Ron Howard is an ex player that spent many years overseas and since retiring has focused his energy on helping unknown players get exposure by organizing games and in many cases helping them find professional jobs. He founded Howard Hoops in 2013 where he brought numerous players overseas to help them find jobs and since 2018 has started the Howard Hoops academy where he helps train unknown players and help find basketball jobs. He also has started the Howard Hoops Academy and recently had some German kids there for a month working on their games. One of those was Alex Haritopoulos. germanhoops.com spoke with the young German about basketball recently when he was in the States..

Alex thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life going at the moment? 

Hey thanks for having me! We’re in Saint Louis Park in Minneapolis right now and just working out every day and having scrimmages at high schools and colleges which are organized by our Coach Ronald Howard. 

You have been in Minnesota for some weeks and training with Howard Hoops CEO Ronald Howard. Talk a little about yourself and your backround and how you got involved with basketball? 

Yeah, I’m living in a small city in Germany called Wuppertal it’s actually near to Duesseldorf and Cologne . I used to play basketball with friends out off my neighborhood when I was younger. At that time my best friend passed away on cancer . After that in like the 6th grade my sports teacher who actually played in college for Michigan ( s/o to Mr.Klompen ) said that I should sign in for a basketball team here in Wuppertal. And you have to imagine that I was really not the thinnest person at that time ,so I said ok why not this could be a good thing to get my mind straight again.
How did the contact come to Ronald Howard? –

The contact between Ron and me actually came from Max because Max was working out with him in California when he was 14 years old and they kept the contact from that point on . I just came in contact with him like probably 6 months ago. 

What made the Howard Hoops summer tour so fascinating to you that made you want to get involved with Ronald Howard and his basketball?

Man just the experience I gained Basketball wise and personality development wise in such a short period of time is just unbelievable .

You have been training with Ronald Howard in Minnesota. What is your goal in this program and as a basketball player? 

My goal is to become the best player I can be and to learn as much as I can out of that 1 month with Ronald Howard as a player and as a person. 

I have heard that when you train with Ronald Howard, it’s not the normal kind of training that many guys would experience. Ronald Howard is a very special trainer. Talk a little about what kind of training you do and how he isn’t like other trainers, but very much different?

-Yeah Ron separates himself from many good trainers especially because of his passion for the game and his experiences he gained over the years playing overseas for many different countries and teams. He pushes you very hard in practice and let’s you know what it takes if you’re really serious in becoming a professional basketball player .

How vital has Ronald Howard been with his training for your basketball game? What do you feel has been the most important thing that he has given you that has helped your game most? 

Man I’ve learned a lot of things but I think the most important thing he taught me over that time is playing with heart and pride. And every time you step on a court play with a chip on your shoulder. 

What has impressed you most about the person Ronald Howard? How important is his character and insane motivation for the game that allows for guys to buy into his philosophy? 

For my part it’s his seriousness about his business and the passion to the game of basketball which impressed me the most. He motivates me everyday even if it’s stuff I do completely wrong or just having the wrong mindset to, he’ll let you know and gives you straight opinions and solutions which I think is key for player development. 

Talk a little about your game. To what NBA player would you compare your game to and what are your biggest strengths on the court? 

I wouldn’t compare me to an NBA player yet because I think I’m just not on that level to compare me to some of the best guards in the league. But my favorite player watching is Damian Lillard and how he reads the pick&roll. I think my biggest strength is my shot which Ron helped me with getting a lot more consistent and confident in and reading the pick&roll and making the best decision out of that. 

What area’s of your game have you been working most on with Ronald Howard to help improve your game? 

Mostly all areas of the game but I think for my part I got a lot better in my shot and ballhandling. 

What is your general opinion of what is the route of young German players. 10 years ago there were more going through the NCAA and now it seems like the way is developing in Germany. Are you a guy that would rather get established in Germany or go to school in the states play ball and get an education? 

That is what Ron and me were talking about a lot. It’s a lot of stuff going on back at home with my family so I’ve have to speak with them first about that decision but if I’ve to choose I would definitely pick a school in the states where I get an education from because you obviously get the best basketball taught in the USA.

What is your long term goals with basketball? Are you prepared to invest all in becoming a professional player or do you have other goals? 

My main goal is like I said ,to become the best player I can possibly be and other than that getting an good education and making my own business with car trade besides basketball. 

If you had to pick your own personal NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick? 

Alright I’ll just name players I really watched playing . I would choose Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant for my NBA Rushmore. I know the most people will hate me for that and will probably say that there’re so many other great players before this decade which are better than these players I chose but I never saw them play so I can’t really relate to them. 

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

For my opinion Lebron James is the GOAT but I let the NBA Analysts do their job in that because I’ve never been able to watch Michael Jordan really play. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

I’m more of a series guy but my last movie I saw was Creed 2 while flying to the States.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Toure Murry is a 30 year old 196cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing his 8th professional season and first with Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB). After an up and down season in 2017-2018 when he split time with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL) ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-A1) and HKK Zrinjski HT Mostar (Bosnia-Division I) where he finished strong winning the league title averaging 14.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 61.4%, he returned very strong last season with UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Italy-Serie A2) playing 30 games averaging 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 74.0%. He began his professional career in 2012 and played his first three seasons mostly in the G-League, but also played in the NBA with the New York Knicks, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards. He came to Europe in 2016 and played with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL). He played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 139 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 12.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 78.9%: He finished career at WSU ranked first overall in games played (139) and assists (430), second in steals (180) and 11th in points scored (1,539). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against medi Bayreuth in Bayreuth. 

Toure thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Germany. With what type of feelings do you have coming back here?

It was a great feeling coming back to Germany. Germany love it’s hoops. It was always fun playing in front of the German fans when I was playing with Ulm. 

What memories do you have of the 84-74 Ulm loss two years ago? Can you remember Gabe York going off for 24 points?

Yes I remember that game. Gabe York had a great game shooting the ball. 

Congrats on signing with Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB). You haven’t only played for many organizations in your career, but also with quite a few in Europe. Have you played for a club here that is as rich in history and tradition as this one which has won 31 country titles? What have you appreciated most about playing for Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB)?

Benfica is rich in tradition not only with basketball but with all sports. It seems like everyone in Portugal roots for Benfica. 

You won your first title in Europe two seasons ago and how aware are you that you could possibly win 3 with Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB)? This could be one of the best teams that they have ever had.

I think that we have a great chance to win titles this season. We have been gelling well since pre season. You have to gel on offense and defense. You also have to know to have fun during the season and take each game one at a time. Our main focus is to win titles. 

Talk a little about your teammates. There is so much experience with guys like Downs, Coleman, Mcghee and Hallman. Which one of these guys has impressed you the most with their game?

I would pick Eric Coleman. He is the oldest on our team and has been having great games. We all root for him to play well. He is a very important player on our team. He is our spiritual leader and we all fall behind him.

Last season you had your best season with UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Italy-Serie A2) playing 30 games averaging 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 74.0%. You were reborn after your tough season in 2017-2018. How important was last season for your career?

Last season was very important for my career. I had an up and down 17-18 season, but Piacenza gave me a chance and the coaches believed in me. I think that this experience will help me to continue to go far in my career. 

How much fun was the win and 34 points and 9 three’s against A Cota IM. Where does rank with your best games in Europe?

That has to be one of my 1-2 best games. I hit a lot of three’s in that game. I showed teams that I can shoot the ball and be a force. 

In 2017-2018 you split time with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): Eurocup: 10 games: 7.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 85.7%; German BBL: 13 games: 4.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.8apg, in Jan.18 moved to ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-A1): 4 games: 3.3ppg, in Mar.’18 signed at HKK Zrinjski HT Mostar (Bosnia-Division I): 15 games: 14.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 61.4%. How tough was this season until you got to Bosnia and what did you learn about yourself?

We all want to be in one place for a season and feel comfortable. That was a tough season. It was very up and down. The season taught me to always remain positive. I learned to persevere and to never stop believing.

How proud are you of your ex teammate Octavius Ellis who like you came from another team to Greece and since is in his third year there with ASP Promitheas and found a new home. Did you guys do some soul searching together?

He was already there before I came. He is a great player that is athletic and can run and jump and block shots. I’m very happy that he has found a home in Greece for more than just one year. Usually players sign one year contracts.

After playing your first 4 seasons in the states you came to Europe for your first real season and played with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL playing 6 games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, What was your wake up call to playing your first season in Europe where you knew that you were far away from home?

I had no problems on the court. I just wasn’t familiar with the business side.

You only played a short time in Turkey, but could you rank the Turkish league as the most skilled that you played in in Europe?

Every country that I have played in in my career has had their own style. Turkey has more Americans than all the other leagues that I have played in. In Turkey it’s more of a 1-1 league. There are a lot of guys in Turkey that know how to score. In Germany there are a lot of great teams and it is harder to score a lot. German teams scout very well. You have to use your teammates more. 

You played your first 4 professional seasons in the Stats amassing 56 NBA games for the Knicks, Jazz and Wizards. Despite making the big show do you feel like you were in some way let down by the NBA? Often players blame the process instead of looking at themselves in the mirror. 

I don’t feel like I was let down by the NBA. The NBA was a stepping stone in my career. Not many players can say that they played in the NBA. I take a chip on my shoulder and am blessed that I had got the opportunity to play in the NBA. The G-League gave me great exposure and I played with many great players in the NBA. It was an unbelievable moment being able to play with Carmelo Anthony, I will never forget these moments.

In the summer of 2012 you were in Israel and Turkey but came back to the States and then played with the at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) playing 52 games averaging 9.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 69.2%. What memories do you have of that first time in Europe? Did you at first think it was better getting your feet wet in Europe before going for the NBA?

When I was a rookie, I did not want to go to the D-League right away. I wanted to go to Europe and make some money for my family. Going to Europe at that time was the best situation, but it didn’t work out, so I was forced to go to the D-League. It was a blessing in disguise. Playing for Nick Nurse was huge. He was the first guy that really made me believe that I could paly at a high level. I knew I would have ups and downs, but I never gave up.

You had a solid rookie season, but not great one. Obviously the NBA dream was there, but how did you really feel about your NBA chances the second season?

I had every opportunity to sign with the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately I played only 1 game. It was hard to swallow after playing 52 games for the Knicks. I can’t sub myself in with the Jazz. I have great memories. I played for a great coach with Quinn Snyder and learned from great players like Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors. I would have liked to have played more, but I enjoyed the moment and appreciated it. 

