Yasin Kolo is a 27 year old 208cm center that is playing his fourth professional season and first with the wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen (ProA) currently averaging 6,4ppg and 4,4rpg. Last season he played with the Rhein Stars Koeln (ProB) playing 11 games averaging 16.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 74.3%. AS a rookie he played 17 BBL games with Tuebingen and also boats professional experience with Ehingen and the Artland Dragons. He began his basketball career with ASC 46 Goettingen (2.Regionalliga) and then spent six years in the States getting valuable experience with the Fayetteville Christian School an dpalyed 15 NCAA games in total with East Carolina and Hartford. He finished his college career with Bellarmine (NCAA2) playing 29 games averaging11.0ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 46.6%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to eugermanhoops.com about his basketball career late in the summer.

Yasin thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

My pleasure. I am in a small town in Germany spending some quality time with family as well as rehabbing and preparing myself for the upcoming season. My summer has been great so far being able to refresh my physical and mental state after that injury and challenging season. It’s good for the soul to have my close ones around during this process.

Congrats on signing with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. After being disappointed in your career a few times, at what things do you keep notice of most now when deciding if a team will be the right fit?

The atmosphere on the team and in the organization is very important to me. I also care about the character of the Head Coach, and how his past players got along with him/her

For you it wasn’t a difficult choice to come to the wiha Panthers because you have known Bill Borekambi since your childhood and the trust from Alen Velcic. Talk a little about how vital these two people were in making your decision easier?

They definitely had a huge impact on me to decide to play with Schwenningen next season. I have a good relationship with Bill. We have played against each other since we were little kids, and the idea of joining forces with him was hard to resist. I also had the chance to get to know Coach Alen Velcic better on my visit. He is a Coach that really wants to win, and knows how to get the best out of every player. He made it happen to move from the Regionalliga to Pro A within 2 years so, that just shows that he is a winner. And I definitely wanted to be part of a winning program. Alen Velcic also cares about his players off the court which is a good thing. He is going to be hard on you, but off the court you can crack jokes with him

Please say something about Bill Borekambi’s game that you like most? Everyone knows that he is a walking bucket, but what is something else that he is that few might actually don’t know?

Like you already said, he is a really good scorer. He is also pretty strong and even though he may be a little undersized for his position, he gets the job done. Bill is overall a great guy to be around and makes everyone around him better.

After a tough season with the RheinStars where a nasty injury derailed your season, how fit are you now and how confident are you that you can bounce back this season?

As of now, I am doing really well in terms of my progress over the past months. Getting better every day and I definitely enjoy the process. Of course the past season was tough, but over the past months, I had the chance to grow even more mentally with the help of God, my family and the power of will. This helped me attack rehab even harder to bounce back and pushed my confidence to a whole different level.

How excited are you to be able to play alongside Marko Bacak. You both compliment each other. What are you looking forward to most this season being able to be his teammate?

I am definitely excited to play with Marko. He is a good player. We definitely complement each other well and I am that we can build a big man duo that can help our team to make some noise this season

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm versatile big man. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don’t like to compare myself to proven players like that. But my playing style often gets compared to the ones of Lamarcus Aldridge, Al Horford, Kevin Love or Demarcus Cousins. Just in terms of being a big that can score inside but can also spread the floor and make shots at a high right or make plays off the dribble. I also like to pattern my game after Carmelo Anthony.

You have a pretty outside shot. You shot 45% in your last season at Bellarmine (NCAA2) and in between didn’t shot as well in Tuebingen, Ehingen and Artland, but found your stroke again last season with Cologne shooting 50%. How excited are you for this season concerning your three pointer continuing to work well. How confident are you that you will keep the accuracy from last season?

Well, in Tuebingen I shot about 38% but only attempted 8 3s all season. In Ehingen, I dislocated and broke my finger and played with a cast on my hand that I never figured out how to shoot with. Then I came to Artland and didn’t attempt a single 3 point shot while I was there. Then in Cologne, I could finally find my groove again and use my strength. I am a shooter, so my confidence in my shot is always high because I put the work in

You’re an inside presence that can finish with right and left, score and get rebounds. What other strengths will fans see in the Pro A this season?

I think my passing abilities for a big man as well as my ballhandling. Besides that I think I can be a good screen setter to get my teammates open and roll or pop quick. I definitely want to showcase a positive attitude to the fans and my team and be willing to do whatever helps us to be successful

What are aspects of your game that you will be working on most this summer so you will be best prepared to be an impact player in the Pro A?

Definitely my lateral quickness as well as explosiveness. That was a big goal of mine to improve in those areas, especially after my injury. Defense, in all areas is something I really had my focus on so far

Let’s talk about your career?Last season you played with the Rhein Stars Koeln (ProB) playing 11 games averaging 16.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 74.3%. How tough was this season with the injury and do you ever wonder what would have happened to the club’s chances of remaining in the Pro B if you hadn’t been injured?

Definitely loved and enjoyed my time with the Rheinstars Koeln. But indeed, it was tough season for us as a team with all the injuries. I have actually been thinking about that subject a lot this simmer. I definitely blame myself for not being able to help the team to stay in the league in this crucial time. But unfortunately it’s part of the game.

In the 2017-2018 season you split time with the Team Ehingen Urspring (ProA) playing 9 games averaging 3.3ppg, 2.7rpg, left in Nov.’17, in Dec.’17 moved to Artland Dragons (ProB) playing 13 games averaging 9.8ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 55.2%, FT: 77.9%. How tough was this season for you? Did you ever lose hope and faith in the basketball process in this season?

Yes, it was a tough season. People questioned me, of course. Being a guy that likes to shoot the ball, having a finger injury, the shot is not falling how it used to. Then playing for the Artland Dragons and not attempting a single 3 point shot. But I look back and I am thankful that I went through this. Because it made me stronger. And I never lost hope or faith once in the process. Because there is always beauty in the struggle

You were teammates for a few months with rising German talent Kevin Yebo who in three years made it from the Regionalliga to the BBL. What memories do you have of his game and could he be a German national player down the road?

Kevin is a really talented guy. He has always been super athletic and fast. He was always a hard worker and definitely earned everything. Back then he was really raw skill wise and had to rely on his athleticism to make plays. But within a year he became a more complete player which comes from hard work. The sky is the limit for him I think and I hope he will get a chance at one point.

After six years in the States you returned back to Germany in 2016 and played a season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. You played only 17 games averaging 1,2ppg. How disappointing was this season. What positives did you gain from this season?

It was probably one of the toughest years in my career but like I said before. There is always beauty in the struggle. But I learned a lot that year and I am thankful for that and had the chance to compete with some high level players.

After six years in the states, how Americanized were you coming back to Germany? Has that rubbed off a bit in the last few years or is that American feeling still with you?

The American culture has always played a big role in my life. When I came back to Germany after 6 years, I did have a hard time to adjust back to the German lifestyle. I had a very strong accent when I was talking German, my family would always laugh about it. But that is normal when you speak only one language for six years. The American feeling will always be within me, especially because of my family there

Tuebingen had a talented front court with Gary Mcghee and Isaiah Philmore. Did you believe like you got a fair chance there from Tyron Mccoy?

Yes, the front court was very talented and experienced that year. Not only the front court, but our entire team. Shane Battier once said ‘Don’t complain about playing time. My job is to play so well the coach can’t sit me. I guess I haven’t proved myself enough but it is what it is

You began your career with ASC Goettingen (2 Regionalliga). What were the main reasons for going to the States? I think back then it was hip to do that in 2010 whereas now it seems like it has become less over the years?

My sister and I always talked about me playing in America and going to college to play basketball. So I always kept that dream with me. Definitely one of my favorite moments when I told her that I got a full ride scholarship from a University to play Basketball after my Highschool year in the States. Priceless.

In your first three NCAA seasons with East Carolina and Hartford, you played a total of only 15 games. How tough was this whole experience? What positives could you achieve from being at two schools despite not playing much?

In my first NCAA game, I had a pretty good game but then I got hurt and had to sit out the rest of the season. That was a difficult situation because I started off so well. My second year I had to fight my way back in the lineup after not playing for a whole year. After that I decided to start a new Chapter and transfered to Hartford where I had a few good games and got some good playing time. It was a learning process that I had to go through back then and that is okay. If I knew then what I know now, I would have done a few things differently. But I had the chance to play in different conferences, play lots of different teams and see a lot of America itself. It was a great experience.

Three was a charm for you as you moved one last time to Bellarmine (NCAA2) and didn’t regret it. How enjoyable was that year for you and what were your fondest moments there?

It was a fun year. The bond of the team was very strong and of course Bellarmine was a D2 powerhouse where winning was just what we expected of ourselves. I remember us winning the Regional Championship at home and then making it to the Final 4 in 2015 and just losing by 1 point in the semifinals. It was a great year but we ultimately missed our chance to win it all.

How excited are you to be playing against your ex Bellarmine teammate Adam Eberhart who signed with Heidelberg? What memories do you have of his game then?

I am definitely excited to play against him. I talked to him after he signed with Heidelberg and they definitely got a good player with him. He always had a good feel for the game. He is not a player that is going to wow you with spectacular athleticism or lightning speed. But he is such a high IQ player that he is going to wow you with the intelligent way he plays with. Definitely excited to see how his game evolved over the years.

You had many great games at Bellarmine, but was your 22/15 game in the 89-79 win over Northwood in your first ever game one of the best you had there?

Yes, it was one of the best I guess. But stats were not important to me back then. I just wanted to come in and be part of a winning culture

How did head coach Scott Davenport groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?


He had a huge impact. Definitely something I will always be thankful for. He was hard on me, which prepared me well for my professional career. He had high standards for me and if I didn’t live up to them, he would let me know. Excellence was one his key words. He is a Hall of Fame Coach, and when you are around him, you definitely know why he is in there

Who won a one on one in practice you or George Suggs?

I don’t remember ever losing against him if that counts as an answer haha

Who has been the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA or in Europe?

I would say Montrezl Harrell

Please list your five best teammates of all-time?

Quinn Cook, Austin Rivers, Julian Washburn, Quincy Miller, Stanton Kidd

Please name your personal own NBA Rushmore. Which four heads would you pick past or present for your list?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant

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

Michael Jordan hands down

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Equalizer

Thanks Yasin for the chat.

