Jaleen Smith (193-PG-94, college: UNH) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his fourth professional season and second with the MHP Riesen currently averaging 16,4ppg, 5,5rpg, 5,4apg and 1,8spg. Last season he played 28 games averaging 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8%. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with Heidelberg he averaged 7,6ppg, 2,8rpg and 2,9apg. He had a stellar four year career with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com following the brutal 106-69 win over the Fraport Skyliners

Jalen thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 106-69 win. How tough was it watching and could one say the team didn’t need you today?

That just goes to show you how deep our team is. When one guy goes down, the next steps up. We saw it tonight with Jonah Radebaugh and Andrew Warren stepping up. It wasn’t that tough sitting out. It would have been tougher if it had been a close game. Frankfurt had a couple of runs, but I had a lot of confidence in my teammates.

Tonight we saw a prime example how COVID can really effect a team and game. The Fraport Skyliners were very undermanned missing three guys due to COVID and top scorer Matt Mobley was out as was rookie Jon Axel Gudmundsson. As a competitor does one ever feel for the opponent when they see a situation like this?

This was the second time this season where we played a team that was very undermanned. A few months ago we played Chemnitz who were missing guys. You feel for them and have sympathy, but at the end of the day you still want to win.

The game was already decided after one quarter as the MHP Riesen led 35-15. Can it at times be a challenge mentally when one just scorers and scorers not to lose focus?

You can fall into a trap. Your offense is going good, but then you don’t pay attention to defense. But we take a lot of pride on defense. You just can’t lose focus and have to hang on. We did a good job doing that.

Frankfurt shocked Ludwigsburg with a 17-3 run in the second quarter. How big was playing with emotion for Frankfurt?

Frankfurt got into a groove. They had a lot of young guys playing and they came in with a lot of self confidence and shot the ball really well.

In the second half the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg buckled down winning the half 48-27. What was the biggest strength on the night? Possibly the 9 turnovers?

It didn’t matter who we threw out there, everybody did their job. We stuck to our strengths and played Ludwigsburg basketball what gets us wins. We just played our game.

You have four games remaining including against Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich. Will the results of these games give a good indication where you will end up in the playoffs?

We have to take care of business in the next two games. But the last two games will also be big games.

Joshua Bonga of the Fraport Skyliners made his debut at age 16. What was your impression of him? Experts say he is more talented than brother Isaac.

That kid played with a lot of self confidence. He played against older guys. A couple of shots didn’t fall, but he had some good looks. He looked like he really wanted to play at the top level.

What has been your early impression of ex Stanford forward Oscar Da Silva. Does it surprise how quickly he has adjusted to the John Patrick system?

Stanford is one of the top schools in America academically so it wasn’t surprising at all that he latched on so quickly. JP isn’t a guy that will bring a guy that will drag on. He picked up the system quickly and is a great player.

Many had stated that Oscar not only had a big interest in basketball, but with his Stanford education could of got a job in another field. How focused is he on basketball and how big is his desire to become the best basketball player he can?

You don’t see that many young guys in Europe like him that put in so much hard work. He really takes care of his body. He is in the gym 30-45 minutes before practice just stretching. He then stays 40-50 minutes after practice getting up extra shots. He shows his desire to want to get to the next level. He is really focused on his goal.

What has it been for you working with the Patrick sons Johannes and Jakob? Is it sometimes overwhelming seeing not one but two John Patrick sons scrapping on the court?

It is always fun watching them go against each other in practice. They are both very competitive.

Johannes Patrick continues to develop nicely. Could you see him being a BBL allstar in the future?

Yes I can. He is another one of those young players that works very hard getting in extra lifts and shots. Where he goes depends how much he wants to get there. He can become what he wants.

Talk a little about talented young German Nico Santana Mojica. He has seen a few minutes this season. Just how talented is this guy?

He is really athletic. I think he is athletic enough to play at the BBL level or even higher. His shot is funky, but he really wants to work on it and improve it. He has been working on his mechanics with Andrew Warren after practice and has improved his shot. He isn’t scared on the court and plays like he belongs.

How tough is John Patrick’s job of keeping the guard rotation happy? There are so many guards that want playing time like a Jonah Radebaugh?

We have a lot of good guards. You never know when your time will come so it has been great that every sone tays ready. The whole atmosphere here is so positive, because we have been winning. Everyone is happy, because everyone is good with each other.

Chris Paul recently passed Magic Johnson for fifth all-time in assists. Where do you rank him with the best point guards all-time despite never having won a ring?

He is in the top 5. You saw what he did with the Suns. Before he came they were missing a true point guard and he came in and helped them become better. He is a winner.

How have you seen the development of Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum? He has scored 50 plus points this season. Where will he journey go as a player in the next years?

He is in the top 10 now. He is real good.

Dino Radja recently said he couldn’t see Russell Westbrook leading a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

His killer mentality rubs off everybody. That alone would help any team in Europe.

Draymond Green recently said he is the best defender of all-time. Do you agree?

No I don’t. There are so many great defenders. He is a good defender, but not best of all-time.

Have you seen the Coming to America sequel? It has had mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

Yes I saw it. It had some funny parts, but think they should of left it alone.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, MHP RIESEN LUDWIGSBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The last time the Fraport Skyliners were on the floor in an official easyCredit BBL game it was Easter Sunday as Quantez Robertson was keeping the Easter spirit alive with some Resee´s Peanut Butter Cups. That was three weeks ago as Frankfurt dismantled the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim 92-84. Then instead of battling teams MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and s.Oliver Wurzburg, the Frankfurt players were in quarantine and experiencing boring Zoom conferences and nonstop Netflix movies. They hadn´t practiced in 17 days and only had one team practice before the game against the Syntanics MBC. MBC on the other hand were sporting a 1-2 record since Easter Sunday, but also had beaten tough team Crailsheim and lost a two point heart breaker to the Niners Chemnitz. The Fraport Skyliners came into the contest in tenth place with a record of 11-16 and the playoffs a real long shot while the guests from Weissenfels entered the Fraport arena with a record of 8-22 and in 16^th place and were in dire need for a win to help their chances of remaining in the BBL. The game was a fierce battle and the guests had to rely a lot on the output of American point guard Quinton Hooker who exploded for 37 points his second most as a professional after scoring 40 points as a rookie in Poland guiding the Syntanics MBC past The Fraport Skyliners 81-76. With easyCredit BBL top scorer Michal Michalak missing due to COVID, somebody else had to pick up the slack and Hooker did an incredible job scoring 24 more points than his season average and carrying his team from the start to the end. Even if Hooker was a massive part of the success, it was a team effort. “We knew how important this game was. We knew that if we could escape Frankfurt with a win then we would be a step closer to remaining in the BBL. Despite missing three players, we played with a lot of energy. We did a great job believing we could win this game until the end. Even when they took the lead, we were able to come back. We had some incredible individual performances”, stressed Syntanics MBC head coach Silvano Poropat. The Fraport Skyliners played a pretty good game considering they had been away from the court for 17 days and could have won the game at the end, but a turnover and offensive rebound form MBC cost them the game. “I thought we gave overall a good performance considering how long we didn´t practice. We had no rhythm in the first half, but found it in the second half. We needed to give more effort at the end so that we could of won this game”, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Jon Axel Gudmundsson. “It was a total team effort. All played hard and we moved the ball well. We made some big defensive plays at the end that gave us the win”, said MBC guard Quinton Hooker.

            The Fraport Skyliners came into the game missing three players due to COVID-19 with Germans Michael Kessens, Bruno Vrcic and Len Schoormann. Despite being shorthanded, the 2016 FIBA Europe cup winner led quickly 6-2. Frankfurt got a nopening trey from ex Braunschweig guard Joe Rahon and Quantez Robertson drilled home a 15 footer from the wing. Quinton Hooker got a lay in rapidly showing just how quickly he can get to the rim and finish. Frankfurt moved the ball better and executed better in the first minutes as ex St Bonaventure(NCAA) guard Matt Mobley nailed a trey and Rahon was aggressive again getting in the lane and making a lay in as Frankfurt led 11-6. But that basketball is a game of runs is no secret as the 2004 FIBA Europe cup winner from Weissenfels went on a 7-0 run to capture their first lead of the contest at 14-13. Hooker started to get busy as he led the charge with 5 points with a three pointer and a pretty finger tip roll lay in. The first quarter would see 5 more lead changes. Frankfurt received key baskets from Gudmundsson, ex Hanau center Marco Voeller and Mobley while MBC got further production from Hooker and ex Western Kentucky University (NCAA) forward Sergio Kerush. Hooker continued to get the green light and produced as he made his second trey of the first quarter for the 22-21 advantage. Rahon then made free throws and ex American Deron Washington who played at Virginia Tech(NCAA) and was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2008 made a lay in for the 24-23 MBC advantage after 10 minutes. These high scoring quarters continue this season all over the easyCredit BBL and not having those loud fans have affected the scoring. “It gives the away teams a real advantage with no yelling fans. It is hard to keep the momentum at times without fans”, stressed Jon Axel Gudmundsson.

