It had been more than five long months since the Dragons Rhondorf last played an official league basketball game in mid April closing out the season in fine fashion ousting the RheinStars Cologne in the rambunctious Dragon Dome, but couldn´t save their season as they stepped down to the Regionalliga. The long waiting was finally over as the club started a new chapter in the Regionalliga West. They didn´t come out of the starting gate well losing their first season game on the road in Wulfen 88-80. In that game, they were unable to consistently defend at an acceptable level and just had massive problems with timely execution. A good note was that they scooped down an impressive 24 offensive rebounds. Their opponent at home the New Elephants Grevenbroich also started the season on a sour note losing to Dorsten 87-81. They had absolutely no remedy how to stop Adam Picket who scorched them for 32 points and couldn´t take care of the ball coughing it up 22 times which was a big cause for leaving the court as the losers. The Dragons Rhondorf were ready for the challenge and both teams were reeling for a win and the Dragons had some short term history on their sides as they had won two of the last three home openers in the last years. Basketball was finally back in the Dragon Dome as the home town team didn´t disappoint as they came back from a tough defeat and had better execution on offense and cleaned up some things on defense and rolled to a 85-72 victory over the New Elephants Grevenbroich. There was that huge positive feeling again in the Dragon Dome and many had big smiles including import player Curtis Hollins who had much to smile about as he demonstrated his vital leadership qualities helping lead the team to the win with a Westbrook like filling of the stat sheet with 26 points, 11 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. It was just another normal day at the office for Hollis. “Key for the win was playing defense for the whole game. Playing good full court defense and playing help side was big for our self confidence. We knew that our offense would come with good defense. It was a normal day at the office for me.I try to do as much as possible for my team. They also did a good job finding me”, stressed Arlington, Texas native Curtis Hollis. After the loss a demoralized Jahad Thomas who was a star at Umass-Lowell(NCAA) had that look on his face that could have told a 1000 depressing stories, but he was professional enough and reflected on the game as best he could. “I felt that we fought well tonight. We were undersized. We need to play better together. When there is a mis match, all the guys have to be on the same page. We played defense well, but just couldn´t put the ball in the basket. I thought that we played well as a unit and stuck together which is important in a long season. I need to play better on offense and defense. When I do that then I can take the team to a new level. Once we clean up a few things all will fall into place”, warned Jahad Thomas.

                The first quarter was  dramatic and exciting as it was a back and forth grind between both clubs as there were 7 lead changes. The Dragons Rhondorf got on the board first and got Slovenian big man Jure Besedic involved quickly utilizing the mis matches as he scored twice giving the ex Pro B team the 4-2 lead, but the lead was short lived as the New Elephants Grevenbroich fired back as 37 year old Spaniard Enric Garrido Foz who is in his 20^th professional season having played 18 years in Spain and for 16 different teams let the ball fly nailing two three´s for the 8-7 advantage. One could tell quickly that the extra defensive preparations during the week were sowing seeds as the Rhondorf defense was more aggressive and making it very tough for the New Elephants Grevenbroich to get into their sets and they were forcing tough shots. It also helped that their defense was keying in a bit extra on their top player Jahad Thomas who wasn´t getting the ball and was blocked twice by Jure Besedic. Garrido Foz didn´t only have the playmaking duty, but also became that go to guy that Thomas couldn´t give early. Thomas became more the facilitator and found veteran ex Sacred Heart(NCAA) standout Ryon Howard on some occasions. The Dragons Rhondorf offense was well oiled and they were playing nice inside out basketball and using their bench. Young German talent Marek Mbaya Kotieno got early minutes and scored while veteran ex Hanau guard Anish Sharda scored inside with his quickness giving Rhondorf the 15-12 advantage. Rhondorf continued to control the game and closed out the first quarter strong as Curtis Hollis scored two baskets and ex Giessen guard Jeffrey Martin connected on a trey for the 22-18 advantage. The Dragons Rhondorf were caught napping with a second left as Howard snuck inside for a basket at the buzzer as Garrido Foz found him with the inbounds pass. The game was tight and exciting as the Dragons Rhondorf led 22-20. “Rhondorf was playing very aggressive and with a lot of energy”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn head coach Thomas Paech who was in the stands closely inspecting the game. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the field and 40% from the field and had 11 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the new Elephants Grevenbroich shot 42% from the field and 40% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 1 turnover.

                In the second quarter both teams remained at eye level for the first five minutes, but the Dragons Rhondorf then sped away gaining the more comfortable lead going into the break. Thomas had much misfortune on this day missing many shots, but also had his good moments scoring to begin the second quarter in traffic dead locking the contest at 22-22. Besedic continued to have Thomas´s number blocking him for a third time. The New Elephants Grevenbroich continued to be led by ex Bochum forward Ryon Howard who played 100 Pro B games for them in seven seasons getting a basket and also a trey from ex BG Goettingen guard David Markert.to cut the Rhondorf lead to 28-27. The Dragons Rhondorf then broke free going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 38-29. In the run, the ex Pro A club did many things well getting to the free throw line as well as getting a trey from Hollis and two handed dunk as well a nice offensive rebound and put back from Gabriel de Olveira. Rhondorf was the more composed team while the New Elephants Rhondorf played sloppy and had a bad spell of execution effectiveness. Rhondorf also continued to limit the offensive input of Jahad Thomas making him a non factor. The highlight play of the game came at the end where Curtis Hollins made a hard one handed dunk that gave the Dragon Dome an extra push on the decibel level and had the Dragons bench going crazy. “That was a normal dunk for me. I saw the air and took off”, smiled Curtis Hollis. After 20 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf led comfortably 41-32. “Rhondorf continued to play good defense that led to easy baskets. They continued to play with a good tempo and had intense focus on the court”, added Telekom Baskets Bonn head coach Thomas Paech. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 53% from the field and 42% from the three point line and hauled down 22 rebounds and had 7 turnovers while the New Elephants Grevenbroich shot 35% form the field and 33% from the three point line and hauled down 16 rebounds and had 4 turnovers.

                Despite some lackluster first minutes in the third quarter by the Dragons Rhondorf where they sat back and watched the Ryon Howard show who helped the team carve into their lead, they stayed composed and captured themselves and broke free again having a double digit advantage after 30 minutes. The New Elephants Grevenbroich came out strong and reborn after the break as Ryon Howard continued to be the go to guy and contributed 8 points to get his team within 4 points trailing 46-42. A big strength of Howard´s game is his great rebounding skills and his timing and anticipation is excellent, but he also has that wonderful jumper and he hit three of them. The New Elephants Grevenbroich would have been even closer if they hadn´t relinquished a three pointer to Anish Sharda. Rhondorf had lost intensity at both ends of the court in this opponents run and had unneeded turnovers to allow them back into the game. But the Dragons Rhondorf remained cool and composed which also had to do with the keen leadership qualities of Hollis who is as composed on the court as a ballerina is when doing her routine. Basketball remains a game of runs and now it was the turn of the Dragons Rhondorf who escaped on a 8-0 run to lead 54-42. In the run they got a huge three from Sharda which sparked the Dragons and they then stepped up their defense getting big defensive plays from Hollins and De OlverairIn this case the three sparked the defense, but often in the game it was the very much improved defense that helped get the offense going. Hollins who can do so much on the court also displayed his suaveness on the rim making an easy tap in using his long arms to his advantage. The New Elephants Grevenbroich never gave up and made a little comeback down the stretch getting two baskets from Jahad Thomas, but Rhondorf kept the intensity up and held on to their double digit lead. They got a vital transition bucket from ex FC Bayern Munich German Killian Binapfel getting the lob pass from Hollis as the Dragons Rhondorf led 59-49 after 30 minutes. “Howard got going at the start, but we then defended better and got stops”, added Curtis Hollins. “Howard got us going, but we then got down on ourselves. It was a game of runs. I felt that we did a good job on defense getting stops, but we just couldn´t score more. I have to be more aggressive”, warned Jahad Thomas. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and grabbed 32 rebounds and had 12 turnovers while the new Elephants Grevenbroich shot 38% from the field and 28% from the parking lot and grabbed 27 rebounds and had 7 turnovers.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing New Elephants guard Jahad Thomas after finishing with 9 points in the loss

                The New Elephants Grevenbroich continued to fight hard in the fourth quarter, but never could get totally over the hump and get closer than four points. Mid way through another Anish Sharda trey broke their backs which they couldn´t recover from giving the Dragons Rhondorf full control which they never gave up until the buzzer sounded. The New Elephants Grevenbroich had that same mentality at the start of the fourth quarter like the third quarter as they came out with a bang. They hit the Dragons Rhondorf with an annoying 10-4 run to suddenly be trailing only 63-59 and suddenly the Dragon Dome was a bit quieter as the guests were threatening. In the run, they got key input from ex Alicante(Leb Gold) guard Enric Garrido Foz who stole the ball at center court from the hands of Sharda and scooted forward for an easy lay in and soon after hit an incredible acrobatic bank shot trey from the corner. Rhondorf had lost some intensity again while the New Elephants Grevenbroich finally showed more consistency on their offensive execution, but also had some luck with that incredible Garrido Foz shot. The New Elephants continued to threaten and stay in the game after a trey from ex Herten guard David Feldmann cutting the Dragons Rhondorf advantage to 67-62. Then another Sharda trey broke the backs of the New Elephants Grevenbroich which led another charge by the Dragons as Martin hit a jumper and Besdic dropped a three for the 77-67 Rhondorf lead with a few minutes to play. Hollis continued to shine on the offensive end having full control of his abilities and had a keen sense knowing when to shoot and when to find his teammates. On the Martin jumper, Hollis could of shot himself, but made the intelligent extra pass getting the better positioned teammate a great shot. “I like to find the open man. I think making that extra pass will rub off on the team. I really try to make that extra pass as much as possible”, warned Curtis Hollis. After the Beseidc three, the gas tank of the New Elephants Grevenbroich was near empty as the Dragons Rhondorf slammed the door shut going on a 8-2 run to lead 85-72. In the run they got baskets from Hollis and Binapfel and another trey from Sharda. David Feldmann closed out the contest with a three pointer, but it was too little too late. “That three by Sharda was big. He does so much for us. That sparked us too lock down on defense and play hard”, stressed Curtis Hollis. “They played hard and smart. They played great basketball and hit shots. We missed too many shots and had turnovers which led them to transition baskets that we couldn´t stop”, added Jahad Thomas. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Curtis Hollis with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Anish Sharda added 15 points while Gabriel De Olveira had 14 points and Killian Binapfel had 10 points. The New Elephants Grevenbroich were led by Enric Garrido Foz with 19 points. Ryon Howard had 18 points. Arbnor Voca and David Feldmann added 10 points apiece. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 515 from the field and 50% from outside and had 38 boards and 17 turnovers while the New Elephants Grevenbroich shot 42% from the field and 38% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