Sometimes It takes clubs a lot longer to get out of a slump, but for the Dragons Rhondorf they needed no time finding their way back on the winning streak. Ok so beginning with a 3-3 record doesn´t really categorize being in a tailspin, but for the ambitions of the ex 2015-2016 Pro A team, their start wasn´t exactly what anyone there expected. The team didn´t wait to long to make a coaching change, but reacted quickly bringing in Yasin Idbihi and since then the club is like reborn having a 3 game winning streak. The club has tweaked their offense as one can see that the team feels more comfortable, there is more trust, the roles are understood and the club is just having fun playing together. The defense is still a work in progress, but improving slowly as currently they are allowing 81 points per game while scoring 90 points per contest. Curtis Hollis continues to fill the stat sheet and be the team´s leader while German Killian Binapfle has exploded averaging 24,0ppg in the winning streak and the pick up of 37 year old Spanish point guard Enric Garrido Foz could be the club´s biggest pickup since getting Kameron Taylor in the summer of 2017. The crafty lightening quick guard brings a new dimension and pure playmaking something the team didn´t have before. Their opponent BG Hagen had had an up and down season coming into the game with a 4-5 record having lost three of their first four games, but rebounded and came into the game having won three of their last five game. The club lost two nail bitters to Herford and Recklinghausen by not more than seven points combined. They also were fighting the injury bug and entered the Dragon Dome for a new success experience and were close to upsetting the Dragons Rhondorf, but couldn´t get over the hump in crunch-time losing 104-96. The Dragons Rhondorf continue to struggle on defense, but their offense has been very potent and carried them the last weeks as the deep roster consistently perform. After the big win Rhondorf American Curtis Hollis reflected on the clubs fourth win in a row. “We fought well and showed good signs of being a good team. We overcame adversary, but didn´t play good defense. But a win is a win and we´ll take it”, stressed Curtis Hollis. Even if BG Hagen lost it´s sixth game, American forward Salathiel Ligons saw the loss as a type of win. “We played only 9 guys and were missing many. I think this loss was like a big victory. We came here to win. Our coach told us to fight and that no one would expect us to win. We believed in the coach. Rhondorf overpowered us. They are a top team”, stressed Salathiel Ligons.

The Dragons Rhondorf were without German Gabriel De Olveria who was playing in Vechta with the Telekom Baskets Bonn while BG Hagen had numerous injuries as Pascal Zahner-Gothen, Tobias Wegmann and Daniel Zdraveski were all out with injuries while top scorer Lithuanian Vytautas Nedzinskas was sick. After starting off 18-0 in their last home game, it didn´t go quite to plan this time around for Rhondorf as they watched BG Hagen take a quick 7-0 lead. BG Hagen played a 1-3-1 zone and would do so for most of the evening and stumped Rhondorf on it´s first four possessions. On offense they got into a fast rhythm sharing the ball around as 217cm big man Alexander Kortenbreer scored in the paint, Ligons hit a jumper and German sniper Yanick Opitz hit a three pointer. The BG Hagen offense was moving the ball well and being patient while their zone was compact. The Dragons Rhondorf finally got on the board as ex FC Bayern Munich forward Killian Binapfel who was averaging 24,0ppg in the last three game hit a pull up jumper. Opitz kept firing away keeping BG Dorsten ahead making 5 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf started to get their offense going getting a three pointer from German Jonas Falkenstein, a lay in from Texas native Curtis Hollis and a trey from 37 year old Anish Sharda as BG Hagen had the slim 14-12 advantage. BG Hagen continued to score at ease and were carried by Ligons and Opitz who were carrying the offense and keeping them ahead. Ligons scored 5 points while Opitz drilled home two more three´s for the 30-21 lead. In this phase the Dragons Rhondorf were being carried by young German Mark Kotieno who scored three baskets and was sprouting self-confidence as he took the opportunity to start playing for De Olveria who was in Vechta playing BBL. Spanish 37 year old Enric Garrido Foz and Ligons closed out the scoring as BG Hagen led 32-24 after 10 minutes. “We didn´t respect their zone. It caught us of guard. We weren´t hitting shots at the start, but we knew that if we could get our transition game going that we could come back”, stressed Curtis Hollis. BG Hagen shot 60% form the field and 62% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 52% from the field and 40% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf exploded for 34 points and had the five point lead at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf went on a 6-3 run to trail BG Hagen only 35-30. The Dragons Rhondorf got three buckets from Hollis, Binapfel and Kotieno while BG Hagen got another basket from Ligons. But just as quickly as the Dragons Rhondorf could come back, BG Hagen was able to get away again going on a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 41-32 as Opitz continued giving his hot shooting touch making an off balance shot and then showing his speed getting a lay in. Rhondorf had a serious lack of communication and were terrible on close outs. The contest continued to be a game of runs as now it was Rhondorf´s opportunity and went on a 11-1 run to grab the lead 43-42. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Hollis making two layins while Jonas Falkenstein dropped a huge trey as Binapfel also scored. Both teams would trade buckets as 4 more lead changes occurred. Down the stretch, the Dragons Rhondorf received hot shooting from Anish Sharda as he hit two three´s and Kotieno made a pretty hook shot as the Dragons Rhondorf led 55-50 at half-time. “We started to make shots and pass the ball more not taking the first shot right away. We got into a groove”, stated Curtis Hollis. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 53% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 5 turnovers while BG Hagen shot 54% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 13 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to get away from BG Hagen as the guests stayed on their heels for the most part of the quarter, but near the end they could extend their lead a bit to 6 points. Salathiel Ligons gave work horse and scoring in bunches a new meaning as he scored the first 10 points of BG Hagen keeping his team very close trailing only 63-60. The American from California would finish with 34 points. “Tonight was the day to have a big game. My team and coach got me motivated. My coach called me in the morning telling me it would be my day and my son said the same thing in the morning”, stressed Salathiel Ligons. The Dragons Rhondorf got two baskets from Slovenian center Jure Besedic, got a transition lay in from Hollis and a lay in from Kotieno. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to execute well on offense and get out on transition. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to spread the ball around as ex BBL player with Bremerhaven Jefferey Martin hit a three pointer and jumper from Garrido Foz, but BG Hagen just wouldn´t go away as Opitz scored again and ex BBL player Soren Frtize was aggressive and took advantage of the early Dragons 5^th foul sinking 5 free throws trailing Rhondorf 70-69. BG Hagen gave up a 9-4 run in the last minutes as the Dragons Rhondorf led 79-73. Rhondorf continued to get easy baskets inside as Hollis hit a step back and Garrido Foz scored with his left hand on the drive and Kotienio made a lay in. “We got stops and executed our offense well. I have to give credit to Ligons who was making tough shots all night long as we had hands up and were double teaming him. We continued to weather the storm when they scored. We just kept going”, stressed Curtis Hollis. “We had a short rotation and one guy to rebound and four guys to get back. We had to utilize our strength the rest of the way”, added Salathiel Ligons. The Dragon Rhondorf shot 54% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 8 turnovers while BG Hagen shot 51% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to extend their lead to 10 points but BG Hagen demonstrated that basketball continues to be a game of runs coming back, but in crunch-time couldn´t get over the hump. The Dragons Rhondorf got off to a quick start getting 6 points as Hollis scored following his three point miss and getting the tap in, Kotieno made a hook shot and Martin a lay in for the 85-76 lead. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to excel in the set offense, get transition success and made the vital hustle plays. But BG Hagen had some energy left going on a 7-2 run to cut Rhondof´s lead to 90-85. Ligons continued to be a scoring machine making a lay in and dunk while Fritze nailed an amazing long trey. Binapfl then scored in bunches making two baskets in the paint, but Fritze and Opitz countered with baskets cutting the Dragons lead to 94-89. But with time running down came the turning point of the game as Hollis and 17 year old Simonas Lukosius dropped back to back trey´s for the 100-91 advantage. After a Opitz basket, Hollis coughed up the ball with 57 seconds to go, but erased his previous mistake stealing the ball back and making a two handed dunk with 43 seconds remaining as Rhondorf led 102-94 sealing the win. “Those two three´s at the end were key. We had a big margin lead with 1 minute 30 seconds to go”, added Curtis Hollis. “Those last few three pointers killed us.it was the nail in the coffin. We believed until the end that we could win. We are just trying to catch the playoffs”, warned Salathiel Ligons. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Mark Kotieno with 25 points. Curtis Hollis added 23 points and 13 rebounds. Anish Sharda added 14 points and Killian Binapl 13 points while BG Hagen was led by Salathiel Ligons with 34 pointsYannick Opitz added 24 points and Soren Fritze 19 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 53% form the field and 31% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 11 turnovers while BG Hagen shot 51% from the field and 38% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Shaquielle Mckissic is a 29 year old 196cm small forward from Kent Washington playing his 5th professional season and first with Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Last season he played with Gaziantep Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) playing 31 games averaging 13.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-3 (1.6spg), FGP-2 (70.7%), 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 69.3%. He also got further experience playing with teams like Usak Sportlif Basketbol (Turkey-BSL), Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain-Liga ACB) and Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB). In his rookie season he played with Consultinvest VL Pesaro (Italy-Serie A) playing 9 games averaging 15.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 45.9%, 3FGP: 40.8%, FT: 75.0%, in Dec.’15 moved to Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea-KBL) playing 28 games averaging 16.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at N.Idaho JC (JUCO) and played a season at Edmonds Community College (NJCAA). He ten played at Arizona State (NCAA) from 2013-2015 playing a total of 66 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 67.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a Basketball Champions League game in Bonn against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. 

Thanks Shaquielle for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Germany. Two seasons ago you played a Eurocup game in Ulm losing. What memories do you have of that game?

Two years ago I was with Gran Canaria. I didn’t really fit that system. Also me and that coach were at odds. I didn’t play that much that game. I think I talked back to the coach in the first quarter and he sat me the rest of the game to ‘prove a point’. So no memories from that game, but from that experience with Gran Canaria and the coach, I learned to hold my tongue and not react with emotion.

You have played for many teams in many countries. What have you sampled over the years about the German basketball? Have you had some friends or ex teammates ball in Germany?

I have had a few teammates and close friends play in Germany. I play currently with JT and Ismet who both played in Germany and both love the country a great deal. Also my ex-teammate Brandon Frazier plays for Bonn. He also loves Germany and the Bonn organization.

Your playing your fifth professional season and playing for your sixth team Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Do you sometimes feel like a basketball Globetrotter? What has been your favorite place you have played and lived in before this season?

I love all the countries I have played. My son was born in Pesaro, Italy so that was a blessing. But nothing Beats Turkey. The comfort I have in this country is unmatched. I truly feel at home. Usak and Gaziantep were both great cities with crazy fans. But playing for Besikats in Istanbul is a dream come true. 

Your playing your first season with Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) and your third time in Turkey after playing with Usak Sportlif Basketbol and .Gaziantep Basketbol. What kind of experience has it been so far and what kind of special aura do you feel whenever you step on the home court at Akatlar arena?

Akatlar arena is very comfortable for me. It always has been. So to play here as a home means that much more. I definitely feel this will be my best season since becoming a pro. It feels different mentally.

This season you have three other American teammates and many Turks. You have played with many Americans over the years, but how special has the trio of Theodore, Mcadoo and Gottcher been? All three guys have very different characters. Have you noticed that this will have a special effect as to how the team will perform this season?

Yeah I mean the good things about this group is that we are all married. So it isnt as many distractions as previous years. All of these guys are good moral guys and have great character off the court so its easy for us to tell each other what to do without somebody getting offended and taking it to hurt. 

How happy are you that Jordan Theodore is on your team? Three seasons ago he had that amazing season with Banvit and swept the season series with Usak. In the second game he exploded with 39 points. I can imagine that it is one of those games that one doesn’t forget simply because of a players amazing performance.

That year JT was on another level. We did the best we could to try to contain him but he figured out every scheme and took advantage of it. The thing with me and JT is we understand each other very well. So we allow each other to be coachable towards one another. If I need to step it up he has no problem telling me and he knows I won’t contest what he is saying, because we both want to win. I also have worked on being coachable by my peers and understanding I don’t know everything.

