrid were crazy. When he was really young, you could get into his head at times, because he was inexperienced, but later it was difficult. In his last year, it was really hard to get into his head. I remember having good games against him and he had good games against me. For me it was never a personal thing like ‘oh I’m playing against Luka Doncic today. Team was always the most important thing for me. I had some big wins over Doncic. We won the ACB title in 2017 over Real Madrid. 

You played some seasons with Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp. When he played in Frankfurt, I called him the 7 Am practice player because he was in the gym at that time sometimes. Was it his work ethic or IQ that stood out most?


I think both. Aaron is intelligent and understands the game well. We are only 1 year a part. We both share the same type of work ethic. We both always came early to the gym especially doing prevention exercises when we both had injuries. We both always went hard. I always like to tell young players that it doesn’t matter how talented you are, if you don’t put in the work, you won’t get the maximum result. Work ethic is the number 1 most important thing for a player. 

Two seasons ago you played with Matt Thomas. You have played with so many talented players, but did it surprise you when you read his name on the Toronto Raptors roster?

To be honest yes and no. Matt is a specialist. He is a great shooter, but also a real gym rat. He is that special guy that will do everything possible to become the best that he can. Now you see many guys reach the NBA, because they are a specialist. If you’re a very good shooter, then the NBA will draw attention. Matt is the kind of player that can dynamite a game and hit 3 or 4 three’s in a span of a few minutes. I see him as a younger version of a Jaycee Carroll. He improved a lot with Valencia. 

In the 2017-2018 season you played with giant Tibor Pleiss. What memories do you have of the German and was it a joy for you watching him show his touch around the rim?

His touch around the rim is exceptional. I always liked to play with him. I knew that when I was in trouble, all I had to do was throw him up an alley-oop. He is such a talented big man with great hands. Rarely do you see a 7 footer that can shoot the three. On defense he was always some kind of a rim protector. He can look back as having had a great career with teams of big history. 

In the 2015-2016 season you played with Luke Sikma who has become a mini identity figure in Germany with Alba Berlin. When you see him again year after year in Euroleague games is there anything new that his game still presents to you?


Luke doesn’t surprise me anymore. He plays the position 4 and puts up 12/8/8 stats. He has a point guard mind in a big man’s body. He reads the game differently than others. It was amazing playing with him. He was a great guy. I used to be his caddy on the golf course. I would drive the cart. He is an amazing talent that comes from a basketball family. It is obvious that he knows a lot about the game, because he has been around it his whole life. 

In the 2014-2015 season you were teammates with ex NBA player Dwight Buycks. He began in Europe, went to the NBA, came back to Europe, went back to the NBA and has played many years in China. What do you remember from your battles in practice?

Dwight was amazing in the open court and on 1-1. He has been one of the best that I have seen at my position in the 1-1. He has had an amazing career. He always had points in his hands. He is a guy that could easily score 20-30 points in 20 minutes. It was always hard to guard him in practice. 

You played with CAI Zaragoza (Spain ACB) from 2011-2014. How valuable was this time for your basketball development and where did you grow most with your game?

My time in Zaragoza was crucial coming from Italy. Italy at that time wasn’t the best time for me. I signed with Milan, but then played 2 seasons with Pesaro and was injured both years. It was difficult finding consistency in Italy. So when I came to Spain, it was the time to improve my game. My first 2 seasons with Zaragoza was huge in my development and everything clicked in my third year. I matured, was in better shape, read the game better and took better shots. All in all, it was my hard work in the first 2 years that helped everything click. Feeling very good mentally and physically helped me perform very well. I am still thankful for the Zaragoza organization today for having confidence in me. They told me from the start that they would have a lot of confidence in me. They told me that they would give me a long term contract and give me the time to grow. 

With CAI Zaragoza you played a season with American veteran Bracey Wright. He played in the NBA and had a great European career. Where do you rank him with best American teammates that you ever played with? I can imagine in the top 5.

Basketball wise Bracey was crazy talented. I saw him do amazing things on the court that I had never seen before. I learned so much from him. It was always a challenge to defend him. When he caught fire, he was so hard to stop. I definitely rank him in my top 5 American teammates of all-time. 

You also were teammates a few months with my favorite guy Jacob Burtschi. Besides his outstanding versatile play, did his character stand out for you?

My man Jake. Things didn’t turn out so well in Zaragoza for him. He was a great guy. I remember him coming from Germany. I always thought it was a shame that things didn’t work out between him and the club. I think that it was hard for him to find his place and to do what coach wanted him to do. He was a very good player, great guy and we had a great time together. He was a very funny guy. He would make a joke and you would die laughing. I saw pics of him in the Air Force and would make fun of him and say Air Jacob. He was always fun to be with.

You left Belgium in 2008 and played 2 years with Scavolini Spar Pesaro (Italy-SerieA). How do you remember your early days as a professional in Italy? What were your fondest moments playing in Serie A?


I did have good moments in Italy. The first year was a struggle. It was the first time abroad learning a new style and having a new coach. Plus it was rare then for a young Belgium player to move abroad. I was only 22 years old. One I adapted, I had good moments. I got hurt both seasons and got a stamp labeled as being a guy who got injured easily. Once you get a stamp, it is tough getting rid of it. I showed when I went to Zaragoza, that I didn’t miss a game in 3 seasons. Pesaro just didn’t work out my way. 

You played your early years with Telindus BC Oostende (D1) playing 12 ULEB Cup games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 45.2%, FT: 66.7%; and 36 Belgian League games averaging 11.5ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-4 (3.2apg), 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.0%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 65.0%. What memories do you have from the Belgium league and would you return home for 1 season to end your career?


The Belgium league back in the day was very good and better than it is now. Back then it was a very good place for American rookies to start their career as well as European prospects. I remember a young D or Fischer playing there. The league has gone down over the years. There are less teams now and the financial reality is a lot different. Early in my career, I wanted to finish my career at home. You should never say never. The most important focus for me now is Valencia. I would like to stay as long as possible with Valencia. 

You have played at 4 Euro championships. Is there 1 game that will always stick out in your career that you will never forget?

I think that my most memorable game was beating Lithuania in Riga at the 2015 Euro. At that time, it was big for a country like Belgium to beat a basketball country like Lithuania. Something like that didn’t happen often. Plus we won at the buzzer. 

You have had many great Belgium national team teammates but where does a guy like Axel Hervelle stand and can Manu Lecomte grow into a Eurocup/Euroleague player?

Axel showed us what it took to get from Belgium to higher leagues. He had an enormous career in Spain which was huge for Belgium basketball. He will always be one of the best ever Belgium players. He was a real warrior with a great character. He wasn’t the biggest talent that I ever saw, but he was always so hard working and always did everything to help his team win. He paved the way in Belgium for my basketball generation. Manu is a great talent. He is the Belgium player that had the best college career. He played at Miami and Baylor. He has a great opportunity in Frankfurt. He has the chance to improve there and grow. He is still young and has time. 

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced as a professional player?

Lately it has been Facundo Campazzo of Real Madrid. He is an amazing competitor and character. He can be a real pain on defense. He makes plays at both ends of the court which you don’t always see. He is a special player and I have a lot of respect for him. 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Juan Marc Jaumin. He is the head coach now of Dutch team Den Bosch. He was the point guard my first year at Oostende. He was a very special player. I learned so much from him.

Rafael Martinez He played 11 years with Valencia. A real winner and big competitor. He is a great shooter. He was recently passed by Jamar Smith as the all-time three pointers made in the Eurocup. He was a huge support to me. 

Romain Sato He has had a great career all over Europe. He was there my first year in Valencia. A great teammate and guy. 

Henk Norell

Pleas construct your own personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan, Lebron, Kareem, Kobe

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

Michael Jordan

What was the last movie that you saw?

I don’t remember the last movie. Currently I’m reading Way to freedom from Nelson Mandela.

Thanks Sam for the chat.

Aaron Jones is a 27 year old 206cm forward from Gautier, Mississippi that is playing his 6th professional season and first with RETAbet Bilbao Basket (Spain-ACB). He began his professional career with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-2 (1.9bpg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 65.2%. In the following years he played with BC Beroe (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging: 12.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), Blocks-2 (1.5bpg), FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 69.3%; 13.1ppg, 6.2rpg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), Blocks-1 (1.2bpg), FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 63.8% in the Balkan league. He also played with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga () averaging 15.6ppg, Reb-1 (11.1rpg), 2.3apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP-1 (69.4%), 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.6%. With Lhasa Jingtu (China-NBL) he averaged 15.5ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 55.2%. With Rethymno Cretan Kings (Greece-A1) he averaged 6.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 56.5%. Last season he played with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-BBL) averaging 11.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 70.1%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 53.1%. He began his basketball career with Gautier High School and then played 113 NCAA games with the The University of Mississippi (NCAA). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Brose Bamberg. 

Thanks Aaron for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the ACB in your 6th season. You have come from a 3,1 ppg scorer in the NCAA to the ACB at age 27. Do you at times feel like your a Cinderella story? It isn’t often that a guy will go as far as you have coming from the NCAA with the type of stats you had.

I don’t know about a Cinderella story all I know that each team I go to no matter the circumstances I am trying to win as many championships as possible thats why I am Chasing Greatness and I am trying to reach the highest level of competition.

How excited are you play against a German team again with Bamberg? Last season you had a very strong season with Crailsheim.

Its the same story taking it day by day just trying to get better with my teammates and when the day comes when we play Bamberg hopefully that week in practice we prepared to win that game.

How did you experience COVID-19 the last 7-8 months. When you look back how well the easyCredit BBL produced a bubble in Munich, are you a bit sad you didn’t play?

I lived in Charlotte so the gyms were closed so I had to wake up a 4 am get ready to leave the house at 5am so I can be at the gym at 6am…That team we had in Crailsheim will always be a mystery of what if.

What were the biggest challenges for you personally back home in the States during COVID-19 on a regular day to day basis?With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?


With covid it made me realize that family is more important than basketball…because imagine you losing people while playing. I lost my great grandmother earlier this year in January and I had to keep playing basketball

Your playing your 6th professional season and first with RETAbet Bilbao Basket . It took you 7 years to reach the best league ACB in Europe. If Koln manager Stephen Baaeck had told you in 2015 that you would be playing in the ACB in 2020 what would you have thought?

I always knew I could play on the highest level because I worked hard and played hard I always talked to my rookie season coach Arne Woltmann and he told me that everything that comes my way I deserve it.

I saw you play in Germany in 2015 and have to admit that I thought you were a nice player, but wasn’t totally impressed. Then I saw you hoop again last season in the BBL with Crailsheim and was totally flashed by your development. You made huge strides as a player. Do you feel like that having played in different countries each season and experiencing different styles and coaches was a big reason for your development?

Certain coaches allowed me to play how I wanted and I had success. I mean each country I went to and coaches had confidence in me and I produced. In Greece my role changed and the system didn’t fit my game but it was also a learning situation for me.for me growing up I watched Shaq so I wanted to be like him until I saw the game changing so I worked to have no weakness in my game.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to make the next step in your career? You played against top Euroleague teams in Greece and are doing it now in Spain. What is still missing in your game so you can reach the Euroleague?