One of the great games you can play when checking out new players that come to Germany to play their first professional season is seeing where they went to school and how many players from that NCAA or NCAA 2 or NAIA school have ever laced up their sneakers on German ground. With energetic and his “I´m all over the court mentality like Draymond Green,  Stephon Jelks played at the highest level in the last years battling strong NCAA schools like Seton Hall, Memphis or a Florida with Mercer. Mercer which is located in Macon, Georgia only played in three NCAA tournaments in 1981, 1985 and 2014 and it´s most well known alumnist that reached the NBA is Sam Mitchell who enjoyed a solid 13 year career playing mostly with the Minnesota Timberwolves and seeing a young Kevin Garnett break out in 1995. In terms of guys that have played in Germany, the list is short with guys like Andrew Brown who played a total of 3 games in 2008 averaging 18,7ppg with the  P4two Ballers Osnabrueck, Sidiki Straub who played 28 games with SC Rist Wedel (ProB) averaging  7.7ppg, 5.7rpg, Issac Gordon who also played with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) in 2015-2016 averaging 12.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.8apg, Travis Smith who actually played two seasons in Germany for three teams leaving his mark with RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 17.6ppg and averaging 13,1ppg with the Take-Off Wuerzburg Blue Baskets (Germany-ProB) and 23 year old German Niklas Ney is still active having played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg the last years and now will suit up for the Tigers Tuebingen. Last season Jelk´s ex teammate Jestin Lewis found new experiences in the Pro B with Giessen averaging 13.2ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 63.2%. Now Jelks is the newest Mercer addition to the Pro A and has every opportunity to not only to continue the fine Mercer tradition of players leaving their mark in Germany as well as possibly being the best Mercer player to have ever played in Germany. When Lewis was a senior at Mercer, Jelks was a real young buck and a sophomore and despite having a strong season himself was able to soak up the strong Lewis stats as he averaged 14.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 76.8%. Lewis isn´t in Germany this season as he made his mark last season an dnow it´s time for Jelks to make his mark. There isn´t a second Draymond Green with the MLP Academics Heidelberg, but Stephon Jelks who is the team´s Mr everything and ready to leave his mark in the Pro A this season.

            Stephon Jelks who lists Jaron Blossomgame as his toughest cover in the NCAA is a 23 year old 198cm forward that was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and grew up in Marietta and played for North Cobb Christian High School.There he was a four-time All-Region first team selection and two-time All-State performer. In his senior year he averaged 14,1ppg, and registered 25 double figure scoring games. He also demonstrated that he can excel at another sport as he also played with the football team. In 2014, he moved to Mercer and as a freshman played 30 games averaging  5.3ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 67.6%. He scored in double figures in six games and scored 14 points against Wofford and E Tennessee State. He led the team in field goal percentage at 52% and was named to the SoCon All-Freshmen Team. He has his best scoring and rebound season as a sophomore playing 34 games averaging 11.7ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 78.5%. He scored in double figures in 22 games and was a rebound monster getting 10 double doubles. His rebounding made a huge jump during the season and would carry on through out the rest of his career. He has a simple solution for his sudden rise. “I take a lot of pride in rebounding. It’s just something that I feel like is the best part of my game. I just have a knack for the ball when it’s coming off the rim. And nothing special really happened, I just started getting 8 or 9 rebounds in a couple of games and I’d always just try to beat that number the next game”, stressed Stephon Jelks. He best games included a 24/17 explosion against Citadel as well as a 21/12 effort against Kenneshaw State and 20/15 effort against Arkansas. Other highlights included leading the SoCon in rebounding and getting 10 rebounds or more 13 times. In his junior season he played 32 games averaging  7.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 80.3%. He scored in double figures in eight games and had two double doubles. His best scoring games were against Samford with 17 points and 15 points against Georgia South. Other highlights was leading the team in rebounding and being second in blocks with 15. In his senior year he played 33 games averaging 9.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 77.6%. He scored in double figures 15 times and had 7 double doubles. His best scoring games occurred against La Salle with 22 points, 17 points against Drexel and Memphis and 16 points against Wofford.

            At Mercer the American reached two CBI tournament quarterfinals and one SoCon semi final and despite not winning any hardware, he did have long lasting memories of his basketball experience there. “I had a lot of fond moments, too many to mention. I would say my most fondest moment was my sophomore year when we played and beat Arkansas on the road. That was one of my favorite games because of the atmosphere and energy of the game. And we battled and pulled it out at the end”, stated Stephon Jelks. He also remembered his 24/17 explosion against Citadel, but that wasn´t his most memorable game at Mercer. “Stat wise yes, but like I mentioned earlier, I feel that my best game in my college career was against Arkansas”, added Stephon Jelks. Even though his best season in scoring and rebounding was his sophomore season, he did see himself make huge strides in his two last seasons. “I’ve improved on a lot over these past two years. My main improvement was being able to shoot off of the closeout. I was a catch and shoot type player and people would start running me off the line, so just developing that catch and make a play off the dribble has made me more of a threat on the court”, warned Stephon Jelks. Even with consistent hard work in the gym and on the court, he couldn´t of had all the success there and now as a professional if he hadn´t taken the guidance of his coach Bob Hoffman to heart. “Coach Hoffman prepared me in the way of knowing the details about the game. Communication being a thing he was very high on. And having to do it for 4 years made it a habit but it was a great habit because coaches love a guy who can communicate while on the court”, added Stephon Jelks.

                The American who lists his five best teammates of all-time as Jestin Lewis Desmond Ringer Jibri Bryan Demetre Rivers and Jordan Strawberry (I loved all my teammates though, I’d name them all if you’d allow me too) began his professional rookie career in 2018 with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 33 games averaging 11.7ppg, Reb-5(8.2rpg), 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 81.3%  He had no problem adjusting to the play on the court in Finland, but he did miss one important component that he remembered having at NCAA games. “My wakeup call was my first game. Usually I’d have my mom at all my games at Mercer but that being my first pro game and her being in the states, it was a wake up call that I was a long way from home but knew my purpose for being that far away”, added Stephon Jelks. He scored in double figures in 20 of 33 games and his best scoring games included a 31 point explosion against Pyrinto shooting 10/11 from the field and a 24/12 effort against KTP Basket. Often when abroad an American will be the lone American and if lucky at times have another one, but in the case of Jelks, he had three others that made the whole rookie process easier especially with teammate Bryan Coleman. “He was a great teammate that I asked a lot of questions about different situations I wasn’t accustomed to. Mario Edwards and Brandon Conley definitely helped with the adjustments too. We competed every day in practice and just made each other better”, expressed Stephon Jelks.

                Now the American who lists his own personal NBA Rushmore with legends Kobe Bryant, Dirk, Carmelo Anthony, and Allen Iverson is prepared for the next challenge in his professional basketball career and the task of developing further. He had a fruitful summer of working out hard at home as well as spending quality time with family and friends and even bumped into Boston Celtic Jalen Brown at a Pro Am in Atlanta who hails from his hometown  His main goal this year is to be better than he was as a rookie and he tweaked a few things from his game in preparation for the German Pro A. He was already lucky having the luxury of meeting new teammates Grant Teichmann and Adam Eberhard on the flight to Germany thus already getting some early off the court chemistry flowing. “Grant and Adam are great guys. We clicked from the moment we all met each other. Talked about just wanting to be on the court and help the team win so we are all on the same page when it comes to this season”, said Stephon Jelks.  It wasn´t a hard task for the American to make the decision with signing with ambitious organization MLP Academics Heidelberg. “I honestly didn’t have much knowledge of Germany basketball other than old teammates like Jestin Lewis playing in it. Kelvin Martin actually played on Academics in 2015 and he told me a little about it when I made my decision. The GM Matthias called me and we talked for like 15 minutes and his vision for the team and what he saw in my abilities made everything work out. I just felt that being in Pro A Germany can open up a lot of doors for me, on top of it being a respected team in the league who is about winning and playing team ball”, commented Stephon Jelks. Life of a professional player isn´t only about what happens on the court, but there is enough down time where a player can explore the country better and get a grip on the culture and people. The American didn´t know it at first, but now knows that he is living in one of Germany´s prettiest cities.  “Heidelberg is a very beautiful city. At first I didn’t think it would be anything special but the buildings and structures of the city is nice”, warned Stephon Jelks.

                After a very strong rookie season in Finland, he now is in Germany with a lot of self confidence thanks to a solid rookie season and will display his versatile game in the Pro A There will be quite many scoring options on the team this season. But despite the abundance of talent on the team, he is more than confident that he will become an impact player in the Pro A. “I´m very confident in my abilities as a player. If it’s to score then I will score, if it´s to rebound and play defense, then I will do that. I just want to have an impact on my team in a positive way so we can get a lot of W’s and compete for a championship”, warned Stephon Jelks. The American demonstrated at Mercer in his last three years and in Finland that he is a very potent rebounder and that is a big reason why the MLP Academics hauled him in for his services so the team rebounding will improve this season. But he is so much more than just an athletic rebounder. “I can shoot the 3 ball pretty well, I can defend multiple positions, I bring a lot of energy to my team which rubs off on everyone. German basketball fans are just going to see a grind hard hooper from the states who wants to win”, smiled Stephon Jelks. Even though his vital rebounding abilities will be vital for the success of the team, he will also be able to add another dimension to the game with another component of his versatile player. “A hidden strength in my game I’d say is being able to bring the ball up the court. A lot of the time I usually just give the ball off to the point guard but if needed too, I can grab a rebound and push the ball up the court to apply pressure on the defense”, warned Stephon Jelks. Oh and then there was something about Draymond Green in the title. Not only others have noticed that Draymond Green beast in him, but he himself also. “I’d compare my game to Draymond Green. I know a lot of people don’t like Draymond but he is a competitor that plays defense,rebounds, and does whatever it takes for his team to win. Definitely correlates to my game”, stressed Stephon Jelks. As long as the MLP Academics are winning this season, no one will have any problems with his fascination of Draymond Green. Nobody will see a second Draymond Green in Heidelberg, because there is only one, but people will witness Stephon Jelks “Mr Everything” for the MLP Academics Heidelberg doing everything possible on the court so his team can be successful.