What kind of an impression has German Ismet Akpinar had on you? This is his first season in Turkey after developing well in Germany. What has impressed you most about his game so far?

Ismet is just very likable. Super humble and comes in everyday not one complaint and does his job. We all know he can shoot with anybody in Europe but Ismet off the court is what is most impressive for me. No ego, and just wants to get better.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm athletic and plays the 2/3. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don’t really know. I mean NBA players usually have one thing there good at. I feel in Europe I am unstoppable in transition and once I get going down hill I’m hard to stop. But I can improve with my 3 point shot and free throws. I really took this summer to work on not leaving points at the free throw line. So I don’t know but if I had to say, I think a shorter Tobias Harris. Maybe it’s because I always loved his game. 

You’re a guy that can really do it all on the court. But your athleticism is something that stands out. You take no mercy when flying to the court. Do you feel that at times other attributes in your game get forgotten because of the number of crushing dunks that you always produce?

I mean it’s human nature to focus on eye popping adrenaline plays so I know it gets overlooked. But I am also able to use that to my advantage. Guys when guarding me just think don’t let him get to the hoop. But this year my game has developed with experience. So now I can drive and find teammates that are wide open. I’m my biggest critic so there are still times I get frustrated when I watch film and see opportunities in which I took and made a really tough shot because of my athleticism but I missed a wide open guy in the corner and I wouldn’t have had to exert so much energy. 

You have been an up and down three point shooter in your career. Often players will just say it’s all about reps. But how do you work on improving shot selection? Do you watch a lot of film just trying to find ways to be the best shooter that you can be?

You know my best shooting years I was never a rep guy during the season. It was all instinct. My worst shooting years I would come and shoot before and after practice. I really got away from unnecessary reps before and after practice. I do my reps during practice now more than ever with defense draped over me and the pressure of coach watching me take shots I normally don’t. When I see he doesn’t question my shot selection in practice it eases me up to do it in games. I picked Ismet’s brain about how he is such a good shooter, especially from the free throw line. He told me he doesn’t practice free throws, he just has the confidence. I think that piece of information was top 3 things I’ve heard my whole career. So I applied that to my whole game. I don’t rep 500 3’s or 300 free throws a day. I got out before the game shoot 50 3’s and about 10 free throws to get adjusted to the hoop, and the rest is confidence. It has helped me so much. I really feel my mind is convinced I’m a 90 percent free throw shooter and a 50 percent 3 pt shooter. So I give a lot credit to Ismet, because I truly feel unstoppable all because of a few conversations we had one on one. 

What is your secret to being an amazing dunker. You first really got noticed at Arizona State. There are many talented guys that can dunk, but how important is it having that nonstop ‘I’m invincible’ attitude as you fly to the rim?

I was blessed with athleticism and a body that can sustain the force of which I play. It literally has never been a doubt about making a dunk for me. I don’t know why it comes so easy. I guess I have been honing this not be denied mentality since a young age. My older brother David taught me early on, if you’re going be a dunker. Learn how to contort your body to avoid injury and know when to abort a dunk to avoid injury. That always stuck with me. You will see a lot people always asking why I don’t dunk on certain plays even though I could have, I just shrug it off because my instincts always tell me when to dunk it and when to abort it. It’s just something I’ve developed.

You have dunked so much in your career, but how well do you remember those special ones? I saw an amazing alley-op dunk from you against Colgate. Do you remember that one?

Yeah when you bring it up, I have to think hard but I think I remember. I have dunked so much it’s really all a blur. I remember the ones I missed trying to dunk on 7 footers more than the ones dunking on two or three guys. But thank God for youtube. Also my close friends make it hard for me to forget. I always ask them, like, is my dunking really that amazing ha. It’s so normal to me that I really just shrug off every dunk. I rarely celebrate dunks. 

You began the season well in the Turkish league averaging in double figures and filling the stat sheet. Only your three is a bit off. On what things are you working on most on your game at the moment?


I rarely work on my game these days. I more so work on meditation before and after the games. Really visualizing every possible outcome. Things I think about when its just me breathing and silence is often me dribbling and a defender steps up. or me on a fast break and I think about ways to euro-step to avoid being denied. Or I will think about secondary moves once I beat the first defender. I think about all of these things about 2 hours before the game, by myself in a dark room. I don’t know why but it really calms me and it feels like I’m getting up reps. People are always impressed with my calmness, It’s because I have seen every possible outcome before the game even starts. Even the possibility of things not going how I planned. It’s all apart of life. Both the highs and the lows. 

Last season you played with Gaziantep Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) putting up very good stats. It was similar to your first season in Turkey with Usak. Both seasons you were voted an allstar. How do you feel were you a better player last season then when you were with UsaK?

I was a much smarter player. In Usak we had a young ambitious team so we were all trying things to see what would work. We had 0 pressure so we had nothing to lose. Last year we really had to focus every single game. It was so much accountability, so every player knew they had to do their job or we would not win. I take a lot of pride in last years performance. I felt I took a huge step. Usak was amazing, It showed me everything I am capable of.

Two seasons ago you split time with Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain-Liga Endesa) playing 10 games averaging 5.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 55.6%: and played 6 Eurocup:games averaging 7.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 41.7%, FT: 66.7%, left in Dec.’17, later that month moved to Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB) playing18 games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 19.6%, FT: 60.6%. Was this your toughest time as a professional? What did you learn about yourself and the business in this time when playing in Spain?

It was my toughest time because of me. I felt sorry for myself. I didn’t know who that guy was. I defeated myself. I was so happy to play in Gran Canaria. But I made up in my mind the coach was out to get me. Even if that was the case or not I was already defeated. I let my ego control everything. Things happen at GC that I never knew was possible between player and coach and it got physical between us and my ego didn’t know how to handle it. But it made me understand that this specific coach probably wanted to win just as much as I did. The real story never came out but I’m sure one day it will. I’m positive both me and coach feel embarrassed about what happened and wish things went different. After leaving GC I still was holding onto it. I obsessed over the situation, the way things went down in GC once I left painted a wrong narrative and I couldn’t get over it. But after Russia I went back to Arizona and rebooted my life. I was a workout warrior in the weight room and I just let it go. I became happy with life again. I stop obsessing over every detail I couldn’t change and really realized life is amazing. Both the good and the bad. The highs and the lows. Once I got the confidence back it was game over. 

You rebounded well going to Russia and playing very well in the competitive VTB league. How key was it having many Americans around to help ease the tough traveling schedule as well as just feeling comfortable all the time?

It was everything. Overseas is really about creating a brotherhood with both Americans and native players. But I really hated traveling in Russia. 

In 2016-2017 you had a great season with Usak Sportlif Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) playing 26 games averaging 15.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.9%; and played 11 BCL games averaging 14.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, Steals-4 (2.4spg), FGP: 62.8%, 3PT: 23.0%, FT: 59.0%; and 4 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 13.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg. How key was hitting Fenebahce for 30 Points in your debut and would it be fair to say that you matured as a player there?

I definitely matured that game. Throughout my career I never feel like I showed up in big games until that game. And literally ever since I feel all my best games are against bigger teams and opponents. But this season I feel every game is a Fenerbahce game. No games off at all. This year will be my best season as a player. 

You played your rookie season with Consultinvest VL Pesaro (Italy-Serie A) playing 9 games averaging 15.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 45.9%, 3FGP: 40.8%, FT: 75.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were very far away from home?

My son being born was my wake up call of life. It was so new to me. I was never scared about being a father but more so about not leaving the proper legacy. So once he was born it was go time and it still is. All because of him. 

You finished the season with Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea-KBL) playing 28 games averaging 16.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 71.8%. What kind of experience was it being in the far east? What did you gain most form your experiences off the court?

Seoul is an amazing city. I grew up loving tech. And Seoul is all tech. I was more fascinated with the city and how advanced they are technologically than playing basketball there. I hate to say it and divert from basketball but there technology there is next level. But they play many games both home and away. Sometimes 2 week road trips but it’s nice staying in hotels with amazing room service. 

You played at two NBA Summer Leagues with the Kings and Jazz. What memories do you have from there and what was the best example of seeing that the NBA is a business first in terms of how players are at times handled?

I loved summer league. I was a baby at that time and I didn’t know what to expect. I feel if I went back and played next summer I would have a different mentality. I would have more fun and not take it so seriously because the NBA doesn’t. It’s really to focus on drafted players and players the team wants to see. In Utah I had no chance, but out of ASU the kings really liked me but I shied away from the opportunity. I’m not mad about that because that was just part of my maturation process. The business of the NBA is normal to me. Its all human nature. Those businesses are going to do what’s best for their team the same as I would do for my kids. I’m never surprised about what goes on in the NBA.

Before going to Arizona State you had to pay basketball dues at N.Idaho JC (JUCO)
and Edmonds Community College (NJCAA). How key was it making first real basketball experiences at these schools. Would you have been as successful at Arizona State had you not gone there?

I mean I never made it to northern Idaho. That summer I got convicted of robbery and had to do some jail time along with a felony. So once I got back in school at Edmonds it was go time. I never worked so hard in school and on the court. All that work is still paying off. Because it showed me anything is possible. So once I transferred to Arizona State I knew the opportunity I just received and \i for sure wasn’t going to take it for granted. I committed to Detroit and decommitted. I often wonder if I would have been as successful. I’ve always found a way so I think it would have been a slightly different story but ultimately the same book. 

Besides all your amazing dunks at Arizona State with what memories did you leave the school in 2015? Was reaching the NIT Sweet 16 in 2015 and the March Madness in 2014 and 2015 ones that you will always remember?

March Madness I will never forget. My late friend Jermaine Marshall who died playing in France last year told me how epic it was. It was my first year D1! but his 5th. So once I got to experience it, it’s just kind of one of those things I will never forget as long as I live. The memories are so vivid. Feels like yesterday. I will NEVER forget the Arizona State. Knowing my past and all I had to overcome. It still feels unreal. 

You had amazing games in your last 6 as a senior. Was this the best basketball that you played in the NCAA?

Yes I mean really the whole second half of the season. I wasn’t performing up to my standards and I knew if I wanted to make it to the next level I had to turn up. So I literally went black out the second half, I don’t know what came over me. I felt regret after knowing that was in me all along. Sometimes you just have to be backed into a corner before you bring out the monster. Vintage, human nature.

Was your 22 point game in the 66-61 win against Uconn your best personal game at Arizona State?

There were a few but that one sticks out the most because they were previous NCAA champs and we were on the road and the history with that team and coach really set a nice stage for a potential big game. 

How did head coach Herb Sendek and Bobby Hurley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I only played under Herb Sendek and he was really like a father figure for me. He never let up. He felt there was always a way. He really taught me how to fight on the court. There is always a chance to come out on top. He always had that underdog mentality. No excuses, ever.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Savon Goodwin?