You finally got your chance and played 52 games for the New York Knicks. Was your last game where you scored 15 points in the 95-92 win against Toronto your fondest game memory?

Yes for sure. Coach gave me the chance to play 26 minutes. I was able to showcase myself and finished the season with a win and had my highest point total. 

You were a young buck and were teammates with Carmelo Anthony and Ron Artest. What did it mean for you being able to work with them on a regular basis and what will always remain in your mind about your time with them?

One thing that I will never forget about Melo was that he was one of the few players that voiced for me to make the team. He really believed in me. In pre-season, I was a long shot to make the team. He went on ESPN and said some nice words about me. That made me happy and proud. Melo was so down to earth. He always told me how important work ethic is. I usually sat next to him on the bench during games. He was always schooling me on the game. He always stressed to work hard and be a great teammate. He also stressed to always be a good person. He was a mentor for me. 

The next season you were with the Jazz playing one game and played 3 games with the Wizards while also playing in the D-League. What did you learn that season where you clearly saw that the NBA is a business foremost?

I learned that you may be more talented than another guy in the NBA, but the cards are not always played out like that. I also learned that at the end of the day, you always have to be ready. You have to always be mentally locked in even if you haven’t played in 9 or 10 games. 

Did you have any interesting Paul Pierce stories for the grandchildren in the very short time that you were there? What stuck in your mind about his competitiveness?

Paul Pierce was the ultimate competitor. I sat next to him on the plane. He always stressed how important work ethic is. He always told me to continue to work hard and to be focused and not to get side tracked by the life style.

In the 2015-2016 season you split time with the Texas Legends (D-League) playing 36 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 66.0%, in Mar.16 signed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) playing 16 games averaging 7.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 47.1%. How do you remember see this season? Did you have to realize that season that you were far away from the NBA?

I used all the opportunities that I had. I didn’t want to go to Europe with regrets. Of course it was frustrating not getting called up. I gave it my all. The Legends always had great teams. I won a title with the Skyforce. It was a tough year and it was the end of my time, but it was nice ending it with a title. 

You played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2008-2012. It has been 8 years ago, but what do you remember most about winning the 2011 NIT title?

That season was magical. We had a great team and fought hard the whole season. It was unfortunate that we didn’t make the NCAA tournament. The year before we had lost in the NIT. The 2010.2011 season we made a pack to win the national title. It was awesome playing in Madison Square Garden and in front of so many fans. I will never forget cutting down the net at the end.

What was toughest to swallow from the bitter 62-59 NCAA tournament loss to VCU in your last NCAA game where you had a very effective game with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 1 block?


We had a great record that year. This was a very emotional game. The ending was very controversial. The game had that up and down style one that we weren’t used to. I wanted to score more in that game. I took the last shot and missed and we lost. Even if we lost VCU had a great team. The memory will still be a great one.

You played your first two seasons with Clevin Hannah and your last two seasons with Joe Ragland. Two very talented guys that have carved out very good professional careers. How did your game profit from Hannah’s in the early going and how did Ragland’s presence help your game in your last two seasons?


Clevin was like my big brother and mentor. We were roommates. We still talk to this day. We have a special brotherhood. We have all been successful. We helped bring Wichita State to where it is today. I won the NIT title with Joe. I made history with both. We all went to the pro ranks and have had great careers.

How did head coach Greg Marshall groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Marshall challenged me in many ways from day one. I had to grow up quickly and take big shots and handle the ball in tough situations. He was tough on me and treated me like a professional from day one. I had to be prepared each day. He knew that I could be in the NBA, but he always kept me humbled. He taught me that you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I passed every test that he gave me. When I started getting challenges as a pro, it never was a challenge because I was used to it.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Joe Ragland?

We didn’t play so much. I probably won the games and he will say he won. We both are competitors and love the game.

Please construct your personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you chose?


Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq and Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who was the toughest player you battled on the court that is in the NBA?


Off the top of my head, I would have to say Luke Babbitt of Nevada. He was a tough problem for us. Fred Van Fleet was also a tough cat to guard.

What is your personal opinion of who is the best Michael Jordan or Lebron James?


Jordan is the GOAT. Lebron looked up to him. Lebron is my era, but I’m still young enough to know what kind of an impact Jordan had.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Elf.

Thanks Toure for the chat.

Darius Thompson is a 24 year old 193cm. guard from Murfreesboro, Tennessee playing his second professional season and first with Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A). Last season he played his rookie season with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie) winning the cup and playing 39 games and leading the Eredivisie league in scoring with 19.0ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 81.7%. He played at 3 NCAA schools beginning with the University of Tennessee (NCAA) playing 37 games averaging 2.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.4apg. He then played at the The University of Virginia (NCAA) from 2015-2017 playing a total of 69 NCAA games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.5apg and 6.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 60.5%. He made one more move playing his senior year at Western Kentucky University (NCAA) playing 36 games averaging 13.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 73.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Bonn.

Darius thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome to Germany. Did you make any trips to Germany while your rookie season in Holland?

Last season we went to Wurzburg for a game, but other than that I hadn’t been to Germany. I never got a chance to come to Germany because we had so many games. When I had an off day, I chose to lay around and rest.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends or former teammates or opponents that have played here?

I have played and played against a number of guys that have played in Germany like Adonis Thomas. They have all spoke highly of the league and that it has great competition and has great tradition.

Your playing your first season for Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A) The club is playing well in the Serie A and up and down in the Champions League. What kind of experience has it been playing in Italy?


It has been an overall very good experience playing in Italy. We started off strong, but recently haven’t been playing as well. For me personally this was a good step to make. It was a huge jump coming from Holland. I love to compete against the best teams and am able to do that here.

You led the Dutch league in scoring last season and have had solid stats this season. What was the biggest adjustment for you coming to a higher level with the Serie A?


The overall talent is a lot higher. The players in the Italian Serie A are bigger, stronger and faster. I think that the teams are deeper in Italy. Many of the rotation players in Italy could be starters for Dutch teams. There are no breaks in the Serie A. All players know how to make plays.

Let’s talk about your teammates. What kind of an experience has it been sharing the court with prolific scorer Adrian Banks. How has his experience and game helped yours mature at a new level?


It has been great being teammates with him. He is an experienced player and has been playing for years. A big thing that I have learned form him is that he knows when to slow down the game. That is when he out smarts other players. I love watching him compete. You can learn a lot from him. 

Has teammate Kelvin Martin gave you some information on Germany. He is a guy like you that started in lower levels and has moved himself up the basketball ladder.

I talk to him a lot. We have had similar experiences as players. We both played in the Dutch league and have been able to move up. It has been a great experience learning from him. He told me his experiences that he had with the MLP Academics. He is a great example of how hard work will get you up the ladder. 

You’re a guard that can fill up the stat sheet with ease. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

It’s hard to tell. I’m a bigger guard and I like to share the ball. I am a different type of player. I just try to take a bit from many different players. I just try to be the best that I can and continue to improve in all aspects. 

You have always been a very good defender. What part of your defense do you feel is off the radar?

Contesting shots with my length. If a player gets by me, I feel that I can recover faster with my length.

You have been shooting the three very well the last two years. What is your biggest focus on developing your shot further to go from a good shooter to a great shooter?

Just continuing to take more reps in practice. My team knows that I can hit open shots. We have many guys that like to attack the rim so they need a spot up shooter who can hit the open shot.

Last season you played with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 39 games: Score-1 (19.0ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-2 (5.4apg), Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 81.7%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew right away that you were far away from home?

Being away from home wasn’t an issue since I had been used to it in college. I think that the biggest wake up call that I had was just the different style of basketball. There is more ball movement and team chemistry here. I am getting more and more used to playing here.

Was the thrilling 97-96 win in the Fiba Europe Cup against Turkish team Sakarya BSB your best personal game as a pro, but was a clear second to winning the cup title?

Yes that was one of my best performances as a pro in Europe. We were down 20 points and made an amazing come back winning and advancing to the next round.

How vital was Dutch national player Worthy De Jong in your rookie season. Do you feel like some of his leadership qualities rubbed off on you?

Just being around so many veterans with experience helped me a lot. He taught me how to keep my body right and stay in shape and just be able to last a whole season. There are so many more games at the pro ranks than in college.

What was your impression of Maurice Watson. He went through a lot a few years ago with that rape scandal which he was cleared from How far do you feel can he go with his game as a professional?

Sky is the limit for him. When he was college and healthy, he was one of the best point guards in the nation. He like me had to start at a lower level as pro’s than what we expected. Many doubted him and still do, but he just kept grinding. Last season he was in the top of the best assist guys in the Dutch league and Fiba Europe Cup. He is starting to get more looks and NBA work outs. He never gave up on himself. I am really proud of him. We talk at least once a week. He is like a brother for me. I think that in a few years he will be playing in a top league. 

What kind of experience was it playing NBA Summer League with the Toronto Raptors. Can one make own personal judgements about how far one is from the NBA after an experience like that?


It was a different kind of experience seeing how the NBA works. I felt like I learned a lot in my time there and was aware of what I have to keep working on to get better. The whole experience taught me that I have to be prepared for the next stage. It was great being around NBA personal and playing against the most talented young players. 

What kind of feedback did you get from coaches and players about your play? What was your coolist experience at the NBA Summer League?


For me it was just having the opportunity to be with the Toronto Raptors who had just won the NBA title. The atmosphere was great and being able to work with the coaching staff that had just won the NBA title was huge for me. 

Not every guy can say that they played at 3 NCAA schools. You played at Tennessee, Virginia and Western Kentucky. What part of your game do you feel profited the most from this experience which it may not have gotten if you had been only at one school?


I think that the most important thing that I got out of being able to play at 3 schools was having experience with different roles. At Tennessee I was more of a pass first guard as we had many experienced guards. The system at Virginia wasn’t as fast. At Western Kentucky it was more of an open style .I learned how to play different ways. Having had this experience with different teams and styles will help me very much.

You began your career with Tennessee where you averaged 2,0ppg in 16 minutes of time. What kind of experience was your freshman year and did you get anything positive from it?

It was a huge experience. Being able to go against future NBA players like Jordan Mcrae and Josh Richardson was important. I made good strides there. I was second in team assists as a freshman. We reached the NCAA Sweet 16. It was the craziest game. We played in the Indianapolis Colts arena. 

You then played two years at Virginia where your minutes and stats gradually went up. How do you feel did your game develop further under Tony Bennett?

I developed a lot under coach Bennett. It was a slower pace. It was a different style to adjust to. I played against different pro’s each night. It was a great experience. 