I work on everything from ball handling to shooting off the dribble to coming off screens because you never know what type of situation you will be in the game with so I will be ready for everything..For me to reach the Euroleague I feel like it’s just more time at the 4.

What has it been like playing for an organization that has 11 players from different countries. How do you feel has your game matured being bale to play with so many diverse type of players?

It’s easy to go to a team where it’s all our 1st season there and you can establish how you want to play or what but I am coming to a situation where my role is different and I have to adjust to it. My game matured a lot and I have room for improvement.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with Moses Kingsley. Another highly talented guy that is moving up the basketball ladder. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?


I knew about Moses in college. He came to Ole Miss for a visit and I also played against him at Arkansas so I knew what type of player he was. It’s a respect thing because we played in the SEC. He plays hard and works hard.

Last season you played with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-BBL) playing 21 games averaging 11.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 70.1%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 53.1%. You had many great games, but was beating Alba Berlin in the last game 91-82 where you had 13/9/1/2/5 stats one of your most memorable?


I wasn’t worried about stats, but I was more happy that we won I did not care that it was Berlin or it was the second team at practice as long as my team won that’s all that mattered.

In the 2018-2019 season you played with the Rethymno Cretan Kings (Greece-A1) playing 22 games averaging 6.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 56.5%. Tal a little about how you experienced this season. Was winning the last 5 games and registering 7 blocks against Euroleague powerhouse Panathinaikos your best memories that season?

My best memory of that season was winning the last game to save that club from falling to the second league

In 2018 you also gained some new experience playing with Lhasa Jingtu (China-NBL) playing 11 games averaging 15.5ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 55.2%. How did you adjust to the culture there and was ex NBA player Lamar Patterson a good outlet to getting away from China and just having that American vibe around you?

Yeah in that China season Lamar Patterson told me he liked my game and he told me shoot because I played hard and was playing on an injury.

In the 2017-2018 season you played with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 53 games averaging 15.6ppg, Reb-1 (11.1rpg), 2.3apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP-1 (69.4%), 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.6%. How important was this season for your overall confidence? You led the league in rebounds and blocks in a league where many guys make the jump to higher leagues.

Coming into that season my confidence was already high I just wanted to continue winning.

You beat KTP Basket in 4 games, beat the Helsinki Seagulls in 4 games and in the final lost a bitter 6 game series against Kauhajoki losing the last game 99-96. Is that one of your more bitter loses in your career?

That last series was pretty tough I lost my grandfather the morning of game 2 and also I was injured real bad and I still played.

How special was the team around guys like Jaylon Brown and Javontae Hawkins who would later be your teammates in Crailsheim and Bilbao?

Jaylon Brown, Javontae Hawkins and Tobin Carberry. I would play with them for the rest of my career if I could that’s how special our bond was in Finland.

In the 2015-2016 season you played with BC Beroe (Bulgaria-NBL) playing 33 games averaging 12.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), Blocks-2 (1.5bpg), FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 69.3%; and played 18 Balkan League games averaging 13.1ppg, 6.2rpg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), Blocks-1 (1.2bpg), FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 63.8%. You won the league title and cup that season. What made this team so special?

I got a finals MVP and that’s when my confidence rose in my pro career. We practiced harder than the game and that is when I stared figuring out things.

You had a 23/20 Kevin Love type game against Spartak Plevin. Did you feel more invincible in the paint on this day than usual?

We lost that game so them stats did not matter.

As a rookie you played with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProA) playing 28 games averaging 11.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-2 (1.9bpg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 65.2%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were very far away form home?


My wake up call was the first day I arrived and I did not see my wife and kids and I was wondering what did I get myself into.

You played at the University of Mississippi (NCAA) from 2011-2015. Was winning the SEC tournament in 2013 one of your greatest achievements there?


I tore my ACL that year so I felt like I did not help my teammates win it.

As a freshman you played 12 minutes in a 77-62 loss against powerhouse Kentucky that showcased future NBA player like Anthony Davis, Darius Miller and Michael Gilchrist just to name a few. What do you remember from that game and how do you remember presenting yourself on the floor?

I just wanted to have the same opportunity as those guys as a freshman

As a junior you averaged 27 minutes and made a new step in your game. Against Auburn you were half-way to a quadruple double. How did your game grow in this season?

Going into my Junior year I just wanted to continue to win games because I knew this was my last year playing with Marshall

How did Andy Kennedy groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He gave an opportunity to make that step from high school to college and hopefully teams call him and he puts in a good word for me

Who won a one on one in practice you or MJ Rhett?

If you put me in the wild with a pack of lion I am going to survive…I am winning that game of 1 on 1.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that would go on to play in the NBA?


I would have to say Jae Crowder my freshman year.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Brandis Raley-Ross, Javontae Hawkins, Jaylon Brown, Tobin Carberry, Dewayne Russell, Quincy Ford, Jeremy Morgan.

Please construct your personal own NBA Mount Rushmore with past or present heads?


MJ Kobe Kareem Shaq Magic Bill Russell

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

The Greatest of All time is Me

What was the last movie that you saw?

he last movie I watched The Blood Of Zeus

Thanks Aaron for the chat.

Cameron Delaney is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Harkers Heights, Texas and is playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) currently averaging 16,0ppg, 4,0rpg and 1,0apg. Last season as a rookie he played with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) playing 23 games averaging 13.7ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 81.7%. He began his basketball career at Harker Heights High School:. He began his NCAA career at Denver University (NCAA) in 2014 and as a freshman played18 games averaging 2.4ppg, 1.7rpg. He then finished his nCAA career at Sam Houston State University (NCAA) playing 88 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 13.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the summer of 2020 about basketball.

Cameron 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?

No problem Miles its a pleasure. I am currently in Austin Texas. My summer has been pretty productive with a strict schedule. It’s been pretty enjoyable to get out, get fresh air ,be around nature, go on hikes, and relax at the lake outside of basketball! 

How have you experienced the whole COVID-19 crisis in the States? 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?

Covid-19 had affected my family and I in different ways. It’s brought my family and friends closer. We’ve had to lean on each other more than ever. It’s changed my life in a productive way, in a sense that it’s made me reflect on my life and to figure out ways to survive, get ahead, and has opened my eyes to other business related things. When it comes to finding gym space’s in Texas it wasn’t really that hard for me because I know a couple of people that owned gyms and I was able to get some work in at their facilities. 

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

It has made me stronger as a man because my faith has been tested over and over again. I feel like I’ve prospered through whatever has been placed in front of me. Personally staying the course and keeping my belief’s close to me has continued me on this straight path. 

Congrats on signing with Phoenix Hagen. What do you know in general about Germany and have you had any friends or ex teammates or opponents play here?

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I’ve heard a few things about Germany like some of it’s historical cities. Also a lot of military personal come back from being deployed in Germany and they have great feedback about their time being in the country. I’ve known a couple of teammates/opponents play in Germany as well! 

The Pro A club is very high on your abilities and you lauded the talks you had with head coach Chris Harris. What was the deciding factor that made you want to join this club?

ProA Germany has always been a destination for me coming out of college. Being able to get this opportunity I want to seize the moment. Coach Chris Harris and I hit off immediately during our initial conversation. I like the type of coach he is along with his style as well as the type of person he is. He’s a great guy! I was excited to have the opportunity to play in front of an energetic city in Hagen, play with talented players on the team and most important have the desire as my teammates and coach’s to win a championship!!

You had a very potent rookie season in Austria. With what expectations are you going into your second professional season and what are your main goals with your own game?

After getting my feet wet playing in Austria my rookie season. I’m extremely motivated to showcase more of an all around game. Perform at a higher level on a bigger stage. I want to show every part of my game and that it has tremendously gotten better since my rookie year is a main goal that drives me. Winning a championship will ultimately feel amazing for me, being apart of something special! 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard that can fill up the stat sheet. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’d compare my game to Royce O’neale. He’s a player that every team in the NBA would love to have on their team. I feel like I bring those same capabilities that he does. I can do a lot of things on the court at a high level. There aren’t many weakness’s in my game. I defend the best offensive player night in and night out. I rebound the ball at a high level. I can score the ball at a high clip. I’m a pure shooter. I create for others as well! Most importantly I’m a winner! 

You can do so many different things on the court, but if you had to pick one ability that defines your game the most what would it be?
–
–
Pure shooter ! 

You made a huge jump in rebounding in the last 2 years in the NCAA. How do you explain the rapid rise in rebounds in the stats?

I’d saying my minutes on the court went up and that’s when the rebounding numbers went up! I love chasing the boards. ‘Board man gets paid’

On what area’s of your game are you working on most this summer so that you can have another productive professional season?

I am working heavily on situations over this summer. For instance a lot of pick and roll reads. Also working on reads with out the ball in my hands to be able to be extremely effective as well!

You played your rookie season with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) playing 23 games averaging 13.7ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 81.7%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Austria where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly playing professional basketball has always been a dream of mine. When I first landed in Europe for the first time ever was my wake up call. I was ready to rock then and there. 

You began your NCAA career at Denver University (NCAA) playing 18 games averaging 2.4ppg, 1.7rpg. It wasn’t an easy freshman start, but were you able to gain something positive from the experience?
–
–
I was able to learn plenty of actions playing at Denver University. I also learned that I needed to learn how to adapt to my environment early. Main thing I learned playing at DU was ‘it’s not where you start , it where you finish’. That saying stuck in my head all year. 

You then transferred to Sam Houston State University. You sat out your first season due to transfer rules and then played 2 seasons averaging only 4,0ppg. How tough were these first few years and how important was it having your identical twin Josh there by your side?

Transferring to Sam Houston was pretty rough going through a year with out being able to play in any games or get reps in practice. That weighed on my mental a lot. Then red shirt sophomore year was tough for because I felt like I deserved the same opportunity’s the upper class man in front of me was getting but I wasn’t getting that. It really really really drove me to show everybody that was doubting me that I am THAT GUY I KNOW I CAN BE. I’d put in over time hours in the gym crafting so I can be ready when that time comes. Being able to have my fraternal twin and sister Angela DeLaney at Sam Houston State University helped me tremendously. Sharing the court with Josh and seeing how he prevailed early REALLY inspired me and gave me belief that I could do the same. It told me that my time is coming. I was truly happy for him getting that success early in his career. 

How close is your relationship with Josh? How do you feel has this bond made you stronger as a person through the years?

Josh is my guy my TWIN!! I love my twin man I feel what he feels. He feels what I feel. We’d push each other to be the best us. We are the same player honestly. I’m just a little taller. We play with a chip on our shoulder and cannot accepting losing or letting someone get the best of us on the court. 

You finally had your break out season as a senior at Sam Houston State University averaging 13.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 82.2%. How do you feel did your game mature in your senior year?

I feel like I was given that opportunity I was finally asking for. Once I saw I had that there was no way around it I was going to seize the moment. Also this was the year Josh and I were seniors. Leading up to senior year that summer we’d push each other and tell each other let’s treat this like senior year of high school when we won a championship. So honestly our mentality was championship all year. I worked extremely extremely hard all year I made sure I worked the hardest out of everybody around / in-front of me. 