Savon will never beat me in one on one. Although he will never admit that. LOL 

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The toughest player that I faced that reached the NBA, was for sure Zach Lavine. You could tell that he was going to be good because he had so much raw talent. But he was a freshman at the time and me and him had worked out while he was still in high school. So to see his transformation from senior year to freshman year at UCLA was eye popping. He was really unguardable being able to both shoot and attack the rim. 

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

My NBA Mount Rushmore, would have to be Lebron James, Michael JORDAN , Shaquielle O’Neal and Kevin Durant. I don’t go based off of statistics but just the guys I’ve watched and studied the most. I respect the past but for me that’s my personal Mount Rushmore. 

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

I think Michael JORDAN was for sure a more graceful player. But I think Lebron could have played in both eras while JORDAN may struggle now in this league not being a consistent shooter. But who knows to be honest. Maybe he would develop a shot a lot faster to adapt. But for me I’m taking Lebron James over Michael JORDAN.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was the Joker. I understood the hype. But a tad bit overrated. They could have done without some of the story like to make it even better. But overall 8/10.

Thanks Shaquielle for the chat.

Branden Sheppard is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Shreveport, Louisiana that is playing his rookie professional basketball season with the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with Huntington High School. He then was two years at Louisiana Tech (NCAA playing 30 NCAA games. In 2016-2017 he gained further experience with Pearl River CC (JUCO) playing 23 games averaging 8.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 66.0%, FT: 65.7%. He then finished his college career at William Carey (NAIA) playing 27 games as a junior averaging 7.7ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 49.1%, FT: 75.9%. In his senior year at William Carey (NAIA) he played 33 games averaging 11.3ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5bpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.1%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball late in the summer. 

HI Brandon thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is your summer coming along? 

Thank you for the opportunity. I have been doing good been a busy summer trying to stay in shape and also graduating from school been a great summer. 

You played at three schools in at three different levels NCAA, NAIA and JUCO. With what kind of emotions are you entering your professional career and how do you feel do you have an advantage having played at three schools and seen so many different levels and coaches? 

My emotions are huge and crazy going to three different schools. I gained a lot experience from La Tech coming in redshirting my first year as Mike White who coaches the Florida Gators now I learned many things then my next year we got a new coach Eric Konkol great coach I just felt that I couldn’t display my skills so I went Juco for a year to Pearl River in Mississippi. That was a good experience. I feel it made me more hungry wanting to be a pro more each day and then I went to William Carey. I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff. We were NAIA but everything was treated as we were d-1 coach Steve knight coach Phillip McCray the best trainer down south they gave me the chance to show what I can do on the floor I wouldn’t say it’s an advantage but I experienced more and got knowledge of the game and different styles of play.

Congrats on signing with German Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? 

Thank you it’s a blessing. I don’t know much besides Dirk is from Germany so I’m pretty sure the basketball is great.

Do you know any former teammates that have played in Germany or friends that have had experience here?
No I have friends playing and played overseas but not Germany.

What were the main reasons for choosing the Giessen Pointers? What sold you on wanting to begin your professional career with them? 

The coaching staff is great the city is beautiful and I thought it would be a perfect first start.

What are you looking forward to most in your new adventure in Germany and do you feel like you can be an impact player in a league that is dominated by guards?

I look forward to trying to win a championship. I think I can be an impact player because my style of play being able to post up, play in the midrange and step outside the three could be something different in the league.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward that can do many different things on the court. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description. 

Well if I could compare myself to an NBA player I would say Anthony Davis.

You aren’t the classic inside man. Would it be fair to classify you as a modern day forward?

I would say I’m a minders day coward but I also have the game of the classic inside man so I would say both in a way.

You took 14 three’s last season at William Carey (NAIA). Do you see yourself continuing to develop your outside shot more as you move up the professional ranks? 

Most definitely I only took 14 because I just never took the opportunity but William Carey made me shoot them more. I was shooting them every day in practice.

How much pride do you take in your defensive game. You have become quite the shot blocker. What is your secret to being able to swat away balls on a consistent basis.

I take a lot of pride in defending I think blocking shots is all about timing and using length so if I don’t block the shot it will be a hard shot to make.

You’re a guy that can do many things on the floor, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away? 

My outside game. Being able to put the ball on the floor and my passing.

On what things are you working on this summer to continue to polish your game so you will be ready for the pro ranks? 

Getting stronger and working on my shooting and ball handling.

You began your college basketball career at Louisiana Tech (NCAA) playing one season playing 30 games averaging 2,5ppg and 2,5rpg. It isn’t always a given that one will play much as an underclassman. How did you experience playing on the big stage in the NCAA?

It was great. I played against some big schools like Ohio State Texas A&M, Syracuse and many more it was great experience. I used to miss it lol but it made me more humble thinking about it.

You had your moments in the NCAA scoring 10 points against Millsaps and Southern. What were the main reasons for turning your back on the NCAA and leaving?

It had nothing to do with coaching. I just felt that I couldn’t display my real talent that I have.

Even if you played only a minute in the 82-74 win against Ohio State, what did it mean to you playing against this top basketball address?

Just being able to experience it was great to me.

After a season at Louisiana Tech, you took a step backwards to play for Pearl River CC (JUCO) playing 23 games averaging 8.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 66.0%, FT: 65.7%. How important was it taking this step for your basketball career and what were the main positives? 

It was important. It was a probing point that I can play.

You finished your college career at William Carey (NAIA). What kind of experience was this and how do you feel did you grow as a player in your two years there?

It was great. I could have went back to the NCAA after my first year but I loved the system so much I had to stick with it. I learned how to push myself and to work for what you want no matter the situation.

How tough was it losing to Georgetown, Kentucky in the NAIA Final 4 and going scoreless? Is this a game that keeps you motivated and working harder in the lab?

It was tough. I felt like I let my team down. I just take it as motivation and never wanting to feel like that again.

Was your 21 points and 14 rebounds game in the win against Florida College one of your personal best games in the NAIA?

Lol that was a nice one. I forgot about that one but yeah it was one but maybe the game I had I think 16 and 16 rebounds was my best to me but that Florida game was nice.

What were your fondest memories of winning the SSAC tournament in 2018? 

Man just feeling like you accomplished something. It felt so great just the hard work and the ups and downs that team went through made it such a great experience and feeling.

How did head coach Steve Knight groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career? 

PRACTICE AND CONDITIONING. We ran like a track team lol but it kept us in perfect shape and we were always ready. He was my favorite coach. We still talk till this day.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jartavius Dobbs?

Lol Dobbs knows he could never beat me in one on one but he came close, but just couldn’t finish.

Who was the toughest opponent that you played in the NCAA, NAIA or anywhere else that is in the NBA or in Europe now.

Jahil Okafor. He playes for the Philadelphia 76ers. I think I played Nike summer circuit in the summers in high school. Man he is a beast.

Please list your five best teammates of all-time?

Jacobi boykins Latech Adrian Williams William Carey Cameron Douglas William Carey Brandon Cranford William Carey Rodney Mallet William Carey.

Please name your personal own NBA Rushmore. Which four heads would you pick past or present for your list?

Micheal Jordan,Kobe Bryant ,Lebron James ,Shaq, and Allen Iverson.

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

Lol man I thing Jordan is the goat but Lebron surpasses him stats don’t lie lol

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Us.

Thanks Branden for the chat.

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 20,5ppg,7,6rpg,31apg and 2,9spg. 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.

Curtis thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on a huge 104-80 win against Recklinghausen. The team has a 3 game winning streak. Do you ever spoil yourself after a win with a dinner or something else or are you the kind of guy that is happy about a win but quickly looks forward to the next game?

Nah I don’t spoil myself. It’s just another game! A win is always good but we have a bigger goal so it’s on to the next.

A big win where the offense really stood out again and the team had 27 assists. Talk a bit about the game and what other keys there were for getting the well deserved victory?

We played well together and got stops defensively any time we do that we’re very hard to beat!

American Antoine Myers was a force with 29 points. As a young buck do you take notice of certain things that he does on the court that may help you in some way in your game?

Yes I did definitely. He helped me while we were playing actually on reads and different stuff like that giving me pointers. I really appreciated that from him. He’s really good as well

The defense allowed 80 points. What kind of steps does the defense continue to make now another week goes by as everyone continues to gel better on the court?

I still feel like that’s too much. But we’re getting better figuring out our help side defense and limiting teams to 1 possession.

Head coach Yassin Idbihi inserted 12 guys. What has been his secret to keeping everyone relaxed and happy with the minutes that they get?

I mean we all know he knows what’s he’s doing. He’s playing to win so whatever he does rotation wise and stuff like that we trust him and know he’s making the right decision.

Another big offensive production by the Dragons Rhondorf. How much easier has the big rise in the offense done for you not having that pressure to need to score more It seems like you don´t have to score as much as in the first weeks

I agree. People have been coming along and getting more comfortable so it’s definitely taken some off me and I don’t have to do as much or take as many shots like you said. That’s been great! We have a talented team so when we play together everybody gets to do their thing

With so many offensive options now, how has that given you freedom to use other parts of your game to help the team be successful?

It’s given me freedom to pass and get others involved. Really help them get as comfortable as they can and making sure I get them shots where they like it in their spots. So that’s been good for me as well.

Just on steals and defense and turnovers how do you value your performance against Recklinghausen with 5 steals and 2 turnovers?

Pretty good. Could have had more steals but overall not bad. Like I always say about turnovers those aren’t a big deal for me. I see it as me being aggressive so it happens.

The teammate spotlight this week is on German big man Gabriel De Olveira. With 16 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. What has impressed you most about his game and do you think that he will be a solid free throw shooter by the end of the season?

He’s a monster. So athletic, knows how to finish around the rim and can really rebound the ball! He’s on a double license with the BBL for a reason. I hope he becomes a fantastic free throw shooter because like I always tell him, that’s the difference between 18 & 25. Making all your free throws.

The NBA season started last week. What is your impression of the Los Angeles Lakers. With Lebron James and Anthony Davis two top players in the NBA. But they also have a nice supporting act. Will this team function? How far will they go?

The Lakers are really good, AD & Lebron are amazing of course but I feel like they are missing a scorer. They can’t do it by themselves come playoff time.

Halloween is coming up this week. How did you celebrate Halloween as a kid and what was your favorite costume you wore and favorite candy that you got?

I just went with my friends neighborhood to neighborhood and got all the candy so I could eat it the next day at school. Haha nothing too special. My favorite candy had to be the jolly ranchers.

Thanks Curtis for the chat.