You reached the NCAA Elite 8 losing to Syracuse 68-62 and you had 9 points in 13 minutes. What memories do you have of this game and was this one of your toughest loses in the NCAA?

I had a lot of tough loses including losing by 30 points. We led most of the game against Syracuse and let it slip away. As a kid you always dream of playing in the NCAA Final 4. We were minutes away form winning. It was a very tough loss. 

What memories do you have of Malcolm Brogdan? He heightened his stats in each NCAA season and reached the NBA and has stayed. What was especially special in his game that other guys didn’t have?

He is the definition of hard work. He was always the first in the gym and the last one out. He was so locked in to always wanting to be the best. He took no days off. 

You moved one more time to Western Kentucky University (NCAA) playing 36 games averaging 13.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 73.6%. What did you learn about your game that you didn’t know about before?

We had more freedom under him. The offense had more freedom to make plays. We would attack each possession and make plays. 

You had an amazing triple double against Marshall with 33/10/10. Did you down the stretch that you were close to a triple double?

My teammates reminded me at the end that I was close. There were 2 minutes left to play and I needed 2 rebounds. When I got the triple double, all my teammates were going crazy. It was one of my best performances in college. I will never forget it.

How did head coach Rick Stansbury groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He opened my mind to never back down and always be in attack mode. He always forced me to be aggressive. 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Taveion Hollingsworth?


He was a really tough player. He always had to guard the other teams best player. He backed down to no one. I don’t think that we ever played each other. If we did we both got the best of each other. When all is said and done, he will be the Western Kentucky’s all-time leadings corer and will go down in history as the best player. 

Who was the toughest player you battled on the court that is in the NBA?

I played against so many. It’s hard to pick just one. 

Please construct your personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you chose?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Kobe Bryant

What is your personal opinion of who is the best Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

If you break down all the stats then I take Lebron. If it’s titles then it’s Jordan. 

What was the last movie that you saw?


Taking of the Pelham 1-2-3 with Denzel Washington.

Thanks Darius for the chat.

Justin Dentmon is a 34 year old 183cm guard that was born in Carbondale, Illinois and is playing his 11th professional season and first with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-Jeep ELITE ProA). He has seen the world having played in countries like Israel, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Italy, China, Puerto Rico, South Korea and Lebanon. He also spent part of six seasons with The Texas Frisco Legends and had short NBA stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs. He played for the University of Washington form 2005-2009. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Rasta Vechta in Vechta. 

Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome back to Germany. You were in Germany before playing Euroleague against Bamberg. What memories do you have of that?

The Bamberg games were always tough. They always had really good players especially the Americans. They always played me really tough. It was one of the toughest teams that I played in Euroleague. They always did a good job taking away the things I do well. 

Your preparing for a Basketball Champions League game in Vechta. You have played for 18 organizations and in many countries. Have you ever played in a smaller city than Vechta in your career?


No I have not. Vechta is very small and not a lot of noise here. For me it’s hard because I’m used to exploring and seeing the city. There aren’t any malls here.

Your playing your first season with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-Jeep ELITE ProA). At this stage of your career winning titles is your biggest goal. The chances at the moment in the France Pro A and BCL seem difficult at the moment.

I feel that we have a chance. We need to figure some things out. We have had the injury bug which can hurt a team’s focus and desire. I need to keep the guys focused as a leader and help the team be successful until the rest come back. 

You have been an explosive scorer your whole life. What other strengths in your game are you focusing on most this season in bringing your team success besides just putting the ball in the basket?


When I was younger I focused on more things like being a floor general and playing defense. Now my focus is just to be me. Now I am focusing on things that I do well and not on things I don’t do well. My focus is always on winning and scoring. The France Pro A and BCL haven’t seen my best yet. But when they do it will be scary. 

At age 34, what are your biggest parts of your game that you are working on and how difficult is every new day when your in your mid thirties?

At this point of my career I’m thinking most about health, because I want to play as long as I can. A big focus for me now is getting to the free throw line more. I want to exert as little energy as possible. Getting to the free throw line is free

Let’s talk about your teammates. The team has a lot of experience and recently signed another veteran Ekene Ibekwe. He has seen a lot in his career as have you. How has it been exchanging stories of your careers?

The stories have been interesting with him. He has played with a lot of guys that I know and also have played with. We made a bet to who played with more teams and he won. He had something like 23 teams while I had 22. We have a lot of experience. We only have three players over 30 with Me, Ekene and Ronald Moore. We have to take the young guys by force and hope that they fall in line. 

How easy have your guard teammates Tyrus Mcghee and Ronald Moore made your life easier on the court?


Moore does a good job bringing the ball up and knowing how to run the team while Mcghee shoots the ball well and it helps me be able to look for him. I don’t need to do as much scoring when he is on the floor. 

Last season you played for three teams in the G-League, South Korea and Lebanon. The basketball globetrotter life has had no effect on you even now in your thirties. Is moving around so much in your life been in your blood?

I don’t know if it has been in my blood, but it has been fun and interesting playing in so many different countries and being able to explore so many different cultures. But I have to admit that at this age, I would rather know where I will be playing next season. It is hard bouncing around when your older. 

You played your last NBA game in the 2012-2013 season, but since then played NBA Summer league during 4 summers and have not returned back to the NBA despite putting up great numbers in many different leagues. Has the NBA really got younger over the years? It seems like it’s more difficult for older guards to get a job or is the competitiveness and influx of many guards a reason that it is harder to land a job there?

All of that in one. A lot of it had to do with bad timing. Some NBA teams took me that already had guards that played like me while other teams took me not wanting a scoring guard which put me in limbo. Now adays everyone is a scoring guard. It’s all about who you know. Agents have a lot of control and leverage over teams. It is hard being mad about the situation when things are out of your control. Charlotte liked me, but they didn’t want two Kemba Walkers. I always liked to play NBA Summer League, because I loved basketball and didn’t want to be at home doing nohting. 

Especially in the 2017-2018 season you averaged an overwhelming 28,0ppg in 24 games in the G-League. For me it’s mindboggling how you didn’t get a call up after something like that?

That was one of my most efficient scoring seasons in my professional career. I was #1 in scoring and three point shooting and #2 in steals. My agent talked to the Clippers and Knicks who were high on me. They wanted to see me play at a showcase. I was so confident that I was thinking who will it be the Knicks or Clippers, but then I got hurt. 

You have played parts of three seasons in China putting up numbers averaging 30,0ppg, 24,0ppg and 23,0ppg. Americans really dominate this league. Do you feel like your game could profit from here despite it being a league where defense isn’t so much on the menu?

China helped me build more confidence and taught me how to lead a team. Chinese teams don’t have such strength except for their import players. I also learned to be a better leader and taught me when I had to score and when not to in tough situations. I helped small teams become big teams.

There was a time in your 30,0ppg season in China where you scored 30 points or more in 11 straight games. What did that do to you mentally. Did it rise your invincible scoring mentality?


I remember it well. I was on a different planet. I got away from this kind of scoring mentality after I played there. I should just go out and play instead of thinking about making mistakes. I also was encouraged by t Stephon Marbury who was playing in the league. I wanted to be better than him.

You haven’t played much in Europe, but proved in the 2013-2014 being one of the top guards in the Euroleague with : B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL, starting five) playing 29 games averaging 14.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3 (1.9spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 83.3%; and playing 24 Euroleague games: Score-2 (16.9ppg), 3.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 86.3%. How did it raise your game that season and what did it gain that you didn’t have the season before?

That was a great team and experience for me. They brought me in and right away treated me like family. I really liked playing for that team. That season helped me in that teams saw me as a European player and upped my status as a player for other leagues. I would have gone back, but they had money issues. Important also was that I was able to adapt to the culture and their style of play. I gave it my all in the Euroleague. It was hard to come back since China was offering a lot more money. Playing in Europe hasn’t always been easy for me with the travel and bus rides. It just isn’t a fit for me. 

What memories do you have having the privilege of playing with legend Sarunas Jasikevicious? What did you appreciate most about him being around and how was your relationship with him?


I remember his composure, leadership and how he carried himself on and off the court the most He was a winner and leader off the court as well. I knew that when I did make a mistake, that he would be there every time telling me what I had done wrong. He was like a big brother for me. 

Between 2011-2013 you played 8 NBA games with the Spurs, Raptors and Mavericks. Looking back did the NBA disappoint you that you didn’t hang around longer or were you just blessed for having the short opportunity?

It was a blessing and disappointment at the same time. It was a blessing with the first two teams that I made. I was just glad I made it. When I made the Mavericks, it was like a reward for playing so well even though they had no real intention of signing me. The NBA was a blessing and a disappointment because I wasn’t given a real opportunity to showcase that I belong.

You played two NBA games with the Spurs and was on the stat sheet with Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard. What one instrumental thing will always remain with you from each player?

Leonard was quiet, shy and goofy. Duncan was a cool quiet guy that liked to get on his lab-top. Parker wasn’t the best for me at the beginning. When I came up, he thought that I was one of the equipment guys. There were many guys that were called up. He later apologized. Manu Ginoboli was the massage guru. But these guys were all about winning. The Spurs were the most professional team that I have ever been a part of. It was like family. They all knew their roles. What I regret the most is that I didn’t take any photos with any of them. That makes me sick, because I played with so many great players. 

You have played for many many head coaches, but what is a positive attribute about Greg Popovic that not many know about?

He was straight forward and told you how it was. He was sarcastic with me and liked to joke around. I remember him saying that he didn’t know that rookies got massages. He didn’t care if it was Parker or Duncan, he would yell at you if it was wrong.

You also spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and was on the stat sheet with Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter and Shawn Marion. What was one thing from each guy that will always remain with you?

Carter was one of the nicest dudes. He was always encouraging me. I remember at the NBA Summer League he was trying to get other NBA teams to recognize me. Nowitzki was goofy. I remember him beating me by one shot in a shooting contest. He was polite and said ‘Thank you young rookie for shooting with me’ and then walked away. Marion was instrumental in how I approached other people and how I dressed. 

In your second professional season you played your first season in the D-League with the Frisco Texas Legends (D-League) playing 52 games averaging 18.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 84.3%. What memories do have of that time and how has the league changed? Weren’t there a lot older guys playing then than now?

Back then older guys were set in getting back to the NBA. Now the young players want to prove that they belong in the NBA. And if they don’t reach the NBA right away, then they are comfortable with staying there. A lot has changed in that time. There are different coaches and the playing style has changed. The Texas Legends will always be a part of me. They took me back even after I was injured. I have some club records, They are an unbelievable organization. 