You had quite a few good games as a senior like your 25 points against Houston Baptist or your 24 points against Lamar. What was your personal favorite game?

My favorite game was the game against Houston Baptist because that was a game we could’ve lost and Josh and I ended up going banana’s to stop us from losing. Josh finished with 30 points and I finished with 25 points, which was the first time we did that in college. Another game that sticks out to me is when we beat UNO to solidly the regular season champs 

How did Jason Hooten prepare and groom you for a professional basketball career?

-He prepared me by showing me that you have to perform at all times or your playing time will not be a lot. He showed me a lot of offensive schemes that I picked up on and stuck with me. Defensively he really elevated me in that area. The cheat codes he gave me during my time at Sam Houston helps a lot transitioning to the professional game. Also the way I was treated at SHSU in program really turned on a light for me to always BE A DOG! 

How won a one on one in practice you or your brother Josh?

I’d win against Josh because I am a big guard and he’s small fry compared to me hahaha! 

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

Jonathan Motley was pretty tough at Baylor! 

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Josh DeLaney
Christopher CG Galbreath
Kai Mitchell 
Zach Nutall 
Brett Olson / Cameron Griffin

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

Derrick Rose 
Tracy Mcgrady 
Kobe Bryant 
Allen Iverson 
Tim Duncan 

What is your personal opinion between the never ending debate between Michael Jordan and Lebron James concerning who is the greatest of all-time?

I think they’re both great it’s hard for me to answer this one. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Friday series is the last movie I saw. 

Thanks Cameron for the chat.

Only a few months ago Kevin Franceschi was searching for a club and there was a link to him playing in Germany´s highest league easyCredit BBL, but that never became a reality as it would have been another example of how some guys playing in Germany´s third division Pro B are good enough for the first division. It would have been another fascinating Cinderella story and I´m sure that he would have held his own, but soon after something happened that most likely outshined the BBL dream. The 27 year old 193 cm guard from Argenteuil, France played at 3 schools in the States, in Spain, Germany and Greece, but never in his homeland. It has been an interesting basketball journey so far for Kevin Franceschi, but somehow the opportunity to ball at home never came about until now. The versatile player recently signed with Paris Basketball (ProB) and is more than thrilled to start a new basketball chapter in his life. “If I had the opportunity earlier I would’ve been back in France the past years probably. “It’s a great league to play in, and Paris Basketball is a team with ambitions. I’m very close to my actual home, Argenteuil. So a lot of great things combined to make it happen. I love being here, around my family. It’s always different when you know you’re now close to your loved ones and “home comfort”. I can look at the sideline during the game and my mum would be there close to me, smiling, and same with my dad. I’m blessed to have a great team, we all get along really well”, said ex BBC Coburg player Kevin Franceschi. Not only is the ex Oklahoma Baptist University (NCAA2) standout thrilled to be finally playing in his native country, but also to be battling tough opponents in possibly the most difficult league that he has played in as a professional. “The talent rate of the Pro B league is high. A lot of great players, the league is competitive and has a lot of exposure. The style of play is different here. It’s an uptempo type of game in the LNB, but very athletic”, stressed Kevin Franceschi.

            Like for so many players world wide, he had to adapt to the COVID-19 situation and despite having been there a few months, he did have to wait a bit longer to play his first game with the team. “I was covid-19 positive on the test prior to the game. I did 3 straight positive tests, 2 of them with no symptoms at all, so I wasn’t with my team for 3 weeks. “Fortunately” I only missed one game and we won it”, answered Kevin Franceschi. Often in life it is connections that helps get one forward and moving into the perfect situation and it wasn´t any different for Franceschi. “I knew the current team captain Amara Sy, and we linked up after a while at his just created summer league in his hometown Cergy. We talked right after the end of it and he told me that he passed some words with the head coach of Paris Basketball Jean Christophe Prat about me joining the team. It started with a tryout”, added Kevin Franceschi. Paris Basket are still wearing diapers as they are only in their 3^rd season of existence, but the goals are high. “I really enjoy my teammates and staff. I think we can do something big this year, if we stay mentally fit for it.  The championship is definitely the ultimate goal”, said Kevin Franceschi. He also has been blessed to be able to call Amara Sy a teammate as there isn´t a more experienced French player then him who has 20 years of basketball experience at a high level. “Amara, “French Vino” he gets better with age they say. He’s a basketball emblem in France, it’s a blessing to be around him. He’s like a big brother to me definitely. 20 years in the LNB, how many guys do you know did that somewhere else? It’s a product of his work ethic and love for the game. He always gives great advices and try to keep a great team spirit. He played through different eras of French Basketball, and he won”, stated Kevin Franceschi.

            He has been studying the game of Damian Lillard a lot the last years and this season has a totally different role than he ever had and will need to excel as a playmaker. “I play point guard this year, A different scenario than in Greece and Germany. I have to find a balance between passing and scoring, bring maximum energy on defense and impact the game on both ends of the floor”, expressed Kevin Franceschi. His scoring is a big weapon and won´t change this season despite his new role as a playmaker, but it is his three pointer that continues to be a work in progress. He never shot higher than 31% as a professional. “I made a lot of progress, even during the season I keep my shooting work going and make sure to hit certain numbers when working on it”, commented Kevin Franceschi. He is a player that always plays with a lot of energy and will make his teammates better this season and the fans have loved him where ever he has played. Being that fan favorite could be another possibility this season in Paris even if he isn´t quite sure about the notion. “A fan favorite I don’t know but I definitely approach every game with great energy and the supporters love that. I love that when I watch another sporting event. They pay to watch us, it’s our job to have high energy and perform for them as well. I hope I can inspire the fans in Paris for sure”, added Kevin Franceschi. Even if current times have been difficult with the seemingly neverending COVID-19 crisis and the drama happening in the United States surrounding the presidential election, he is ready for the season. “It’s definitely a crazy time, but I have no control over it, so I try to stay as positive as I can. I have a good rhythm now with basketball but it wasn’t easy for sure, especially this summer. I’ve been following the election a little bit lately, I still have a lot of friends in the U.S and I know it’s important for them.  Besides that I try to not get involved with it, it’s always problems trying to have sound discussions with people over that subject. Most of the time they believe in one thing and one thing only, they won’t change their minds for anything”, stressed Kevin Franceschi.  Even if he might not be able to help change the minds of some friends in the States about who is best, he will always be able to give his best and change the minds of basketball fans to getting on his side with his special basketball game in Paris.

Emanuel Terry is a 24 year old 206cm center from Alabama playing his third professional season and first with KK Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (Serbia-KLS). Last season was his first overseas as he played with Teksut Bandirma (Turkey-BSL) playing 20 games averaging 10.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 71.9%, FT: 65.3%; and played 14 BCL games averaging 11.9ppg, Reb-2 (9.9rpg), 1.9apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 61.2%, FT: 64.1%, in Feb.’20 moved to Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League) playing 10 games averaging 9.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 63.9%, FT: 66.7%; BCL: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg. In his rookie season he played 3 NBA games with Phoenix and Miami and also played with the Canton Charge (NBA G League) playing 20 games averaging 8.1ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 52.0%, and with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) playing 18 games averaging 14.1ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 51.3%. He played at Lincoln Memorial (NCAA2) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 100 games and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 71.1%, FT: 70.0. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich in Munich. 

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

I’m in Belgrade, Serbia. It has been a fun experience playing for this club and playing against top tier teams in Europe. I want to continue to get better. I love hard work

Before we get to your basketball career, let us talk about Covid-19. How did you experience the last 7-8 months with COVID-19? What was the most challenging thing you encountered in these hard times?


COVID-19 was tough the last months. I had symptoms, but didn’t really feel anything. I took it for what it was. I didn’t know where I would play this season so I got that done and spent a lot of time with family and continued to keep in shape

You were one of the few guys that played during the summer in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem. What kind of experience was it playing in the bubble and playing with Jeremy Pargo?

JP was my guy, my dancing partner. We had this special hand shake going. He did a good job helping me get my touch on the court and getting me going. At first it was tough playing without fans, but soon I realized it was less of a distraction. I also saw I could be very focused without fans. It was a good experience and helped me get better. 

After playing In Turkey in your first season in Europe, how did you like playing in the Winner League? Was the league and climate a combination you would like to experience again?

Of course. Any basketball place is good when your playing at a high level. I tried to sponge up as much as I could in Israel. It is a place where I definitely would like to play again. 

Your playing your first season with KK Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (Serbia-KLS). The club is up and down with 2-3 in the Euroleague and 4-0 in the ABA league. It has some talented players with some ex NBA guys like yourself, Jordan Loyd, Johnny O’ Bryant and Corey Walden. What type of a journey do you see this team taking this season?


We have a great coaching staff and I feel the team has connected well so far. We all have our backs and I feel we will do well this season. 

What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with Johnny O’ Bryant who recently joined the team? After many years in the NBA how have you witnessed his game getting adjusted to the European style?

He has been doing well since he arrived. He has done a good job understanding the system in quick time. With time he will do better. Everybody knows what he brings to the table.

With Jordan Loyd you have a guard who won an NBA title withToronto. Does he have that special flair on the court that will be vital in bringing the needed leadership?

Most certainly. I actually didn’t know who he was when I arrived until I saw the Raptors victory celebration picture with Kawhi Leonard. He brings another special style to the court. He has the ability to pick us up in a special way. He is a great teammate. 

How demanding it has it been playing for Serbian legend Sasa Obradovic? Give an example of something he has done that you have never seen from another coach in your career?

The main thing with him is that he is very direct. A lot of people see him as being crazy, but he isn’t. He is a coach that is studying basketball all day and always trying to perfect his craft. He wants the best for us at all times. He is always fixing details so we can always be the last team standing. 

You’re a player that can score and rebound and also bring a lot of energy on the defensive end. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I have been told Kenneth Faried. I feel I’m a better player though. I’m the type of player that will score, rebound and bring it on defense as well as making that highlight film play. I actually met Kenneth when I was with the Suns. He actually knew who I was. I’m just the type of player that can do a lot of things that will help my team win. 

You averaged double double stats in scoring and rebounding at Lincoln Memorial and was close in the G-League and in Turkey. Bringing those kind of stats will be hard in the Euroleague. What kind of player do you want to develop into at the Euroleague level?

I bring energy all the time on the court. Some guys get tired out there , but if you go hard all the time good things will happen. I knew coming in to the Euroleague that getting a double double or 20 points would be hard. I’m trying to become the main perfect role player at a young age. It is peaceful to know what I’m capable of being able to do. I know I can benefit a lot. 

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to develop well as a player?

I’m working most on my jump shot and touch. I feel that these things haven’t come into the open yet. I also want to become louder on the floor. Each team where ever I have played have told me to do something different and I always did. I will continue to perfect my craft and be real. 

You played your first season overseas with Teksut Bandirma (Turkey-BSL) playing 20 games averaging 10.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 71.9%, FT: 65.3%; and played 14 BCL games averaging 11.9ppg, Reb-2 (9.9rpg), 1.9apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 61.2%, FT: 64.1%. What was your wake up call to being in Turkey for the first time where you knew that you were far away from home?