One of my all-time favorite movies is Dirty Harry which stars Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood. It came out in 1970, but I remember watching it for the first time in the 80´s with my dad on Boston´s local channel 38 featured in the movie loft. Eastwood who made the line “Make my day” famous was already a well known actor in the 60´s thanks to his Cowboy spaghetti Westerns, but it was his Dirty Harry character that propelled him to legendary status and a Hollywood star. With 71 acting credits to his resume, the 2004 Academy Award winner for Million Dollar Baby is mostly recognized for his Dirty Harry character. But it isn´t just that super hero type of character that he propels that is so appealing to the fans, but he also has a certain special charm and humor with his lines that helped make the Dirty Harry movies and the ones that followed so appetizing to watch. I remember in one scene during the end of the movie where the movies main villain Andy Robinson who should have gotten an Oscar for his amazing portrayal of the mean Scorpio character get beat up to fool the San Francisco police in hoping they will believe it was Eastwood´s character who was harassing him, because he hadn´t been charged with a brutal teenage murder. There are many things that aren´t beautiful to watch like for instance how the New York Knicks have lost games the last years or how the Buffalo Bills could never win the Superbowl or how Scorpio was brutally beat up. He wanted every penny´s worth and got it as his face was all bashed up as make up did a great job making the beating look more authentic. These last examples weren´t beautiful to watch and so hasn´t the last two Fraport Skyliners wins against the Hamburg Towers and ratiopharm Ulm. In both games it looked like they could have lost and would be 0-5 at the moment instead of 2-3 if it hadn´t been for Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson hitting big money shots and playing top defense. A colleague of mine had to force himself to watch the Hamburg game and stated afterward that it had been the worst display of basketball that he had ever seen from the Frankfurt squad. But hey it doesn´t matter how ugly a game is, all that matters at the end is getting the dub. I reach Adam Waleskowski at mid day on a cold late October day a day before Halloween where he was walking his dog in Nidda park and it never gets bored with him when talking basketball or Halloween. “Not winning pretty has been a big statement for us in the last weeks. We lost a couple of tough close games, but the win against Hamburg was a major confidence builder and then winning on the road in Ulm made it all the better. Tez stepped up big for us forcing turnovers and hitting big shots. Mo Jones played a great game and carried us, but everyone expects that. We finally have figured out what it takes to win dog fight games even if we didn´t play our best”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Adam Waleskowski.

                After losing two nail bitters to the Telekom Baskets Bonn and FC Bayern Munich, the Fraport Skyliners beat Hamburg and Ulm, but even if the victories weren´t pretty one has began to see gradual progress in the game of the 2004 BBL champion. “I believe the two most important aspects has been team play and confidence. Everyone is settling into their roles trying to be able to help the best way and how to help the team win. I think that if we can work on consistency and execute better instead of having these ups and down and keep the runs on the positive side then I think that we will be ok”, stressed Adam Waleskowski. The team has been played ok offense considering they have been without starting point guard Anthony Hickey s out with an injury since the start of the season. The team has the potential to be a very good offensive team and also the potential to be a very good defensive team. Playing hard and aggressive defense has been the motto under Gordon Herbert for years and current head coach Sebastian Gleim is a coach that also followed the lead in the last years with the Fraport Skyliners Pro B team and NBBL team. The season is still very young and a lot of time for the club to keep getting better each day. “I think that our defense has improved. We are playing solid not doing anything special. We are playing a solid 5 man defense something the club has been known for. To get the defensive schemes down, trust is important. We have picked up the intensity and done a good job with deflections and hands on balls. Playing better defense has led to easy offense instead of having to always work a half court offense. We also have been executing better on offense in the half court. We have been doing a good job when forcing turnovers pushing the ball forward and getting easy baskets”, stressed ex Florida State forward Adam Waleskowski. With the team being only 2-3, the club is clearly a better team than what it´s record displays. “That is how it works in the BBL. Some games go in your favor while others don´t. We played well in Bonn, but then a zone screwed us and against Munich we played great, but lost. Our record could be a lot better. We lost Hickey before the season and it´s been tough for Mo Jones learning the system and having to play point guard.”, warned Adam Waleskowski.

                Anthony Hickey is expected back this weekend when the Fraport Skyliners return back to their living room meeting medi Bayreuth. Lamont Jones who has been a scoring ace where ever he has played starting in Iona(NCAA) all the way to the BBL with MBC and Ludwigsburg has had to take over as the point guard and done as well as he could. If you compare his stats of 19,4ppg and 6,6apg to all the other point guards in the BBL, he ranks up at the top. So what is with the increased criticism about his unselfish play and not adequate playmaking play? Sometimes stats tell a different story, but one can´t forget that Jones is a pure scorer that has been forced into a role that he isn´t used to. He has done a pretty good job under the circumstances having been put into cold water right before the start of the season. He has won games on his own so far in the short season, but the knock on his game is simply the moments where he relies more on his one on one qualities and others may see his choices as being unselfish. “Jones has done a solid job as point guard as it isn´t his traditional position. Coach gives him a lot of freedom. Sometimes when he creates for himself, it looks selfish, but it really isn´t. He is just trying to get everyone on the same page and help the team play better. He sometimes takes bad shots, but he has the talent to take over and make shots when he needs to. He makes tough shots and shots at the end of the shot clock which not everyone can make”, added Adam Waleskowski. The Germans Richard Freudenberg who is hoping for his true Skyliners break through year and big man Leon Kratzer have continued to perform well and it will be interesting to see if they can be consistent on a regular basis. “Richie´s shot as taken off. He is shooting a lot better now than at the beginning of the season. He also has played solid defense at the 4 position. Leon has played great in the post taking up a lot of space and just being a presence. Both have been rebounding the ball well and Leon holds the fort down in the front court”, said Adam Waleskowski. Akeem Vargas has been one of the big surprises this season and Shaquille Hines is starting to get his game on track after a strong performance in Ulm, but the only question mark has been rookie Matt Mcquaid. After a stellar senior season at Michigan State, he came to Frankfurt wanting to shine as a rookie, but so far has been struggling. His situation may look a lot different would he be playing more than 11,2 minutes per game. Getting that hot shooting night is all he needs to change his season around. “Making the transition from college to the pro´s overseas isn´t always easy. It just takes more time than for others. He is one of those guys that just needs more time. All he needs is a break out game. He can shoot the ball as well as anyone in the league. I think that when he gets in rhythm, he will get more trust from coach and his minutes will rise”, stressed Adam Waleskowski.  Look for Mcquaid getting on track when Anthony Hickey is back and can get him in even better position to score than before.

                November has arrived and this is a very critical point of the season that could make or break the Fraport Skyliners. In the next 5 games, 4 are winnable against Bayreuth, MBC, Wurzburg and BG Goettingen. The four teams have a current combined record of 3-16. Of course if Frankfurt makes life difficult for themselves, then they could easily lose 3 of the 4 games. Brose Bamberg will be a tough game, but really Frankfurt can beat anyone on a good day as the close loss to FC Bayern Munich demonstrated. But first things are first. Medi Bayreuth is the first opponent on the menu this weekend. Medi Bayreuth come into the contest on the road like a wounded animal as they are still seeking their first victory of the season. A few days ago, they announced the departure of Matt Haufer who had constructed the roster with head coach Raoul Korner and despite having much talent, it becomes apparent that this team wasn´t constructed properly. The good old days of reaching the 2017 BBL semi-finals with guys like Demon Brooks and Trey Lewis are still remembered fondly. They brought in some high profile players like Bryce Alford son of the great Steve Alford who played in the NBA and coaches UCLA(NCAA) and Reid Travis who balled at Stanford(NCAA) together with German prospect Oscar Da Siva. The team´s biggest problems has been a non meshing of defense and team chemistry and not enough bite from the role players. Even if the Fraport Skyliners have an abundance of self confidence with their two game winning streak, this will be one difficult battle. Every new loss for medi Bayreuth will put more turmoil into the ball club. “Bayreuth are winless and need that first win. It will be a dog fight of a game. They are playing Fiba Europe Cup games and maybe we can use that extra burden that they have to our advantage. Key for winning for us will be limiting bad possessions and making turnovers”, stressed Adam Waleskowski. Halloween will have been two days old when the Fraport Skyliners step on the floor on Saturday to take on battle with medi Bayreuth as Waleskowski remembers the day where candy is king. “When I was growing up in Ohio I can remember one Halloween when I was 9 or 10 when we had three feet of snow. I went as a skeleton I remember seeing that in the Karate Kid 2. I loved getting Reece´s Peanut Butter Cups and always asking for them”,joked Adam Waleskowski. With Halloween still being somewhat in some people´s minds on Saturday, I asked Adam how the Fraport Skyliners could scare medi Bayreuth best? He began with a Tez joke, but with all courtesy to the Skyliner legend, refrain from mentioning it here. He then answered in basketball terms. “I think that we can scare them with starting with an alley-op dunk or beginning with a 25-0 run. Now that would scare them”, joked Adam Waleskowski. When the ball is jumped on Saturday, Halloween will be long forgotten as 10 players on the court go to battle just wanting to win at all costs even if it means not allowing the game to be pretty. All that counts is the win and nothing else. The Fraport Skyliners will take any win now at this early stage of the season no matter how ugly it is.

                It seems likes ages ago when the Fraport Skyliners were able to win the 2016 Fiba Europe cup only their third club title led by the leadership, scoring and playmaking of ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore. Even if the club had had some great complementary parts that season with the twin towers Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel and Mr Canada Philipp Scrubb, one could say that they wouldn´t have won the title without having had the services of Theodore. Since then the New Jersey native has gained further valuable basketball experience in countries like Turkey, Italy and Greece. In that time he made it to being a solid Euroleague player and along the way was able to compete against German teams Fraport Skyliners, EWE Baskets Oldenburg, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and Brose Bamberg. He had had the number of the German teams having a respectable 7-2 record and 1 tie. His most memorable game was beating his ex club Fraport Skyliners. Especially in the Basketball Champions League he was able to dominate in his season with Banvit and now a few years later he is back in this competition with new team  Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) in Germany and playing the Telekom Baskets Bonn on the road. He had fond memories of this club as he had a 2-0 record with the Fraport Skyliners in the 2015-2016 season. Theodore wouldn´t be so lucky this time as he didn´t have one of his better games, but also was hit hard on his leg in the second quarter that limited to less minutes in the third quarter and in crunch-time the Turkish squad had no answer for the Branden Frazier big shots losing 86-82. After the loss Telekom Baskets Bonn guard TJ Dileo reflected on the hard fought win. “Besiktas really turned up the physicality in the fourth quarter. We had a couple runs that helped us win it. They battled hard and turned up the intensity but Frazier was big hitting important shots when our offense was struggling”, stressed ex Giessen 46er TJ DiLeo. On the other side 20 points, 6 steals and two thunderous back to back dunks from Shaquille Mckissic couldn´t get Besiktas over the hump in the fourth quarter. “Our big problem this season is having focus on offense and defense. Their spurts of 6-8 point runs really hurt us”, added ex Arizona State forward Shaquille Mckissic.