You played your rookie season with Hapoel Afula (Israel-Premier League) playing 22 games: Score-1 (19.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 82.2%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew you were very far away from home?

It was an easy transition. I had been used to being away from home a lot when I was in college. Every thing was so new and slow for me that I was going at full speed at all times. I was taught to pace myself. It was a very nice country and I didn’t feel threatened at all. It was an important part of my career as it is where it started. After that everything fell into place. 

How important was your American teammate Steffon Bradford in your rookie season. Did he take you under his wing?

I only played two months with him as he came in late. He played very hard and had a lot of experience having had played on many teams. 

After a stellar NCAA career at Washington, you had an amazing experience at the Jamal Crawford summer league averaging 42 points per game and had NBA workouts. Do you feel that 2009 class was so strong that made your chances of getting drafted more difficult?


Yes the 2009 class was a tough one. You can only control what you can control. Portland really wanted me. If they would have selected Patty Mills earlier then they would have taken me, but they then selected him late. I decided to go overseas and get a year under my belt and then came back and showed what I can do. 

You played at Washington (NCAA) from 2005-2009 and reached two NCAA Sweet 16’s. Which of these runs remained most in your mind?


The title my freshman year was the most memorable playing with Brandon Roy and Bobby Jones. No one thought that we could win it all. Everyone thought that we would lose I the first round. We played very hard. We should of beat Uconn, but there were some questionable calls. 

How important was it having Brandon Roy as a teammate in your freshman year? What memories do you have of him and how did your game compensate the most as a freshman?


I was a two time Freshman of the week and made the all-freshman team. Roy made me look good. He was one of the top players that I ever played with. It’s a no brainer. He could score and play defense. 

A guy I had a lot of pleasure interviewing years ago when he was balling in Italy was your ex teammate Bobby Jones who seems to always get good responses from his ex teammates when I ask them about him. I’m sure that he also had a positive effect on you.

Jones was my roommate. He is one of the best teammates that you can have. He works hard, and is a great teammate. I have a daughter and he is a great father that I look up to. He is just a good guy.

In your senior year, Isaiah Thomas was a freshman and right away had a very solid season and would continue on to a strong NBA career. Were you like a mentor for him or didn’t he need it?

I was a mentor for him in his first year. After that he was Ok and started to grow. He also had mentors with Brandon Roy and Jamal Crawford. 

How did head coach Lorenzo Romar groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He prepared us mentally to endure the adversary that comeswith basketball. He also prepared us for the physical rigors. He was a father figure and a great leader. I liked him as a coach.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Isaiah Thomas?

Me.

Who was the toughest player that you battled at the NCAA level that reached the NBA?


Jerryd Bayless from Arizona (NCAA). Adam Morrison was also tough. He was the most unstoppable scorer that I ever saw. 

Please construct your own personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you pick?

Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Lebron James, Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is better Michael Jordan or Lebron James?


Michael Jordan. I grew up with him. If there would have been no Jordan then there would have been no Kobe or Lebron. One should discuss the greatest players od each era. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

6 Underground

Thanks Justin for the chat.

Even if the Dragons Rhondorf´s defense has been a massive work in progress, the huge 8 game winning streak had partially blocked the woes on the defensive end, but winning streaks do come to an end. Last week the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to sweep the season series against Grevenbroich as they got revenge for the early season 85-72 loss in Rhondorf. Once again their defense wasn´t satisfactory as they lost 95-88. It didn´t help the Dragons Rhondorf cause either that one of their top players Killian Binapfl wasn´t available as he was playing with BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn. Not only wasn´t their defense spot on, but they lost another rebound battle. The Dragons Rhondorf with a record of 11-4 returned back home and faced the Deutzer TV who had a record of 7-8 and despite starting the season losing 6 of 8 games had been playing better basketball having won 5 of the last 7 games.  The Dragons Rhondorf didn´t have an easy match up as they faced the 9 best defensive team and third best rebounding team in the Regionalliga. The ex Pro A team Dragons Rhondorf also faced three ex players with Germans Anton Geretzki, Patrick Reusch and Joachim Koschade. With Christmas just around the corner, there was also some of that holiday feeling in the Dragon Dome, and despite 38 points by Curtis Hollis the Dragons Rhondorf slept in the first quarter getting down quick and never recovered as ex Dragon Patrick Reusch had his best scoring game in his professional career netting 28 points in the 99-96 victory. It didn´t help the Dragons Rhondorf´s cause either that they shot poorly all night long, their defense failed and Killian Binapfl had an off night as nothing seemed to function for him as he ended with 3 points. The Deutzer TV played a wonderful game showing what basketball looks like when team comes first. They also rebounded very well and their zone stifled the Dragons Rhondorf all night long. “Key in the first half was our defense. Everyone did their role on man to man and when we played zone. We remained patient in the second half even when they began to hit three´s. We took good shots and did a good job reading their defense and taking advantage of it”, stressed ex Rhondorf guard Patrick Reusch. “.They got up early and we took bad shots. We gave up way too many transition baskets and gambled too much”, stressed Texas native Curtis Hollis.

                It was the homecoming of three ex Rhondorf players with Anton Geretzki, Joe Koschade and Patrick Reusch. Reusch had the game of his life netting 28 points and was thrilled to be back in an old living room. “It was a good feeling to be back. It is always a good atmosphere here. It felt like I was back in an old living room. I´m happy that we came out with a win. It was a different feeling than usual and I was extra motivated for this game”, stated Patrick Reusch. The Deutzer TV got quick production from German veteran Florian Schultz who scored twice while Rhondorf got a bucket from Slovenian big man Jure Besedic and free throws from Curtis Hollis for the 4-4 tie. But the Deutzer TV then marched away from the Dragons Rhondorf going on a lethal 14-3 run to lead very comfortably 18-7 after 10 minutes. Both teams weren´t hitting three´s well, so the Deutzer TV found unique ways to score inside and the back door cut was very effective. The guests did a good job of executing at both ends of the court sharing the ball well as Philipp Pfeifer, Lennart Bonner, Ben Uzoma and Reusch scored as the Dragons Rhondorf gave up way too many easy baskets inside. Also on defense their zone was annoying Rhondorf and 206cm big Man Lennart Bonner rejected Binapfel back to back. Rhondorf was hurrying their offense too much and coughing the ball up at a high rate. “We had too many turnovers and took bad shots. Too many guys wanted to be the hero, which got us in a big deficit. We had no communication or help defense and constantly got beat”, stressed Texas native Curtis Hollis.. The Deutzer TV shot 43% from the field and 0% from outside and had 15 rebounds and 0 turnovers  while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 11,8% form the field and 0% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

                In the second quarter the Deutzer TV continued to play their exemplary team basketball and began to lead in double digits. The Dragons Rhondorf got some production from Besedic who got going and scored 2 buckets and Hollis scored a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf had a terrible phase on defense as they allowed countless easy baskets inside. Germans Julian Litera and Ben Uzoma had dunks for the 24-13 advantage. The Deutzer TV continued to defend with passion and practice beautiful team basketball. The Dragons Rhondorf had little offensive production except for Hollis who scored 3 baskets and Besedic who supplied 2 baskets, while the Deutzer TV continued to crush the Dragons Rhondorf with back door baskets time in and time out. Uzoma continued to be that big body inside and he used the mismatches and scored twice while ex Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 German Paul Horschler hit a trey as the Deútzer TV led 32-23. The guests continued to keep that nice double digit cushion continuing to get easy baskets in the paint as Boner made a hard two handed dunk and also finished with a hook shot while Schultz snuck in for a back door lay getting fed by Pfeifer who shone with his passing qualities getting 6 dimes. The Dragons Rhondorf had too little offensive punch and with Binapfl cold and the team three´s not falling, they had difficulty getting their offense going. The Dragons finally hit their first trey in the end phase of the second quarter from Spanish guard Enric Garrido Foz, but the Deutzer TV still led 44-34. “They played hard and hit shots. Their big man Boner killed us. You could see that they wanted to win bad”, stressed Curtis Hollis. The DeutzerTV shot 52,9% from the field and 14,3% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33,3 from the field and 16,7% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

                The Deutzer TV continued to control the game in the third quarter and led by as much as 15 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf just continued to chip away and stay in striking distance. The Dragons Rhondorf came out focused in the third quarter going on a 5-0 run to cut the guests lead down to 44-39. Sniper Jonas Falkenstein dropped two free throws and Hollis dropped a trey. But that quick burst of offense didn´t impress the guests as they struck back with a 12-2 run to extend their lead to 56-41. They began the run with a sort of little seen trick play as Pfeifer unraveled a sweet alley-oop pass from the inbounds play to Julian Litera who tapped it in. Reusch scored on the drive, and Litera then scored twice on transition. The Dragons Rhodorf continued to make too many turnovers and forgot about transition defense. Both teams continued to be able to execute, but the Dragons Rhondorf continued to trail by double digits for the most part .Reusch continued to do his things mastering his drive and mid distance shot with success. Foz hit a trey and made a steal and lay up for baskets while Marek Kotieno also was aggressive and scored two buckets. Kilian Binapfl continued to struggle as absolutely nothing was working for him. “It´s tough for him. He only practices with us 1-2 times per week and the rest with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. It´s not fair for us or them. It was one of those days where nothing worked for him. He wasn´t picking his spots well and was forcing things. But he is still young and will bounce back”, stressed Curtis Hollis. In the last minute of the third quarter, the Dragons went on a little run as Hollis scored on transition and cut the guests lead down to 66-60, but Patrick Reusch nailed a buzzer beater trey to lift his Team to the 69-60 advantage. “We almost always play a good third quarter. They began well and aggressive, but we remained patient. We did make mistakes, but also hit big shots”, added Patrick Reusch. “Turnovers hurt us. We tried to do too much. They hit shots”, added Curtis Hollis. The Deutzer TV shot 50% from the field and 18,2% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 40,4% and 23,5% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