It was a quick decision to come to Turkey. I tell this story all the time. I was reluctant to go back to the G-League after my NBA Summer League stint with the Thunder. It was a blessing to get 2 NBA 10 day contracts, but at that time I wanted to see what overseas was like. I didn’t want to come to Turkey for the sight seeing, but to continue to develop my game. In the NBA there is so much space, but in Europe there is more aggressiveness in the paint. Despite having that feeling, when I arrived in Turkey my first thought was what did I get myself into. There was no English and I heard the jets fly overhead and I thought were we going to war? I was stuck in a hotel for 2 weeks and when I did get an apartment, I was surprised to see stores in them. It was a big adjustment. Thank God for Little Caesars. I felt a little more at home having that around. That first month I ate there a lot. 

In your third BSL games you beat Euroleague team Efes by 18 points scoring 13 points. Efes boasted guys like Chris Singleton, James Anderson and Bryant Dunston. Was this the game where you felt like you had arrived in Europe?

I do remember that game well. I remember my mom telling me when I was young that when I was going into a big game to bring that David from David & Goliath. That taught me that I could go against the bigger and be successful. After that game I knew that I could perform at a high level. I just had to be me. 

In the summer of 2019 you played with the Oklahoma City Thunder (MGM Resorts NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) playing 4 games averaging 6.5ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 55.6%, FT: 50.0%. was coming to Europe instead of going through a NBA team training camp the best solution for you?


I truly believe that I made a great decision coming overseas. I feel like my name is global now. I have to admit at times I do have that what if feeling about had I stayed in the States, but I know that by coming to Europe, I have the opportunity to get better. Overseas isn’t for everybody, but I love it. I have the mind set that I have a task in Europe to get better for myself and my family. I would not trade this opportunity for anything. It is refreshing to be on that flight home knowing you have conquered all. 

As a rookie in 2018-2020 you played in the G-League and in the NBA for Phoenix and Miami coming form a NCAA 2 school. Not many NCAA 2 guys have reached the NBA. If someone had told you going into your senior year at Lincoln Memorial that you would play in the NBA what would you have thought?

Honestly I said that I would reach the NBA. I told my mom in the summer before 10th grade I want to go to the NBA. I didn’t have that much confidence then despite saying it, but my mom made it more realistic for me. Senior year was like a blur for me. We were beating teams by 20 points each night. At the end of the season we had our last game on Saturday and on Monday I had a try out with the Detroit Pistons. I had no agent and was surprised. The Pistons reached out to coach and gave me a number and coach said good luck to me. 

You played in 3 NBA games. What will you always remember most from your NBA experience the most?

I will remember most being around great athletes that are well known. I also won’t forget working with great coaching staffs. I remember seeing so many stars in the stands. I also won’t forget being around high level players like Dwayne Wade and Jamal Crawford. I will never forget their response to me being there. They were happy for me. They also told me that if I kept doing well, there should be no reason why I shouldn’t be in the NBA.

You played your first NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers being very efficient in 9 minutes scoring 5 points, getting 3 boards, 1 assist and 2 steals. What still comes to mind with your first game?

I remember this game well. I remember having my warm up suit on and being tense. I would unbutton it a few times thinking I might get in. Then coach pointed at me and I got a rush. It was actually my first NBA game I played in before ever having been at a NBA game. I have never been at a NBA game as a spectator. 

How disappointing was it not battling against Lebron James? Was it somewhat of a consolation seeing an older Rajon Rondo in action?


Lebron was resting. It was cool to see him though. I remember when I checked in, a guy was at the free throw line. I remember Michael Beasley being to my left and Rajon Rondo was on my right. They were taunting me playfully like that Big bro little bro thing. It was their warm welcome to me to the NBA, but they were nice. They were very positive to me.

What kind of an experience was it playing together with Devin Booker? Does he sometimes get lost in the shuffle with the best in the NBA because he plays for a losing team?

I remember Devin being a player that would do anything to help impact a team to win. When I was there things just weren’t clicking for the team, but that’s life. I remember him always encouraging his teammates and doing anything to win. I remember when my 10 day stay was over that he called me and said that I deserved to have the spot and to keep going and that he was looking forward to seeing me again. 

You played 1 game for the Miami Heat and was lucky to witness Dwayne Wade. What did it mean to be teammates with him and how did he handle you as a guy who was there for only a very short time?


He was so humble right from day 1 when I was there. There was the main locker room and then another one for the 10 day guys. I remember bumping into Udonis Haslem and he congratulating me and Dwayne Wade said ‘congrats young fella, it’s good that you’re here. I remember the first day of practice and it was Wade, Ryan Anderson and me doing a drill. I said to Wade that I would set up a pin down for Anderson and he said we can do that. Anderson hit the shot. Assistant coach Juwan Howard asked me who had taught me that. He said that the way the play was run was elite.

What was the best example that you saw during your time in the NBA and G-League that it is a business and nothing more?


I saw a lot of examples. There will never be any bad blood from me to the NBA. I saw that the NBA was a business when I was with the Thunder in the NBA Summer League. I always went hard from day one and always came in early. I was always friendly when talking with the higher ups. That showed me that despite all I did, I would only be good enough for an Exhibition 10 contract or for the G-League. I questioned myself if I really wanted to go through that again. Everybody wants that NBA contract I decided to try a different route with Europe. You can’t question the NBA process but fall in love with it.

Your only in your second professional season. How present is the NBA still in your mind. Loads of guys have come to Europe from the NBA and returned.


I love the fact that I was born in 1996. My professional process has been quick and surprising. My main priority now is to continue to build up my resume and help Red Star now. If the NBA doesn’t call now, then I have a big opportunity to perform and present myself in Europe. The NBA will always be there. I just have to be ready.

You played at Lincoln Memorial (NCAA 2) from 2014-2018 wining the SAC tournament in 2016 and 2018. Which title was the sweetest?

I would say the first one. There were like 4,000 people living in that area and 4,000 people filled the arena. That whole season was a blur. I just remember cutting down the net. That is something I will always remember. 

You improved your points and rebounds each season at Lincoln Memorial. How do you feel did you develop as a player there best?


D-2 has a lot of amazing athletes. I was able to play for a great coaching staff that took the time to build me up. I remember being in coaches office as a freshman crying real tears. I wanted to be good. Coach Scherz said ‘Emmanuel you’re a great kid, but if you were good today then we would be awful’. I knew then that it would be a long process to become good and I trusted it. I remember assistant coach Omar Wattad telling me as I was going into my junior year that I would be the man on the court. He trusted me. We spoke a couple of hours. I wanted to do well so badly, but it would take time. I thank him to this day that he helped me. 

In your sophomore season you had 8 points, 6 rebounds and 8 blocks in a win over Newberry. Was that one of those games where you were in the zone on the defensive end?


Newberry is a team that always plays at a very high pace. They will sub in 5 guys and a few seconds later a new 5. Coach told me that game that he needed me. I knew that I could affect the game with my energy. I knew that If I did that good things would happen. 

What memories do you have of Dorian Pinson? He had similar stats that you had at Lincoln Memorial, but as a professional played in the German and Israeli second division. Is this a good example that there are so many talented guys and too little top teams to play for?

He came in the same time as me and left at the same time. He was my roommate for many years. We always pushed each other. These things happen in life with how guys get opportunities. There are so many guys that deserve an opportunity, but don’t get it.

I have interviewed 2 ex Lincoln Memorial players with Vincent Bailey and Dorian Pinson. Bailey said this about your ex coach Josh Schertz ‘He taught me worth ethic, how to be a competitor and how to stay focused on the goal for the team but taking it one day at a time instead of worrying about the end result’. Pinson said this about Schertz ‘Josh Schertz is hands down one of the best coaches I have ever had more than just basketball with him so many life lessons along with trials and tribulations throughout my college career wouldn’t have wanted to go through it with anybody else as my coach better yet a close friend’. How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He was like a second father for me. He constantly reminded us to never remember the time, but the moment. You could always go to him for anything. He always tried to help you become the best version of yourself. He had so much trust in me and allowed me to perform. I benefited a lot from him and he did the same as well. 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Rhondi Hackett?


We called him slight 40. He had so much potential. He was my little brother. At the start he was just a shooter, but with time he could play with his face and back to the basket. I had more experience than him and made things tough for him. But I did tell him that he had potential. 

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA 2 that went to the NBA?

A guy by the name of Daniel Jansen. He was a dog that could shoot the three, but also post up and pass. He wasn’t the quickest, but was a tough cookie. I thought that he was NBA material. I will never forget him. 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Lincoln Memorial Sophomore team, Duncan Robinson, Deandre Liggins, Briante Webber

Pleas construct your own personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, Shaq

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

It’s so tough, because they played in different era’s. Lebron is the man now. When I watched the Jordan documentary it really raised eye brows for me. I never watched Jordan so for me it would be Lebron.

What was the last movie that you saw?

50 Cent ‘Get rich or die tryin’.

Thanks Emmanuel for the chat.

If Karl Malone would have been true to his nickname and dressed up for a day as a mail man in  Cincinnati, Ohio in the mid 90´s where he was more than a house hold name in The NBA averaging 25,0ppg and 10rpg on the street where current easyCredit BBL identity figure and Fraport Skyliner lifer Quantez Robertson lived, there is a good chance that the freak athlete may not even have recognized him. Ok so Karl Malone is a huge noticeable figure at 206cm and 113 kilo´s, but back in the mid 90´s, it was safe to say that Tez wasn´t following Malone´s team. “To be honest, I didn´t really know to much about him. Growing up I didn´t have the opportunity to watch Utah Jazz games. I did know that he was a great offensive player and a strong power forward”, stressed ex Auburn(NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson. Karl Malone was easily the worlds greatest basketball player during Michael Jordan´s short baseball career and over many stretches the greatest even when he and Jordan was dueling. Numbers never lie and Malone had better one´s, but it was the 6 NBA rings that put Jordan over the top. Malone had an easier time finding rings for his many women, but on the court, he never was able to win one in the NBA. The same could be said for Quantez Roberson. Both Malone and Robertson share a similarity in which they never won a league title. They luckly have won at something as Malone was an instrumental piece in the 1992 Dream Team Gold medal win in Barcelona while Quantez Robertson won the Fiba Europe Cup in 2016. The way Robertson ahs played out his heart now for 12 seasons, it is a shame that he has never been rewarded with a BBL league title. He definitely wants to win one badly and for years now has predicted one in pre season. “Predicting a title is something I have always done no matter where I played. That is what we as players play for. We want to win every-time. I´m pretty sure every player thinks the same way I do, but the difference is not everybody says it openly the way I do. The athletic guard also doesn´t see his yearly title prediction as crazy, but a special motivation. “We will always work hard regardless, but we already have the motivation anyway just to go hard each day and play hard and win. First we have the motivation to get to the playoffs. Once we are there, our motivation rises and we feel more motivated to get the title”; warned Quantez Robertson.