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A few weeks ago at the Gezeiten Cup, there were many things still the same in the Dragon Dome as the BBL opponents Telekom Baskets Bonn and s.Oliver Wurzburg were still present as they are each season with the Bavaria squad continuing to showcase their guard terror and the Bonn team presenting a few new faces, but also keeping a good core from the last years with DiLeo and Polas. The same familiar fans were still there, but one thing was very much different. Despite having moved down last season from the Pro B in a season to forget where the biggest problem was their defense and the consistency rate of the German role players, the mood of the home crowd faithful was very upbeat. A big reason for this was the new focus of the Dragons Rhondorf in their cooperation with BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn and new CEO of sport Yassin Idbihi who had come home after a long and fruitful playing career and some years in the Bamberg organization. Idbihi had began his playing career in Rhondorf in 2001 and now he is back and is extremely ambitious in bringing rapid success back to an organization that only four years ago played in the Pro A, but at the same time allowing young German players to develop in the Regionalliga while getting a real chance with cooperation team Bonn. Also seeing Dragons Rhondorf CEO Alexander Dohms roaming the Dragon Dome at the Gezeiten Cup was a sight for sore eyes as he was beaming with joy and a changed man from the disappointing last season. The big question though will be can the Dragons Rhondorf make the leap back to the Pro B after only one season?. In terms of player material, there is a big chance that they could, but one can’t underestimate the Regionalliga west as it is as competitive as ever. The playoffs have also been inserted this season so fans will witness something new and see many new players looking to not only make an impact for a team, but be hungry in helping improve their game and making the next step in their careers. In addition there is also massive excitement concerning new player Curtis Hollis (198-G/F-98, college: Hutchinson CC). In the last three years no matter how successful the Dragons were, they were fortunate to have one of the top players in the Pro B. Three years ago it was Aaron ‘big dawggg’ Nelson who was like a tank in the zone that barreled his way to baskets the way Tom Brady finds his targets with ease, two seasons ago, it was Cinderella story Kameron Taylor who took a step back only to take two steps ahead and now plays for well known BBL team Bamberg and last season it was Mr double double Zygimantas Riauka who played with a heart of gold and will never be forgotten by the fans. This season a lot of the success rides on the shoulders of Hollis. Can he be that mr everything like a Taylor and fill the stat sheet like a Westbrook, but at the same time be able to lead the team. Many have compared his game to a Kameron Taylor already with only a regular season game having been played. In seven months we will know more, but for now the excitement for success is there and will continue to build as the season progresses. 

Last season the Dragons Rhondorf lost and lost really depressing the hardcore Dragons fans, but this season things will be different. In the last years, there had been criticism about how the cooperation was working between Rhondorf and the Telekom Baskets Bonn, but with the arrival of lost Rhondorf boy Yassin Idbihi and Bonn head coach Thomas Pach, the signs for a fruitful working cooperation and better communication have been present. Two big goals of the club this season is to give that feeling of Club more an identity and putting more focus on the development of the young players. In the last years the development of players in the JBBL (16) and NBBL (U-19) age group had deteriorated. This is something that the club has big ambition in turning around. The club has had talented players over the years and developed guys like Florian Koch, or a Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann, but that occurred years ago and have had a dry spell in the last years. A big difference this season to the last years is that this season with Killian Binapfel and Gabriel De Olveria have two established Pro B players that have had success at a very young age making the playoffs and getting valuable minutes at a young age and now are extra confident and are extra hungry in making the next step and making the most of their BBL minutes. Getting a player like Killian Binapfel is a huge gift as he is still raw and has huge potential while De Oliveira has a big powerful body and is finally ready for the easyCredit BBL while getting extended minutes in the Regionalliga.

The club didn’t conduct a massive house cleaning, but decided to start a new chapter in terms of their German role players and bode goodbye to guys lie Alex Moeller, Bo Meister, and Julian Jasinski. Last season the German role players just didn’t click and weren’t consistent enough. This season they hope that the new German role players will be able to get the job done. They took some extra time in finding the right new German role players. They didn’t exchange every player, but kept some with David Falkenstein, Samuel Horvath, Philipp Gruber, Lotola Otshumbe and Anish Sharda. The most vital was Sharda. The guy is 37 years old, but still has the body of a 28 year old and keeping great fitness and watching his diet (No Wiener Schnitzel) since 2014 has been instrumental in him still playing professionally. Not only his experience is key, but helping the youth on and off the court. Last season he averaged 6.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 18.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 70.0%. After never averaging less than 18,9ppg in the Regionalliga from 2014-018 with Mainz, his production will have to be consistent and better than last season for the success of the club. The big player misfortune has been Slovakian Samuel Horvath who missed most of last season and is already out for this whole season. Philipp Gruber also has remained, but like Horvath has captured the injury bug. Last season he played only 17 games averaging 6.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 18.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 70.0%. He has vital Regionalliga experience having played three seasons and 56 games with the Telekom Baskets 2. His input and valuable three pointer will be an asset when he returns. 35 year old Lotola Otshumbe is back for a second season of duty and brings much experience having played five seasons in the Regionalliga amassing 86 games and 55 Pro B games while also having four years of second Bundesliga experience with TV Langen. He won’t score much, but has that undying will to win and will fight until the buzzer sounds. Point guard David Falkenstein is also back for his fifth season and has played BBL, Pro A and Pro B. Last season he played 26 games averaging 4.4ppg. He is another guy that has to and should improve his stats in the Regionalliga. He has the sound fundamentals of being that controlled point guard and could even slip into the starting point guard position at times. 

A big strength of the Dragons Rhondorf off season work was taking it’s time in building the new roster. The most vital position for a Regionalliga team is filling the import position. With Curtis Hollis the club has the potential league superstar qualities. He is a guy that wants and will rock the Regionalliga as he continues to climb up the basketball ladder. He has no NCAA experience, but destroyed the JBL league founded by Lavar Ball. So far he showed how good he can be having big games in pre season and kept it going into the regular season netting 21 points in the first game loss against Wulfen. He will be a joy to watch and having him extend his leadership qualities also will be needed and helpful for the team being successful. The other import is Jure Besedic who is a 27 year old 207cm forward/center that brings vital experience having played 171 games for top Slovenian team Helios Suns Domzale. He can score and has a fine mid range and outside shot that will spread the floor nicely. He won’t be the next Riauka, but will be a consistent performer. The club also brought in German players and the most important was clearly Jeffrey Martin. Last season the club had massive problems getting consistency from it’s German players. With Martin the club hopes to fill that void. Martin is only 25 years of age, but seen many gym’s in Germany. Rhondorf is his 11th team as he played 16 BBL games combined with Bremerhaven and Giessen, 28 Pro A games and 90 Pro B games. He has been a consistent scorer in the Pro B and also will have to be a consistent performer. He is an excellent defender and will be vital in the defense finding some sort of identity after not having one last season.

Two key pick ups were young prospects Gabriel de Olveira and Killian Binapfel. Both are double license players and are expected to get a chance on seeing minutes with BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn. De Olveira is a 21 year old 206cm forward that already has sampled important Pro B experience at a young age playing 92 games with Iserlohn. He was able to improve his scoring in each of his four seasons there and broke out last season playing 25 games averaging 10.6ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 69.9% He demonstrated in his first game against Wulfen that he has the potential to be one of the German rising stars in the Regionalliga showing his efficiency adding 17 points and 5 rebounds on 60% shooting form the field. He will get to the free throw line a lot and if he can improve his free throw percentage will be even more of a scoring force while on defense he will make an impact as well. Killian Binapfel also is young at age 19 and brings that winning mentality having been in the FC Bayern organization for the last four seasons. Last season he played 19 Pro B games averaging 5.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg, and 12 NBBL games averaging 10.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 15.0%, FT: 54.3%. His biggest asset is that he knows how to win with two NBBL titles under his belt, an Albert Schweitzer International Tournament Gold medal and a U-20 Bronze medal at the 2019 European championships. He plays with a lot of energy and has the potential to be that glue guy.The team also picked up two more young players with Pal Ghotra and Marek Mbaya Kotieno. Ghotra is a 22 year old 197cm swing man that began his basketball career with the Nurnberg Falcons and also has Pro A and Pro B experience with Cuxhaven and Sandersdorf where he played last season averaging 2.7ppg, 1.6rpg. He is a player that took a step back, but is seeking minutes and his break through. He is a talented kid with a lot of potential. The most raw player is 19 year old German Marek Mbaya Kotieno. He is a 206cm center who has 21 Pro B games experience with Wolfenbuetel. He is a guy that will be moved along slowly, but also showed that he can give that energy from the bench scoring 5 points, hauling down 4 boards and dishing out 2 assists in 19 minutes in the loss at Wulfen. The team also have a handful of young Germans looking for Regionalliga minutes with Jonas Falkenstein, Robin Danes, Aaron Isah and Noah Voelzgen.

So where will the 2019-2020 Regionalliga journey go with the Dragons Rhondorf? With head coach Markus Rowenstrunk have a guy that has Regionalliga and Pro B experience with Herford and Dresden and hungry to give his coaching stamp for the Dragons. The team didn’t have a good start losing in Wulfen 88-80. The defense isn’t on the same page yet,and their offense struggled with execution. A good sign was their effort on the boards hauling down an amazing 23 offensive rebounds. The club also demonstrated that the German role players will play a central figure this season as De Olveira and Binapfel stepped up. It will be important that the club has their German license players at their disposal for most games.This club will make the playoffs, but predicting the immediate return to the Pro B would be a foolish statement. Obviously it is the club’s goal, but the Regionalliga West is as competitive as ever and as Hanau head coach Simon Cote loves to say, it won’t be a cake walk for the Dragons Rhondorf, but a challenging, and very interesting and exciting ride. The Regionalliga will be fun to observe this season from the Dragons Rhondorf stand point especially the development of Curtis Hollis and the young Germans. Where exactly the club will land is unknown at this stand point, but they will be competitive and fight in every game to bring the needed success back to the club. 