                In the fourth quarter the Deutzer TV continued to keep the lead, but the Dragons Rhondorf never gave up and in garbage time were able to quietly come back as Curtis Hollis showed his basket in bunches ability, but time ran out. There were a few fazes where the Dragons Rhondorf could significantly cut down the lead, but couldn´t then get the stops. The Dragons Rhondorf finally got their long ball going as 37 year old Anish Sharda nailed back to back three´s and Foz also connected as Deutzer TV led only 77-71. But whenever the Dragons Rhondorf were threatening, the guests always had answers. Pfeifer and Boner scored baskets for the 81-71 lead. Rhondorf had their chances missing some open three´s, but they weren´t lacking fighting qualities as they fought back again to cut the guests lead down to 83-79 as Besedic scored and Hollis made a trey. But the Deutzer Tv always had an answer. Veteran Florian Schultz scored 5 unanswered points and boner a lay in for the 90-82 lead. Rhondorf made a late run down the stretch as Hollis scored 4 buckets in a row, but in the end their comeback attempt wasn´t rewarded as time ran out losing 99-96. “We hit big shots at the end which we didn´t make in the first game. We are more of a mature team now. The baskets by Schultz were the deciding moments in the game. He has good nerves”, stated Patrick Resuch. “Reusch broke us down  a lot. We just couldn´t get stops and get over the hump”, stressed Curtis Hollis. The Deutzer TV were led by Patrick Resuch with 28 points. Lennart Boner added 19 points and 12 boards and Florian Schultz added 16 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Curtis Hollis with 38 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Jure Besedic added 15 points and 7 rebounds and Enric Garrido Foz added 14 points. The Deutzer TV shot 50% from the field and 29% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the field and 35% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

It was a rather mild Saturday evening in Bad Honnef in mid October that was wrapped up with bands of showers that brought in the fog at times, but in the Dragon Dome there was no rain, but offensive power from the Regionalliga team Dragons Rhondorf who were taking on the Hertener Lowen and had a very comfortable 51-36 advantage at the break. This was a type of lead that they hadn´t seen since the Kameron Taylor days where basketball life was enjoyable in Dragon land. I was doing play by play and during half-time, I always look for some player who happens to be at the game for a quick quote for my post game article about the play on the court. There were no Telekom Baskets Bonn players present, but then I saw a young man who looked familiar. Then I remembered that that was Karl Dia who played in Rhondorf the last two seasons. He had left a positive impression as he was greeted nicely by fans who recognized him. Now he is playing for the RheinStars Cologne and had only a 20-30 minute drive to the game. He gave me some input about the first half and then I saw that he was there with another guy who had to be a basketball player. I asked Dia if that was Vincent Golson. Dia responded with yes. This was another encounter that I have had often with players where I had dealings with them in the past usually with an interview, but didn´t actually do it in person. I had interviewed Golson over the summer and now was able to meet him for the first time. We had a very nice chat and I asked him if he was actually playing for their second team, because I never saw him in the stat sheet of the Regionalliga team. He said that he had been hampered by an injury, but was back and ready to play. I knew that I would see him play Live soon when he and his team visited Rhondorf. I love using nicknames in my play by play as with the Dragons team, I have some fancy nicknames for the players like “easy work” for Curtis Hollis, “the fountain of youth” for Anish Sharda or the “glue guy” for Killian Binapfel. Then I remembered that he also had a unique nickname given to him by his mom. His mother had called him two two as a kid, and I kidded around with the American about being called three three if his trey explodes during his rookie season in Germany. “I think the fans will have to double up on my nickname with all these four point plays I’m about to make this upcoming season! But if I do have a recording breaking season I will wear #33 from there on out for three three”, smiled Vince Golson. The American like almost every player definitely wasn´t lacking in self confidence.

            Golson is a 173cm guard from California that lists Josh Fox (San Francisco)and Darius Butler (Cal State Dominguez) as two of his best teammates of all-time finished school in 2017 and took two years to finally get his first ever professional job. He began his basketball career at Skyline high school. Skyline high school had a rich history in having great athletes like Gary Payton and Oscar winner Tom Hanks also attended there. He knew that he had to uphold the immense history there while he was there. “If you look at Oakland as a whole playing Basketball and especially the point is inspiring itself. Knowing the city is a factory for Point Guards of all kinds. J kidd, Gary Payton, Dame Lillard, Kiwi Gardner, etc. So coming under all them and more means not to upset your legends. It means to work hard the game the Oakland(with heart and effort), learn the game, and love the game”, stressed Vince Golson. Despite having a solid high school career, he didn´t land in the NCAA, but at San Francisco CC(Juco). “Playing close to home wasn’t as important to playing for a program that would develop my game to the best of their ability. But playing at home finally gave me a support system that I never knew I had and boosted my confidence. My game grew a lot at San Francisco after the first year. Showed me a way to understand the game better slowly piece by piece, knowing what a good shot and a bad shot was. Playing for a historically good program like that was always good and hearing stories about past players good and bad that shaped the way I workout now and the way I approach the game for example motivating yourself to go to practice and give effort for the game I say I love. Overall, my game grew from a 4 to a 7”, added Vince Golson. After paying his dues in the JUCO, he finally got his chance with CS Dominguez H (NCAA2) and as a senior played 18 games averaging 17.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 84.2%. He remembers his time very fondly there. He couldn´t name one fondest moment. “I think that whole year was my fondest moment. Our prediction in the standings was to finish second to the last but finished fifth. which top eight makes playoffs. Looking back that year sparked current years level and criteria to meet”, expressed Vincent Golson.

                The American who lists Paris Davis (Skyline high school) and Darrion Tanner(CS DomingueZ H) as two of his best teammates of all-time had many memorable games at CS Dominguez H, but it wasn´t his 32 point explosion in the exciting 75-73 win against CS San Bernadino  or scoring 23 second half points against Sierra? For him it wasn´t about the points that he produced, but winning games. “I think my greatest moment there was beating two top 10 teams in the nation the s

ame weekend. We had odds stacked against us but we played great. I think averaged around 20 points 7 assists and 5 rebounds that weekend. Grabbed player of the week for the conference”, commented Vincent Golson. But he also had some bitter moments in the NCAA2 as you win some and you also loose some. One of his most bitter loses was his last college game where he added 14 points in the 75-72 loss against Chico State. It´s always amazing to see how much a player still remembers from a game even if it was more than two years ago. “I remember a lot from this game. Potentially taking a game tying shot with four seconds, watching my big man go to work all game, playing differently in composure compared to my entire college career. It didn’t take long for me to digest it since that team accomplished so much after only playing one year together”, stressed Vincent Golson. Even if his college career has been over for more than two years, he will never forget his head coach Steve Becker who never let his chip on his shoulder get the better of him. “He gave me a lot of confidence in my game. A player like me that usually has to consistently start at the bottom with that chip on your shoulder don’t come out of no where. It comes from concern in your game, hurt in your heart, and confidence. He gave me confidence, he gave me reassurance in my game, and validity”, added Vincent Golson.

            When you examine the game of the American closely who calls ex opponent Ethan Alvano of CS San Marcos his toughest cover the name Isaiah Thomas comes to mind. Not the legendary ex Detroit Piston, but the ex Boston Celtic. Golson has watched his highlights often and checked out his documentary series as well. Golson takes after Thomas, because he can score efficiently for a smaller guard and finds ways to get into those smaller spaces that bigger guards can´t. He is a guard that can score and be that smart playmaker, but he wouldn´t necessarily classify himself solely as one type of point guard. “At City College of San Francisco I played the system Drive and Kick, Hit the step in threes, etc. At Cal State Dominguez we needed someone to score the ball so that is what I did often there but also was trying to make the right play while doing so. If I had to choose I would say Read first point guard”, warned Vincent Golson. Despite his small stature, he has been able to come to terms with his size as it has good advantages, but also disadvantages. “The advantages to my game has been my quick feet, my athleticism, and ability to find ways to sneak the ball into the basket without being blocked, and finishing through contact. The disadvantages of my game has been of course my size, some decide to post up, sometimes not being able to elevate with bigger guards, and trying to alter shots. Some names I have heard over the years He’s too small, TwoTwoShort, He’s a midget”, stated Vincent Golson. His offense really stands out, but his defense is still a part of his game that doesn´t get noticed as much. “My defense is a hidden talent I would say. specifically taking charges. I often had to score then guard the best player in college. Whether he was 6 foot or 6’4 to the best of my ability”, warned Vincent Golson.

            The American who lists Lebron, Jordan, Shaq, Steph Curry as his own personal NBA Mount Rushmore had to survive two tough years not having a professional job, but he definitely didn´t get bored and stayed busy. “I have been working not a lot but a part time job while working out with different trainers. Such as Deshawn Freeman who played at Sacramento State University, Darius Butler who played with me at Cal State Dominguez, and Marc Rodgers who is an assistant coach at Long Beach State and a former player at Central Washington. I also have been playing in summer leagues to stay ready like the San Francisco ProAm and a couple leagues in Los Angeles. The road to a professional contract has been really tough! Knowing the right people, my size and school had played a factor in that I believe, opportunities falling apart, and staying motivated when things don’t go as planned. It becomes really defeating working out with no future plans or knowing what is certain”, warned Vincent Golson. Now he is in Germany and his rookie season was derailed a bit by an injury. But he came prepared to Germany and in the last months has learned even more about the country. He also came to Germany knowing that guys that he knew personally like Rohndell Goodwin, Jalen Canty, Will Cherry, Kwame Vaughn, and Davion Berry had made it. His preparation for living in a new country was excellent. “I know Germany is a beautiful place to shop, I know punctuality is a priority, food specifically breakfast is really great, the hospitality is really good over there, and the Basketball world is excellent. A couple of basic things I know”, said Vincent Golson. He signed a contract with Regionalliga team RheinStars and there were three things that secured the deal for him. “Johannes Strasser himself, the country itself, and the feedback I got from peers. Coach Johannes has played at one of the highest levels for many years so I trust he will lead the team and I in the right direction. He will give me knowledge about the game that I can nothing but respect. The country and city is beautiful and one of best places to start and finish a basketball career. Everyone I have mentioned this opportunity to faces drop about Cologne and says nothing but the best”, expressed Vincent Golson. But the American also knows that Ken Pfuller played a huge role in making the contact to the club and coach Strasser. “Thankful isn’t enough to say for this opportunity. They are giving me a chance to live out a dream I have been having since I started basketball. For them to take a chance like this is huge and before I even step on Cologne’s soil I will be working hard already. My reaction when my coach Steve Becker reached out to me about this opportunity was subtle because of previous opportunities that fell through. My reaction after I was added to things like the team group chat or on social media that is when my face lit up ! I looked like Charlie in Willy Wonka factory. Couldn’t believe it so definitely grateful for them”, added Vincent Golson.