            The season of the Fraport Skyliners was pretty much already history in March 2020 and as COVID-19 was about ready to hit Europe, most Skyliner fans were already looking to the next season and what could happen, but then everything changed within days. The easyCredit BBL was able to finish their season in June 2020 with a season ending tournament in Munich where the Fraport Skyliners absolutely had no business being, but because so many teams refused to play, were able to slip into the tournament. It wasn´t  a great tournament for the 2004 BBL champion as they were able to only edge out 1 win while losing 5. The most positive thing gained by this appearance was that the young players were able to get minutes. Len Schoorman profited the most and turned some heads. He is definitely a player who could make his break through this season at only age 19. With COVID having struck the world so hard and harming and destroying many businesses, the German basketball scene also suffered. It is no secret that the next few years won´t be an easy one financially for many clubs. The Fraport Skyliners are also a club that won´t have the budget they had last season which in turn will effect the type of quality of players the team can get. The team began by saving money by having almost half their roster filled with young German double license players Len Schoorman, Maxi Begue, Bruno Vrcic, Jordan Samare and new arrival Matthew Meredith. Meredith is a tall German 20 year old versatile point guard who made his Pro A debut at age 14 and played many years in Nurnberg. He never made his Pro A break through and now will hope to take on the tough challenge in Frankfurt. It will be interesting to see what kind of a step 18 year old Len Schoorman makes in 2020-2021. “I don´t think it will be asking too much for Len to be able to average 10 points a game, but I think more important will be that he continues to develop his jump shot and decision making”, warned Quantez Robertson. The most important player they held was Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson who turns 36 in December. Just having his presence on the court is a plus. He has a special aura that will infect any player to perform above and beyond. He may not be as quick as 7 years ago, but all-around he hasn´t slown down much as he still feels the stat sheet like no other and last season played 27 games averaging  11.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.0apg, Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 69.9%. As always his expectations are very high of himself as he has 3 major focuses. “I need to make sure I stay healthy. I have been very fortunate to have been healthy most of my career. I need to always stay active on the court and lead my team in the right way”, warned Quantez Robertson. The team also kept 31 year old 199cm forward/center Marco Voeller. This will be his 4^th season with the club as he returns 71 BBL games experience. He brings that great work ethic to work each day and on the court is a physical player that can make the big defensive play and just does what´s needed in the paint. He isn´t the most consistent finisher, but when he gets the position, he usually will do good things. The club also held on two once big German prospect Richard Freudenberg. The 22 year old 204cm forward that played 26 NCAA games for St Johns(NCAA) has played 84 games for the Fraport Skyliners in 3 seasons and is still looking for his break through. He is a mobile power forward that can shoot, rebound and move well with the ball, but has problems with his free throw shooting and one on one defense. If he could find some consistency, then he could finally achieve his break through season.

The Frankfurt organization also picked up some new talented players. The most remembered is Konstantin Klein who played 133 games with the Fraport Skyliners from 2012-2016. He did have to battle injuries, but he did make a nice development in Frankfurt. He played the last 4 years in Bonn and Ludwigsburg and also had to cope with injuries there. He knows how to run a team and is a pest on the defensive end. Robertson is happy to have the never ending fighter back on the squad and knows what he can do now which he didn´t then. “He has calmed down a lot more on the court and isn´t as hectic anymore. He is still a very aggressive on ball defender. He takes a lot of pride on the defensive end and he will be that same type of defender”, stressed Quantez Robertson.  The club also added 29 year old 206cm forward/center Michael Kessens. He brings  a lot of experience to Frankfurt having played in the NCAA with schools Longwood, University of Alabama and Florida International University. This will be his 4^th professional season and fourth BBL season after playing the last 3 seasons with Bremerhaven and Rasta Vechta where he played 87 games. He excels on the pick and role and knows how to make the right pass from the post. The last missing piece down low was recently picked up with Kamari Murphy. He is a 26 year old 203cm athletic big man from Brooklyn, New York. He brings NCAA experience with Oklahoma State and Miami and professionally played in the G-League and Belgium. Last season he played with Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL) playing 21 BBL 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%. The big man likes to finish with his quickness and like a Quantez Robertson gives the team a lot of energy. The 3 big men with Voeller, Kessens and Murphy will compliment each other well. “Last season we had leon Kratzer who liked to work with his back to the basket. These year all of our 3 big men are very athletic and will finish around the rim”, added Quantez Robertson.

            The club´s first transfer came early in the summer with Rasheed Moore. The 25 year old 196cm forward from Pennsylvania is living the real basketball Cinderella story who made the jump form the German Regionalliga to the easyCredit BBL in just 3 years. He played 3 years with Pro A team wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen and helped them move up a division twice. Each season he proved he could make the jump up the next level. Last season with the wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen (Germany-ProA) he averaged 15.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 73.0%. He is a player who always gives 110% on the court that has a all around good game. He definitely has impressed his teammate Tez so far. “He has been doing real well adjusting to the BBL. He may be an undersized 4 player, but he can move and can shoot. He will eb a real help for us this season”, stated Quantez Robertson. The most interesting signing could be Jon Axel Gudmundsson from Iceland. He is a 24 year old 196cm guard that comes direct from well known north Carolina basketball school Davidson that brought the NBA Steph Curry and Germany loads of players in the past like De´Mon Brooks, Wayne Bernard, Ben Ebong, Narcisse Ewodo, and Brendan Winters just to name a few. The former Atlantic 10 tournament winner. The consistent offensive player that averaged 7,0 rebounds in his last 2 seasons in the NCAA also has a very keen basketball IQ and can shoot out the lights. He also could surprise a lot of people with another strength that will get him to the free throw line  a lot. “Jon is a big strong guard that can shoot the ball well, but he also likes to attack the rim. He could very well lead the team in free throw attempts. He also talks on the court and tries to help get guys into the right position”, said Quantez Robertson. The most key signing was explosive scorer Matt Mobley who only played 1 game last season for Frankfurt before cOVID-19 came. He is a 26 year old 190cm guard that has scored everywhere he has played form the NCAA to Belgium and Turkey. The American could be the team´s bests corer in a long time. “Matt will be our #1 scoring option. He is always clam and relaxed on the floor. He can shoot the ball at a high clip and will help us with getting more attraction opening up the floor. He should be our best three point shooter”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Running the team this season will be 25 year old 180cm point guard Manu Lecomte. The Belgium national player had a solid career at Baylor(NCAA) reaching a NCAA Sweet 16 and had a strong rookie season with Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 14.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.3apg, 2FGP: 50.8%, 3FGP: 40.2%, FT: 86.2% and got experience in Spain with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain ACB) averaging 6.1ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3FGP: 30.6%, FT: 79.4%, and with Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain-ACB) averaging 5.4ppg, 1.0apg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 80.0%, FT: 90.0%. “He is a fast scoring point guard who can shoot and pass the ball well. He can be a vocal leader for us and defensively will be a plus when he and Konsti go full court”, warned Quantez Robertson.

                Last season the club had massive problems scoring points on a consistent basis and had to rely too much on their defense. Even when they defended well, it wasn´t enough for a win. The club didn´t play as much transition last season, but that could change this season as well as a few other things. “I believe that we will play more uptempo this season because we have more athletic players. That like to push the ball. We will have normal number of sets, but not always be using them with our uptempo style. A big goal of ours this season is too execute better than we did last season. We have to always move the ball well and shoot better than last season. I think we have mor shooters this season so that should help us more”, added Quantez Robertson. The club hasn´t defended to well in the last years in comparison to what they were doing 5-6 years ago, but surprisingly with their 82 points on average let up points still belonged to the best defensive teams last season. Wanting to be the best defensive club is still a goal like it has been each season in the last years. “Most important this season for us being successful is holding each other accountable on the defensive end”, warned Quantez Robertson. So where will the basketball journey of the Fraport Skyliners end this season? The great thing about the Fraport Skyliners is that they are always good for a win against any team. Last season they were always hard working, but had injury woes. The team never has the most talent, but somehow the team always comes on the court ready to play. Their big goal should be to become the best defensive team possible and let that spark their offense. This could be a very good offensive team. They have a lot of potential and are stronger than last season. Anything is possible this season. The club should finish somewhere between 7-12. Quantez Robertson is the youngest anymore and isn´t getting any younger so winning that first BBL league title won´t come around so many more years or could it? The drive and focus of Quantez Robertson is huge to win and not retiring until he wins has crossed his mind. “I mean not retiring until I win could be  apossiblity, but it might not happen. I want to play as long as I can”, warned Quantez Robertson. The passion to win won´t stop for Robertson, because he knows that he and Karl Malone are missing something. “Karl and I have won, but we just haven´t won the title we really wanted”, warned Quantez Robertson.

Simonas Lukosius is a 18 year old 199cm guard from Lithuania that is playing his second season in the Dragons Rhondorf organization. Last season he played with the Rhondorf U-19 team averaging 16.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 87.1%. In the Regionalliga he averaged 8,0ppg, 2,0rp and 2,0apg last season. He also played with the FC Bayern Munich U18 team (Germany-ANGT) playing 4 games averaging 13.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT-5 (94.7%). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career

Simonas thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how much do you miss basketball at the moment?

I’m still here in Germany waiting for the season to continue, fortunately I have been able to practice so it’s not that bad but I do miss the games since we haven’t had any in the past weeks.

Before I get to the current season explain a bit how tough the last 7-8 months was with COVID-19? What was the most challenging thing that you had to encounter on a daily basis?

I think it was tough for everyone, personally my biggest challenge was that I was in my last year of school and it wasn’t that easy to graduate in those circumstances, but I think it went quite well.

How do you feel has COVID-19 helped you become stronger as a man with everything that you have experienced off the court)

Thankfully the virus didn’t really affect me personally that much so it hasn’t been a huge challenge in my life and hopefully it stays that way and everything goes back to normal soon.

After losing the first game at home against Ibbenburen, the Dragons Rhondorf won the next 3 games and then COVID-19 hit. How difficult is it having this break. Are you confident once the season resumes that the club will be able to continue to be successful on the court?

For sure we would have liked the season to continue so we could take advantage of the momentum we had, but I am confident that we can pick up where we left off once we start playing again.

Are the Dragons Rhondorf practicing now or has head coach Yassin Idbihi given the players special duties so they can stay in shape?

I’m not sure how it’ll be this week but up until now we have been practicing.

The Dragons Rhondorf had huge difficulty defending last season and want to be a lot better this season. In the last 2 games the club allowed only 65 points on average. How are the Dragons a better defensive team this season?
I think it mostly comes down to the fact that the roster this year is different, we have a much younger team and that naturally transitions that we play better, more energetic defense.

Let’s talk a bit about your teammates. How vital has the experience of German Paul Albrecht been? What kind of an effect has he had on you on and off the court?


Paul has been very important, he’s a very good player and also helps us young guys out so he’s a perfect veteran for our team. 

The club is so young these season with very many young players. If you had to choose one player that has impressed you the most who would it be?

I would say Bruno Albrecht. He is a very creative and talented player and has a very good work ethic and attitude. He has been playing well this season and I’m sure he will continue having good performances.