            Besiktas Istanbul had German national player Ismet Akpinar in the starting five and they strolled out on a quick 7-3 lead despite Bonn guard Brandon Frazier netting the first three points of the game. In the run the Turkish side got two buckets in the paint from two time NBA champion James McAdoo and a trey from Akpinar. The game had a very high tempo and you had two extreme loud cheering sections of the faithful Bonn fans and the 100 so Besiktas fans who had made the trip to Germany from Istanbul. Basketball will always be  a game of runs and as Besiktas had theirs so did Bonn who went on a 6-2 run dead locking the game at 9-9. In the run the Telekom Baskets Bonn found their spots in the paint as ex Ludwigsburg center Martin Breunig struck with a two handed stuff, Cuban Yorman Polas hit an off balance shot and ex Alba Berlin guard Joshiko Saibu made a lay in. Besiktas continued to set the tone grabbing the lead back as Akpinar showed in style how to score in bunches as he hit a trey and then scored on transition sharing a roar of excitement from Jordan Theodore. Theodore was being watched very closely as he had to struggle to find his spots in the tight zone. The Telekom Baskets Bonn stayed on Besiktas´s heels getting a three pointer from ex ACB player Ben Simmons, but in the last minute got some huge support from ex Turkish national player and ex Anadolu Efes Istanbul (BSL) swing man Birkan Batuk with 5 points leading 22-19 after 10 minutes. “Both teams had nice energy. Bonn was trying to find their rhythm while Besiktas was moving the ball better. Besiktas was shooting well and making the extra pass”, stated ex USC Heidelberg guard Japhet Mcneil. Besiktas Istanbul was shooting 56% from the field and 66% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 43% from the field and 37% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

            In the second quarter Besiktas Istanbul had a firm grip on the game in the first 10 minutes, but then a Bonn run shifted the momentum and the Turkish side could never fully recover as the German team controlled the game from that stand point until the end. Mckissic began the second quarter with 5 points, but the Telekom Baskets Bonn were able to match their intensity and execute well on offense getting baskets from Simmons and ex NBA player Trey Mckinney-Jones and trail 27-23. To this juncture, the game had no easy baskets, no real runs except for the first few minutes and no transition baskets. It wasn´t only the Americans doing their duty for Besiktas, but the Turks also were giving their two cents as three time Turkish allstar and 2010 World Cup silver medalist Oguz Savas did a good job using his muscle in the paint getting two baskets. Besiktas Istanbul couldn´t get away from Bonn as Mckinney -Jones scored 3 baskets in a row keeping the German side in the game trailing only 33-29. Bonn continued to pressure the ball very well which the Turkish side didn´t come to terms with. A Di Leo three gave Bonn the lead back and Subotic tap in gave them the 36-33 advantage and they would never look back. “Bonn got on transition well and got easy baskets. Besiktas had no ball movement as the ball was sticking”, stressed Brooklyn New York native Japhet Mcneil. In the last few minutes the Telekom Baskets Bonn kept the pressure on and let the ball fly at a high percentage from the parking lot as Serb Bojan Subotic nailed two three´s and Frazier connected for one as Bonn led 47-41 at the break. “Bonn got more confidence because of the lack of ball movement from Besiktas. Besikats lost some intensity on defense and the three´s started to fall for Bonn. The Bonn bigs were shooting the ball well and Mckinney-Jones gave good energy back breaking hustle plays”, warned Japhet Mcneil. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 51% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Besiktas Istanbul shot 55% form the field and 53% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

            In the third quarter The Telekom Baskets Bonn held the lead as Besiktas Istanbul couldn´t get over the hump and regain the lead. Despite ex Euroleague player Jordan Theodore missing the first 6 minutes, Besikats Istanbul did a good job staying with Bonn. Akpinar began the second quarter with a trey, but that didn´t faze the German side as they responded with a swift 6-0 run to extend their lead to 53-44. In the run the German team continued to score at will in the paint. Super energizer Subotic continued to be a force scoring two baskets and Polas added one. But Besiktas Istanbul came back with a 7-0 run to get right back in the game and trail only 53-51. In the run, the Turkish squad got a huge three from ex Bonn forward Nemanja Djuristic and two big hoops from McAdoo who had his moments in the paint. Besiktas Istanbul had the momentum, but once again it shifted back to Bonn as they closed out the third quarter with a shattering 14-6 run extending their lead to 67-57 their biggest in the game. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had a lot of confidence all night long and really picked up their defense more in the third quarter helping them get the big lead. In the run Bonn got an easy transition basket from DiLeo, a three pointer from Simmons and two buckets from ex NBA player Stephen Zimmermann who used his collection of fancy moves to gain two baskets. “Bonn defended a lot tougher causing Besiktas to rush it more and make turnovers. Bonn took advantage of those turnovers”, stated Japhet Mcneil. “They really fought hard, but our defense pressured them much causing many turnovers”, added TJ DiLeo. “The third quarter has been our achilles heel. We came out with little energy and had to many turnovers”, stressed Shaquille Mckissic. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 57% from the field and 52% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Besiktas Istanbul shot 50% form the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

            In the fourth quarter Besiktas made one more run and cut the Bonn lead down to one point, but then it would be Frazier time which decided the game for Bonn. Breunig began with two free throws giving Bonn the 69-57 advantage. But Besiktas Istanbul then started their rampage going on a 11-3 run to cut the Bonn lead down to 71-68. In the run the Turkish side was without Theodore, but young Turkish guard Omer Al did a good job organizing the offense and playing hard defense. He nailed a trey to start the run to cut Bonn´s lead down to 69-60. “He gave his team awesome minutes doing his job and pushing the pace. He defended the ball 90 feet”, stressed Japhet Mcneil. Batuk and Savas gave the team valuable contribution with baskets as did Mckissic who wooed the crowd with two massive dunks. “I love his athleticism and how he attacks the basket. He does it as good as anyone on the floor”, stressed Japhet Mcneil. “Those were normal dunks. I never know when they will come. I like doing them, They become natural to me. I have been dunking since 15 or 16 years”, smiled Shaquille Mckissic. All this damage by Besikats Istanbul had been done without Theodore on the floor. After a Breunig hook shot, Akpinar nailed a free throw and Mckissic struck again with a fabulous floater from the wing that saw nothing but net as Bonn had the slim 73-72 advantage. But then came the Frazier rampage of the night as the ex Fordham(NCAA) standout hit three shots in a row giving 8 points in the 10-2 run as the Telekom Baskets Bonn had total control and the comfortable 83-74 lead with 2 minutes to play. “He decided the game. He was in rhythm and could get off any shot he wanted to. He was shooting off the dribble as no one could stop him”, warned Japhet Mcneil. Mckissic and McAdoo got some baskets in the last two minutes, but the Turkish side never got closer than 4 points. DiLeo sealed the deal with free throws and the win with a few seconds remaining. “Frazier is a smart player and knew when to take over the game. He hit big shots”, added TJ DiLeo. “Key was Frazier. I played with him in Russia. I warned my team about him. He is hard to guard. We only had 2 days to prepare. We keep on learning on the move”, added Shaquille Mckissic. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Branden Frazier with 14 points. Bojan Subotic added 12 points, TJ DiLeo 11 points and Stephen Zimmerman 10 points and 8 rebounds while Besiktas Istanbul was led yb Shaquille Mckissic with 20 points while Ismet Akpinar added 18 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 55% from the field and from outside and had 32 rebounds and 22 turnovers while Besikats Istanbul shot 52% from the field and 40% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 23 turnovers.

Jordan Theodore is a 29 year old 182cm point guard from Englewood, New Jersey that is playing his seventh professional season and first with Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey BSL). Last season he played with AEK Athens (Greece-A1) playing 20 games averaging 8.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 80.0%; and played 8 BCL games averaging 9.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 71.4%. Two seasons ago he played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-Serie A) playing 20 games averaging 10.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%; and played 23 Euroleague games averaging 11.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.5%. In the 2016-2017 season he played with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL) playimg 31 games: Score-3 (18.4ppg), 3.7rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.2%; In the BCL, he played 19 games: Score-4 (16.2ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-1 (7.5apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.3% In the 2015-2016 season, he had his most successful season as a professional winning the FIBA Europe Cup with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) playing 37 games: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 18 games: 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 90.2%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Seton Hall (NCAA) where he played until 2012 127 NCAA games and as a playing a total of senior played 32 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 82.7%. In 2012, he started his professional career with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) playing 27 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 73.5%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA, starting five )playing 17 games averaging 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 87.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Bonn.

Jordan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome back to Germany. How nice is it to be back in Germany. When you come back to Germany what is always the first thing that you are reminded of?

Of course my Skyliners family is the first thing that comes to mind. I always remember the good times that I had in Germany with the Skyliners. 

Your preparing for a Basketball Champions League game in Bonn. Could there be a chance that your ex teammate Quantez Robertson watch you play in Bonn?

I haven’t spoken to Tez yet. I’m not sure what his schedule is, but I know if he can, he will support me. Tez is my brother.

Since leaving the Fraport Skyliners you have played 10 games against German teams. Could you make a prediction of what your record is?

I know I’m over 500. I think I lost only twice. 

Your right, your record is 7-2 and a tie. Is there a game that really stands out? I remember you taking control in crunch time in Oldenburg and winning the game in Ludwigsburg on a coast to coast run and playing two nail bitters against Bamberg last season.

I had a great game in Ludwigsburg hitting the game winner. But what really stands out the most was coming back to Frankfurt for the first time with Banvit. Coming home and seeing family was a wonderful feeling.

Do you remember your record against the Telekom Baskets Bonn with the Fraport Skyliners?

I don’t think that we lost. I think we won on the road. I’m sure that if we won on the road then we definitely won at home. 

Yes your right you were 2-0 against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. How good did it feel finding a new basketball home in the summer. I remember last season you didn’t arrive to Greece until the second half of the season.

I was happy finding a new home early. Sitting out the first half of last season because of the contract situation with Milan was tough. It was tough seeing my friends playing and competing every weekend and I was at home in limbo. All I can say is that I’m blessed now to still be playing at a high level. 

After a solid season with AEK Athens (Greece-A1) how was the summer transfer period for you? Were there some other interesting offers?

I got married last summer and wanted to be close to home where my family is. That would be Istanbul. My highest priority was to be in Istanbul. I had other good offers, but in the end I always wanted to be in Istanbul. I know that I made the right choice. My numbers aren’t showing it now, but it will pick up. It is a long season.

What were the main reasons for joining Besiktas? What makes this club so appealing to you and what was the deciding factor? How much of a factor was head coach Dusko Ivanovic?

I didn’t know coach well, but I had heard good things about him. For me Besiktas was the right fit. I had a great conversation with him and It’s a match made in heaven when a coach wants you.

The team has a nice mix of Americans. Your teammates with NBA champion James Michael Mcadoo. Obviously your happy to have him on your side, but does it surprise you that a guy like that couldn’t stick in the NBA?


The NBA is a revolving day. James has amazing talent and is a great person. The NBA isn’t for everyone. He is an unbelievable player. He is playing very well. I’m sure that he will get another chance. 

You have played with many great shooting guards in your career. What makes it so special playing along side American Toddrick Gotcher. He seems like one of those players that like you needed some time more to really develop up the basketball ladder?

Todd is very young. Our team is full of young talent. This is one of the first times that I’m the oldest. He has a great future. He is a very hard worker and can shoot the ball. He can do a lot more than what we allow him to. He will continue to develop and show that he is more than just a shooter. 

When you played with the Fraport Skyliners German national player Ismet Akpinar was still a bit unknown, but now has developed into a high quality player. What kind of special dimension will he give the club?

Ismet gives us a special dimension. He can play the 1-2. When He is playing the 1, I can play the 2. He can shoot and create off the dribble. It is still early. He hasn’t shown all that is in the bag. 