David Dennis is a 185cm point guard from Canal Winchester, Ohio that will begin his rookie season in Germany with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen on Saturday against the Kirchheim Knights. He began his basketball career at Harvest Prep and then proceeded to play at West Liberty State (NCAA2) for two seasons totaling 64 games. In his freshman season he played 35 games averaging 14.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 67.5%. In his sophomore season at West Liberty State (NCAA2) he played 29 games averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 66.9%. In 2017-2018 he moved to Nova SE (NCAA2) playing 27 games averaging 19.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 6.8apg, 3.6spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 78.1%. In his senior year at Nova SE (NCAA2) he played 33 games averaging 15.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.8apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 66.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about his basketball career.

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

Thanks for having me Miles . I am currently living in Fort Lauderdale Florida where I finished my college career. Training here with some of the coaching staff and individual trainers. My summer has been good so far. Very busy trying to prepare myself for the next level.

Congrats on signing your first professional contract with German club wiha Panthers Schwenningen. Do you honestly feel like you would have accomplished this and your success in school if you hadn’t made the step moving in with your dad in high school and playing for him at Harvest Prep?

Thank you. Very excited to get the first contract signed and reach my dream of being a pro. I honestly don’t think I would’ve made it this far without transferring over to play for my dad my junior year. He pushed me every day on and off the court to be a better player and person. The exposure was way better for me and the experience of traveling out of state so much prepared me for college basketball

Did you get any feedback from your ex teammate Seger Bonifant who has been a top German Pro A shooter with Team Ehingen?

Yes I talked to Seger a couple times when I first was in contact with wiha and just asked him about the league and the competition and if he was in my shoes what would he do. He was a very big key to my success my freshman year. He took me under his wing from day 1 and just stayed on me to stay focused and made sure I knew the amount of work it takes to be a high level player.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball. Do you know any guys playing here besides the deadly sniper Seger Bonifant?

From what Seger says Germany is a very big basketball country and the people are very supportive. Says it’s a fairly smooth transition when it comes to communicating with most Germans speaking or at least understanding English. I know Dan Monteroso who played with me at West Liberty my sophomore year. He played with seg this year. Then I also know Luquon Choice and Dorian Pinson who played in the same league. Seg and I played against them both my freshman year in the final four. When I decommited from West Liberty , Dorian called to try and get me to transfer to Lincoln Memorial with him. So we’ve gotten closer over the years.

Head coach Alen Velcic is high on your abilities and listed you as one of his desired players. What were the main factors besides his trust and team plans for you joining and what was the deciding factor?

He was very dedicated to talking to me and answered any questions me and my agent had for him. He really emphasized a high tempo transition game in which I feel I excel in. Creating for others and myself. The pieces he’s brought in he feels will really be fun and easy to play with so I’m excited to meet the guys and get to work . 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a dynamic point guard that reminds me a bit of Mike Conley. To what NBA player would you best describe your game to?

A lot of people have described my game to Mike Conley so that is funny you say that as well. I feel I’m a point guard who wants to get out and run and make the game easy for everyone around me . I feel I’m a better than average finisher around the rim with either hand and can see the game before it happens . I also really understand the pick and roll and make the right decisions out of that. 

Your stat line and being near triple doubles also reminds me of Russell Westbrook. You were close to triple doubles as a freshman against Shepherd and Kutztown. Is there a little of Russ in you?

I feel I play with the same passion as Russ. There’s not a game or a possession that I take a play off. I’m going to play as hard as I physically can every second I am on that floor. The triple doubles and the stats are just a plus to that and as long as we win I don’t care much about my numbers 

You’re a versatile point guard that can score, rebound and get assists as well as being a menace on defense. What are other strengths in your game that Germany will see this season?

They will see a young rookie play hard and just do everything he can to help his team be successful. I feel I am a great leader by words and by actions. I will push myself to be the best I can be as well as my teammates. Diving on the floor, hustling after loose balls, taking charges all little things I’m willing to do.

You have been described as being a player that plays like a veteran and has a good basketball understanding. Is this something that you got early on from your dad?

Yes , I would say my dad had the biggest impact on me learning the game and just understanding how it should be played. Watching him play growing up to watching film on myself together. When we watch college or NBA games we don’t watch the ball we watch everyone else and their movements and how the defense is set up. He really focused me at a young age on making the right reads out of ball screens and reading the help side defense 

You also have a very good character on and off the court? How challenging is it to be a very fair competitor, but at the same time being an aggressive and ruthless pest on defense every night?

I pride myself on my defense. I don’t like when people score on me. My dad always taught me before I could put the ball in the hole. That if I can’t score I better be good on defense and not let my man score because the score would be 0-0. I laugh at that today but he was right. Also going back to being a veteran minded young player I feel my help side defense is very good as well because I communicate and have very good hands if someone drives by me I feel I can steal it 9/10

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet like no other, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

I would say a hidden strength that doesn’t go on stat sheet is just making the hockey assist. If I make a pass out of a trap and then it’s a 2 on 1 for the bigs and they get an easy lay up that’s something I pride myself on making the game easier for everyone else 

You played two years at West Liberty State (NCAA2). Do you ever wonder where you would be today if you had stayed and not followed head coach Jim Crutchfield to Nova SE (NCAA2

Honestly I don’t think about it. They had two great seasons without Coach Crutchfield and I . And we both couldn’t have been more happy for them. I know I wanted them to succeed and I wanted the guys to win and be successful in life. They won conference back to back years and made the NCAA tourney. The tradition never died down and that’s a testament to coach Howlett and the guys he recruited. I still talk to some of the guys and catch up with each other 

You had incredible success at both schools reaching the NCAA 2 final 4 with West Liberty and NCAA 2 Elite 8 with Nova SE (NCAA2What were the two biggest advantages each school gave you in the time that you were there?

West Liberty it’s a very small city so there was nothing to do but be in the gym. I really found a new love for the game when I was there. Quiet nights quiet gym with just the ball bouncing and getting shots up and becoming a better basketball player. I didn’t want to be the guy to come in and mess up the tradition so that pushed me to become a good player. At Nova I had to come in and show the guys what it takes to be a champion. They all looked at me when things got tough and I had to have answers for them. If they didn’t understand what coach wanted. I had to explain in ways they could. I really grew as a leader at NSU and it’s helped me be a better player to this day.

How much of a pleasure was it being able to play with Seger Bonifant at West Liberty? Where does he rank with the best shooters that you have played with?

Like I said earlier seg took me under his wing right away. He knew I would be the starting guard and he had to make sure I was ready. He is by far the best shooter I’ve ever been around and most likely the best scorer as well. In college he scored at all 3 levels whenever he wanted. He pushed me every day and I can’t thank him enough for it. 

You have had some bitter loses in your career, but was the 103-102 loss in the NCAA 2 Final 4 to Lincoln Memorial where you put up 26 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists one of your worst in your career? Two of your opponents Dorian Pinson and Luquon Choice played in Germany last season in the Pro A with Hanau

I would say it is the most frustrating loss because we scored 100 points in a game and we didn’t come out on top. I was a freshman playing in the biggest game of my career and I knew I only had so many games left with those seniors. They led the way and I just tried to keep up. LMU played a hell of a game making big shots when needed. But yes that would be the most painful loss I’ve had in my career. One game from reaching the end goal. 

You then moved to Nova SE (NCAA2). You were very consistent here scoring in double figures in 52 of 60 games in your two seasons. How do you feel did your game grow in your two years here?

Coming from WL I was more of a pass first point guard and didn’t need to score as much but when I transferred I had to take on more of a scoring role. I was more aggressive trying to get myself easy looks and get to the rim when I could. I feel I have gotten stronger and have become a better finisher and shooter. 

You had so many great games in your NCAA 2 career, but if you had to name a game where fans saw the best of you which would it be?

My best game was most likely the regional championship this year where we beat Lynn to move on to the elite 8. I felt I was very aggressive and efficient scoring and also felt I made lot of little plays to help my team win. 

How did head coach Jim Crutchfield groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach has been preparing me for this since the first day I stepped on campus my freshman year. We talked and I told him this was my goal and everyday he pushed me personally to limits beyond what he expected from the team. He knew I had potential and he just taught me everything he could in the 4 years I was with him. He is a huge role model in my life and I wouldn’t be here today without him as well.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Nick Smith?

Nick Smith may have beat me 1 out of 100 times in one on one.

Who was the toughest player that you played in the NCAA 2 that is in the NBA or in Europe now

I played against a lot of tough players in college to name a few that stick out . Elvar Fredrickson , Haywood Highsmith ,Pat Moseh , Thomas Wimbush , Matt Bingaya , Michael Baez and Johnathon Lawton 

Please list your five best teammates of all-time?

It’s very hard to pick just 5 teammates that I love because I loved them all so much. They made coming to practice fun and enjoyable. They all were like family to me! 

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

Kobe, Lebron, MJ, and Kareem 

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

I think Michael is still the greatest. He just had that edge to him and just played at a different pace than everyone else. Lebron is a great player and we might not ever see anything in the league again like him for years but MJ is still the greatest of all time to me

What was the last movie that you saw?

South Paw.

Thanks David for the chat.

Virgil Matthews is a 36 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that completed his 12th professional season and fourth with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 7,4ppg,39rpg and 6,1apg. Two seasons ago he played with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) playing 24 games averaging 8.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 71.4%. Three seasons ago he almost led Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) into the BBL playing 40 games averaging 9.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 86.7% He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played 31 games averaging 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga) playing 29 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL) playing 28 games averaging 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games averaging 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. He would play until 2014 with Ehingen playing 126 games with three seasons in the Pro A and one in the Pro B. He resigned with the Niners Chemnitz in June and spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer

about basketball

Virgil thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is your summer been going?