How talented is Ousmane Ndiaye? Curtis Hollis said in a podcast that this guy is going to be great: How have you seen his development and just how good is he?

I completely agree with Curtis. Ousmane is a once in a generation talent and if he keeps on working and developing the way he is now there is no limit for what he can achieve.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 199cm guard that is very versatile. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would like to say Luka Doncic. I remember watching a Euroleague game and Luka was still 16 and was playing a couple minutes at the end of the game and my dad told me to pay attention to how he plays. I started following him ever since then and it’s crazy considering what he has achieved already and back then he was just barely getting minutes in Madrid.

Yassin idbihi wants to use you a lot more as a point guard this season. What has been the most challenging thing for you playing the point guard position in the Regionalliga?

The biggest challenge is finding a good balance between being a scorer and a facilitator for others. Now I have more stuff to take care of when I’m on the court but I like it and I believe I’ll get much better at it throughout the season.

On what area’s on defense do you feel do you need to improve on the most?


I think I need to improve on the mental part the most. Being always ready and awake is something I need to work on to be better and more consistent on defense.

You are not seen as a selfish player, but could practice more 1-1 in games. Do you see yourself developing more of a mid range game?

I definitely feel that I am taking less mid range shots this season than the last couple years. I do want to work on it and I think it can be an important part of my game.

You went 0/9 in the first game and then 10/17 from outside in the next games. Did you change anything up in the days after the poor Ibbenburen shooting or was that game just one of those nights where nothing fell?


I just shot extra before and after every practice and that just helped me keep my confidence and fortunately the shots started falling in the games as well. 

What kind of an impact has Yassin Idbihi had on you? How has he been able to help you develop best since you arrived?

The impact has been huge, if you compare me now to how I was when I just came here last summer the difference is insane.

Last season you played your first season in Germany for the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 8/2/2 stats in the Regionalliga and shooting an impressive 48% from outside. How do you feel did your game mature best as a 17 year old playing with men?

I think it was very good for my development that everyday in practice I was competing against players who have so much experience and I think playing and practicing against men helped me get better at nearly every aspect of basketball.

Last season you had the opportunity to be at the Addidas Next generation tournament with the FC Bayern Munich U-18 team. How important was it for your self confidence that you played very well against the best young players?

It was definitely important. I didn’t know what to expect at first, but the coach showed a lot of trust in me and I played well and it was a great experience.

What kind of an adjustment was it being an outsider playing for FC Bayern Munich that mostly had Munich players? Did you feel respect from your teammates as you came in and played well?


The team was very friendly as soon as I came there so it really wasn’t that big of an adjustment being a guest player. The whole team spirit was very good so I think everyone had respect for each other regardless of who was playing well and who wasn’t.

What impression did you have of Sasha Grant who has played BBL and young German Benjamin Schroeder that won the 2019 JBBL title. What impressed you most about their games?

They’re both great players with huge potential. Sasha is very physically gifted and has a great combination of size, athleticism and skill. Benjamin is very crafty and good at getting to the basket as well as finishing. I’m sure they both will have great careers.

Talk a little about your childhood in Lithuania and why you came to Germany? What are your goals in the next 3-4 years?

My father is a basketball coach so I’ve been playing basically my whole life, I wanted to play somewhere else than Lithuania and the opportunity came and I thought it would be a good decision to come here. My goal is to improve as much as I can and play at the highest level possible.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Pal Ghotra?

I win the one on one.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?


Curtis Hollis, Azuolas Tubelis, Augustas Marciulionis, Sasha Grant and Emilis Butkus.

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

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson

What was the last movie that you saw?

Some horror movie I watched with a couple of friends. I don’t even know the name of.

Thanks Simonas for the chat.

Just before the weekend began basketball Germany was hit with the news that the Regionalliga leagues and NBBL league would take a break from basketball in November due to the continuing COVID-19 basketball. Luckily for EPG Koblenz fans there was still Pro B basketball around even if they weren´t able to see it Live. The whole nasty, unpredictable and increasingly annoying COVID-19 crisis hasn´t effected the EPG Koblenz club as they have produced a 2-0 record exploding over BBC Coburg on the road 103-85 and then took care of Erfurt 92-75 as their deep roster have come through with an overwhelming lethal offense that just continues to overpower their opponents. The EPG Koblenz team met Karlsruhe team Arvato College Wizards that sound more like an American team over in Germany during a tour instead of a German professional team. Karlsruhe entered the EPG Baskets Koblenz living room with a 0-1 record as they had lost to the Dresden Titans 91-81 as they were unable to contain Dresden´s three point line as they were hit with 15 trey´s. Besides seeing basketball, a huge German basketball figure was on the court for Karlsruhe with 39 year old Rouven Roessler who still doesn´t tire from playing basketball. The German has played most of his career in Karlsruhe, but also played 6 seasons in the easyCredit BBL and was a member of the German national team. It never gets old seeing Roessler play and despite getting a lot of heckling from Koblenz observers, the 39 year finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The guy is still so good, the question is how much longer can he still play? “He still plays with a high quality and he proved that today. He hit many tough shots and it is really nice to still see him play. He is still so fit, that I can see him play a few more years”, added EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Marley Jean-Louis. Roessler head coach Daniel Nelson had a bit more confidence in his teammate than Jean Louis. “He will play another 15 years. No but seriously if he still can keep playing like this, he will play a long time”, stressed Arvato College Wizards head coach Daniel Nelson.

The game overall was a very hard fought game that was at eye level for 40 minutes where no team led in double digits. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were in control for the most part, but could never close the door early, but had the stronger nerves in crunch-time prevailing 83-78 moving to 3-0 while Karlsruhe fell to 0-2. “We had a slow start despite leading 9-2. We had no emotion and didn´t start the way we wanted to. We allowed them to stay in the game until the end and always gave them hope. They stayed in the game with hustle plays. But we had the better individual class that allowed us to win. But we still have a lot to do to find a groove as a unit”, stressed ex FC Schalke guard Marley Jean-Louis. The guests played with a short rotation and were without 209 cm big man Eyke Phrast who had injured himself Friday in practice. They got the core of their scoring from Roessler and Thompson who combined for 42 points, but German role players Rupp, Maisel and Stark played very well coming up with big shots during the game combining for 25 points. “Koblenz is a very good team and I have to pay my respect to them. They have 4 players that can score 20 points on any night. We did a pretty good job countering their aggression. They can rack up 100 points any night. We almost took over the game, but we gave up too many extra possessions. They made too many three´s. But still it was still a pretty good defensive effort from us”, said head coach Daniel Nelson.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz stopped Karlsruhe´s first 3 possessions and quickly jumped out on a 9-2 advantage. Jean-Louis hit a three showing early on what kind of a day it would be for him, ex Speyer guard DJ Woodmore scored inside, ex Ehingen forward Butler made a lay in and Bosnian veteran Edin Alispahic connected on a hook shot. Koblenz did a good job mixing up their defenses and didn´t allow Roessler to get sufficient touches. The Arvato College Wizards then switched gears up going on a rapid 6-0 run getting a basket form German Aaron Schmitz, Roessler hit an off balance shot and ex Auburn(NCAA) 203cm forward Alexander Thompson connected on a lay in to cut the lead down to 9-8. The EPG Baskets Koblenz got careless on offense and lost intensity on defense while Karlsruhe got easy baskets to get back into the game. Then Jean-Louis and Roessler traded three pointers to dead lock the contest at 11-11. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a 9-3 run to lead 20-14 after 10 minutes. In the run, the club led by head coach Danny Rodriguez let the long ball fly as Jean-Louis and Jacob Mampuya hit back to back three´s. The individual class of the EPG Baskets Koblenz ruled as their many offensive options overpowered the guests.

The game continued to be a very tight affair, but the Arvato College Wizards never gave up chipping away at the EPG Baskets Koblenz and even being able to take the lead twice before the home team won the lead back leading at the break. Brian Butler who wón the easyCredit BBL allstar slam dunk contest in 2017 got the first points of the second quarter producing some nice fakes against Thompson and then tip toeing past him for an easy bucket. But the guests rallied back and hit with a lightening 6-0 run with 2 trey´s from Thompson and German Marcel Davis cutting the Koblenz lead to 22-20. The Arvato College Wizards were playing calm offense looking for the good shot and on defense clogged the inside making it a bit more difficult for Butler to get in his comfort zone. After a 20 footer from ex BBL player Jacob Mampuya who had a quiet scoring day with 4 points giving Koblenz the 24-20 lead, the Arvato College Wizards found some day light going on a lethal 7-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 27-24. In the run, it was German Aaron Schmitz who is the brother of ex BBL guard Simon Schmitz scored 4 points. He usually doesn´t score a lot, but is vital in his organizing of the game and had 8 points and 9 assists in the loss. Thompson also scored on a transition alley-oop. When you have a lethal offense like EPG Koblenz has, the club is capable of exploding at anytime which they did going on a 10-2 run to regain the lead back at 34-29. Jean-Louis nailed 2 back to back three´s, ex Fordham(NCAA) guard Zaire Thompson made an offensive rebound and put back and ex Leverkusen forward CJ Oldham hit a 20 footer as no Karlsruhe player challenged him. Jean-Louis is an amazing shooter and scorer that can hit the tough shots and knows that he can shine in his situation with Koblenz. “I´m a competitive guy and always want to help the team win every time. My team and coach have a lot of confidence in me. I work all summer on my shot and that makes it easier for me to hit the difficult shots”, said Marley Jean-Louis. Roessler and Thompson hit some big shots down the stretch as the Arvato College Wizards trailed 36-34 at the break.

The third quarter continued to be an intense battle where no club could get away and the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led after 30 minutes 57-54. Koblenz went on a fast 5-0 run as Jean-Louis scored all points extending their lead to 41-34. It wasn´t always the 2 stars of Koblenz Roessler and Thompson that contributed, but also got support from their Germans as Rupp scored. 18 year old guard Konrad Stark who came from Orange Academy gave the team a lift on the defensive end with a steal that led to a Rupp basket and he then scored getting a no look pass from Schmitz cutting the Koblenz lead to 45-43. The Arvato College Wizards got close again tying the game at 45-45 with Roessler free throws, but every time that happened, the EPG Baskets Koblenz had an answer. They went on a 7-2 run getting 2 baskets from Woodmore and a lay in by Alispahic for the 52-48 advantage. The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a solid job taking advantage of the mis matches and height advantage, but also missed many easy shots that they should have made. Karlsruhe then tied the contest 52-52 registering their prettiest basket of the evening. Stark scored on a perfect executed transition play as Thompson got the rebound and gave the outlet pass to Roessler who set up the German with the perfect bounce pass. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the third quarter in style getting buckets from Thompson and Butler to lead 57-54. “We knew that we had to have more energy in the third quarter. We got it with more talking”, stressed Marley Jean-Louis. “Konrad Stark gave us the needed energy. I told him to create havoc and get us extra possessions. He did that. This is his first time playing Pro B. He is hungry and wants to do well”, added Arvato College Wizards head coach Daniel Nelson.