Let’s talk about your game. We have talked about the NBA in the last years as well as the Euroleague. You had a very good Euroleague season with Milan. For me it’s a riddle why your not living in the Euroleague. Does it bother you that teams don’t give you the opportunity?

I don’t feel that Euroleague teams overlooked me last year. It was tough sitting out. Euroleague teams wanted to sign me, but it wasn’t the right fit for me. I didn’t want to be able to put up numbers and lose. Last season was the right situation in Greece. This season I didn’t want to wait so I signed right away. I still think that I’m one of the best point guards in Europe. It will start to show soon. I have no worries.

You had solid stats last season, but they were down from other years. How much of a toll did missing half of the season on the development of your game with AEK Athens?

I had a little arm injury, but my assists are up this season. My shots will start to fall soon. I’m not worried. I have only had 5 games so there is nothing to trip about. I got out of my rhythm last season. I had an ankle injury got back to 100%, but then had to sit out during the contract dispute. It took a toll on me. But now I’m back mentally and physically. 

What are the main goals of Jordan Theodore this season in terms of your game? You obviously want to win, but where do you want to take your game this season?

The main goal is always to win. I want to play at a high level. My shots aren’t falling now, but they will. I want to be the best player that I can be. It is all in my hands. I really don’t feel pressure. I will continue to work hard and get my game better and push my team to win.

It seems like this season could be a season like with Banvit where you put up huge stats. It seems like you will have to be more of an offensive factor this season than what you were with Milan and AEK. It has been a while since you consistently put up big stats. 

I feel like I am still capable of having a season like with Banvit. The only difference now is that I pick my spots more. Now I’m a focal point of the team. The opponents all know what I bring to the table now. I face defenses every night that play like they need to stop me. That opens up the game for my teammates. I get my stats later. It could be hard, but only when I overthink.

You haven’t shot the ball as well from outside as you did with Frankfurt and Banvit. Did you work extra hard this summer on refining your shot? How much of a priority is it for you to be that versatile offensive monster that won’t only hurt the opponent with the penetration, but the outside shot?

Working on m shot is very important. Early in the season a lot of my shots are rushed or at the end of the shot clock. I’m working on better shot selection. At the moment I’m missing easy shots and shots that I would usually make. I won’t stay in this slump. My shots will start to fall. I will have a break out game soon and build from there.

You averaged an amazing 7 assists in the Turkish league and in the BCL with Banvit a few years ago. Have you missed having that playmaking dominance. How hungry are you to be that dominating playmaker again?

I’m still that dominating playmaker. Since I’m playing at a high level, people expect me to score 20 points and get 9/10 assists. I would love to do that, but now every night is different. With Banvit I had to put up those stats. I didn’t need to do that last year. The team now wants me to shoot more and we have other guys that can score the ball as well. When I get on track with my shooting, It will add to team moral.

What has it been playing for head coach Dusko Ivanovic? You have played for many head coaches, but how do you feel will your game profit most from him this season?

He has made me play more defense than I did in the past. I’m giving more effort on the defensive end. I was always a solid defender, but I have gotten better under him. I am paying more attention to detail. I feel like I have improved a lot in a short period of time.

Your turning 30 in December. Are you in your prime now? On what part of your game are you focusing most on now as you go into your 30’s?

I continue to work on every aspect of my game. I work on taking all types of shots and my passing. My biggest focus with my game Is knocking down the open three consistently. I don’t get many open looks like I did in Frankfurt.

Johannes Voigtmann made the next step joining CSKA Moscow. Do you feel like him having the opportunity to win the Euroleague to playing sparse minutes in the NBA helped him make that decision?

I think that a lot of the European’s dream is to win the Euroleague title. Going to CSKA was a big move for Joe. He is playing for a great organization and coach. He has a great opportunity to achieve the goal of winning the Euroleague title and then possibly get an NBA shot.

How proud are you of ex teammate John Little who is an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks now. Did you already witness the coach in John Little when you were teammates?

Hell yes. John is a born coach. He was an unbelievable teammate. What he did on the court every night was tremendous. He did everything. If you would have told him to run through a wall, he would of. I wasn’t surprised when I heard that he would work for the Bucks. He is an incredible person and will have a long career in the NBA. John is my guy.

What is your opinion of how the US played at the World Championships? They finished in seventh place. Was this a major embarrassment for American basketball and how will they respond?

No. I knew that USA wouldn’t win the World Cup. Europe has many good countries and players. The USA players had no European experience. The game is a lot different in Europe from the NBA. A big problem that USA had was that they didn’t have enough shooters. USA had great playmakers and scorers, but not shooters. It showed that rest of the world is catching up. You have to tip your hat to the rest of the world. There is great talent.

How did you experience the death of player Andre Emmett. Does a death like that make you look more around your surroundings in Europe in a huge city like Istanbul or do you feel safe enough in Europe?

No I feel safe. What happened to him happened at home. That type of thing can happen anywhere. I’m fortunate that I’m living in a good place. I’m not afraid of guys coming up behind me and shooting me. I pray for the family of Andre Emmett. That really sucks what happened to him. He is a great guy that was living a great life. He just had had a daughter. The whole thing was very tragic. I know a lot of guys that knew him.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Joker. I liked it a lot.

Thanks Jordan for the chat. 

After giving a very spirited effort in the opening game in their living room against the mighty FC Bayern Munich who won the 2019 NBBL final losing 70-61, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners went on the road and didn´t hang their heads, but played a very strong game against the Tennet Young Hero´s winning in style 83-69 qnd were led by 17 year old shooting star Len Schoorman with a stat filling effort of 23 points 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. The club didn´t have their best shooting day, but cleaned up in the paint winning the rebound battle 42-31 and showed their dominance crashing the boards and hauling down 17 offensive rebounds. Like against FC Bayern Munich, they also defended well again as their defensive game continues to develop nicely. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers also entered the game with a 1-1 record after losing their opener on the road against Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg 70-62 and last weekend rebounded well at home winning against 2019 NBBL finalist Brose Bamberg-Troester Breitengussbach with 70-56 despite Jekabs Beck 24/20 explosion. In the upset win, the Hessen team got solid support from Sebastian Brach with 23 points, Paul Karl added 16 points And Tim Schneider contributed 15 points in the victory. They didn´t shoot so well, but defended well for 40 minutes forcing the Bavarian team to 22 turnovers. Both clubs were seeking their second win of the season as both teams were at eye level in the first quarter, but in the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were able to go on a run and build a nice comfortable lead which would grow in the second half leading to a 94-65 victory. After the contest an extremely content, but reserved Len Schoorman reflected on the win. “We played well today. When they started getting weak, we didn´t let up, but kept playing aggressive and stayed awake. Rebounding and controlling the paint was key. We could of defended better at times and limited our turnovers”, stressed 17 year old German junior national player Len Schoormann. Ex Frankfurt NBBL player Nicolas Lagerman took the loss ok, but was disappointed that the team couldn´t stick with Frankfurt longer. “In the first quarter we matched their intensity, but in the second quarter they went on a run and we fell apart and couldn´t recover. We had a tough time inside as Frankfurt was very physical. I remember when I played in Frankfurt with the JBBL team we always tried to play aggressive and be awake. I thought we played like that in the first quarter, but then lost it. Frankfurt played well as a team”, stressed Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers guard Nicolas Lageman.

                Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers got off to the quicker start scoring 12 seconds in as 18 year old 201cm big man Fin Jakob scored, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then gave the guests an early taste of what would be happening in the paint all agme long as ex Hamm center Erik Brummert scored as did ex Cologne RheinStar Jordan Samare and Len Schoormann hit free throws. Frankfurt would dominate the inside area, because they had a huge height advantage and they took advantage of mismatches all day long. 17year old Sebastian Brach who already has played 4 Pro B games with Giessen hit an off balance shot to cut Frankfurt´s lead to 6-5, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to feed the ball inside as Frederick Fischbach made the nice extra pass to 18 year old 211cm center Julian Steinfeld and he then made an extra pass to Samare for another easy lay in for the 10-5 lead. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners demonstrated early their unselfishness which would carry through the game. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers was playing with a high intensity on offense and were executing well at that point as Lagerman used his biggest strength nailing a trey17 year old quick guard, Paul Karl hit a jumper, Brach nailed a step back and 17 year old 196cm forward Philip Boetz made a lay in for the 14-11 advantage. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers calmed down on offense and took better shots while Frankfurt had lost a little intensity on defense. Len Schooormann wasn´t an offensive factor getting only one shot which he missed. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners closed out the first quarter in style going on a 5-0 run as 2019 JBBL top 4 player Amir Dorn used his quickness for a lay in and athletic 17 year Isaac Obanor hit a clutch three pointer showing that he had worked on his three pointer over the summer as he was 4/6 in the season from downtown. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers trailed Frankfurt 16-14. “Giessen matched our intensity, but I felt that we were clearly the better team. Fouls killed us”, stressed Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 20% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers shot 32% from the field and 17% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

                The turning point of the contest came in the second quarter as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners went on a lengthy run to build a comfortable lead and from then on as Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers had to play catch up basketball. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners didn´t waste any time jumping all over Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers going on a 10-4 run to extend their lead to 26-18. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners did two important things one crashing the boards and getting two easy put backs from Brummert and Obanor and second Len Schoormann finally got going hitting a trey and running hook shot back to back and presto he had 7 points and was instantly the top scorer at that juncture. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers then found some instant offensive power getting a lay in from Paul Carl and 17 year old Tim Schneider who also plays for Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers to cut the Frankfurt lead to 26-22. That small burst of energy and production didn´t faze Frankfurt as their offense was working like a clock work and they fled on another gigantic run of 13-2 to extend their lead to 39-24. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners moved the ball around very well and divided up the scoring as 2019 JBBL top 4 player Bennett Schubert hit a trey and Steinfeld continued to be a menace in the paint getting two buckets. Schoormann continued to demonstrate that his three pointer has really improved in the last two seasons netting two. The Darmstadt native also showed special maturity as he didn´t lose control or force shots in the first quarter when he wasn´t getting the usual touches or shots, but looked for his teammates and then in the second quarter it was his turn as he made use of very good shot selection and buried shot after shot. “I didn´t play well last week in the NBBL or Pro B. I wanted to come back strong today. I was injured for some time and just wanted to find my rhythm again by passing and helping my team first. I knew that I would get my share of shots later”, warned Len Schoormann. In the last minutes Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers go to guy Lagerman scored twice including a beautiful nifty left handed lay, but Frankfurt had done the most damage and led easily at the break 45-32. “They lost intensity and we defended a lot better. Our bigs also continued to score”, stressed Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 25 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers shot 39% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