            In the second quarter the Syntanics MBC were able to break away and lead 49-40 at half-time. Hooker continued his hot shooting showing extreme calmness and picking his spots well giving Weissenfels the 29-25 lead with a trey. The Fraport Skyliners stayed on the Syntanics MBC heels hitting them with a 5-0 run to retake the lead at 30-29. Frankfurt did a good job getting to the free throw line getting production from ex Rasta Vechta center Kamari Murphy and Mobley and ex Auburn(NCAA) great Quantez Robertson scored on a coast to coast sprint. But the guests didn´t panic and remained patient and executed on offense as ex Weber State(NCAA) forward Kyndahl Hill dropped a trey and Hooker made another seemingly impossible lay in traffic for the MBC 34-30 advantage which they would hold until the break. Both teams had good ball movement, but the only difference was that MBC executed while Frankfurt didn´t execute at a good rate and made bad decisions. The Syntanics MBC continued to keep the lead as they really didn´t have many scoring options as it was their three Americans with Hooker, Hill and Washington supplying the punch along with German Kerush. Frankfurt stayed with the guests getting vital support from ex wiha Panther forward Rasheed Moore who had a slow start and Rahon cutting the Weissenfels lead to 39-36. The Syntanics MBC then closed out the quarter with a spark of energy going on a 10-4 run to lead 49-40. In the run MBC got another huge three pointer from Hooker and from Kerush and also got a lay in from 36 year old Serbian center Djordje Pantelic who is playing his sixth season with MBC. The veteran made an amazing over the shoulder shot after getting one of the countless no look passes from Hooker who has been showing that Magic Johnson passing style all season long. “My no look passes are a part of my game. I have been labelled as a combo guard, but scoring isn´t the only thing I do, but I also like to find the open man. I have to thank my dad who showed me Magic Johnson early on and those no look passes became an imprint in my game”, warned Quinton Hooker. Kamari Murphy ended the first half with a pretty tip in dunk to give Frankfurt at least a bit of energy going into the second half.

            The third quarter was a tale of two runs as the Fraport Skyliners rallied back to dead lock the game with a run only to see it evaporate with a MBC run which gave them the 6 point advantage after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners came out of the break refocused and hungry and hit the Syntanics MBC with a hard 15-6 run to tie the contest at 55-55. In the run it was Matt Mobley who lit up like a microwave the way ex Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson did back in the day scorching the guests with 11 points. The American found his touch and range letting it rain with 3 three´s and also made free throws. Frankfurt did a better job keeping Quinton Hooker in check and keyed in better on their main scorers as the guests were too one dimensional and just didn´t have many scoring options. The Frankfurt run didn´t in any way impress the Syntanics MBC as they buckled down harder on defense and heightened their intensity while on offense executed better going on a 9-3 run to lead 64-58 after 3 quarters. In the run the guests got a trey from Washington, a beautiful turn around shot from Hill a lay in by Hooker and a lay in by Kerusch where Hooker once again wheeled and dealed with a fancy no look pass. “We swiched up our defense. We had problems giving Mobley clean looks. But we were able to come back and found a way to score again getting the lead back”, expressed Quinton Hooker. “Mobley was very important for us When he starts to hit shots, he makes the game easier for us. Everybody to believe in themselves letting us go on that run. We continued to give Hooker too many easy looks. Any player can make those kinds of lay in´s in the BBL”, stressed Jon Axel Gudmundsson.

            As so often in this season the Fraport Skyliners never gave up and played out their hearts until the end, but then like so often this season couldn´t execute on offense and get the needed stops to pull out a crunch-time victory. The game of runs continued as now it was time for the Fraport Skyliners to get back into the game as they struck MBC with a lethal 10-1 run to take the well deserved 68-65 lead. In the run the 2000 BBL cup winner received key three´s from Rasheed Moore and Joe Rahon as well as another basket by Moore and a big two handed Mobley dunk. Frankfurt continued to move the ball well, but now were making better decisions while the Syntanics MBC got stagnant on offense. Frankfurt wasn´t able to hold their sudden momentum and allowed the guests to roll back with a 6-0 run to retake the lead at 71-68. The Syntanics MBC got clutch baskets from Pantelic inside as he used the mismatches and got easy baskets. It was sort of a mystery why the guests hadn´t gone to Pantelic earlier to exploit the mismatches. Hooker also scored again with a difficult left handed lay in. Frankfurt continued to grind away and tied the game at 75-75 getting key buckets from Mobley with a jumper, a trey Gudmundsson and a lay in from Rahon. Mobley then gave Frankfurt it´s last lead with a free throw 76-75. The Syntanics MBC gave the ball to Hooker again who nailed his sixth three pointer and 35^th point of the game and the 78-76 MBC lead with 27 seconds to play. “Not only I took control, but also Kyndahl Hill. He also played 40 minutes like me and had an amazing game. He took a lot of pressure off me. I never felt the need to force things today, but I wanted to stay aggressive. That last shot was similar to one I hit earlier. It was fun to watch it go in”, warned Quinton Hooker. “Quinton came up with great answers today. You don´t see performances like his often. You really have to tip your hat to him. At times it felt like he was playing against 10 defenders”, smiled Syntanics MBC head coach Silvano Poropat. Frankfurt had the chance to send the game into OT, but Matt Mobley coughed up the ball. MBC then closed out the game with Hill and Hooker free throws. “The last play was designed for Mobley to get the ball at the free throw line. His defender had two hands on him. No foul was called. He then tried to pass the ball to Murphy, but it´s difficult to get off a good pass when there are two hands on him”, stressed Jon Axel Gudmundsson. Defensive stops won us the game., We got some deflections and a huge offensive rebound”, added Quinton Hooker.  The Syntanics MBC were led by Quinton Hooker with 37 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Kyndahl Hill added 15 points and 10 boards while Sergio Kerush had 14 points and 12 rebounds while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Matt Mobley with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Joe Rahon had 16 points and 9 assists and Jon Axel Gudmundsson had 12 points. The Syntanics MBC shot 48% form the field and 40% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 36% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

TJ Shorts (175-PG-97, college: UC Davis) is a 23 year old 175cm point guard from Tustin, California playing his second professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers. Last season as a rookie he played with with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) playing 12 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 14.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-4 (6.3apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 82.4%; and played 20 LatEstBL games averaging 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.6%. He began his basketball career at Tustin High School and then played two years at Saddleback JC (JUCO) He finished at the University of California – Davis (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 14.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7% and in his senior year averaged 15.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 71.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 95-83 Hamburg win over s.Oliver Wurzburg.

Thanks TJ for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the huge 95-83 win against s.Oliver Wurzburg. How good did it feel to get the win after that heartbreaking loss against Chemnitz?

It definitely felt good to get back into the win column. We had a short memory with the loss to Chemnitz. We knew that Wurzburg would be another tough game, but we came out and won and got rolling again.

Basketball sometimes can be so simple. The Hamburg Towers averaged 23 points per quarter. How key was the consistent offense for getting you this win?

Our offense was key, but we really like to focus on defense. We know that when we defend well then our offense will come. If we play with pace and together then we know that we will be able to score the ball.

Hamburg allowed 27 points in the second quarter. What did you as a team get away from that allowed Wurzburg to remain in the game?

It was minor details that we got away from. They got a couple transition baskets and offensive rebounds. When we don’t dictate the game then we know that we can get in trouble.

Wurzburg was able to cut it down to 83-81 in the last minutes. What was key in crunch-time for Hamburg being able to get the victory?

Just small details. We had that mentality that each possession mattered. We were able to hold them to one stop and didn’t allow any offensive rebounds. We played with a lot of confidence at the end and executed. That brought us the win.

Hamburg shot the ball well, and rebounded very well. How much more good does a win like this feel for you personally when the team gives up only 6 turnovers?

It feels good, but the credit goes to everyone that was on the court. Taking care of the ball that well makes everyone feel good. Every guy gives their best as we try to get the win.