            A lot of Golson´s peers and top new players in the league like Curtis Hollis, Jahad Thomas or Derylton Hill have already put up big time stats, but that didn´t bother the American. He has that high self confidence and knows what he can do. “I’m very confident in my game despite being removed from the game for two years. I think my mentality in basketball was already engraved before I even picked up this sport. You look at players from my area and you see it in all of them no matter what Dame Lillard, Will Cherry, Kiwi Gardner, J Kidd, Gary Payton, etc. I will be an impact player just off my mentality alone and my skill set will follow along. Conditioning is never a problem so that comes with the mental aspect of the game”, said Vincent Golson. His season started late because of an injury and so far in 7 games, he has helped the Rhein Stars to a 6-1 record averaging 13,3ppg, 3,7rpg,4,9apg and 1,7spg. The California native waited a very long time to finally show somebody his god given talent. He is very far away from the NBA as he is in the fourth league in Germany, but that doesn´t matter to him. The chip on his shoulder grew like crazy in the last two years, but no matter what happens this season and in the future, he plays the game for a reason. “The chip on my shoulder is so big that I have a tattoo of a computer chip on my shoulder. I’ve played against good players and always wondered what was the problem with my game. Then turned around and developed it as much as possible and still couldn’t get similar love as those players. But as I learned Basketball a lot more and then I stopped comparing myself to those players and started to work on what I needed to get better. So that chip only grew over the years being in situations like this the past two years often and my upbringing. My heart is as big as it will get. I play the game because I love it, it saves lives often, and I watch the game because I love it no matter the level”, warned Vincent Golson. When he is back home in Oakland, he might still have his mom call him two two and I maybe I will call him three three for something new even if his three doesn´t take off right away. I´m sure Golson won´t mind what I or other fans decide to call him, because all that matters for him is being able to play the game that he loves.

Curtis Hollis is a 21 year old 198cm forward from Arlington, Texas that is playing his first season overseas and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 20,9ppg,8,5rpg,3,5apg and 3,2spg. He began his career at Mansfield Summit High School. In 2017-2018 he played with Hutchinson CC (JUCO) playing 34 games averaging 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. In 2018 he played in Lavar Ball’s new league with the Houston Ballers (JBL) playing 7 games: Score-5 (29.3ppg), 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%. He and I will team up every week to talk basketball in the Miles basketball minute

A tough95-88 loss against Grevenbroich who got revenge for the loss in Rhondorf. The 8 game losing streak has come to an end. How have you dealt with the ending of the losing streak. Did it take long to digest and how is it losing after 8 wins instead after a one game winning streak?

I didn’t take it too hard. We were missing some guys and kind of beat our selves so I just watched film and went back to work. It’s the same a L never feels good so I take them the same

Your teammate Enric Garrido Foz had started the season with Grevenbrocih. Wasn´t their any kind of special hints he could give the Dragons from his time there?

Just a couple of sets they would maybe run but that’s all.

You never want to make excuses, but how good would the chances have been that you would have a 9 game winning streak now had Killian Binapfl played?

Man Killian is so huge for us and plays a big roll. Without him it was tuff and hard roll to fill but like you said we can’t make excuses but he for sure would have helped.

It was another one of those games where you had to play catch up basketball. Why couldn´t the Dragons Rhondorf get over the hump?

Just couldn’t ever get enough stops. We can score but couldn’t get the stops when we needed too.

The Dragons Rhondorf struggled on the boards giving up 10 offensive rebounds. What makes Ryon Howards rebounding so hard to stop?

He’s a grown man. A beast on the boards you have to be more physical than him and in this case we didn’t.

The defense gave up too many points again. The patience of head coach Yassin Idbihi seems to be holding up well. How does he motivate the team to keep coming back each weekend to play good defense?

We just have no choice. We’re trying to build a defensive identity! So we have to play defense at all times.

The teammate spotlight this week is on David Falkenstein. What have you been able to appreciate most about his game and how tough is it mentally for him playing behind his younger brother Jonas?

David plays extremely hard! I’m sure it gets tough sometimes but he’s the ultimate teammate! Always puts the teams first which I respect from him so much.

You had another normal day at the office scoring 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. How content were you with your performance? Do you tend to find more faults with your game after a loss than after a win?

After a L I always look myself in the mirror and say and ask what could I have done better. My performance was okay but I have to figure out ways to get wins.

Your shot selection continues to be very good concerning your trey. How much more challenging is it finding the right spots for the three then for your mid range game?

It’s not challenging I’m actually getting to the 3pt line more than the mid range game which I have to change. So like you said just finding my spots has been huge.

Luka Doncic tied a Michael Jordan record for the longest streak of scoring at least 20 points and had 5    rebounds and 5 assists. What does this reveal about the true versatility of filling the stat sheet for Jordan?

Micheal Jordan is the best player to ever play the game. He could do it all whenever & however on the floor

What has been your impression of Carmelo Anthony and his game with Portland. How much better are they with him and were can their future go this season?

I love Carmelo and I’ve always loved his game. I think they are better than him and now he plays a huge roll! Hopefully they go as far as they can.

Thanks Curtis for the chat.

Deishuan Booker is a 22 year old 190cm point guard from Las Vegas, Nevada playing his rookie season with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). He began his basketball career with Democracy Prep Agassi Campus averaging 27.7ppg and scored over 1200 points in his two seasons. He played at Gillette CC (JUCO) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 76.7%. He then moved to to S.Idaho JC (JUCO, starting five) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 71.8%. He played at Long Beach State University (NCAA) from 2017-2019 playing 65 games and as a junior averaged 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 85.8% and in his senior year he averaged 18.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 91.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game in Bamberg

Deishuan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome to Germany. Before I get to the interview do you ever get mistaken for Phoenix Sun Devin Booker if your first name isn’t pronounced correctly?

Some people do joking about it. I don’t mind it, but I want to stay away from it. He is a great player.

Is this your first time to Germany? What has been your impression of it?

This is actually my second time. We went to the Berlin Mall for my Visa. I didn’t see the wall, but I want to come back to Berlin when I have some time off. 

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball and Have you had friends or former teammates playing Germany? 

I know some players playing in Germany like Tyler Larson, Stephan Zimmermann and Jordan Davis who is my cousin.

What kind of experience has it been lacing up the sneakers for this great organization? Do you sense that special atmosphere when you set foot in the Tipsport arena?

It is has been a great experience. The club always have high expectations to win every season. I like how the organization put a high value on each player. We are very close as a team. I have great teammates.

The club is tearing up the national league like usual despite getting good competition from BK Opava. It is normal for you to blow away teams. The closest game was a 10 point win. Can it sometimes be difficult winning so easily?

It definitely makes preparation more difficult. We are so used to blowing away teams that we always have to come back and be able to refocus each game and get the job done.

Despite winning so easily in the NBL league, you are also doing very well in the Basketball Champions League. What has been the secret to being able to play so well against much better competition?

I think it has to do how close we are and play for each other. If you look at the stats, you won’t find a player averaging 25 or 20 points per game. It is a very balanced effort. It gets hard for teams in the third and fourth quarters because we have 8-9 guys that can contribute in different ways which makes it hard for teams to catch up.

Let’s talk about your teammates. What kind of experience has it been playing with Nymburk legend Petr Benda who is in his 13th season with the team and has 22 titles. How have you profited most from his daily presence on and off the court?

He is always giving you knowledge when he is around. When you see him you wouldn’t know his age. He is always smiling and has high energy. Even in bad moments, he is positive and tries to show us the way. He is great to have around.

How have you gelled with fellow rookie Zach Hankins. He also began in a lower college league and moved up to the NCAA later like you did. Do you sense that he plays with a chip on his shoulder?

He most definitely has a chip on his shoulder. He plays with something to prove. I can identify with it. His energy helps us all. 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard and are a pass first type of lalyer. Your favorite player is Steve Nash. Would you compare your game to him or does your game resemble other current NBA players?

I study the game of Steve Nash and try to mimic him. I also enjoy watching guys like Harden, Kobe, Iverson and Mcgrady and try to take a bit from each and mold it into my game. I study their moves and try to use it in different situations. I would compare my game with modern day point guard Rajon Rondo. I like his game. I feel he is underappreciated.

You are a very complete point guard. How vital has your vast basketball IQ been for you being where you are today as a player?

I think it has to do with the different coaches that I have worked with in my career. Each coach that I ever played with taught me different reads and their own offensive and defensive schemes. I can go back to a coach that I had 8 years ago and find small things that will help my game.

You were a very good three point shooter at Long Beach State averaging in the high 30%. What are you doing now as a rookie most to eclipse the 40% mark?

The most important thing for me are reps after practice. I had to adjust to the new ball and different styles in Europe. I have to go back to basics and just always be ready for any situation

You’re a very feisty strong defender that can cause mismatch problems. When your offense isn’t rolling does your defense get your offense going?

When my shot isn’t falling, I get aggressive on defense and try to get deflections and steals and then get my teammates shots with my IQ.

You had an amazing career at Agassi Prep going 52-1 in your two seasons. Did Andre Agassi prep ever visit and congratulate the basketball team?

He would visit every now and then. He is a very busy man. He brought the rookies in from the NBA Allstar game in Las Vegas and they practiced at my school. He also brought Janet Jackson and also tennis players. 

How tough was it having to play JC basketball for 2 years after averaging 27 points as a senior at Agassi prep? Did you develop a chip on your shoulder in that time and do you still have it?

It was a very humbling experience. It taught me different ways to appreciate the game. I also learned to take it one day at a time to get to where I want to be at. The JC experience put that firing drive in me to want to improve each day. I didn’t want my career to end at JC.

You first played at Gillette CC (JUCO) playing 37 games averaging 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 76.7% and then at S.Idaho JC (JUCO) playing 33 games averaging 9.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 71.8%. What do you feel were the most important skills that you learned in this time that helped you make the next step in the NCAA?

The most important thing was having to be on my own and learning new teammates. The experience also taught me to be a leader. JC was also a very physical league and taught me to be more physical. Also living in the middle of nowhere was tough. I had a lot of time to be bale to improve my body and mind each day.

You then played at Long Beach State University (NCA) from 2017-2019 playing a total of 65 NCAA games. You vastly improved your stats and game in your senior year despite playing only 1 minute more averaging : 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 85.8% as a junior and 18.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 91.2% as a senior.Talk a bit about your progression as a player in the two years.

Synergy was key. I did a lot of film work. My coaches wanted me to be more aggressive and be more of a scorer than just finding the open man in my senior year. Gerald Woods was key in helping me with film work and gym work. The summer before my senior year, I watched so much film and it paid off.

Despite losing 91-80 to UCLA in your first senior game, you dropped 31 points against them. How good did that feel and do you feel like people noticed?