                In the third quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to control the game and extended their lead to plus 20 points. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers were stopped on their first three possessions and Eintracht Frankfurt took advantage of it going on a 5-0 run as Samare hit free throws and Schoormann dropped another trey for the overwhelming 50-32 lead. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers had some offense going every now and then as Tim Schneider scored a lay in and Brach hit another three, but they couldn´t get consistent stops on defense allowing Frankfurt to get production and baskets from Fischbach, Brummert and Ibanor that hit Giessen for a 6-0 run leading 56-40. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners did a good job displaying fine inside out basketball which made it defensively very difficult for Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers who also couldn´t handle the Frankfurt physicality. Frankfurt never let up ending the third quarter on a 13-5 run to up their enormous lead a bit more to 69-45. Frankfurt continued to spread the scoring love around as Fischback hit two three´s and 2019 JBBL Top 4 player Pierre Barthoum gave valuable energy from the bench with two buckets. “We hadn´t started off the third quarter well in the last games and didn´t want that to happen today. We did a good job staying strong and keeping our man in front of us. We also took away the right hand from Lagerman”, stressed Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 55% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers shot 38% from the field and 18% from the parking lot and had 17 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

                Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to pour it on a bit more in the fourth quarter as they had done each quarter leading by plus 30 points and closing out the game with a well deserved win. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners never lost their momentum and just kept playing hard and executing at both ends of the court beginning with a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 81-49. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to move the ball well and share the scoring pie. Frankfurt continued to rule in the paint getting a put back from Julian Steinfeld and Brummert hook shot while Obanor scored from the wing with ease as no Giessen defender wanted to challenge his athleticism. With five minutes to go, the game was decided but Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers never gave up and outscored Frankfurt in that span 15-13. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers got some buckets from bench players 18 year old German guard Henrik Kalusche and 17 year old guard Karl Maruschka as well as baskets from Jakob and Tim Schneider as well. Lagerman ended his day with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists on 4/11 shooting and reflected on his game and leaving Frankfurt a few years ago for a new challenge with Giessen. “I wanted to be able to do more with Frankfurt, but wasn´t allowed to. I decided to leave and go to Giessen. I just try to help my team the best way I can with rebounding, moving the ball and making shots”, stressed Nicolas Lagerman. Frankfurt got baskets from Barthoum who nailed a trey, Samare with a back door lay in and little used big man 210cm center Liam O´Neill also got into the scoring parade. Two guys who have been integrated well from the JBBL(U-16) league to the NBBL(U-19) league have been Germans Pierre Bartoum and Amir Dorn who combined for 13 points in 28 minutes. “It´s not always easy scoring on this team as we have many scorers, but both have played well. Both are good penetrators, but need a bit more self confidence”, stressed Len Schoormann. Tim Schneider ended the contest with a free throw for Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers. “Important in the game was after they had a run to come back on offense and let everyone touch the ball and feel good. That made us go strong in the next defense which then led to us creating offense”, added Len Schoormann. “We played with pride at the end and played as well as we could, but it just wasn´t enough”, added Nicolas Lagerman. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was led by Len Schoormann with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Frederick Fischbach contributed 13 points while Isaac Obanor, Erik Brummert and Julian Steinfeld added 10 points a piece. Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers was led yb Nicolas Lagerman and Tim Schneider with 14 points a piece. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 52% from the field and 32% from outside and had 47 rebounds and 19 turnovers while Roth Energie BBA Giessen 46ers shot 41% form the field and 25% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

It is always nice to see guys return back to a league after being away for a while. One of those players is American Lamar Mallory from Dayton Ohio, who played with Lich from 2015-2017 belonging to the best power forwards in the league amassing 17.9ppg, 7.8rpg and 16.8ppg, and 10,0rpg in his two seasons there. He then played a season in Australia with Albury Wodonga Bandits (Australia-SEABL) continuing his rampage down under averaging 19.6ppg, and 9.6rpg. Last season he returned back to Germany to play with the serlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) averaging 18.3ppg and, 8.3rpg and also sampled further experience with BBC Arantia Larochette (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 26.7ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 65.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 80.0%. He didn´t return back to Frankfurt last season because Iserlohn play in the Pro B north. Mallory always had good games against Frankfurt and owned a positive 2-1 record. He scored 13 points in his first game in a loss, but then came alive and poured it on in his two wins posting 21 points and 10 rebounds and 14 points and 11 boards. The ex Glenville St. (NCAA2) standout returned back to the BCM Frankfurt with a new team and wanted to continue his winning ways and win his third game in a row against them and did powering the former Pro B champion Scanplus Baskets to a convincing 84-64 victory. After the big win which gave the team a 4-2 record, the Ohio native was beaming all over, but mentioned quickly that his big game of 27 points and 10 boards was a team effort. “Frankfurt is always tough to play. They have good talent, coaching and discipline. After our loss to Baunach, this was a good win and confidence builder. Key to this win was our communication. We brought the right mentality wanting to win. We shared the ball well and played for each other. We were very active on defense rebounding and boxing out well. We did a good job applying pressure making everything uncomfortable for them”, stressed ex Lich forward Lamar Mallory. After the loss a disappointed Bruno Vrcic was limited with his words as he had to hurry to get to Ulm as the Frankfurt BBL team was preparing for a Sunday night game there. “We didn´t start well and couldn´t get the ball inside. Then from the second quarter until the end we gave up everything inside. They went on a big run in the second quarter and we never recovered from it. They beat us physically all night long”, warned ex FC Bayern Munich guard Bruno Vrcic.

The Fraport Skyliners started off ice cold as the ScanPlus Baskets jumped all over them leading quickly 7-2. It was ex Iserlohn forward Lamar Mallory that started the game off with a crushing alley-op dunk fed nicely by 21 year old Croatian Karlo Miksic Miksic was aggressive from the get go scoring on a lay in and then Mallory connected on a 15 footer. Ex Freiburg forward Cosmo Gruehn made a nice finger tip roll lay in, but Miksic struck again with a trey and 10-4 guests lead. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors finally woke up and cruised out on a lethal 11-4 run to take their first lead 15-14. Frankfurt was led in this phase by two trey´s from Tennessee native and ex Kenneshaw State forward Nigel Pruitt and Bruno Vrcic added 5 points. The Scanplus Baskets had totally lost their rhythm and made too many turnovers. Frankfurt kept the momentum and continued to run their offense effectively profiting from the Scanplus Baskets fifth team foul and getting free throws from Cosmo Gruehn and Canada native Jazz Bains. After 10 minutes the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had come to life and led 21-16. “We did a good job attacking the basket and weren´t shooting wild in your face three´s which we did soon after”, stressed Bruno Vrcic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 38% from the field and 13% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Scanplus Baskets were shooting 35% from the field and 36% from outside and had 7 rebounds and had 4 turnovers.

Early in the second quarter German Kristian Kuhn was inserted and the game changed as he led the Scanplus Baskets on a 10-0 run scoring 8 points and they started to take control and wouldn´t look back. The ex MBC center who began to play basketball at age 17 and played 24 BBL games scored all 4 buckets easy in the paint. It was here that the poor help defense started and overall 1-1 defense. But the guests also played with severe physicality that the Frankfurt young players couldn´t match. Even if Gruehn broke the 10-0 Scanplus Baskets run, Kuhn was still aggressive and on fire as he scored two more baskets as there was absolutely no stopping him. Kuhn´s stat line at halftime read 14 points and 5 rebounds in 10 minutes. Mallory was kept in check, but the Scanplus Baskets showed that they have so many weapons that anyone can step up at any time in a game. Mallory came into the game averaging 11,4ppg and 8,4rpg and isn´t near his stats from his previous teams, but it´s obvious that when you have an abundance of scoring options that you probably won´t put up the dominant stats. “It doesn´t matter who it is on this team, but anyone can step up on any given night. It´s usually who gets hot gets fed. That was the case with me tonight. I won´t be sad if my stats go down”, stressed American Lamar Mallory. The Scanplus Baskets also profited from Frankfurt getting early 5 team fouls and got free throws from young German Niklas Moebus and Lamar Mallory leading 39-27. German Alvin Oniiya hit a clutch three pointer in the last seconds as Frankfurt trailed 39-30. “They started to dominate inside. They made easy baskets. We didn´t make anything difficult for them”, stressed 2 time NBBL champion Brno Vrcic. The Scanplus Baskets shot 42% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 30% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

In the third quarter the Scanplus Baskets continued to control the game and never allowed the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to get over the hump and get closer than 5 points trailed by 12 after 30 minutes. Six year man Konstantin Schubert who has played 7 BBL games with Frankfurt began with a trey to cut the lead down to 39-33 testing his 18% season three point accuracy. But the guests stormed back with a Mallory lay in and Miksic trey as Frankfurt trailed 44-34. But the Fraport Skyliners then had a good offensive spurt going on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 44-40. Ex Chemnitz center Aaron Kayser nailed two free throws and Bruno Vrcic hit a floater and lay in. Jacob Mampuya who played 16 BBL games with Tuebingen hit a trey and Schubert scored on a perfect back door pass from Gruehn as Frankfurt stayed on the Scanplus Baskets door step trailing 47-42. But the Scanplus Baskets always had another weapon in their sleeve as now it was time for German Luca Kamber to add some vital offensive punch nailing two three´s for the 53-44 lead. The guests had simply too many weapons that were consistent. Mallory who had been quiet for some time attacked the bucket and finished with a two handed stuff as the Scanplus Baskets led 56-47 after 30 minutes. “Our energy let us keep the lead. When you play with energy like that then shots fall easier and it´s easier to play defense”, added Lamar Mallory. “We began well getting some steals and easy baskets. But then they hit three´s expanding their lead again”, stressed Bruno Vrcic. The Scanplus Baskets shot 42% from the field and 32% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 30% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Lamar Mallory continued his consistent offensive game just tearing the Fraport Skyliners Juniors defense apart leading his team on a 10-2 run scoring every point. He nailed a trey, scored twice inside and finished at the free throw line as well as the Scanplus Baskets led more closely. Frankfurt got some key baskets from Pruitt and Jaz Bains who had an unfortunate shooting day, but couldn´t get consistent stops as CJ Oldham scored twice extending the guests lead to 71-56. The Scanplus Baskets continued to do what they wanted and the Frankfurt zone was their personal playground. Frankfurt couldn´t get inside and had to resort to taking tough contested outside shots that didn´t want to fall. The guests also got transition baskets which Frankfurt couldn´t combat. Frankfurt just had very limited offensive option on this night as Aaron Kayser got little touches and wasn´t put in good scoring situations and rookie Jaz Bains wasn´t effective like in previous games. Frankfurt got some baskets from Vrcic and Oniya, but the Scanplus Baskets then slammed the door shut on Frankfurt with a game ending 10-4 run. In the run Kamba who played 81 NCAA games and last season played with the Dresden Titans hit his third and fourth three´s of the night and Oldham made a reverse lay up. “I was in the right spots in the fourth quarter and went with the flow of the game. My teammates found me well. Luka Kamber was our unsung hero of the game. He is really dangerous when he is knocking down shots. He will be key for our success this season. He needs to be aggressive”, warned Lamar Mallory. “We were there mentally, but we didn´t help on defense and our 1-1 defense wasn´t there. They dominated us”, added Bruno Vrcic. The Scanplus Baskets were led by Lamar Mallory with 27 points. Kristian Kuhn added 14 points and Karlo Miksic and Luka Kamba added 12 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Bruno Vrcic with 17 points. Cosmo Gruehn added 11 points and Nigel Pruitt 10 points. The Scanplus Baskets shot 44% from the field and 33% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 22% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 15 turnovers.