I’m good back in the states working out and doing a lot of golfing.

Before we talk about the future let’s briefly look back on last season? We last spoke in the second half of the season. You stressed the team would finish the season strong and did in first, but again lost in the semi’s. Was the playoff loss to the Hamburg Towers difficult to digest?

It’s still hard to digest. To have a season like that and then to have it end like that not sure I will ever get over it. 

You swept PS Karlsruhe quite easily. How was the focus and confidence level going into the series against the Hamburg Towers? Did you think back on that dreaded series against Gotha in 2017? 

We swept Karlsruhe but that was not an easy series. They were a good team with strong players. Our confidence was high we felt we were the best team. We didn’t think it would be easy against Hamburg but we were confident. The series with Gotha was in my mind but I tried to not think about it, this was a different year with different teams. 

Again Chemnitz was up 2-1 in the semi-final series this time against Hamburg and lost again. Was the game four 98-96 loss one of the toughest in your career? 

Actually game 2 I think was worse than game 4. We didn’t control game 4, but we controlled game 2 and lost it. 

When you look back at the five game series against Hamburg, what do you feel was the deciding factor at the end that ended your season? 

I think they just played better in the big moments. I think the pressure level was a bit different for them once they finished in 4th and as well as we were playing. I think people expected us to win. There was pressure on both sides and they just did a better job of performing in the face of it. 

Rodrigo Pastore continues to be one of the top Pro A coaches the last years. How hungry do you feel will he be this upcoming season to be successful? It is about time that he leads you to the BBL.

Yea he’s taught me so much over the years and I know he’s hungry to move up but he wants to earn it by winning. Its definitely that time and we hope this year is the year. 

The last few years, I have always been thinking about preparing that last retirement article, but so far it never happens, because you keep coming back. What do you feel has stayed younger your mind or body?

Haha! My body is not young at all my teammates keep my mind young. I think my mind keeps my body going and just the enjoyment of playing, I like competing in games and I still want to win. That is what keeps me playing. 

Chemnitz isn’t far away from Jena. How important have the BBL legends Derrick Allen, Immamuel Mcelroy and Julius Jenkins been for your continued focus and will to keep playing into your mid thirties?

I don’t know them personally at all just a bit from playing against them. They are amazing to still be able to do what they have done for all these years. They are all legends in Geman basketball. I don’t think I’ll play quite as long as they did but you never know.

Congrats on resigning with the Niners Chemnitz. This will be your fifth season with them. What were the main reasons for coming back for another season now at age 35?

There are many factors, the club treats me very well it’s a very close group its like family, that is nice. Coach Pastore is also a big reason, we get along well he does a good job I like the way he coaches. His passion and desire is unlike any coach I have ever played for. And last but not least the fans! The Atmosphere in Chemnitz is the best in the Pro A for sure! There is so much passion and they are always there and always supporting. Having that kind of support makes the decision easy. 

Can one say now that Chemnitz is your second home ahead of Ehingen where you played only four seasons? 

That’s so hard to say, I don’t want to have to pick one. I still have great friends in Ehingen and still get a great reception every time I go there. Chemnitz is great to me and I love being there. I like to think of it as I have two homes when I’m back in Germany. 

Of course Ehingen was a very important place because it was the first place after playing in Munich and Schwelm that gave you an opportunity to develop further as a player. What kind of a player were you then and what kind of player have you become? 

I think I am a similar player, I was probably still a bit more athletic in Ehingen, but I’ve learned so much in Chemnitz I think I’m a lot smarter. I think I’ve learned more and understand more now, I think that makes me a better communicator. That’s the biggest difference I think I understand how to communicate better, and I understand both sides like from the coach’s point of view and the players point of view 

How important was it for Chris Carter coming back to Chemnitz? How valuable is he as a player and how is he better today than a few years ago when you were teammates?

Chris is beloved by the city of Chemnitz and he’s a very good player. He’s better now he’s led a team to the BBL he is a better shooter and a better player, also a better leader. Getting him back is a great deal and a great acquisition for Chemnitz.

You guys still have some unfinished business to take care of for the Chemnitz fans. Back in 2017 you were up 2-1 in the semi’s and still lost not moving up to the BBL. Do you feel like there will be a special fire between the two of you to help make special things happen this season? 

I think the whole team will have a fire to finish the goal that we all want. I’m sure for him its important too after his past season he has something to prove and I think moving up helps get him back on track for his career. 

The last time you were teammates you averaged 9,4ppg. Do you feel like you can become more of a scorer again with Carter on board?

I don’t mind scoring or not as long as we are winning. I think I can do other things to help the team win. If I just make more open shots I think the scoring will or can go up so that’s the main key for me is just to be more efficient shooting the ball. I’m not worried at all though. 

Let’s talk about your game. Last season you averaged 7.4ppg, 3.9rpg, Assists-3 (6.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 66.9%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 75.4%. How content were you with your season? 

Like I referred to earlier that 3pt % is terrible I’m not content with that at all I’m in the gym trying to make sure that percentage is much better than that. Besides that I think the season was ok. We had a great team so stats don’t stand out as much as some other teams who play guys a lot more minutes and rely on them for heavy production. 

I can imagine you will have the backup role to Chris Carter this upcoming season. What will you be focusing on most this season with the back up role? 

Just to help any of the players. We have with my knowledge just seeing things may they don’t see and telling them about it. Sometimes it is better coming from a player rather than a coach. Sometimes it is also easier to see things from the sidelines, so that’s what role I’ll try to have.
Do you feel like it would be wrong to say that Carter/Matthews won’t be able to be the best 1-2 point guard tandem in the Pro A? How strong do you feel you guys will be? 

That would be a great situation, coming off the bench hopefully when we do get time we will be the best guard duo. I think his aspirations are to be the best pg in the league so I’m ok being the best bench pg in league too. 

You stated in our last interview that an important aspect to you will playing is that your body keeps feeling great. But adrenaline also plays an important role. How much longer do you feel can that continue to happen as your body continues to age? 

Not much longer. I would be very surprised if it goes much further as far as me on the court. 

You averaged 26 minutes last season and six assists. Passing and reading the game has been a big strength in your game in your career. Does age put some unneeded pressure on you having to stay consistent each new season? 

Not really I don’t put unneeded pressure on myself. I know what I can do. What I try to do more than anything is just stay consistent do my job every game without having big ups and downs. I think I can do that if I’m out there. When I don’t think I can do that anymore I’ll know its time to stop playing.

How will your off season program look like this summer? Will there be any new things that you will incorporate into your routine or stick to what has been working the last years? 

Just more shooting making sure to stay in pretty good shape. Lots more concern on maximizing my body and improving my shot. 

Who was the toughest point guard that you battled last season?

It had to be Scootie from Hamburg. What he did in that game 5 was amazing looking back on it we should’ve just been trying to deny him the ball he played great. I’m sure there were others but he stands out maybe also because it was the last game. 

How important was the Toronto Raptors NBA title for the NBA? Is the Warriors dynasty over or will they be back? 

The Raptors winning is good for the NBA just furthers their reach as a global game. There is already a strong Canadian basketball world out there but this has grown it. Plus with players like Gasol and Siakam their home countries gain exposure by them winning. So it is good for the NBA. I think the Warriors will surprise people this season. They have a very good coach and front office. They will make adjustments with the injuries and be competitive this season, and then the season after I think they’ll be right back at it.

How did you experience the 2019 NBA draft results? What were the surprises for you this time around?

Not really I don’t watch a ton of College basketball, I think it will be interesting to see how these players adjust and play in the NBA

What was the last movie that you saw?

Brightburn

Thanks Virgil for the chat.

 Zamal Nixon is a 185cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that is a rookie playing in Germany for t Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB). He played at Houston (NCAA) from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 10.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.7apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 92.2%. Currently for Herten, he is averaging 24,3ppg, 2,9rpg and 6,9apg. He spoke to Eurobasket before their playoff series against TV Langen this weekend.

Herten is about to embark in the playoffs this weekend against TV Langen. How excited are you about this challenge?

Im very excited about this weekend we have a really good team and were playing well so i’m excited to see how far we can go in the playoffs 

Herten as the second seed is playing TV Langen the seventh seed. Herten goes in as the favorite. TV Langen have nothing to lose. How has the team got ready not going into the series to relaxed?

We respect Langen and we know it isn’t going to be an easy series, so our level of respect for them alone will have us ready to play and not go into the series relaxed 

Herten finished the season with a three game winning streak. What does the team still need to work on to get even better throughout the playoffs?

We need to keep getting better defensively and keep getting better at executing our plays offensively 

TV Langen have 2 strong scoring Americans with Nathan Drury and Luke Fitzgerald. What will be key to winning this series?

The key to winning the series will be containing those two defensively, and if we can throw them off their game we should be fine

You came very late to the team. Were you surprised that it took so long to find a professional team despite a solid senior year at Houston?

No I wasn’t surprised people already warned me how tough it was going to be getting a job overseas for this season, so I just had to stay ready until my opportunity came

You have ate up the PRO B. Is the PRO A the next step for you?

I can’t say whats next right now all I can do is focus on finishing up this season strong, and after that i’ll see what opportunities presents its self 

Was it a bit shock for you going to the PRO B and seeing things on the court a bit easier than in the NCAA?

Yeah it was kind of a surprise but there is also a lot of good talent in this league as well

How important has the young German Vincent Kittman been for the team? What do you like most about his game?

Vince is a really good player, and he’s helped the team out a lot. I think his strengths are the energy he plays the game with, and he ability to rebound the basketball 

What is your fondest memory of Q Calhoun at Houston who is having a solid career in Poland now?

my fondest memories of Q would have to be his athleticism. He could always turn a bad ally oop pass into a spectacular play 

What are your early 2012 NCAA Final 4 picks?

Duke, Kentucky, Missouri, & Syracuse 

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now?

The best player would have to be Derrick Rose, he didn’t have his best games against my school, but nobody else i’ve played against is having the type of success that he is right now.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was Final destination 5. I watched it last night. 

Thanks Zamal for the chat. 