That game set the tone for the season. It would have been better if we had won though.

Cal State Fullerton had your number as a senior where you lost by 2 and 3 points, but dropped 33 and 22 points. Can one have any type of good memories from tough tight loses like that?

It was always fun playing against them. The schools were only 30 minutes away so the games were always for bragging rights. The two Cal State guards are good friends of mine so the games were real battles. We always played in open gym during the summer.

How did Dan Monson groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Monson is my guy. He had that old school style. He helped me a lot. The main thing that I got from him was that each game is a new puzzle. I have to figure out where the pieces go as the point guard and leader. I have to find a way to get done.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Drew Cobb?


Drew was a real hard worker. I would win, but I would have to work hard for it. He was a real dog on defense. 

What kind of experience was it for you taking part at the NBA G League Player Invitational in Chicago. What did you learn about the professional business concerning the NBA and G-League?

I learned a lot. We had a couple of informal sessions, learning about the insurance and retirement side. The G-league has improved a lot in the last years. But I felt that at the moment the best fit was playing for Nymburk. But my end goal is always to get back.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA or is currently playing there?

Alonzo Trier. And Jevon Carter from West Virginia.

Luka Doncic is tearing up the NBA at the moment. Is he a top 3 best player in the NBA right now?

At the rate that he is going now he is one of the best. I don’t know if he is top 3 now, but he is on his way up. I love how he keeps the game simple. He is always very under control and one step ahead.

If you had to pick your own personal NBA Rushmore which 4 heads past or present would you chose?

Pete Maravich, Steve Nash, Tracey Mcgrady, Michael Jordan

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

I want to say Lebron. The game is always evolving. I think that he does a little more than what Jordan did. He won’t get the respect until he wins more rings.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The God Father.

Thanks Deishaun for the chat.

Zach Hankins is a 23 year old 211cm center from Michigan that is playing his rookie season with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). He began his basketball career at Charlevoix High School. He then played at Ferris St from 2015-2018 playing a total of 103 NCAA 2 games averaging 14.7ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.7apg, 4.1bpg, FGP: 65.2%, FT: 62.1% and 15.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.5apg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 63.0%, FT: 71.1%. He played his senior year at Xavier University (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 10.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 68.9%, FT: 61.5%. He contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks in a 84-80 win over Brose Bamberg. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a basketball champions League game in Bamberg. 

Zach thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time to Germany? What has been your impression of it?

I went to Berlin with my teammate Deishaun Booker to get our Visa’s. My family is coming over for the Christmas break and we have been talking about making a day trip. Whenever I am in a new country, I try to walk around a little to get some of the culture.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

A coach at my high school Matt Stuck played 5 years in Germany. He told me that it is a beautiful country and they have great basketball.

Have you had friends or former teammates playing Germany? Quite a few ex Xavier guys have balled in Germany.

I know some guys that have played in Europe. One guy that I know that played in Germany was Matt Stainbrook.

You won three GLIAC titles as well as a NCAA 2 title and now have joined the greatest basketball organization in the Czech Republic with Nymburk.They won 28 titles since 2004. Is winning titles in your blood?

I attribute my success to hard work. I’m not a great shooter or handle the ball well, but it was hard work that made my identity. My hard work helped me move up and get to Xavier. That then gave me the opportunity with Nymburk. 

What kind of experience has it been lacing up the sneakers for this great organization? Do you sense that special atmosphere when you set foot in the Tipsport arena?

It has ben a very different experience playing with this organization. I feel a lot of pride playing for this club. The team is expected to win. Every team is always gunning for you. You need to take pride and responsibility for gaining success. 

The club is tearing up the national league like usual despite getting good competition from BK Opava.It is normal for you to blow away teams. The closest game was a 10 point win. Can it sometimes be difficult winning so easily?

It is a funny concept. It is normal to think that once your winning so easily that it comes easy, but it doesn’t. When your winning so much, it is still easy to get complacent. Even if you have talent, you need to work hard. There have been close games where it was very tight. You have to have that mindset to always bring you’re A game. Always to be focused is important for success. This has been a unique experience so far. You need to put in the time and effort for success.

Let’s talk about your teammates. What kind of experience has it been playing with Nymburk legend Petr Benda who is in his 13th season with the team and has 22 titles. How have you profited most from his daily presence on and off the court?

He is a quiet guy. Quieter than I thought he would be. He is always smiling and is focused. He is 37 and very consistent and works very hard to stay in shape. He wants to do everything right. He is always giving advice and likes to go over plays in his head. Often I will go over plays with him. He motivates me to work hard, because I don’t want an older guy to kick my but. He has a great basketball IQ and has a lot of experience. He is the quiet leader that is always there for you.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with American Deishuan Booker. He was a guy like you that started in a lower college level and worked his way up. Do you sense that he has that chip on his shoulder?

He has a chip on his shoulder. He played at many different levels of basketball. He never got the publicity at the lower levels. Because of that you get that chip on your shoulder. When he played exhibition games at the lower levels and played against a big school that played at a higher level, he got that feeling that he should be playing at their level. We have taken a similar path. He is a very hard worker and always wants more. He wants to show that he can stay dedicated for a long time. 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 211cm center that can do a lot on the court. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

You got two kinds of centers. The pick and pop center and the center that likes to run the floor, get rebounds and get dunks. I don’t think that there are any more Shaq’s out there. I would classify myself as a new age center. I like to mold my game after a Clint Capella. He is obviously more athletic than me. I like to play off the ball, get rebounds and get blocks. I want to be that center that any guard can throw the ball up to or be the guy that can make the stop after the guard gets beat. Capella is so efficient, he probably takes like 3 dribbles a game. He plays hard and runs the floor well. That is how I play. 

You’re a guy that can score and rebound the ball at ease. What other strengths does your game incorporate and on what things are you working on the most to keep getting better?

I always incorporate energy into my game and am always focused. I am a player that even when your down 10-0 will hit the opponent back in the mouth get the blocks and get on the guards on the switch. I need to get stronger and have been doing extra lifting to get bigger and have more strength. I want to continue to be as effective as possible in a big body. 

You’re a very efficient player as a rookie getting the most out of your minutes. Has your efficiency been something that you have been developing since you were at Ferris State (NCAA2)

I feel that my style of play has allowed me to be efficient. I don’t focus on being efficient, but am just able to finish near the rim at a high percentage. I think that once you have taken so many shots with contact near the basket, you become efficient. Like I have said before, it all is an outcome of hard work. 

Your also a very very good shot blocker. With added work how do you feel can you bring your shot blocking to the next level?

I think the key to good shot blocking has to do with learning timing and to read the offensive plays of the opponents. I also feel that my progress of being a shot blocker will continue as I play at a high level like in the Basketball Champions League. I need to continue to focus on my timing and if there is a shot fake or if the player goes up. Important also is not to foul. That is also a big focus. You need to stay straight up and take that hit in the stomach and not bend over and foul. Being a good shot blocker is a big mental thing.

You began your career at Charlevoix High School. In your senior year you broke your foot and played only two games. As a result no NCAA schools had you on the radar. You opted for Ferris State. Was breaking your foot like a blessing in disguise? Had you not broken your foot and played a full season you may never had had the Ferris State experience.

Going to Ferris State was amazing and a huge blessing. If I hadn’t gone there, my path may have been different. I am glad I went there. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t of had those amazing coaches and not had those close friends and gone to Xavier and be able to play in front of 10,000 people. At that the time it was difficult to deal with, but in the end going this path was a perfect plan to develop as a player.

You won 3 GLIAC titles. Was beating Finlay OH the sweetest victory for you?

Findlay was also a good win. It wasn’t a rivalry with Ferris State until my time there. We both became powers in the conference. My sweetest win was winning the NCAA 2 title. I am still buddies with some of the guys I beat.

You had some massive games at Ferris State, but was your 17/22 games against Cedarville your best game for them?

That was a long time ago. I didn’t even realize I had so many rebounds. That was a crazy game. Like I said before my favorite game continues to be that NCAA 2 title. 

Can you still relive the final seconds against Northern State when you won the NCAA 2 title? What was most special about the 71-69 win?

The end was crazy. I have watched that game like 10 times in the last year just to relive that amazing moment. I remember that game as if it was yesterday. After I hit a hook shot in the last minute for the 70-69 lead, we got a stop. Then with like 20 seconds left, my teammate hit a free throw for the 71-69 lead. Then on the last play, they went on a high ball screen and I blitzed it and they passed the ball to the shooter and the last three fell short. We won and everybody went crazy. It was an unbelievable moment. 

How vital was head coach Andy Bronkema for your early basketball development at Ferris State? What did he instill in your game that helped you make the jump to the NCAA?

I was part of his first recruiting class and he gave me the chance to red shirt and play behind great centers. This opportunity helped me learn mental and physical toughness and how to play the right way. He liked centers having post moves. He also helped me with my foot work. I exploded as a sophomore and he just gave me the freedom to play my game the right way. I give a lot of my success to him as a development coach. 

You played your senior year at Xavier University (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 10.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 68.9%, FT: 61.5% You had many great games, but was your 12/11/4 assists and 6 blocks in the win over Detroit Mercy one of your completest games in the NCAA?

I would say that this win was an all around good game as a team. We came together as a team and the win was important at the start of the season where everyone was still feeling each other out. I think that my best game at Xavier was at the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden against Creighton. I stuck out in that game making the winning tip in. I was in the zone in that game.

How did head coach Travis Steele give you that last extra push and groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He treated me like a professional. I knew that I came in for that one year to help the team right away. He gave me the chance to play my game which is to bring energy. He needed me to do what I did best and that also continued to help my game. He gave me a lot of responsibility and it was like being a professional player. I was working more on myself.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Tyrique Jones?

I would say me and he would say him. We are both talented centers. I am more the long finesse center and he is shorter and stockier and more athletic. We had some great battles in practice. We made each other better and smarter.

You played at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging games: 15.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg. What kind of feedback did you get and did you feel like NBA team took notice?

I was an unseen player at first, because I had played only one year in the NCAA. Some teams did interview me and I made a little impact on some and got a few more NBA workouts than I thought I would get. I was able to put myself in the spot light for a second. It was beneficial for me. 

You then joined the Philadelphia 76ers (MGM Resorts NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) and averaged games: 3.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.0bpg. What kind of experience was it playing NBA Summer League. What did you gain from it and do you feel like you are very far away from the NBA?