What a way for Patrick Spencer to give his BBL debut and score 18 points. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

He has been working very hard in practice and had to wait a while until he got in. He came here and right away bought into the system and was a big spark off the bench. For him to come in and play so well was huge for us.

He was one of the top Lacrosse players in the United States and then decided to hang on a year at Northwestern and played a good season of basketball. How do you feel has Lacrosse helped his basketball game?

I had heard that he has played Lacrosse in school. Lacrosse is a very physical sport and that translates to basketball. He is a very physical player and knows how to use his body well. For him to find the balance and be able to perform well on the court has been a big credit to him.

How good are the Hamburg Towers really? You could have won 3 more games which you lost at the end. How did this team improve in the recent 9 game winning streak?

We don’t look at ourselves about how good we are at the moment. Our goal the whole season has been to establish ourselves in the BBL. We don’t focus on what the media says, but focus just on getting better. We as a unit have a very good bond and just want to keep our success going.

You had your second double double of the season with 14 points and 10 assists. You have been so consistent this season was this just another regular day at the office for you?

Each game is different. I was able to find guys today and they hit shots. They make my job a lot easier when their hitting shots. I just do whatever I can to help my team win. If that means getting 10 assists. I don’t think about having a regular day at the office but I always have the same mind set and always have something to prove.

You had a very good rookie season in Latvia with BK Ventspils but your having an even better season in a better league. How much of a testament has the Hamburg system and head coach Pedro Calles been for your success?

A lot of credit goes to Pedro Calles. He brought me to Hamburg. I am a young player that is still learning. He talks to me and helps me. He has given me confidence and made me be comfortable. His system is great and I hope that I continue to play well.

Every game is a challenge for you because you are usually the smallest guy on the court. How do you feel have you grown as a player in the BBL this season?

As a small guard I always have tall tasks. I have always been the smallest guy on the court and that’s nothing new. The only difference now is that the players are better. I have to always continue to learn and find tricks that will help me be successful. I feel that with time and the more games that I play, the more that I will be able to add to my game and become an even better player.

Chris Paul passed Magic Johnson for fifth on the NBA all-time with assists. Where do you rank a Paul in the NBA’s best all-time point guards when he hasn’t won a ring yet?

It is definitely a tough conversation since he hasn’t won a ring. He is my favorite player of all-time. I have admired and idolized him forever and tried to take things from his game. I wasn’t raised in the 80’s when Magic and Isaiah Thomas played. He is still my favorite. For him to pass Magic is huge. He still looks great for so late in his career. I hope he still gets a ring, but I’m a Lakers fan so I’m rooting for them.

Croatian legend Dino Radja recently said that he couldn’t imagine Russell Westbrook being able to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

I don’t agree. Westbrook gets a lot of criticism for his antics and how he carries himself, but he has proven his whole career that he can lead a team. He does whatever it takes to win. I feel like he would be able to adjust to Europe and have success.

Draymond Greene recently said that he is the greatest defender of all-time. Do you agree?

He isn’t the best of all-time, but up there with the best. He can defend 1-5 and be the leader on defense. He adds a lot to his team, but there have been too many other great defenders.

Did you see the Coming to America sequel? It has gotten mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it untouched?

I haven’t seen it. The first one was such a classic. The mixed reviews are a bad sign. The first one was so good.

Thanks TJ for the chat.

Troy Caupain is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Midlothian, Virginia playing his fourth professional season and first with ratiopharm Ulm. Last season he split time with the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), Hapoel Unet Holon (Israel-Winner League) and Filou Oostende (Belgium-Euromillions League). In the 2018-2019 season he reached the NBA with the Orlando Magic playing 4 games and also played with the akeland Magic (NBA G League) playing 51 games averaging 16.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 78.3%. In his rookie season he played with theLakeland Magic (NBA G League) playing 51 games averaging 15.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 83.8%, in Apr.’18 moved to GSA Amici Pallacanestro Udine (Italy-Serie A2) playing 10 games averaging 14.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 75.6%. He played at the University of Cincinnati(NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 137 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career before the easyCredit BBL game against the EWE Baskets

Troy thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany for ratiopharm Ulm. After playing in Italy, Israel and Belgium, how does the easyCredit BBL compare to the other leagues that you have played in?

I thought that the players in Italy A-2 were better than the players in Germany. All the leagues have been good, but the German BBL has been the best that I have played in with the competition level top to bottom.

Before we get to your basketball game and career, I have to ask you about COVID-19. How have you experienced the whole drama in the last year and what was the biggest challenge for you?

It has been a tough year with COVID. Everything was going good. I was in Belgium and in the BCL playoffs. We were tied with Tenerife 1-1 and then everything suddenly stopped. Everyone was sent home. I flew back home to my dad in New York city. New York was already at that time in bad shape. I wanted to go home and visit my mom in Virginia, but I didn’t want to take that risk with COVID. At first when I was in New York, I was isolated in a room until I took a test. The whole situation with COVID was an awakening for me since I couldn’t do normal every day life things. I had to figure out how to do things by myself. But that wasn’t too tough because I was an only child. On the basketball side it was tough because not everything was open and I didn’t do anything for a month and a half. Plus I had no idea when basketball would start up again. Not knowing what was ahead and staying motivated wasn’t easy.

With everything that you have seen in the last year, how do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I changed up my diet and cut down on sugars. My immune system grew through that. I think COVID really helped me realize that I really didn’t need much. I saved money and was there for my family.

Ratiopharm Ulm have a very talented and deep roster and want to make some noise in the playoffs. You guys can put up a lot of points on the board, but also give up a lot. On what area’s on the defensive end does the team need to get better if they want to make a run in the playoffs?

I think that most key for us is finishing games down the stretch. It is the little things at the end that we have to do better like getting that one stop, box outs or offensive rebounds. We can score well and know how to get stops, but it’s just getting those one or two stops at the end to put it all together.

You were 13 years old when ratiopharm Ulm legend Per Gunther arrived in Ulm. What has it been like playing with him and have you been able to soak up vital things on the court from him?

A big shoutout to P. One of the great guards in the league. He is a forever legend. He has been very helpful in my first season in Germany on how to attack certain things like on the pick and roll. I watched his film before I arrived. He is a great shooter and is great on transition. Even if I’m in a bad mood, he picks me up. When I first got here I remember we hyped each other up to see how we can do this together.

Dylan Ostekowski is a very talented player with a special character. What has been the best example this season where he showed that he is a very extraordinary person?
He is a cool guy and is a smooth sailor. He is a Cali guy and doesn’t get out of his comfort zone. He is a good shooter for his size. As a point guard it’s always good to play with a guy that can stretch the floor as well as he can.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I would compare myself to Chauncey Billups.

You’re a player that can really fill the stat sheet well. Would you say that your biggest strength is your versatility?

Yes that’s true. I try to do a lot on the floor. Posting up, rebounding, guarding 1-5 or just running the floor. I’m a pass first guard that can guard bigger players.

In the G-League you had very high scoring, rebounds and assists averages. It is obviously a lot more difficult to put up stats like that in Europe. Do you feel you could raise your rebounding and assists overseas with more experience?

Yes for sure. In the G-League there was a lot more space and weren’t many point guards that would crash the boards. It is tougher to rebound in Europe because the bigs are sitting in the paint, but I feel like I could raise my averages.

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? At Cincinnati as a freshman you were already introduced to a special way to defend. Talk a little about that time and how your game has grown?

They really preached defense at Cincinnati. I think that my one on one defense and help defense is good. The main thing that I’m working on in Germany is running off on those massive down screens. My big downfall at the moment are the stagger screens. I often get caught looking. I’m really trying to work on that to improve.

On what area’s of your game do you continue to work on so that you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

The main area that I’m working on most now besides defense and the stagger screens is coming off screens and shooting. My problem is that I hesitate too much and let the defense get back to the area where I can’t shoot. I try to watch Per as much as possible. He does a great job coming off screens and letting the ball fly. I’m confident that over time that I will be able to take shots off the screen and be more successful. I have to also work more on my foot work. I also want to get better on the pick and roll. I’m watching a lot of Euroleague like Madrid-Efes at the moment.

Last season you began with the Portland Trailblazers. What was it like sharing the court with Damian Lillard and CJ McCullum? When you see their games does it motivate you to grind even more?

Those two guys always stayed late and put up massive amounts of shots each day. It helped me being able to watch them play for two weeks every day. They put in a lot of work and it makes sense how far they have come as players. After seeing them put in the work and be successful gave me a lot of confidence that I could do that. They have no highlights in their stories. They both came from mid major schools and look where they are now. That all came with the work they put in. I will continue to put in the work and get better.