It was mid August when BBL team Fraport Skyliners and Pro A squad MLP Academics laced them up for their first pre season game in the BCM training facility in Frankfurt. For someone who didn´t know anything about the team and players and was a neutral spectator, it wouldn´t have taken long to figure out who each team´s best player was. On the Frankfurt side it is without a doubt the captain, Skyliner legend, Mr energizer, Mr freak athlete who would have earned his bread in the NBA had it been a defensive league, the guy everyone calls Tez Quantez Robertson. He fills up the stat sheet like a mini Westbrook and despite turning 35 this December still plays like he is 27-28 years old and has the motor of a young buck. He learned his basketball trade at the well known Auburn University and granted there have been some great players that have come out of that institution that made it to the NBA like a Marquis Daniels, but no one more well known than Sir Charles Barkley. Tez would probably fire out the name Barkley when asked who the greatest Auburn player was quicker than he can blurt out his standard line “whats going on”. While on the other side of the court with the MLP Academics it was Adam Eberhard on this day. Hardcore Heidelberg fans could start a debate with Shy Ely talking the honors, but on this day the American couldn´t hit the ocean while Eberhard sparkled with fine all around play. If one would ask the Indiana native who the greatest player in the history of his school Bellarmine was, he wouldn´t hesitate a second to answer the name Braydon Hobbs. Even if Hobbs was a Bellarmine great that won two GLVC titles and the NCAA 2 championship, he didn´t join the best leagues or best teams right away, but had to pay his dues in Spain and Hungry before making the jump to Germany which he has called home since 2014. His climb up the ladder continued as he had to prove himself again in the Pro A with Nurnberg and then played well with non playoff team Giessen and then made another leap playing for playoff team ratiopharm Ulm. He reached the peak in 2017 joining famous German brand team FC Bayern Munich where he won three titles. One could argue who had the better Bellarmine career Eberhard who won three GLVC tournaments, or Hobbs who won two GLVC titles, but also won the very coveted NCAA 2 title. Now Eberhard has the chance to make a name for himself in Germany the way Hobbs has. Braydon Hobbs has been a very important figure in his development at Bellarmine and will surely continue as he makes his way through the professional ranks. “Braydon has been a role model of mine since before I got to bellarmine. I have been compared to him since my freshman year and being able to get to know him and work out with him has only increased the level of help that he can give me. He is someone that I can talk to and ask questions and the path he has taken is a huge motivation for me”, warned Adam Eberhard.

                Adam Eberhard was born in Evansville, Indiana and got his first basketball experience at Francis Joseph Reitz Memorial High School. He began to attend Bellarmine in 2015 and as a freshman played 30 games averaging 7.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.0%. He averaged 18,5 minutes per game and scored in double figures in six games including 17 points in a 78-50 pounding of Illinois-Springfield and 16 points and 9 boards in his first college game in a 89-79 victory against Northwood. The GLVC run ended in the semi against Lewis. He made a huge jump in his sophomore season playing 28 games averaging 17.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 87.4%. He scored in double figures in 27 games and had 21 points or more nine times including a 30 point explosion in a 103-96 win against Quincy and then hit them again with 27 points in a 93-64 drubbing. He won his first GLVC title gaining MVP honors. After leading the team as a freshman with 63% from the field, he did again in his second season at 59%. His junior season was again a success as he played 32 games averaging 14.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 52.5%, FT: 81.8%. He scored in double figures in 26 games including a 24 point game against Wisconsin-Parkside and a 22 point effort against Maryville MO. Again he helped the school win their second consecutive GLVC title beating Truman State 75-61 as he took off with 21 points, 15 boards and 6 dimes recording his second MVP title. On top of that he demonstrated his fearless shooting from outside at 52%. In his senior year he played 33 games averaging 17.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 83.9%. He scored in double figures in 28 games and scored 22 points or more 10 times. He hit Rockhurst for 33 points and Northwood and Findlay OH for 30 points apiece. He helped win his third GLVC tournament over Drury 65-48 while registering 8 points and 5 dimes. He stayed neutral about which GLVC title was the sweetest. “Making it to the final four was the sweetest moment of my college career. I cherished every season at Bellarmine because of the fantastic teammates I had”, warned Adam Eberhard. In his four year career he played 123 NCAA 2 games and scored in double figures in 86 games and had so many great games, but there is one game that he remembers very fondly even if he didn´t produce 30 points. “My most memorable game was against Findlay my sophomore year in the regional championship. I did not have my best game, but we won the regional championship and advanced to the elite 8”, stressed Adam Eberhard. Hard work and great work ethic helped the American have success at Bellarmine, but he was also directed in the right direction for four years and helped by head coach Scott Davenport.  “Coach Davenport is a great teacher of the game. I feel that I am ready to take on any challenge that is thrown at me because of him. Over my four years he has taught me how to overcome any challenge and that hard work solves every problem”, warned Adam Eberhard.

                After a stellar four year career at Bellarmine, Eberhard was excited and ready for the next challenge in the summer of 2019 as he embarked on seeking the right professional fit. The American who lists Braydon Hobbs and Tarain Sullivan as his toughest covers had the luxury of signing his first professional contract with German Pro A team MLP Academics Heidelberg on the beach. As he was looking for the right club for his first professional season he already had his eye on the country to possibly begin his professional career in. “I know a lot about the German basketball leagues because I’ve been following it for a few years. Vance Hall, Evan McGaughey, and Braydon Hobbs are all close friends of mine that have played in Germany so I have talked with them about it in depth and have been following it for a while now”; stressed Adam Eberhard. Hobbs made the decision making  a lot easier giving him the right advice in that it was important to find the right fit and best situation for him. With the MLP Academics, he definitely found exactly the team he was searching for. At the end of the day two vital components with the club´s will to win games and wanting to achieve the maximum was what lured him to the beautiful city on the Neckar river that has the famous castle. “Winning is very important to me. I won a lot in college and I’m not a fan of losing. After watching a few games of MLP from last season I quickly got the feel that this was a winning culture and was something I wanted to be a part of”, warned Adam Eberhard. The last missing piece for Eberhard to make his move to Heidelberg perfect was knowing that he would have the most influential and smartest head coach to help him make his start as a professional with Frenki Ignatovic. “I think Frenki will be great for me in terms of my growth as a player and a person. Anytime I can learn from someone with a lot of basketball knowledge I want to jump on that opportunity”, warned Adam Eberhard.

                Now the question will be how well will Adam Eberhard make the adjustment from the NCAA 2 to the very competitive Pro A league. When Hobbs arrived in Germany in 2014, he also began his career in Germany in the Pro A with Nurnberg averaging 11.9ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-4(5.9apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 82.4%. The only difference was that Hobbs was in his third professional season while Eberhard is a rookie. The American is a 203cm forward and has that modern forward mold where versatility could easily be his middle name. He is a basketball Junkie and it´s really hard to find just one NBA player where one could compare his game too. Instead he likes to look at the games of three players. He watches the NBA each night so being able to narrow it down wasn´t complicated. “I try to model my inside game from Nikola Vucevic of the Magic and my passing from Jokic and Lebron”, added Adam Eberhard. The American who lists the usual three suspects of Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Magic Johnson on his NBA Rushmore, but also lists Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird  as the fourth and without even mentioning it must have watched film on Larry Bird´s breathtaking passing skills. “My game is a little bit different from a normal power forward. I feel very comfortable on the perimeter and especially shooting the ball from all levels. I feel my best trait is passing the ball and creating for others. I hope to be able to take bigger power forwards off the dribble and create open shots for my teammates. I get more pleasure out of an assist than I do a basket”, warned Adam Eberhard. It will be interesting to see how well he shoots as a rookie as he will be hungry of improving off his poor senior season of 29% after lighting up arena´s as a junior and senior at 43% and 52%. “The shooting percentage as a senior was very disappointing. I’m not one to make excuses for anything. I did have a back injury that I played through for two months that really effected my play and stats. I’m fully recovered from that and expect to get back to shooting an extremely high percentage from three”, expressed Adam Eberhard. He didn´t only work on his three point shooting this summer, but also on another key area. “I worked on my quickness. I feel as though I can create mismatches against a bigger, slower power forward in this league while still being able to guard them on the other end”, commented Adam Eberhard. At Bellarmine he usually filled the stat sheet like a Quantez Robertson does in Frankfurt and was close to triple doubles, but doesn´t feel pressure or isn´t worried about having to do this as a rookie.” I hope to be able to fill the stat sheet at this level. I’m more concerned with winning games than putting up stats. Whatever my team needs me to do to help win, that’s what I plan on doing”, warned Adam Eberhard. It sounds like he stole that quote from a Braydon Hobbs interview, because when you go to Bellarmine you just can´t get around wanting to always win, but you actually do it on a regular basis.

Greg Logins is a 31 year old 206cm forward from Sodus, New York that began his basketball career with Canisius (NCAA) and is entering his ninth professional season and third in Germany. After playing with Chemnitz and the Hamburg Towers, he will strap on the Bayer Giants Leverkusen jersey this upcoming season. His experience has also brought him to Finland where he played parts of three seasons as well as Mexico, Morocco, Japan, Israel and Argentina. Last season he played with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) playing 11 games averaging 9.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about basketball.

Greg thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer best?

Hello, thanks for the interview. Right now, I am back in New York, visiting my family, enjoying some time, and training hard for this upcoming season. I am enjoying the summer without stress, because this is the first time in my career, that I have signed with a team this early, end of May, and it feels good to know where I am heading.

After a season in Denmark, you are back in Germany with a third team the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Did you get homesick from Germany your home away from home?

I wanted to be placed back in Germany. I love the country a lot, and also, it is a league that I am well recognized and I am familiar with. With playing 2 seasons already in Germany, it will feel good to suite up again, but with Leverkusen.

What did you miss the most about the German culture and it’s basketball?

The thing I miss most about the culture, is that life is easy, and I feel like I have adapted to people quicker. Basketball wise, I miss the fans. Germany has some great fans, and where I am about to play this season, I hear the fans are unbelievably great and I am very excited.

Was one of the reasons why you came back the fact that you had so much success in Germany and was so consistent?

Yes I would say that. I was put in good situations to be able to be consistent for the most part.