It was a very different experience to play and see how an NBA organization works. The style in the NBA is very much different to college and the style in Europe. It was a good learning experience, but I feel I didn’t get enough of an opportunity to show what I can do. There were other players that the 76ers were investing in. I had one decent game. It was definitely great to learn for next year in the Summer League. I feel like I’m not that far away from the NBA. I need to continue to add strength. I feel that if I was on a G-League roster now that I could contribute with my style. I feel like there is a niche for me on every NBA team

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA or is currently playing there?

A very tough guy I played against was Eric Paschall who is on the Golden State Warriors. He is leading all rookies in scoring mainly because of all the injuries that they have and is getting a lot of minutes. He is very talented and I matched up against him when they went small. Another tough match up and the best I played against was Jessie Govan who is playing in Japan now. He is a very good shooter. It was always a fun match up against him. 

Luka Doncic is tearing up the NBA at the moment. Is he a top 3 best player in the NBA right now?

Yes for sure. He is so dominant and has a great IQ. He is a great shooter and always plays hard. He is up there. He became a superstar so quickly.

If you had to pick your own personal NBA Rushmore which 4 heads past or present would you chose?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq, Blake Griffin

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

Always Lebron. His level of play has never gone down, but continues to go up.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Edge Of Tomorrow. 

Thanks Zach for the chat.

It was about 5.10 on a bustling late Saturday afternoon as the Nordwest centrum mall in Frankfurt was in serious pre Christmas mode as it was difficult as always at this time of year to really be able to move at a comfortable rate as shoppers were all over the place getting a good start on their X-mas shopping. Only about 100 yards away is the BCM, the practice facility of easyCredit BBL team Fraport Skyliners and the home court of their farm team Fraport Skyliners Juniors and there was a lot les commotion as the afternoon matinee between the Juniors and Bavarian club BBC Coburg had ended about 20 minutes earlier and fans were already gone while Skyliner Junior players were taking showers and departing. I was getting post game quotes from players and as I was waiting for Nigel Pruitt to appear from the showers, I hung out court side thinking about what my game article title would be. There were a few people in the stands and then I noticed a familiar face that I hadn´t seen for a while with Jermale Jones. He is a 33 year old guard from Birmingham, Alabama that has quietly carved out a fine 9 year professional career that has taken him to Luxemburg and Romania, but has spent 6 years in Germany and is in his fifth season with Lich who compete in the second Regionalliga. It´s always good to see the American since I have covered him for years and it´s always nice talking with him. After the usual small talk about his season and life, the topic Fraport Skyliners came about. He has been good friends with FraportSkyliner legend Quantez Robertson for years and is often at his games and spends the night at his apartment. On this night he and his friend Tez were on different courts as he was playing a game at 6.30 against Eintracht Frankfurt and Tez was in Crailsheim. We started chatting about the difficult Skyliner season and after analyzing the situation, I asked him if Tez has been frustrated with the season of the club. He answered quickly and directly “naw Tez isn´t frustrated”. A typical quick response from his friend sticking up for his friend. A player never wants to look like he is weak in adversary. Of course Tez is frustrated, but that is only normal. There are few warriors like Tez in the BBL, but he is doing the best of the situation. I reach Tez´s teammate Adam Waleskowski on Sunday morning 13 hours after the big win in Crailsheim. As usual I reach him when he is walking his dog Barney outside and he is in good spirits answering “No it was fine getting me now. I have been up since 8:30. We have had film and tonight is a dinner with the fan club”. He then was able to elaborate a bit about how Quantez Robertson has been coping with the current situation with the Skyliners. “Our season is part of the business. Tez knows that we are under performing. When he is on the court, he is always playing the best that he can. Of course he is frustrated. He is always trying to figure out ways how we could play at a better level. The situation isn´t an easy one as he is turning 34 soon and age starts to wear you down”,stressed Adam Waleskowski.

                The Fraport Skyliners went to Crailsheim facing some tough last days as Akeem Vargas was out and new forward Tyrone Nash had failed the medical check. Plus they had a new player to integrate with Joe Rathon and had to face one of the leagues biggest surprises Crailsheim Merlins who had started the season winning their first 5 games, but had lost 4 of their last season games. The Fraport Skyliners gave a very good performance and in tight situations at the end were able to prevail in crunch-time and didn´t remember two crucial tight games the had lost earlier in the season winning 76-68. Coming to Crailsheim and winning on the road showed a lot of heart despite the last tough days. “Of course it was tough losing Vargas who had been shooting well and is the anchor of our defense and not keeping Nash. But with the addition of some new faces brought a new and better vibe to our practices. We came to Crailsheim very focused and that carried over into the game”, added Adam Waleskowski. The Crailsheim Merlins lived and died by their three hitting 14, but couldn´t muster enough points from the near range while the Fraport Skyliners shot the ball very well and took pretty good care of the ball, but importantly found some consistency on the defensive end especially in crunch-time buckling down and getting stops when they really needed it. “We moved the ball well. I think it was the best that we have moved the ball this season.  We did a good job outrebounding them and held a team that averages 90 points per game too only 67 points”, stressed Adam Waleskowski.

                Even if it was a total team effort one can´t deny focusing on the magical 161 seconds in the second half that was most vital in the Fraport Skyliners achieving this win. It started at the start of the third quarter as German Richard Freudenberg hit for 11 points and nailed three three´s in 55 seconds and then the veteran Adam Waleskowski hit a nail on the coffin mastering 8 points in 106 seconds to seal the win. “It was great for us. Richie has been shooting the ball very well the last games and has the skill to be consistent. The most important thing for him is confidence. He has to be loosened up to play well. We all know that he can rebound and play defense well. His game catapulted us and helped the rest of the team. My spurt at the end felt great. It felt good to take charge at the end. I didn´t do anything real crazy, but just read the defense and my teammates found me and I was able to finish. With every new bucket, I got more confidence. I am thankful that coach had confidence in me to bring me in crunch-time in a close game”, commented Adam Waleskowski. The ex Goettingen American finished with 10 points in 12 minutes hitting all 5 shots. Waleskowski has seen it all in Europe and despite him having his best game as a Skyliner, it was just another normal day at the office for him. Deep inside he knew that he had accomplished something big, but kept it all in perspective how a true professional should. “I just stuck to the game plan. I felt I did a good job on the pick and roll and kept them scrambling. My teammates found me open and I finished with confidence. When things went wrong in the game, we as a whole did a good job staying positive. We kept working hard and focused on the next play and stayed focused. That was helpful in crunch-time”, added Adam Waleskowski.

Freudenberg amassed 21 points and 8 boards including 4 offensive rebounds in 28 minutes. Waleskowski continues to have a lot of confidence in him and sees him continuing to be a very important piece of the Skyliners puzzle for success. “He is continuing to build confidence. He has the skill level. Often young guys feel like they aren´t doing anything if they aren´t making shots. He definitely had confidence in the game. You don´t hit left handed hook shots like he did when you don´t have confidence. I think he will continue to catapult his game and be able to maintain this level in the BBL.”, expressed Adam Waleskowski. The American often gives advice to the German, but didn´t tell him anything special after the game, but knows what kind of mindset he needs to have when shooting the ball. “I think that when your having problems shooting the free throws that you should just think your shooting a three. Often young players fret over little things. It is important to keep reinforcing young players that they have the ability to play. They need to believe that the games are like in a practice”, warned Adam Waleskowski.

The Fraport Skyliners had one real new face in the game with point guard Joe Rathon and another new face who played only his second BBL game with 17 year old raw talent Len Schoorman. The American Rathon had a solid BBL season last season with Braunschweig and had played well in Belgium in previous years began the season with Proximus Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Euromillions League). He made his Skyliner debut finishing with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 5 dimes and 2 steals . and showed that he could run a team. “There had been a lot of pressure on Lamont Jones this season at the point. Joe came in and did a good job. He is a great leader and a real floor general. He did make some mistakes, but he had only been here a few days. The next two weeks will be important for his integration and getting in rhythm with our offensive and defensive schemes. He handles the ball well and can shoot out the lights when he is open. He also makes great reads and has a knack of seeing the floor well. He will be a great help for our success”, added Adam Waleskowski. Another guy who was there was Len Schoormann who was one of the extra guards while surprisingly ex FC Bayern Munich 19 year old Bruno Vrcic who has seen action in a few BBL games was absent. He played in the Pro B game loss against BBC Coburg instead. It was kind of a riddle why Vrcic wasn´t in Crailsheim, but sometimes the coach knows best. Sebastian Gleim is a huge supporter of Schoormann and it´s no secret that the 17 year old is one of the biggest German talents from the birth year 2002. He made his BBL debut a few weeks ago in Wurzburg and scored his first two BBL points in Crailsheim. He had had a very strong week of practice with the BBL team and seems to be being moved along faster than one might have expected. “Len is super talented and is still young. He is getting confidence for that BBL role. Important is that he has to know that he can play at the BBL level. He has to get adjusted to the physicality and level of play. What he is going through is similar to what players are going through going from high school to college needing to get used to the pace. He will be a great player as soon as he finds his confidence. He was killing everybody last week in practice hitting shot after shot. He makes great reads and plays good defense. I think that he is BBL ready. He can give us good 6-10 minutes and take pressure off his teammates and gain experience”, warned Adam Waleskowski.

Now the Fraport Skyliners have another two week break before their next game at home against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. All in all they will have had one game in a month which is unusual which can be good and bad. On the one had the team can continue to tweak on their faults, but then again be without that needed competition in game time situations. Waleskowski sees the long break as a positive thing. “It will be great to keep practicing as a team and get better. It will be vital getting Joe Rathon on board. We will be ready against Braunschweig”, warned Adam Waleskowski. With basketball business taken care of between me and the American, it is time for a little small talk with the friendly Waleskowski as he talks with great enthusiasm about his dog Barney. “My girlfriend and I found Barney in Bulgaria when he was about 5 weeks old. He was whining on the street. I am the only one who has a dog this year. When I was in Ludwigsburg, Jon Brockman and Coby Karl had two dogs a piece. I like to take him on a walk every day for an hour or an hour and a half”, added Adam Waleskowski. I would have figured that besides being a dog lover that he would also be a NFL football fan, but boy was I wrong. On Sunday night was the match up of the weekend between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots were denied in the last minute of tying the game and left with a bitter 23-16 loss. “I´m not so much a football fan., but I have no real desire of who will win, but I´ll cheer for your Pats. I´m no Patriot hater either. After a nice road victory, it will be nice to relax and watch the game”, added Adam Waleskowski.