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to have control of the game and never allowed the Arvato College Wizards to get the lead back. Rupp got Karlsruhe on the board first with a basket cutting the Koblenz lead to 57-56. But whenever Karlsruhe threatened Koblenz had the right answer going on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 62-56. In the run, Koblenz got production from Butler and Thompson. Butler finished the day playing 35 minutes scoring 17 points and hauling down 11 rebounds(7off reb). The German is unstoppable inside and does such a great job working to get the best position for the easy basket. “He is so physical and has a nose for the rebound. I love how he plays”, expressed head coach Daniel Nelson. Karlsruhe continued to play catch up basket getting baskets from Roessler, Thompson and ex Trier guard Nils Maisel to cut the Koblenz lead to 65-64. Twice Koblenz would take a little lead, and twice Karlsruhe cut the lead to 1, but on every next play, it was Jean-Louis hitting 2 three´s for the 76-72 advantage. Woodmore added a lay in for the 78-72 lead with 2 minutes to play. Koblenz understood now to overpower the guests as their fatigue was easy to see. Maisel scored a basket cutting the Koblenz lead to 78-75 with 1.53 to play, but that was as close as they would get. Down the stretch, the Arvato College Wizards had their opportunities, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz played tough defense getting stops while Oldham made a free throw and usual weak free throw shooter Butler made 4 sealing the win. For everyone who had heckled Roessler during the game were hit with a buzzer beater ending trey by Roessler. “If you let a team stay in the game then anything can happen. We had some luck at the end that they didn´t make their shots, but we also were concentrated on defense making the needed stops. Our competitive level was high helping us to the win”, added Marley Jean-Louis. “We gave everything we had until the end, but our shots didn´t want to fall”, commented head coach Daniel Nelson. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Marley Jean-Louis with 29 points. Brian Butler added 17 points, DJ Woodmore 14 points and Zaire Thompson 10 points and 7 dimes while the Arvato College Wizards were led by Rouven Roessler with 24 points while Alexander Thompson added 18 points and 8 boards. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 51% form the field and 50% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 45% from the field and 30% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

With 61 German Regionalliga teams playing this season, there is a very good chance that you will see an at least one American player playing in any game and it wasn´t any different when I visited TV Idstein battle FC Kaiserslautern last weekend. In German soccer, FC Kaiserslautern is a legendary team, but in German basketball just another team. On this night there were 3 Americans on the court with Aaron Ellis who had a stellar career at Wichita State, Edward Hall and a diminutive 183cm point guard from Madison, Alabama named Jeremy Ingram. At first glance, his hair reminded me something between a Kenneth Faried and Courtney Fortson, but the long wavy hair didn´t keep my attention long as his game began to do the talking. It didn´t take long to notice that this quick, flashy guard was a lot better than the rest of the guys running up and down the court. He scored 33 points in the first win over Giessen which is often seen by the American guards putting up many many points to help their stats, ego and climb up the ladder, but against FC Kaiserslautern it was different. Ingram scored only 20 points in a comfortable blow out victory  Ingram probably could of scored 40 on this night, but he didn´t showing not only his team play, but unselfishness trying to do the best for his team. ““I know that I don´t have to score 30 points each game. I have great teammates and shooters around me. I try to get my teammates involved as much as I score“, warned Jeremy Ingram. The American has had an interesting professional career playing for 2 Regionalliga 2 teams(5^th division) and a Oberliga(6^th division) team, but his journey has been a tough one and may never have landed in Germany as a professional had he not had had the initative to come to Germany in 2016, because his mom was living there. “I didn´t play my senior season because me and the coach never got along so he ended up putting me off the team my senior season for something that wasn’t my fault. Even though I was very talented, he pretty much just didn’t like me so he kicked me off the team like I wasn’t even important, when everybody knew my senior season was going to be very special. Coach Hayes was my coach and he definitely didn’t help my career at all just being honest. He made my basketball journey a lot harder than what it had to be. But I do appreciate him for giving up on me because it made me work even more harder to get to where I’m trying to go. He pretty much tried to end my career. I sat in his office and cried for him to let me play my senior season and he said No. Well my journey is dedicated to him. Even though I was put off the team I stayed in school and graduated with my bachelors degree in sports management in 2014. I also had a D-League tryout for the Dallas Mavericks which I did very well and pretty much scored more points than anyone else there but basically was told Even though I can score very well, the team wasn’t looking for a 5’11 shooting guard at the moment. So I worked an overnight job for about a year until finally I just decided to move to Germany in 2016 because my mom was living there for about 4 years. So I moved to Germany to chase my dreams of being a professional basketball player and here we are 4 years later. I would say I made a great decision”, warned Jeremy Ingram. Even though annoying obstacles tried to end his career in school, he never gave up and is still grinding to get to the top.

            Last season his fourth professional season with VfL Bensheim (Germany-2.Regionalliga) was interrupted by COVID-19 and instead of going home right away, he had to hang out in Germany longer than what he may have liked to. Like so many other players around the globe, he had to face the challenges of day to day life. “Because of Covid I didn’t go home until June. And I only stayed for a few weeks because training started for me here in Germany around the first week in August so I had to come right back. Most of the time I was in Atlanta while I was back home and there wasn’t many restraints honestly. The people there don’t take Covid as serious as we do here in Germany”, commented Jeremy Ingram. Finding a place to work out at times was as difficult for players as it is answering the much talked about debate between who is the best of all-time Jordan or Lebron. But then again, Ingram doesn´t even see those 2 legends as the GOAT. “I think Kobe Bean Bryant is the best player ever. PERIOD! Not up for discussion”, warned Jeremy Ingram. A guy like Virgil Matthews of the Niners Chemnitz went back to Germany a few months earlier to get the freedom of training, because there was absolutely nothing available in Seattle,  some guys traveled thousands of miles in the States to find places to keep in shape while ex Dallas Maverick Gal Mekel who was stranded in Malaga, Spain ran and dribbled the ball in his apartment underground parking lot. It wasn´t any different for Ingram who also had to become creative and find ways to train. “When Covid first started it was very difficult to find places to workout because all the gyms were closed. I would play on outside courts , lift weights that I have at my house and do a lot of Running, but it still wasn’t the same as being in the gyms. So eventually, I just used all the free time I couldn’t be in the gym to give my body the rest it needs to get through a long upcoming season”, stated Jeremy Ingram. Even if COVID-19 has been a very tough time for the world, everybody has learned from it in some ways including Ingram who also got closer to kids. “Covid taught me , as well as the whole world that we should stop taking so many things for granted, because it can be taken from you at any moment. Covid also showed me that staying at home with kids all day, Everyday will drive you crazy! But I think all in all , the world was getting out of control and there was way too much going on so Covid maybe brought us back to a harsh reality”, warned Jeremy Ingram.

                Ingram who says his game is a mix between guys like Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Steph Curry was born in 1991 in Madison, Alabama and began his basketball career at Lawson State and then went to Enterprise State Community College (JUCO). Basketball wise JUCO often helps players make the next step, but for the American it actually helped more in the classroom. “. I had a pretty good season there which helped me transfer to Division 1 basketball the next year. But To be honest there was not much positivity that came from there except I got a free education and made life-long friends that I still communicate with even today”, remembers Jeremy Ingram. He then transferred to Alabama A&M University (NCAA) as a junior playing 22 games averaging 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, FGP: 32.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 58.8%. At first glance, his scoring stats won´t excite anyone, but not playing consistently and getting the minutes you should will always put the stats in the dumpster. “Well my statistics don’t really show me any justice because some games I would lead the team in scoring and then next games wouldn’t even get in. Which made my average a lot lower than it should be. But all in all Í´m happy for the opportunity to play Division 1 basketball and flying all over the country to the games was pretty dope and I really enjoyed that”, said Jeremy Ingram. He showed that he could mix it up against current NBA players Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr who back then played for Michigan(NCAA) and now for the Dallas Mavericks as he scored 14 points while Burke added 19 points and Hardaway 13 points in a 30 point blowout loss. He will never forget playing against them, but knows that had he played the minutes that they would have had which was double his, then his scoring out put most likely would have doubled their output. “Every time I watch the Dallas Mavericks play and I see those 2 of course I always think back to playing them but I don’t think about them too much . They played for a great Michigan program and had successful careers which led them to the NBA. I didn’t have it as easy as those guys did so I try not to stress it so much. I never felt like any of those big names was better than me . I scored 14 points but if I played the same amount of minutes that they did I probably end up with 30. I was really on fire that game but my coach didn’t really let me play until the 2nd half of that game”, stressed Jeremy Ingram.

            The American who also lists Glen Rice Jr as one of his toughest covers in the NCAA began his basketball career in 2016 in Germany with Speyer (Germany-Oberliga). Coming from the United States is often a total culture shock for Americans, but for Ingram it was more on the court things that woke him up to being a rookie in Germany. “Well my 1st season in Germany I didn’t get a lot of foul calls that I deserved I guess because I was much better and faster than everyone so it got frustrating at times. I really struggled with adjusting to German food also”, remembers Jeremy Ingram. In his second professional season he moved to SG Mannheim (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 23 games averaging 18.7ppg. He helped the club to a Regionalliga 2 title. Often when a team is having a lot of success, you get extremely tight with your teammates and that is exactly what happened with the American who will never forget that Mannheim season. “I think my fondest moment was when it snowed that season on 1 of our away games , We had a big team snowball fight. We even hit the coaches with snowballs. I was cool with all my teammates that season but Our Captain, Martin was really my guy. I stayed the night at his house in Mannheim nights before games because I lived an hour away. He always woke me up with breakfast, he was almost like my wife. He was a great guy and a great teammate”, added Jeremy Ingram. He also demonstrated with his stellar play that he needed no real adjustment period moving up a level. “There was nothing challenging about moving up playing with Mannheim. I was well prepared for the level of play. The thing that was challenging was getting my coach and teammates to accept my style of play. Because the beginning of the season I had to hold back in order to make the team happy. But eventually we all got on the same page and end up sweeping through the league easily, 24-2”, expressed Jeremy Ingram. In his third professional season he moved to TV Idstein (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and did the trick again winning a chip helping them move up to the Regionalliga. The American felt something special when he arrived in Idstein and success was something that seemed programed that season. “The thing I liked about the TV Idstein team the most in 2018 is that we all came into the season with 1 goal. When I signed the contract that season it was understood we all wanted nothing less than a championship. Anything less would have been a failed season for us. The championship was determined all the way to the last game of the season .. and we were down that game and I remember scoring like 10 points straight to give us the lead and ultimately help us win that championship game. That feeling after the game actually brought tears to my eyes Because if I didn’t play as good as I did, we lose that game”, stressed Jeremy Ingram.