The last team that you played for in Germany was the Hamburg Towers. Are you a bit sad that you hadn’t stayed in Hamburg last season and been a part of the massive success of the club?

I am not sad, but it would have been cool to be a part of that success. They deserve it. The Towers have been a hard working growing organization, and with being a part of it two years ago, it was special for me. With them winning the chip this year, I salute to them for grinding and getting it done.

Congrats on signing with the winningest BBL team of all-time Bayer Giants Leverkusen who just moved up from the Pro B to the Pro A. What do you know about the rich history of the club that dominated the early 90’s in the BBL?

Thanks for the congrats. I think it’s cool to be a part of a club that has so much history. With them winning the Pro B last year and with a great record, I think it is going to draw more noise for the city/fans as we compete in the Pro A. I’ve researched a bit about the club before signing, and I am impressed about everything.

Head coach Hansi Gnad is really high on your abilities. What was the deciding factor for you that made you chose to come back to Germany and play for them?

Yes, I am excited to play for him and give my all in every way possible. As everyone’s seen my face in the league for some time, they know what I am capable of doing and my abilities as a player. The deciding factor of me coming back to Germany, was to just be back and playing for a good team in a good situation, and I feel Leverkusen is it.

How excited are you to be playing with 2019 Pro B player of the year Nick Hornsby? You guys will be a very strong duo at the forward position. Does his talent and great ability motivate you extra for the upcoming season having a guy around that will always push you?

Hats off to Nick. It explains its self of how hard and talented he is, to become POY. I’m highly excited to play with him and become a dangerous duo. With my motivation and drive and I’m sure his is high also, we will feed it off to the team, and become a collectively unique team.

What will you be your main goals concerning your game this season? You are now in your thirties. Because of your experience, do you expect even more success from your game than say 2-3 years ago where you had less experience?

My main goal is to just do what I do. Play my game, rebound for us, and run the floor to create for others. I am in my thirties, but the way I train, and find new scenarios to keep my motor going, I will be just fine. I do expect more than previous years. I’m older, wiser, and have a lot more experience.

Last season you played with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) playing11 games averaging 9.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 80.0%. How do you feel are you a better player now than when you played with the Hamburg Towers?

Of course each year I still continue to learn and improve. You can never stop doing those things. I just feel on different teams, sometimes you have different roles. But as a professional, you just have to do your demands the best you can. Denmark and Hamburg I played two different styles, so that’s why it’s different in ways.

You weren’t happy with your role in Hamburg as you didn’t have to do as much as in Chemnitz. What kind of role do you expect to have in Leverkusen and will the duo Logins/Hornsby allow you to have the role you want to have?

In Hamburg, I did have a role. It was something I had to try to accept and just do the best I could. Obviously in Chemnitz, my role was much bigger, and allowed me to showcase more what I could do. After speaking with coach, I’m sure he knows how to use his pieces right, and put us in the comfortable positions to be successful and do what we do best. Playing aside a guy like Nick, will just make it that much better. 

When you turned 30 you stated that you didn’t feel like you were in your prime. Do you feel like your prime is here now and what kind of player will the Bayer Giants Leverkusen fans witness this season?

I’m just a year older haha, but the way I train my body during the off-season, I still few amazing. I do not feel I have lost anything. I feel great. The fans of Leverkusen will see a hard working player, that is energetic, high positivity, and willing to do whatever to help the team win. 

In the last years you improved your perimeter game and foot work. How do you feel did your game improve in the last season in Denmark further?

Yes, I have worked more on my post and face up game. It’s always good to keep putting knew things in your overall package.

Your best scoring and rebounding games in the German Pro A were 29 points and 18 rebounds and 21 points and 19 boards against Rhondorf. What was your personal favorite and best game in the Pro A?

Those games were awesome. But my most favorite game was winning the game to go to the playoffs. The fans of Chemnitz went nuts because it was the first in a while. 

On what things on your game will you continue to work on most this summer as your grinding in the lab?

I’m working on a lot of face up game and attacking. 

Please name your best five teammates of all-time in no particular order?

Jon Williams
Ike Udonah
Josh Peppers
Virgil Matthews
Justin Williams
Brandon McKnight 

There has been a lot of hype around Zion Williamson. What has been your impression of him? Will he be one of the all-time greats or just another very good player in the NBA?

The kid is one of a kid. It is just amazing of how strong, and athletic he is, at that size. He is 280lbs, and jumps out of the gym. It is hard to say of how he will be in the NBA, and how he will adapt, but time will tell.

When all is said and done do you feel like Luka Doncic could become the greatest European ever to play in the NBA?

I don’t know about greatest, because I think Dirk has that title after his 20 years, but I believe he could be listed in the same category as Dirk, as being one of the greatest of all times.

What was the last movie that you saw

The Avengers

Thanks Greg for the chat 

Derylton Hill is a 25 year old 196cm forward from Palm Bay, Florida that will begin his second professional season and first in Germany with BBG Herford (Germany-Regionalliga).Last season as a rookie he played with the Raiders Basket Jarvenpaa (Finland-1st Division) playing 31 games: Score-2 (24.9ppg), Reb-2 (13.2rpg), 3.7apg, Steals-3 (3.0spg), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 80.4% He began his basketball career at Potomac State (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 14.9ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.7%, FT: 70.5%. He then moved to Wallace St. CC (JUCO) in 2015 playing 32 games averaging 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 58.3%, FT: 57.9%. In 2016-2017 he moved to Ark.-Monticello (NCAA2) playing 28 games averaging 16.6ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.6%, FT: 74.9%. In his senior season at Ark.-Monticello (NCAA2) he played 31 games averaging 18.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 79.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about his basketball career.

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

It’s a pleasure talking to you. I am in Palm Bay, Florida (my hometown) spending time with family. The summer has been great so far just working out and spending time with my sons

Congrats on signing with German Regionalliga team BBC Herford. After tearing up the second division in Finland, you have signed with a fourth division team in Germany. Does this make the chip on your shoulder a bit more heavy as you have to prove yourself again in your second professional season?

Thank you. I always have a chip on my shoulder. But signing with BBC will give me a chance to prove myself even more. I’m excited for this next journey with BBC.

What were the main reasons for choosing BBC Herford? What sold you on coming to Germany to ball in the fourth league?

One of the main reasons why I chose BBC is because of the opportunity they presented to me. Germany is a big market and I feel like this would be a great way to put my name out there

Last season as a rookie you helped lead the Raiders Basket Jarvenpaa (Finland-1st Division) into the first division the Korisliga. How big is your motivation and confidence that you can do it again now with BBC Herford?


I am pretty confident that with the help of my teammates we can make it to the playoffs. I am always motivated to become a better player and promote team work among one another so that we all win and perform as expected.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex teammates that have balled in Germany?

I know Germany has a very competitive basketball market. I have not had any teammates who have played in Germany.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward that can fill up the stat sheet. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare my game to an NBA player I would say I play more like Draymond Green. You can definitely see how he plays with emotions and he gets teammates involved. He’s a well-rounded player on the court.

Your only 196cm, but are an amazing rebounder. Last season in Finland you hauled down more than 20 rebounds four times. You had 6 more rebounds than what you averaged in the JUCO or NCAA 2. How do you explain such a rapid rise in getting boards?

Rebounding is not skill to me it’s more of an effort. Who wants it more is how I look at it? It’s just a natural instinct to go after the ball.

In Finland you were given the nickname ‘The Tank’. Your a very robust and physical player. How important is your physicality for your success on the court?

I really didn’t know my nickname was ‘The Tank’ until my agent told me the other day. Haha. I played football growing up and through high school so maybe that’s why I’m so physical. Physicality has a big impact on my game that’s just how I play.

You also have displayed excellent leadership qualities. Is this something that you have always had as a player or something that you picked up more recently?

I have always been a leader but since I played in college I have become a more vocal leader. There is no ‘I’ in team so I just try to encourage my teammates and myself to stay focused and grind harder. We don’t always win but you can’t sit around and dwell on it. Pick yourself up and go harder the next time.

You took no three’s as a junior, but have increased your attempts from outside the last two seasons. Will you continue to become more of an outside threat as you continue to move up the ranks as a professional?

Yes. I’ve been putting in more work in the gym. Consistency is key.

Last season you played with the Raiders Basket Jarvenpaa (Finland-1st Division) playing 31 games: Score-2 (24.9ppg), Reb-2 (13.2rpg), 3.7apg, Steals-3 (3.0spg), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 80.4%.There are many guys that will have played 10 or more seasons and never won a title. How enjoyable and challenging was your rookie season?

I can definitely it say it was blessing and a great opportunity to play for the Raiders. The most challenging part was when we lost a few games back to back. I felt so much pressure because I was a captain and an American. After we played Lathi and we beat them that’s when we got on a winning streak

How important was it for you having the only other American Jordan Jacks on the team? You guys were a rebounding force averaging 23 rebounds apiece.

It was very important because I didn’t feel all the pressure if I didn’t get a rebound. I know if I lacked in rebounding I could count on Jack.

You had many great games as a rookie, but which was the most memorable? Possibly your 40 point explosion against Ura Basket 2 or netting 21 points in the title win over Tapiolan Honka?

Most memorable game is win over the Tapiolan Honka because we won the championship and did it on our home court.

In four seasons you played for three schools with Potomac State (JUCO), Wallace St. CC (JUCO) and Ark.-Monticello NCAA2). How important was having this experience for your early development as a player?

I was able to learn something from all three schools. They all have a different coaching style so it really opened my eyes as a player. I don’t regret the experience because I gained something from every school.

Often a player will play a season or two at a JUCO school before moving up. You played two seasons in the JUCO, but for two different teams with Potomac State (JUCO) and Wallace St. CC (JUCO). Why did you do this and what was your fondest moment in these two years?

I attended two Juco’s because at the time my son was still young so I moved closer to home. I also had a better opportunity attending Wallace because it was a Division 1 Juco.

You then played two years with Ark.-Monticello (NCAA2) reaching two GAC tournament finals. Despite not winning a title there, how memorable was your time there?

It was a memorable experience. It was challenging at first because we had very big shoes to fill coming up off a losing streak. With the help of my teammates we were able to turn that losing streak into a winning streak. I definitely built a bond with my teammates and formed some lifelong friendships.