You had had a good NBA Summer League in 2019. What were the main reasons for coming overseas? Did you lose some faith in the NBA?

No I didn’t lose faith in the NBA. My main goal is to get back to the NBA. I had played in the G-League for two years. I was 24 and told myself if I’m not in the NBA now, it is time to put something on the table for my family. I had to make big boy decisions. I didn’t want that G-league salary, but wanted to go overseas and earn some money. I didn’t want to waste good money that I could earn in Europe and that is why I came overseas last season. I didn’t want to waste money just for a dream. The NBA always knows where to find you.

You played with Hapoel Unet Holon (Israel-Winner League) playing 12 games averaging 10.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.6apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 37.0%, FT: 68.0%, and played 11 Basketball Champions League: games averaging 8.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 60.9%. I have never talked to an American that didn’t love Israel. What did you like most about the country besides it’s warm weather and food?

It was a great experience to see a new culture. I loved the fan base in Israel. They came to every game.

You played twice against Euroleague Powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv. In one game you played against ex Florida (NCAA) great Scottie Wilbekin. Is he another one of those great examples why their aren’t enough guard spots in the NBA?

Yes for sure. His work that he puts in matches his game. He gets the job done. His team wins and you could see his leadership qualities on the court.

You began your professional career with the Orlando Magic (NBA), but then got cut. What memories do you have of that first NBA training camp and what do you remember being your wake up call to being in the NBA?

I always felt like I should be in the NBA. I really didn’t have a wake up call. For me it was all about seeing the guy in front of me and knowing that we did the same thing. Important for me was watching the guys in the NBA and seeing how they operated. Seeing all the magnificent cars in the parking lot and all the great food really impressed me.

You then played with the Lakeland Magic (NBA G League) playing 51 games averaging 15.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 48.8%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 83.8%. Did you ever feel like you were close to getting a NBA call up?

I thought that I was close. My ex agent kept telling me that their was interest and that I just had to keep doing what I was doing. That really motivated to keep working hard. Of course then when it didn’t happen, I was very disappointed. I had some long nights. It is what it is.

You finished your rookie season with to GSA Amici Pallacanestro Udine (Italy-Serie A2) playing 10 games averaging 14.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 75.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

The language barrier was a wake up call as well as the traveling rule. I remember in my first games I had something like 2 or 3 back to back traveling calls called against me. The positive side were the fans. I remember the fans having blow horns when we played against Trieste. The food also was really good.

You made your NBA debut on new years eve against Charlotte. What memories do you have of your first minutes?

I remember thanking the man upstairs when I checked in. I wanted to make my family proud when I stepped on the court. I remember thinking that I had to score a bucket. I remember that Amile Jefferson and I executed for the bucket. I made a floater. When I scored I was throwing a party inside of me. Of course I couldn’t show my emotions on the court. I had to act as if I had been there before.

What Orlando Magic do you remember having the biggest impact on you?

DJ Augustine had he biggest impact on me. He always gave me good knowledge about the game. He always told me not to get frustrated. He was a big help on the pick and roll. He was a small guard and knew how to get to the rim. I took notes and took that to the G-League which really helped me

What do you remember being the best example that you saw in your two years in the NBA/G-League where you saw that the NBA will always be a business before anything else?

I remember seeing a guy that I thought was a great fit for the team, but he was traded the next day. I don’t remember his name, but I remember thinking that he was a good piece for the team, but the team got rid of him.

You also played with the Lakeland Magic (NBA G League) again playing 51 games averaging 16.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 78.3%. You were teammates with Alan Anderson who would retire after the season. How much hope does his path give you knowing he began in the NBA then played some years in Europe and then went back to the NBA?

The dream is never over. You can get back to the NBA. If the NBA wants you then they will find you. Alan is a primary example of a guy who made it back to the NBA and stayed. Every path is different. You have to stay the course and when the time is right it could happen. Alan was always confident. He always told me that no matter who is front of me on the court kill him

You had a fine career at Cincinnati (NCAA) reaching the ACC tournament in 2017 and reached the NCAA tournament as a senior. What were your fondest basketball moments there?

I had many fond moments. Like scoring my 1000th point against Iowa State, or becoming the school’s all-time assist leader or hitting a shot against Purdue to reach OT. Of course going to the tournament each year was also huge.

You had many great games at Cincinnati like tearing up UConn for 37 points, but was your 23 points in the NCAA tournament win against Kansas State one of your most memorable?

Yes that was my best game as a senior. No one thought that we would win that game. It was exciting because we were underdogs.

How did head coach Mick Cronin groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He taught me how to stay mentally locked in. He always stressed that you can’t get frustrated on the court. The game has to be won so put negativity behind you

Who won a one on one back in the day you or Sean Killpatrick?

We never played. His resume speaks for it’s self. He was sort of a mentor for me. He told me how to win games. He always told me don’t let the crowd get to you. We have to win the game. As a freshman you tend to get nervous at times, but he always calmed me down. He was a winner. He always wanted to win.

Who is the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that made it to the NBA?

Shabazz Napier of UConn.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Greg Donlan, John Petrocelli, Kevin Johnson, Gary Clark, Justin Jackson.

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

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Durant, Shaq

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

Two different era’s. I feel like Jordan would be successful in this era, but Lebron would have been more successful than Jordan in his era.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Money Talks.

Thanks Troy for the chat.

32 year old Malcolm Delaney proved once again why he is the ultimate champion as he was an instrumental piece to helping lead AX Armani Exchange Milano to the amazing and thrilling 79-78 victory over FC Bayern Munich in game one of the Euroleague Quarterfinal playoffs. AX Armani Exchange Milano are in good position now as they have the 1-0 series lead in the best of five series and own the overwhelming momentum and will be seeking the 2-0 series lead tonight at home. Two nights ago, FC Bayern Munich was in the drivers seat with one second remaining and having the 78-77 advantage. Sometimes making just that one stop is more difficult than trying to stop Dennis Schroeder´s lethal drive to the basket on a consistent rate. Malcolm Delaney has been in these last second situations over and over and just has that knack of being able to produce something positive. He knows how to be cool and calm when a game is on the line the same way a Michael Jordan was back in the day. Ok so Delaney is no Jordan, but in the Euroleague he showed just how focused he can be under severe pressure. There is a reason why the Maryland native has won 8 titles in five different countries. He wasted no time when he came overseas beginning to rack up the titles as he won titles in his first three seasons in France, Ukraine and Germany. The titles have continued to come as he won twice in Spain last season with FC Barcelona and won two cups this season with AX Armani Exchange Milano. Milan could of wrapped the game earlier had they been able to get the last stop, but instead American Kevin Punter made a bad foul with one second allowing ex Maryland(NCAA) stand out and San Antonio Spurs draft pick James Gist to the line sinking two free throws as FC Bayern Munich had the tight 78-77 advantage with one second to play. I was on the edge of my seat and have to be honest that I already had FC Bayern Munich with the 1-0 game lead. Here and there you see those amazing last second plays, but the odds are greater that the opponent will get a stop. But not on this night. Delaney found Zach Leday at the buzzer with an alley-oop tip in. There might have been only one second left on the clock, but for Malcolm Delaney the game isn´t over until the fat lady sings. “For me the game is never over. I went into the huddle and told the guys that we can still win this game. There was never any doubt in my mind that we would lose this game”, warned Malcolm Delaney. The shocking win in game one was something that wasn´t surprising to the American as he has seen so much in his career, but he already found a special place for the last second win. “I would rank this at number 5. I have won and lost games with half court shots. But this win was special because it was a playoff game which made it a lot better”, said Malcolm Delaney.

AX Armani Exchange Milano came into the Euroleague series against FC Bayern Munich as the favorite and had won the regular season series 2-0 including a tight 81-79 won on the road and then hammering the German side 75-51 at home. But game one would not be a cake walk as FC Bayern Munich came alive in the second quarter exploding for 26 points and had the commanding 44-27 advantage at the break. The American who laughed when he heard Dino Radja´s comments about Russell Westbrook not being able to lead a team in Europe to success has seen a lot in his career and wasn´t surprised by how the German team stepped up in the second quarter. “I don´t see anyone being able to defend Russell Westbrook in Europe. There is no one closer to being better than Westbrook in Europe. Munich is always tough and are well coached. They played well and we played terrible. They had a good game plan and found a way to score. They got hot and we couldn´t get stops. Despite having 27 points at half-time, we never ever felt like we were out of the game. We were unable to take them out of what they do well. We weren´t too worried. We knew that we had to cut down the lead and we would be ok”, stressed Malcolm Delaney who sees Chris Paul who never won a NBA ring as a top 5 point guard all-time. Despite being behind by 17 points at the break, the Milan locker room was pretty subdued. Coach Ettore Messina didn´t fuss around or get mad. Vocal leader Malcolm Delaney took charge in the locker room and the second half road to recovery wasn´t a strenuous one to comprehend. Milan is one of the top three point shooting teams in the Euroleague. Playing good defense to help spark the offense was what had to be implemented at once. “I told my teammates to take it one possession at a time. Once we get going on offense, it will have a trickle down effect on everyone. Coach also stressed that we can´t rely on our offense, but have to start playing better defense. I knew that once we began to get stops, our scoring would come”, stated Malcolm Delaney.

            One can´t slow down a powerhouse offense of AX Armani Exchange Milano forever and the Italian side finally crawled out of their funk putting on an offensive showcase in the third quarter scoring 26 points. But AX Armani Exchange Milano were still behind 64-53 after 30 minutes, but were in striking range to make continued progress in the fourth quarter as they had the momentum. “We were more patient in the third quarter and didn´t play one on one. We figured out how to space better and got guys in good position. We began to defend better which allowed us to get out on transition. On offense we played more free”, stated Malcolm Delaney. AX Armani Exchange Milano continued to plug away in the fourth quarter and got a massive boost from ex NBA player Sergio Rodriguez who played 325 NBA games and came into the game having  been inserted in 292 Euroleague games. He came on the floor and sparked AX Armani Exchange Milano with 8 points drilling home two three pointers to cut the Munich lead to 67-61. In crunch time he drained another clutch three pointer for the 77-74 Milan lead. “Chacho is up for those moments and has the ability to step up. He is a winner and never backs down when it´s clutch time. That is what we expect him to do. We aren´t surprised when he does that”, warned Malcolm Delaney.

            Then came the thrilling end of the game which is one that will be talked about for many more years not only in Milan, but also in Munich. AX Armani Exchange Milano had one second on the clock and had the in bounds pass at half court. AX Armani Exchange Milano had had a similar situation this season against CSKA Moscow. They ran the same play as they would against Munich finding ex CSKA player Kyle Hines. Hines was fouled, but was unable to make both free throws, so Milan had to go into overtime. AX Armani Exchange Milano didn´t want to lose this game and definitely wanted to do it better than against CSKA Moscow. Many thought the last Milan play was a back screen, but it wasn´t. “We wanted Zach LeDay to slip. Munich had been switching all game long. We knew that all we needed was for them was too make one mistake and we would win. I had Kevin Punter as an extra option, but really I wanted to go to LeDay. I knew that in 8/10 plays, I would go to LeDay. I had told him before my pass that he would be open. I also told him that he also would still have time to go down and shoot it if needed. It was tough with the pressure, but there is a reason why we practice shot clock plays”, warned Malcolm Delaney. FC Bayern Munich looked really bad on the last play and AX Armani Exchange Milano capitalized on the game changing mistake. “They tried to switch and got lost. I was going back door to Leday regardless. I had to go to him. I wanted to get something to him around the rim. I was aware of his athleticism and knew that he would get a good opportunity”, stated Malcolm Delaney.

            The American who sees Golden State Warrior Draymond Greene as one of the most versatile defenders in the game, but not the greatest of all-time had a tough shooting night netting 10 points on 1/8 shooting from the parking lot. But one can´t forget, he only returned from knee surgery two weeks ago. Even if his shot didn´t fall, he is never worried about his shooting, because he knows that he can help the team in other ways. “I got in my extra shots today, but I´m always confident with my shooting. I feel like I have been playing my best defense this season in my whole career. Even if I go 0/15, I´ll be content if I can make three or four good defensive plays and get five assists. That is the same for me as if I score 20 points. I´m able to do other things to help my team win. Shooting isn´t important for me”, commented Malcolm Delaney. Game two is tonight in Milan and FC Bayern Munich desperately have to steal a win in Milan. Delaney who is one of the few professional players I have interviewed in the last weeks that didn´t like the sequel to Coming To America, because it was too commercial isn´t worried about Munich in game two and doesn´t know if the shocking game one loss will effect his old team Munich mentally. “I can´t answer that about Munich. I really don´t care. I´m just focused on us”, warned Malcolm Delaney. Zach LeDay was the hero of game one and will always be remembered. But what about Delaney who supplied the perfect lob pass? Well usually when a situation like this happens, it will be Zach LeDay who is stuck with the restaurant bill. Delaney´s feat definitely should reward him with a free dinner paid by LeDay. But that will have to wait. “No free dinner for me yet. Game one is over and we aren´t celebrating yet. We have forgotten game one and are ready for game two. I think a nice dinner and wine would be good after you win a game three in the playoffs”, smiled Malcolm Delaney. The 2021 Euroleague playoffs are still young for AX Armani Exchange Milano as they still have a long way to go to secure that title. If they want to win it all, then they will have to win twice in May at the Euroleague Final 4 in Cologne, Germany. If AX Armani Exchange Milano can come up victorious then Delaney can choose if he wants a typical German meal or if he wants to put a small dent into LeDay´s paycheck with a meal at the posh Dongio in Milan.

Tyson Ward (198-G/F-97, college: NDSU) is a 23 year old 198cm guard/forward from Tampa Bay, Florida that is playing his rookie season in Germany with s.Oliver Wurzburg currently averaging 9,1ppg, 4,2rpg and 2,8apg. He played at North Dakota State University (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 129 NCAA games. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding season averages each year. In his senior year he played 33 games averaging 16.9ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.8%. he spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 82-78 win against Brose Bamberg.

Tyson thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 82-78 win. How good did it feel to get this win after losing 5 games in a row?

This win was like a fresh breath of air. Losing takes a lot of the wind out of the sail. This was a big win. It had been a long time since our last win against Crailsheim. It was great to bounce back. This was a big step for us.

s.Oliver Wurzburg had some very tough weeks losing by 50 points to Oldenburg, losing by 24 points to Ulm and 23 points against BG Goettingen. What has frustrated you the most about how the club has performed on the defensive end in this span?

Defense is something that we have needed to work on all season long. We have to be able to put our best foot forward. Our problem is that when we play bad defense, we get down on ourselves. That’s when the opponent gets a big lead. Every team is so good in the BBL that it is hard to come back when your down by so much.

Did you sense that the team was focused than ever wanting to get revenge after losing to them twice this season?

It was a combination of having guys back and just having that chip on our shoulders. We had a long week and a half to prepare for this game. Our practices were more intense and everybody was really competitive. It is good see that our practice effort was able to translate over into the game.

s.Oliver Wurzburg began slow, but really picked it up in the second quarter scoring 31 points. What adjustments did the team make to finally find their offensive rhythm?

Energy really helped us. We were up and down in the first quarter while Bamberg stayed solid. We played harder on the defensive end in the second quarter and began to capitalize on their mistakes.

s.Oliver Wurzburg did a good job not allowing any points from Bamberg for almost 5 minutes in the fourth quarter, but then allowed three consecutive three’s from German Kenneth Ogbe. How much of a pest was he in making it a game again?

We had to make defensive adjustments. Bamberg has many good shooters. It wasn’t just Ogbe, but it could have been any other player sitting in the corner and making shots. His three three pointers definitely bothered us. We took a good timeout to regroup.

How instrumental was Murphy Holloway for the win? He was without a doubt the team’s MVP in the fourth quarter.

Murph always brings big energy. He is a dawg. You saw it all game from him with his energy. It is a testament of how hard he plays and just how much his energy affects us. It is awesome having him on the team. He brings a different energy boost.

How much of a spark does his defense truly give the offense?

It gives us a big boost. Defense sparks offense is the biggest motto of any team. The more stops you get the more transition baskets you can get.

How key was it limiting David Kravish to only 2 points. He could have been the difference had he been able to score more.

Slowing him down was a testament to our bigs and our help side. We gave strong contact in the low post when he caught the ball. Kravish is a talented dude. You really need to key in on a guy like him.

What do you believe was s-Oliver’s biggest strength on the court tonight?

Being together was huge for our success tonight. We were giving constant encouragement from the bench and bounced back to the next play. Energy and effort helped us win this game

How confident are you that the team will finish strong with the better integration of Rob Lowery, Brekkott Chapman and Perry Jones?

It definitely felt a lot better having those guys back. Murphy, Hunt and I had to do a lot and we had tough times. We are still learning the pace of the BBL to this day. Having Chapman and Lowery back was a huge help. You really see how they affect the game.

You had a solid game with 13 points and filled the stat sheet nicely. How tough have the last weeks been for you being able to produce well on the court?

It has been tough as a rookie. I have been up and down. Teams pick on you and bet on you to make mistakes. It took me a while to understand that I have to slow down more. Your emotions can get the best of you. I learned that I need to lock down more and have fun and not worry about making mistakes.

You have had an up and down rookie season. Do you feel that the many offensive options that the club has has limited your scoring output?

I think for me it has been a learning curve as the season has gone on. It hasn’t been about the team having natural scorers, but about me learning the game. I think that my game has become more consistent half way through the season. I have learned a lot and I feel that I have had a decent rookie year. It is something that I can build on. I learned that I had to stop putting pressure on myself and just stay solid.

You compete against many great players each game including ex NBA players like Devon Hall. Do you ever ask yourself what you still have to do to get better when you watch a guy like that operate?

I didn’t even know that he played in the NBA. I just try to get better each day and stop the guy in front of me no matter who the player

Chris Paul passed Magic Johnson for fifth on the NBA all-time with assists. Where do you rank a Paul in the NBA’s best all-time point guards when he hasn’t won a ring yet?

I think he is really underrated. He is so dynamic. He has played for great and bad teams and always proved where ever he was that he got it. He is a top 5 point guard.

Croatian legend Dino Radja recently said that he couldn’t imagine Russell Westbrook being able to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

I don’t know. You need to be able to shoot the ball at the Euro level. The floor is a lot tighter in Europe. I can see where he is coming from with that statement.

Draymond Greene recently said that he is the greatest defender of all-time. Do you agree?

No, absolutely not. He is one of the great defenders, but not the greatest.

Did you see the Coming to America sequel? It has gotten mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it untouched?

Classics should never be remade. It is hard to redo a classic.

Thanks Tyson for the chat.

Marcus Thornton (193-G-93, college: William & Mary) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Forestville Maryland playing his sixth professional season and first with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-BBL) averaging 13,7ppg, 2,0rpg and 4,0apg while shooting 40% from outside. Last season he played with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) playing 23 games averaging 10.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 68.2%. He began his professional career in 2015 and has played for organizations Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL), Consultinvest VL Pesaro (Italy-Serie A), Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL), Guangxi Rhinos (China-NBL) and for two G-League teams Maine Red Claws and Canton Charge. He played at the College of William & Mary (NCAA) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 125 es and as a senior averaged 20.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 82.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the magnificent 98-97 win over the Hamburg Towers.

Marcus thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Mr Buzzer beater. Did you see the buzzer beater the other day from Miami Heat Bam Adebayo? Did you ask yourself when you might make one again?

Yes I did catch his buzzer beater. No I didn’t think after seeing that buzzer beater when I would make one again. It is crazy seeing so many buzzer beaters in the NBA, but also in the BBL this season.

What is your personal history of buzzer beaters? How many have you had since high school and which was your favorite?

I had one in college. I can’t remember having one in high school. Then I had the one against Bamberg this season and last night against Hamburg. I have had shots that have helped my team go ahead late. My favorite one was against Drexel. Their coach had recruited me, but wanted me to cut my hair. I didn’t want that and didn’t go there.

Your playing great basketball right now. You love facilitating, but really is there anything better than scoring the ball consistently?

A big part of my game is to score the ball. That is what I have been training for to be able to score the ball. I love to score the ball and love to see work come to fruition.

How good did it feel to sweep the Hamburg Towers this season? Did a Virgil Matthews tell you about how they stopped Chemnitz from reaching the BBL earlier by beating them in the playoffs some years ago?

Yes he was motivated. I definitely had heard stories of that playoff series between Hamburg and Chemnitz. The guys really wanted to win.

Is Chemnitz the best example of a team that is way better than their record shows? Hamburg has beat most of the top teams and could play an interesting role in the playoffs.

We have a great team this year and everyone has always given their best. We did have some set backs this season and had games we should of won. But we are confident now of who we are as a team and what we still have to do and can do.

Did you sense before the game that head coach Rodrigo Pastore was extra motivated to win because of his history with the Hamburg Towers?

Yes for sure. Coach is a huge competitor. This was a big time win for the club and for coach.

How crazy was this game? I mean there was a buzzer beater and each team won two quarters averaging 29 points?

Yes I know. We had a big lead in the fourth quarter, but they played well and were able to come back. They were able to capitalize on our mistakes. That is a testament of how good the BBL is.

Chemnitz had the 48-45 lead at the break. What did head coach Rodrigo Pastore tell the team to do better in the third quarter?

Coach told us to get more consecutive stops on defense, finish plays better and cut down on turnovers. Overal we stuck together and were able to get the win.

Chemnitz allowed an unacceptable 31 points in the third quarter. Why was it so difficult to keep Hamburg better in check on offense?

We allowed them to get to the free throw line too much. It is already hard enough to play good defense, but we gave them too many easy baskets from the free throw line.

The Hamburg Towers never gave up rallying in crunch time. Max DiLeo gave Hamburg the 97-95 lead with 10 seconds to play. What was going through your mind when he made that shot?

I looked at the bench and saw that coach didn’t want to call a timeout. This was a similar situation to what we had against Oldenburg recently. I drove to the basket to reach overtime, but we lost to Oldenburg. I didn’t want that to happen again. I knew that we had to get a good look

Take us through your game winner. Everything was hurried as there was no timeout. How confident were you that the team would get off the right and best shot despite the time given?

When I got the ball I knew that we still had a lot of time. I was patient and took my time to see what they would do. Would they trap or play straight up. I made a play and made the three.

How much of a pest was Kam Taylor who was Hamburg’s leadings sand filled the stat sheet like Russell Westbrook and also contributed 3 blocks.

He played a big time game. I know him from high school. We went to different high schools, but played in the same conference. He played at a high level in all four quarters. Big shout out to his game.

Where would Chemnitz be without Terrell Harris tonight? Did he show another side with his 11 assists?

Terrell played big time. I texted him after the game telling him not to let his double double get under the radar. Obviously my shot would get a lot of hype. We needed all he gave us with his scoring and assists to get into the position that we were to win the game. He played a great game.

How much fun is it playing right now? The team has a lot of freedom. Is seeing how many games it can win the primary goal?

Yes absolutely. We are a very competitive group of guys. We are taking this season very serious and don’t want to let it go to waste at the end. We want to keep putting our feet forward, get better and keep winning games.

Croatian basketball legend Dino Radja said recently that he couldn’t see Russell Westbrook being bale to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

It is tough to say since the game is a lot different here. He is so skilled and so athletic that I have no doubt that he could get adjusted here and be successful. He puts in the work and could be great here.

Draymond Greene recently said that he is the best defender of all-time. Do you agree?

No I can’t agree. That is a tough statement. There have been so many great defenders.

Did you see the Coming To America sequel? It got mixed reviews. Should they not just have let it be?

Yes I can see people thinking that. I think people expected too much. It wasn’t meant to be like the first one. It is hard to make a reboot from so long ago.

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

I have conducted 21 interviews with American Kyle Hines since his only season in Germany with Brose Bamberg in 2010-2011 and even 11 seasons later nothing has changed with this guy´s overall demeanour when you speak with him. When I talk to him today, it seems like it could be like it was 2010 when Kyle Hines was just at the beginning of an illustrious career that not many players can say they have witnessed. You talk to the physical and versatile player today and you continue to sense this business like attitude and focus that you don´t see with other players. Kyle Hines has this amazing special aura that is so powerful, but at the same time as inviting as if he is a guy you could trust with any information. It really doesn´t matter when or where I have spoken to this guy, if it was in his home state of New Jersey, Berlin, Frankfurt, Bamberg, Moscow or Pireas, Greece, he has always been the same with how he conducts himself. He has this focused straight ahead attitude with how he presents himself, but at the same time is always ready for small talk. The way he conducts himself off the court is no different than the way he does on the court. He is all business on the court and that is probably why the guy has won 20 professional titles in his career and still is nowhere satisfied yet. The guy always wants more and that has shown on the court with his track record. His focus on the game and issue at hand is as powerful as a Lebron James stare down on the court. He is a winner and will always be a winner and is the basketball Tom Brady of European basketball. There are so many parallels that these guys share that one would think that they have somehow been connected in another life. The first most distinct parallel is the fact that they are the winningest American players in their sport determining the biggest title in their sport. Tom Brady has won a record 7 Super Bowls and Kyle Hines has 4 Euroleague titles. Okay so there have been players that have won more Euroleague titles than Hines with Dino Meneghin with 7 , but no other American has won as much as he has. Another parallel and one that is extra ordinary and is one that could happen, is wining a title with another team. Hines won 2 Euroleague titles with Olyimpiakos Pireas and 2 with CSKA Moscow while Tom Brady has won 6 with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hines could pull a Tom Brady in that he helps lead his new team AX Armani Exchange Milano to a Euroleague title in his first year after coming from Moscow. Tom Brady did the same thing moving from New England to Tampa Bay and being able to not only hoist the Super bowl title in his own stadium, but also make a new historical throw heaving the trophy from one boat to the next during the victory boat parade.” It would be incredible being able to win a fifth Euroleague title with Milan considering with all that we have dealt with this season. For me it would be historical being able to hoist 5 titles”, warned Kyle Hines. It would be a delight and be interesting to see how these two exceptional players and out of the ordinary characters would act in a meeting? When you have won a record 7 Super bowl titles, you can always learn something new about wining even if you play two different sports. Hines would know exactly what questions to fire if he had 5 minutes of Tom Brady´s time. “I would ask him how he has been able to keep that longevity of almost 21 years. I would ask him also what his secret is to winning and the preparation and process that it takes to win”, warned Kyle Hines.

                 AX Armani Exchange Milano have won 9 titles in Italy since the 2015-2016 season, but haven´t been as lucky in international club competition as they last reached the Euroleague playoffs in 2016. This season everything is working a lot better as they are going head to head with Brindisi in the Serie A and have reached the Top 8 of the Euroleague competition. Despite the basketball side of the season going well for Kyle Hines, he like everyone else has had to deal with COVID-19 and has met the challenges and accepted them even if living isn´t always easy. “The biggest challenge has been to keep getting adjusted and keeping my family and the people around me safe as well. On the basketball side challenging has been following all the protocols. Everyone has to learn to deal with the situation on a daily basis. I just try to stay safe and be in good spirits”, stressed Kyle Hines. Staying focused and locked in on game day is as normal an occurrence for the American from Sicklerville, New Jersey as it is for Indiana Pacer big man Myles Turner swatting away an opponent´s shot, but what added bit of difficulty has he had with the added constraint of COVID concerning his preparation for every game? Even if every game is a challenge with COVID, he has that special feeling in his mind knowing that it is all worth it. Everything is better than not playing the game he loves. “Everyone has been giving their best in games despite the situation with COVID. The biggest adjustments have been following the protocols, travel and playing without fans. Also tough has been having to play teams that have been effected by COVID. But most important is that despite everything we as players continue to be able to play the game that we love”, warned Kyle Hines.

                Being reunited with Ettore Messina who Hines played under in his first season with CSKA Moscow was a giant reason why he decided to leave Moscow after 7 seasons and come to the elegant city of Milan. He had had great times with CSKA Moscow winning 10 titles, but often even a great fit comes to an end after a long while. It wasn´t any different for Tom Brady. Tom Brady was seeking a new challenge and it wasn´t any different for Kyle Hines. “One of the biggest reasons why I came to Milan was being able to take on a new challenge and have an opportunity to come to a new team. It has been exciting being a part of a foundation of change. It has been great being able to have the opportunity of taking on a new challenge at the tail end of my career. It has been fun”, stated Kyle Hines. The club is playing great basketball and a massive reason for their good play in the Italian Serie A and Euroleague was the ability of the team being able to mesh together well early, but there also has been another reason for the club being able to have success. “. Big also has been the development of players Zach LeDay, Kevin Punter and Shavon Shields who have stepped up big within their roles. Important also has been having some older guys like Sergio Rodriguez and I who have shared the leadership”, added Kyle Hines. They have been super successful in the Euroleague finishing as the fourth best team averaging 81 points per game on offense and allowing 77 points per game. Key has been never suffering a huge losing streak, but being able to bounce back after a loss and string along two or three wins in a row. “Having that consistency in the Euroleague has been huge. Despite COVID and everything we wanted to make sure never have two loses in a row. The most consistent teams in the Euroleague tend to have the most success”, stressed Kyle Hines. AX Armani Exchange Milano meet German club FC Bayern Munich in a best of five series tonight in Milan. During the regular season Milan won a nail bitter in Munich 81-79 and then overpowered the German side at home sweeping the regular season series. “The playoffs don´t have an inclination of what happened in the regular season. We don´t expect a easy series. Munich is a well coached team that play with discipline. It will be a big challenge, but if we can play our game the way we have been doing this season and raise our level then we will have good chances”, warned Kyle Hines. A big reason for the huge success of FC Bayern Munich this season in the Euroleague has been head coach Andrea Trinchieri who coached Hines in Italy as a rookie with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2). Hines knows him inside out and hasn´t been surprised by the success of Munich. “He has been doing this his whole career. He comes to teams and finds a way to turn it around. He has always been a well prepared coach his whole career. He knows how to get the best out of his players and maximize them to play their best. He has taken a leap every season. I´m happy for his success, but I hope that we can capitalize and win the series”, stressed Kyle Hines.

AX Armani Exchange Milano also have been aided by having been able to find the correct pieces. The front court of AX Armani Exchange Milano has an exciting and interesting constellation of very talented players where each guy can do something different. “We have a ray of different versatile big men. LeDay has had his break out season. He has shown a lot of different abilities shooting the three, playing the pick and roll and showing his athleticism. He also has the ability to play the four five positions. Evans gives us experience and athleticism and has done a great job. He has given us that extra push. Tarczewski has been here since five years. He gives us more of that traditional low post center. The great thing is that we have so much versatility that we can match up in a variety of ways”, said Kyle Hines. American Kaleb Tarczewski who learned his basketball trade at UCLA(NCAA) is in his fifth season with Milan and could become a lifer with the club the same way Quantez Robertson has who is in his 12^th season with the Fraport Skyliners. “Kaleb is a great player. He has improved this year. You don´t see often when foreign players stay that long with one team. I would love to continue to be his teammate for many more years”, commented Kyle Hines.  He battled ex NBA player Luigi Datome the last years in the Euroleague and now finally can call the versatile big man his own teammate. “I have gotten to know him well. We are both representatives of the players association. I appreciate his work ethic most. He always does the extra things to be ready every day. He has accomplished so much playing in the NBA and Euroleague, but he still comes to work every day ready to provide what is best for the team”, stressed Kyle Hines. The American who played 120 NCAA games at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008 averaging 19,0ppg in his last three seasons also has seen the incredible development of ex Nebraska(NCAA) standout Shavon Shields. He is a guy that gives constant development a new name. “Shavon is still young and hasn´t hit his prime yet. He has many more years to get even better. He has been one of those guys that has really flourished under coach Messina. Coach has recognized something special in his game and given him the freedom to play. He does so many special things. He has hit so many big shots this year and made big plays that we all rely on him. He is one of the best players at his position in the Euroleague. Once he gets even more confidence and matures more, he will continue to blossom in the future”, warned Kyle Hines.

                Hines who is the man behind the Players Podcast as he loves interviewing other players and telling stories is playing his 11^th Euroleague season and has played an amazing 314 Euroleague games and currently is averaging 8,1ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,9apg. He has experienced having a new role each season and it isn´t any different with Milan. But this season he doing something a lot more than he ever has in his career. “I have taken more the role of a creator this season. It has been a fun role. We have had injuries to some of our creators this season. It has also has been fun seeing the rise of LeDay, Punter and Shields. We have more younger guys this season as opposed to CSKA where we had more experienced players”, said Kyle Hines. As usual he is putting up good stats in the minutes that he plays. He has never been a stats man, but a guy that does anything to help his team win. Leading a team the way a Tom Brady has done his whole career is something that will always be entrenched in Hines´s head. “ I´m trying to become more of a vocal leader. I was captain at CSKA, but we had more experienced guys there. We have a good mix of young and old in Milan. The biggest difference to CSKA is that I´m trying to be more of a leader here and help and push the younger players. I try to tell them what it takes to win a Euroleague title”, warned Kyle Hines.  He has played 33 Euroleague games this season, but only 14 Serie A games as there is a good and plausible reason why. “We had a phase where we had several double week games. Coach thought it be best if the older guys rested more. He learned how players should take care of their bodies when he was with the Spurs. For me it has been great getting the rest. We have a roster full of guys that can all compete”, expressed Kyle Hines. Consistency had been a massive reason why Kyle Hines has been able to play at such a high level his whole career. Usually guys break down as they get older, but not with Hines. He has a grade A work ethic and knows how to take care of his body. These are all vital factors why he doesn´t slow down as he gets older and can still develop further. “I think that my experience continues to help me develop my game. When you get older you play more with your mind and less with your body. I also feel this new challenge with Milan and being able to be around a new group of guys has given me new energy. It has been exciting experiencing new things”, warned Kyle Hines. He has had many mentors in his career, but none has been more beneficial than ex NBA player Jerome Allen who played 117 NBA games for the Pacers, Timberwolves and Nuggets and now is an assistant coach under Brad Stevens in Boston. “He has been a big mentor for me. We were teammates my first season. I was 21 and he was 35. He taught me so much. He taught me really what it takes to compete at a high level and how to be a professional. He gave me so much wisdom then and still does today. He had a big effect on my career and life”, warned Kyle Hines.

The last movie that he saw was the Coming to America sequel which he liked still has strong ties to his ex club CSKA Moscow who he could meet again should they advance past FC Bayern Munich. “I still talk to guys like Will Clyburn, Mike James and Daniel Hackett. They have continued to be successful something everybody expects. Despite having to deal with COVID and injuries, they are still the CSKA of old “, added Kyle Hines. The fact that CSKA Moscow was able to be one of the top Euroleague teams this season despite COVID, numerous injuries and the drama with Mike James hasn´t surprised Hines, because he knows that they have a coach that is very special and can achieve things that most other coaches can´t. “Coach Dimitrios Itoudis has done a great job keeping everyone together. The pressure to win is so big for CSKA Moscow, but he still has led them to success. That is one of the reasons why he is one of the best coaches in the Euroleague. He knows how to use pressure and turn it into an advantage. There aren´t many coaches who would be able to do this”, stressed Kyle Hines.  The American also keeps the NBA on his radar and like so many other people hopes that his ex coach Chris Fleming can finally remove the assistant coach name from his resume. “I have spoken to him a few times in the last years. I have talked to him more indirectly through the assistant coaches there. He is an incredible coach and everyone knows it. He has had so much success. I look forward to him getting a NBA head coach opportunity. It would be well deserved”, warned Kyle Hines. He has played for so many head coaches in his career, but one can´t argue that Ettore Messina has been the best ever. Like Trinchieri has done in Munich, Messina has come to Milan and has done special things and turned a stalling organization into a top club and helped them find the correct path again. “He is a Hall Of Fame coach. He knows more about basketball than most. He became better and wiser in the Spurs organization. He has been able to implement the culture of the Spurs on and off the court for us. That has really helped us this season and you can see the turnaround the team has had. On top of that he is a great person. That is why he has had so much success”, stressed Kyle Hines.  Kyle Hines definitely won´t catch Messina´s mind boggling 44 titles as a coach in his playing career, but he doesn´t care or is worried about that. His ultimate goal now is to win another Euroleague title. And then come back and do again next season the same way Tom Brady wants to do this season with Tampa Bay. Both guys wouldn´t want it any other way.

He was only 24 years old and was just at the beginning of his professional career, but Dorian Pinson will never step foot on a basketball court again. According to Fox5Atlanta.com he drowned in Lake Lanier in Georgia on Sunday. He and three friends went boating renting a pontoon boat and then attempted to go swimming near Sunrise Cova marina. The three men underestimated the wind and were unable to get back to the boat. Two men were rescued and the third Dorian Pinson went under and didn´t resurface. Hall County Fire Services made a search, but still hadn´t recovered a body by night and the search was suspended until morning.                

Pinson was born in Greenville, South Carolina and attended Southside High School. He then went on to have a very illustrious career at Lincoln Memorial University (NCAA2) from 2014-2018 where he played 103 NCAA games. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding season average each season and as a senior averaged 15.5ppg, 9.4rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 63.0%. He helped his team win the SAC Tournament in 2016 and 2018 and reached the NCAA 2 final in 2016. In 2018 he began his professional career in Germany with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 58.4%. He continued his solid play in his second professional season in Israel demonstrating that he could adjust without problems to another country playing with Ramat Hasharon (Israel-National League) averaging 20.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-4(2.6spg), FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 69.6%. He also had two stints with the Niagara River Lions (Canada-CEBL) where he averaged 13.5ppg, 7.3rpg, Assists-5(3.9apg), Steals-4(1.7spg), FGP-3(64.3%), 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 70.4%. ““I’m so very sad to hear about Dorian’s passing. He was truly a great person and teammate. He was also a fierce competitor, a winner and a very talented player. It was an honor and Joy to coach him. I will miss him”, stressed his ex coach Simon Cote who coached him his rookie season in Germany

Henry Dugat (183-PG-87, college: Baylor) is a 34 year old 183cm point guard that has 12 years of professional basketball under his belt. He played the last two seasons with BK Dnipro (Ukraine-Superleague). His professional career also has brought him to teams like Oros Nuevo Laredo (Mexico-LNBP), Marinos de Anzoategui (Venezuela-LPB), Halcones UV Xalapa (Mexico-LNBP), Fuerza Regia Monterrey (Mexico-LNBP), Frayles de Guasave (Mexico), LF Basket (Sweden-Basketligan), Phoenix Hagen (Germany-BBL), Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division), STB Le Havre (France-ProA), and Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague). He played at Baylor (NCAA) form 2005-2009 playing a total of 97 NCAA games reaching the nCAA tournament and was a NIT finalist in 2009. He spoke to eurobasket about his Baylor days and about the special basketball magic there.

Henry thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You last played for BK Dnipro (Ukraine-Superleague) and won the 2020 cup Talk a little about your experiences with COVID-19 in the last year. What were your biggest challenges and how did you get stronger as a man with everything you saw?

I think life was different for everyone during COVID dealing with so much uncertainty. One thing I noticed that was difficult for me was not knowing what to expect but within that I believe I became stronger in focusing on what matters most to me in life

Your 34 years old now. Will you return next year or have you contemplated retirement?

I still have the fire inside and a lot to give to the game I will continue my career

You played with German club Phoenix Hagen in 2013-2014. What memories do you have of Germany and with what teammate did you have the biggest connection with then?

I really enjoyed my time in Germany. I have a lot of memories from my time in Hagen. One of the memories is how great the fans were in almost every arena.

You reached the NCAA tournament in 2008 with Baylor. What made this team so special?

In 2008 what made that team special was we had a lot of talent and the same goal.

You played four years with Curtis Jerrell and three years with Tweety Carter. What memories do you have of your fellow guards and how did they grow as players?

Curtis and Tweety are two guys that I consider family to this day.

Let’s talk about your alma mater Baylor. They won the 2021 NCAA title. How did you feel the day after the win?

I was proud for Baylor winning the NCAA TItle, Happy for the players, the coaching staff and the whole university. They made history and this team will be written forever

Baylor had a simple game plan. Make some shots. If you miss get the rebounds and then make some more shots. Can basketball sometimes be that simple?

They came out focused early in the game and was able to control the momentum early and maintain it throughout the game.

How key was it for Baylor players Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, Flo Thamba and Mark Vital limiting Drew Timme to 12 points?. The star Jalen Suggs had 22 points, but Gonzaga didn’t have scoring support behind him.

Tchatchoua, Thamba, and Vital were key to controlling the game with rebounding and limiting Timme. I think they accepted the challenge.

Davion Mitchell is seen as a #1 Draft pick and Jared Butler as a possible second round pick. How have you followed their careers and how do you seem them doing in the NBA? Where do you see the journey of Macio Teague going? He seemed a bit in the shadow of Butler and Mitchell. Could he make the NBA and do you see his game being suited to becoming an impact player overseas?

After watching this season I believe Mitchell, Butler, and Teague are all NBA level professional players.

Ex Baylor player Ishmail Wainright said this about head coach Scott Drew ‘He treated us like professionals since day one. Talked to us like one. Worked us like one. He used to tell us, ‘ You guys want to be professionals someday, you have to walk, talk, eat, work, and take care of your bodies like professionals do!’ How proud are you of your ex coach and how did he groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I’m very proud for coach Drew coach Jerome Tang and his coaching staff and being able to be a part of the journey and to see the growth along the way.

How do you see the future of Baylor (NCAA) basketball. Two guys seem to be heading to the NBA and Macio Teague and Mark Vital are also done as seniors.

I believe the future is bright for Baylor University and I believe they will continue to take steps forward.

Have you seen Coming To America 2 yet? The reviews have been mixed. Shouldn’t they just have left the original classic untouched?

I don’t have a take, I haven’t watched Coming to America 2

Thanks Henry for the chat.