            Last Season he played for VfL Bensheim (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and this season has brought his winning mentality back to TV Idstein and is ready for a second round of winning that next title. The American who lists Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Lebron James and Stephen Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore has helped TV Idstein to a 2-0 record so far this season. He is very confident that this is also a special team and they have a very strong core of players this season. This is the American´s 5^th professional season of playing for peanuts, but the love of the game and winning titles outweighs the negatives about not earning that much money. “Winning the championship definitely makes it all worth it at the end. But the teams I have played for has showed me so much love and they made sure I was well taken care of and had everything I needed. I´m grateful for the opportunities”, warned Jeremy Ingram. Even if the pay hasn´t been good, the organizations that he has played for in Germany have been good to him and just the standard of living has been high. Combining all those things has effected his game in a positive way and helped him grow in the last 4 years as a player “Germany has a been a great experience for me. I feel like it was the perfect place to start my career. I have learned a different style of basketball. For example, in America basketball is based of 1 on 1 style of playing where as in Europe, its based on a lot of screen and rolls . Also in Europe I´ve seen guys who aren’t the most athletic and not the fastest on the court still be effective! So I´ve learned a whole different method of the game that I feel can help my career last a lot longer. I feel like I get better every year no matter what league I play in because I work hard ,I´m always working on something new to add to my game, and I´m always studying the game of basketball”, added Jeremy Ingram.

            When you watch Ingram on the floor in small school gyms playing the game he loves for a living, you see a very crafty and a quick guard who offensively can aid a team with explosive scoring, will put scoring on the back burner and find his teammates when needed and will grab a rebound and get out on transition with lightening speed. He excels with his mid range game, but can also nail the three pointer when needed On the defensive end, he is a very disciplined defender who can get into the passing lanes and create disruption against his man. He doesn´t hesitate from finding the absolute best players when comparing his game to NBA players. “I say my game is a mixture of a few different players. I grew up watching my favorite player , Kobe Bryant, so if you watch my game close you will notice my mid range game and mid range pullup comes from him. I study his footwork. Even when I post-up guards my size I use his footwork and most definitely his back to the basket fadeaways. Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden is who I take after in todays game. Shooting mechanics like Curry, dribbling and crossovers like Irving, and step back 3s like Harden”, warned Jeremy Ingram. To be a top scoring player in the Regionalliga, you can´t be one dimensional, but be versatile. He takes a lot of pride in his mid range game the same way Saalouis legend Ricky Easterling does. “I feel like I have many strengths on the court. Obviously scoring being my biggest strength. But I feel my midrange game is what separates me from other Americans in my league. Because my players these days only look for layups or 3 pointers. Midrange is very important to me”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. His attitude is also excellent as he never gets content with his game as he knows, if he wants to keep climbing the basketball ladder, he will have to continue to grind in the lab to get better. “I´m working on my game as hard as I did when I was 18. And I will keep working on my game until I´m at the level I deserve to be at. 30 isn´t nothing but a number, THE GRIND DON’T STOP ! I work on everything , dribbling, shooting, defense . I feel like you can always get better no matter what age you’re at, commented Jeremy Ingram.  Another big strength is his character. Like so many other Americans that dominate the Regionalliga, he is way to good for the league and should be a higher level. He proved in the NCAA that he can compete and stick with future NBA players which has created that massive chip on his shoulders. A very very important fact that many players don´t always get right away is that the whole basketball experience and where you are and why  is due to the process. “I honestly played great against the big teams like Michigan and Georgia Tech but only played 1 half of those games. I was way too fast for those bigger colleges and I could shoot from NBA range which is why I always led the team in scoring against the bigger schools where I actually got in the game. I could lead the team in scoring 1 game and not even get in the next game after that. It was just Madness, but my coach never wanted to give me the proper respect and the proper chance to showcase my talents that I deserved. Every time I got in I played great. Everybody knew I was a problem on the court, but in life you run into people who try to hold you back or try their hardest for you not to be great. And this was just 1 of those situations. Honestly, I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my whole life. I’ve always been told I wasn’t good enough, I wasn’t tall enough, I could never play college, I was too cocky , I could never play professional basketball. But look at me everything they said I couldn’t do, I did  and I´m still doing. So yes there´s a chip on my shoulder because I know my talent level deserves for me to be playing in higher leagues but its ok because I always had to work extra to get anything I wanted in life. It’s just part of the process! I will get to where I want to be if I just keep working hard like I’ve been doing my whole life”, warned Jeremy Ingram. One thing the friendly American won´t have to worry about is playing one half and sitting the next. If TV Idstein want to compete for the Regionalliga South East title this season, they will need Ingram on the floor each quarter. Ingram´s desire, focus and grind will help him achieve his and TV Idstein´s goals. He proved once before with TV Idstein that he can win it all, so why not a second time?

Ricky Easterling is a 36 year 189cm guard form Baltimore, Maryland playing his 15th professional season and 13th season with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga). He has made a name for himself in the Regionalliga over the years as he averaged over 30,0ppg twice and led the Pro B in scoring from 2014-2016. Last season he averaged 24.9ppg), 6.3rpg, 5.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.2%. He began his basketball career with Bridgewater College (NCAA3) and as a professional also has had experience with the the Baltimore Pearls (ABA), TSG Reutlingen (Germany-Oberliga) and the Bergheim Bandits (Germany-Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com shortly before a Regionalliga game in Limburg, but shortly after the game was called due to COVID-19. The interview has been edited and left the way it is as a pre game interview. 

Welcome back to Limburg. Today is Halloween. What is the perfect Halloween costume for Ricky Easterling in 2020 if he were a kid?

It’s a pleasure to hear from you again Miles! Thanks for the warm welcome! If I was a kids I would probably be a ninja for Halloween. That was my go to costume back in the day! 

What were your favorite Halloween moments as a kid? Can you list some costumes that you wore when you were a kid? 

Some of my favorite moments as a kids on Halloween was definitely going to the Haunted dungeons or the Haunted houses back in my home town. Even thought they are staged with actors and I knew it all was fake it still scared the mess out of my friends and I. I remember my football team and I took a trip to Pennsylvania and went to this place called the Haunted Hayride. You had to first navigate through the mansion with your small group, alone without a tour guide. Once you made it through there you ended up outside. There was a tracker with a big trailer filled with Hay would pick your group up and send you on a ride through the woods. After that it would drop you off in the middle of the woods and you had to find your way back. That was probably the best Halloween event I ever took part in. Normally on Halloween I was a ninja. I was in karate as a kid so that was the reason I liked to be a ninja most of the time on Halloween. 

Back in the 2017-2018 season you swept Limburg. Can you remember the 77-75 win here where you scored 21 points? 

Yes, I remember this season. I also remember this particular game you mentioned. It was a overtime game and it was tied up with only seconds left in the game. We had The ball The last possession and the play was originally drawn up for me to have a Isolation situation at the top of the key. I started to do my thing and the defense pinched the gaps to help out my defender. So I noticed it and kicked it out to one of my teammates Alan Bedirhan and he knocked down a clutch 3 pointer to win the game. 

Here is some trivia that was the 12th time since October 2017 where you played the whole 40 minutes. Included in those 12 times was a 45 minute and 42 minute game. What is the biggest challenge for you personally of playing the whole game? 

The challenge about playing 40 plus minutes is having enough energy at the end of close games. So I always had to make sure I was in top shape. In my situation teams use multiple defenders to guards me throughout the game. None of them are playing 40 minutes. So that means all these dudes get a chance to rest during the game. Understanding the situation, I dedicated myself to being as fit as possible so at the end of games I could help my team close out games without being fatigued.

Do you see yourself sometimes as an extra coach on the floor? What piece of advice do you like giving your teammates most?

I been around for a while so it is my duty to be a leader and an extension of the coach on the floor. There is not a favorite thing I like to do or say when I am leading my team during the game. I just believe it is important to huddle as much as possible during the game to make sure we are all on the same page and to talk quickly about previous and upcoming possessions. In my opinion this makes a big difference as your playing the game. I like to think of these moments as mini timeouts. Good teams do this a lot during the game and I always try to make sure my team is taking advantage of these opportunities. 

I couldn’t find any box scores from you before 2015. What memories do you have of playing Limburg in your early career? Do you feel like you came out the winner most?

I remember playing them a couple times before we moved up to Pro B some years ago. There was one game where I had a hard collision with a Limburg player on the floor resulting in stitches and a concussion. Somehow I played through it and ended up with 39pts. All I can remember is that I totally blacked out and had to rewatch the film to remember what happened in the game. After this game I had to stay 2 nights in the hospital because of the concussion. If I remember correctly we are winning the head to head match up vs Limburg. I actually don’t remember ever losing to Limburg. At least in my time in Saarlouis. Maybe I could be forgetting a game but I don’t think so. 

Saarlouis continue to play with a 6 man rotation and after that very young Germans on the bench with little minutes. Is this not risky should 1 or possibly even 2 of the starting 5 players get injured? 

Yeah it can be risky but at the moment it is not too much we can do about that. This is our team and we will go out and play as hard as we can with what we have. 

What is it like battling American KJ Sherrill on the floor? Is he another one of those guys like you that is way to good for the Regionalliga? 

He is a beast! He has size, he is strong and he is very skilled. It is going to be a issue trying to slow him down out there but we are going to try our best. It is always a pleasure to come across him during the season and I am looking forward to playing against him again. 

How much of a challenge is it getting in the paint and using your mid range game with a guy like Sherril always lurking in the shadows?

It’s a great challenge. But it is something I have grown used to! Over the years I have had the pleasure to compete against many good post players in the Pro B, Pro A (in cup and charity games) and also summer leagues back at home in the states. So I am always prepared for a situation like this but at the same time I respect his abilities as a rim protector. 

In the first game loss against Kronberg it was the least amount of points 10 in a game that you scored since March 25, 2017 your last season in the Pro B. How strange is it having a low scoring game like that? 

For me, to be honest it is something I do not enjoy seeing but every now and then it happens. Teams know about me and always concentrate on me. Most of the time I am able to overcome these special type of defenses designed to slow me down. Then there are some games where the team plays good defense against me and are able to slow me down. This was one of those games. But best believe I will be ready to come back strong after a game like that. 

Will you study film of that game longer than games where you score 30 points? What do you look for most on film when you have a low scoring game? 

I will watch this game like I do all games. I know what they were doing against me. Wasn’t anything I haven’t seen before. They face guarded me and eventually went box and 1. I have seen these defenses before. My team and I we just not able to counter it effectively this time. Like I mentioned in the previous question we will be ready the next time we come across a situation like this. 

You have played many many years with 39 year old German Jimmy Peter Lauter? What have you appreciated most about his play and character? 

Jimmy is my guy! He is one of my day one teammates here in Saarlouis. He is a great person and a good friend of mine. We don’t have to talk often But when we meet or talk we know we are brothers. We all know he has a deadly jump shot but what I also appreciate about his game is that he is a fighter. He doesn’t take plays off and he plays every possession as hard as he possibly can. I can allows step out on the court with confidence when I have a teammate like that on the court with me.

Does his long career and staying power motivate you to keep going and have that drive to keep playing for many more years and until your legs fall off?

Yes at times I forget that he is a little bit older than me. The last year’s without him I was always the oldest so I got used to that. And now I can finally say I’m not the oldest anymore haha! I’m motivated to play until my legs fall off but to have a live example with me on the team of course motivates me a little bit more. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I seen was ‘The Old Guard’.

Thanks Ricky for the chat.