How did you become a better player after two years at Ark.-Monticello (NCAA2)? What part of your game do you feel grew the most there in that time?

I became a better player after having the green light from Coach Tolin to play my game. I was able to be the floor general on the court. Also, coach was very open-minded and listened to any suggestions or ideas his players had. During my time at Monticello I improved on free throws, became a more vocal leader, and a finesse player ( not playing bully ball)

You had many great games at Ark.-Monticello (NCAA2), but was your 32 point explosion over Harding one of your most memorable?

Yes! That was a very memorable game. If I recall that was my highest scoring game.

How did head coach Kyle Tolin groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

His saying stuck with me the most after a good practice he would say ‘I put money in the bank today’ which means showing up to practice matters. You have to put in work to get good results. His coaching style and pushing me to my full potential also helped me become the player I am today.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Cobe Goosby?

Haha. We both had our days but it’s safe to say some days I would win and some days COBE would win. But for sure we helped each other improve our game.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the JUCO, NCAA 2 or anywhere that has made it to the NBA?

Devin Booker. He was really crafty, quick, and can shoot the lights out the gym.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Haha. That’s a tough question, I have too many to name.

The hype of Kawhi Leonard has been huge. Where in your opinion does he rank now with the best players in the NBA?

Kawhi ranks in the top 3.

Please name your personal NBA Rushmore. Which 4 heads past or present would you choose?


Lebron James Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Kevin Durant

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

Lebron James just because I grew up during Lebron’s time. Lebron is my favorite player.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Pets 2.

Thanks Derylton for the chat

Sven Stammberger is a 198cm forward from Halifax, Canada and also has the German citizenship and will be playing his rookie season in Germany for Pro A team Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at Dalhousie University (CIS) from 2012-2018 playing a total of 97 games. He ended his career there as a senior playing 20 games averaging 18.4ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 85.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about his basketball career.

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

Hi Miles! Currently, I am at my home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I moved here in grade ten and went to high school and university at the local Dalhousie. My summer has been going well, we are finally getting some summer weather now in early June. I have been focused on finishing my degree and training to get ready for the upcoming season and get back in game shape.

You finished your college playing career in 2018 at Dalhousie University. In the last year you completed the semester in the Corporate Residency MBA program and also helped coach the woman’s team. How important was it having this year off from basketball?

I would argue that the year off playing competitive basketball was difficult for me, but important in different ways. It emphasized my desire to play professionally because I didn’t want to hang up the sneakers quite yet and stay on the sidelines. I also had the opportunity to go on an exchange semester in Denmark which I would never have had the chance to do if I was playing this past year. I think that experience was very valuable and something I won’t forget. Helping coach the women’s team at Dalhousie this past year was really nice for me to stay involved with the varsity teams at Dalhousie and gave me the chance to give back some of the stuff that I had learned over the years. 

Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Tigers Tuebingen. Were you on the radar of German teams or was it more the good connections that your agent Matt Slan had that was vital for you getting the job with the Tigers?

Even though I grew up in Germany and my mother played professionally for many years I do not have a strong connection with any teams anymore. Matt was a great help in navigating my first year going pro. It was really helpful to have someone that knew coaches and teams in the German leagues to help me gauge the situation. I am really happy and excited to start off in Tuebingen. It looks like a nice place.

You moved to Canada when you were 9 years old and lived there for 15 years. How Canadian did you get in those 15 years and what is your relationship to the German culture now as you return back to Germany?

I think both me and my sister have a pretty even connection to both places. I remember growing up we would always cheer for both countries at the Olympics and watching the German team win the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 gave us a special feeling. However, after 15 years living in Canada I would say that culturally I am more Canadian, but I am excited to rekindle that connection with Germany.

What kind of relationship did you have with Germany in the last 15 years? Did you ever return back to Germany and were you able to keep your German language alive?

I have been back to Germany many times since I moved away. Mostly in the summers to visit with friends and relatives. I can still speak German; however, my vocabulary is not as large as it should be, due to my leaving Germany after grade three. Within a few months of moving to Canada I would speak English almost all the time. I still speak German with my Omi in Germany and my father every so often. Usually it takes me a few weeks immersed in the language to feel fully comfortable speaking German again. 

You practiced with a BBL team in 2013/2014. What kind of experience was that and how do you feel are you a better player today than you were then?

A good family friend of ours, and former assistant coach with my mother’s team Mathias Fischer, was coaching the Telekom Baskets Bonn that year and he invited me to train with them for a couple weeks during the training camp in August. I was just coming off my first year playing at Dalhousie and had suffered a broken wrist resulting in me missing the second half of the season. The opportunity to train with the professional athletes was amazing because it really got me ready for our team’s training camp and bumped me into the starting lineup from only playing 5 minutes per game the year before. It also gave me the experience of seeing what level the pros were playing at and where I had to get, to make that transition to the pro game myself. 

You signed with the Tigers Tuebingen. What were the main reasons for signing with the Tigers Tuebingen? How vital was head coach Doug Spradley in helping make your decision easier?

It’s a team that has recently played in the BBL so they know what it takes to get there. It is a nice city and area to live in. I had some good conversations with Doug and liked what his vision for the team was. I thought I would fit in well that way. Ultimately I signed with the Tigers because I thought the team gave me a good opportunity to start my career and that they valued what I brought to the court. 

You had a very productive career in Canada showing your versatility. How confident are you that you will be able to make an impact at the Pro A level?

I am a competitor who always works hard and fights for his team. I am confident that I can make an impact at this level. I came out of high school unrecruited and hardly played my first years before many successful years playing at Dal culminating in an All-Canadian nod in my senior year. All that is because of my work ethic and ability to learn from players better than myself. 

You will be teammates with Canadian Tanner Graham who you played against once in a pre-season game in 2017. He is a versatile forward like yourself. How do you feel will you two guys compliment each other best on the court?

I am excited to play with him next year. We got to know each other a bit in the last year. It is always good to have a teammate to compete with because it makes both players better. I think Tanner can be that player for me. I love playing one on one and can’t wait to make up for that pre-season game where his team beat ours. But on the court, he is a great player who plays very smart and has great athleticism and those kind of players are always fun to play with.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a versatile 198cm forward that can do a bit of everything. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think generally it is pretty hard to compare yourself to anyone so I will give a shout-out to my former teammate Kashrell Lawrence who in our first year playing together always compared me to Danilo Gallinari. 

You grew as a defender in Canada at Dalhousie University. On what areas on the defensive end do you take most pride in when your helping your team stop the other team?

I think I take pride in being able to guard various positions. Our team defensive style at Dalhousie included a lot of switching and we were able to do that partly because we had players that could guard a wide range. We also would practice hard denial often, and it came in clutch for us a number of times when we were able to force turnovers in late game situations that led to late comeback victories. 

Now as you start your professional career, on what things in your game do you want to continue to grow as you battle in the Pro A?

I want to continue working on my shooting ability. In the recent analytical wave in basketball the three-point shot has become so much more popular so I think it is very important to be as automatic as possible from the three-point line. Additionally, I am working on using my three-point shooting ability to create breakdown situations going at the rim and trying to make the correct reads out of that, whether it be to keep attacking or kick to a teammate. 

You were voted as one of 8 of the most outstanding student athletes in the country. With being a guy that is well rounded, do you suspect to continue to be active and do usual things off the court when you are in Tuebingen?

Yes, I hope to be involved in the community when I arrive in Tuebingen. Those community service events are always more fun when you are doing things with friends, so I hope we can get some team things going together.

You won three AUS tournaments from 2015-2017. Which one was the sweetest?

That is a really difficult question because all three championships were sweet for different reasons. But our first victory was so unexpected and in each of the three games of the tournament, we were able to come back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, including a 17-point turnaround from late in the third in the championship game. This was also the year after we had missed playoffs and no one else in our conference really expected us to be good. Additionally, I was named to the tournament All-Star team which was really special because the year prior, I had been watching the playoffs with my broken wrist and didn’t expect to be an All-Star or even win the championship that very next year. 

You had many memorable games at Dalhousie like hitting UNB for 40 points or hitting St Francis X for 35 and 36 points back to back. Was one of these games your most memorable or was it another?

I definitely had a lot of fun games at Dalhousie and I will remember many of them for years to come. But my most memorable game came in the semi-finals of the playoffs during our final championship run. We were the number one seed but had been playing poorly and were down by 6 with 45 seconds to go. I still remember every single possession of those last 45 seconds where we forced three turnovers including one where I stole the ball and then slammed it down to take the lead. I remember barely being able to sleep that night because the emotions were still running high.

How did head coach Richard Plato grow and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Throughout our whole Dalhousie career, Coach Plato always would harp about the ‘little things’ and I think he really taught us how important all those ‘little things’ are. This would include things like boxing out, talking loudly during every possession, taking care of the ball and many more. He also is a great motivator and really places an emphasis on working hard which is the skill that I think got me the farthest in my career.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Alex Carson?

We have a very similar playing style so we often would have close one on one games. Mostly it just depended on who was feeling it more that day. 

What is your NBA Rushmore? Please select four heads old or new?

MJ, Lebron, Kareem, Magic

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

I think it is so difficult to compare the two and that there will never be a definitive conclusion to that debate. There will always be people on either side, until another player comes along. At that point it will probably be a three headed debate then. If push comes to shove, I would probably choose Lebron, possibly because I’m young and never really got to appreciate MJ’s greatness, and partly because that performance he put up in the 2018 playoffs was legendary. He’s also had such longevity which I think is equally as impressive as all his other accomplishments. 

What is your fondest memory of Dirk Nowitzki growing up?

I definitely enjoyed watching him win a championship in 2011 but also when I was 14 I got to see him address the crowd and present awards at the U17 world championships in Hamburg when I was there watching. And recently I noticed from Instagram that my future teammate Besnik was a player on the Germany team during that championship which is a cool coincidence. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

I really like thrillers and sad movies. Not a fan of the superhero genre and may be the only person to not have seen Endgame lol. The last movie I watched was 21 Jump Street. A throwback! Funny movie though!

Thanks Sven for the chat.

Tags : SVEN STAMMBERGER, TIGERS TUEBINGEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL