It was still late summer, the weather was great and the Pro B season was just underway in it´s second weekend on September 29th, but the season of the Dragons Rhondorf had began slowly and their disgusting 102-56 drubbing in Giessen should have been a bad omen for the season. In this game the 2015-2016 Pro A team Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t muster anything on offense and shot only 3/21 from the parking lot while Giessen was very sharp from downtown nailing 12 trey´s and totally dominated the boards 42-25. Another interesting stat that would haunt the Dragons Rhondorf the whole season was how well their German players were able to score. Giessen got an incredible 74 points from their German players while the Dragons had to settle for only 37 points. This season has been a major struggle for the Dragons Rhondorf and with the stretch run of the season having arrived, they are in severe danger of moving down to the Regionalliga if they can´t start winning some games now in the last month to be in better position in the playdowns where each of the last four teams play each other twice and the best two remain in the league. The Dragons Rhondorf came into the game in the Pro B cellar with a 4-14 record while Giessen has been the big surprise team of the season as they sit comfortably in the playoff area in fourth place with a 10-8 record. They have had a tale of two seasons as they lost seven of their first nine games, but since then have won eight of nine games including three games in crunch-time. The Dragons Rhondorf were desperate for a victory and wanted to seek major revenge for their pathetic loss by 45 points in Giessen and played a lot better than the first game, but couldn´t full end their amazing fourth quarter comeback as the guests escaped the Dragon Dome with a 74-70 victory. After the win a disappointed Lotola Otshumbe tried to explain why the club was unable to pull out the win. “Our energy on defense wasn´t consistent. If you want to be successful in the Pro B, you need to bring this for 40 minutes. We had big problems on transition defense in the first half. We rebounded very well, got steals and fought back in the second half. If we can stay positive and bring energy than we can play with anyone. The question is why we can´t do it from start to end”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Lotola Otshumbe. After the big win Giessen guard Jesten Lewis was relieved that the team could pull out the win despite the big comeback. “Defensive rebounding got us the win. We were outrebounded in the first half, but rebounded better in the second half. We played together on offense and stayed composed at the end”, added ex Mercer(NCAA) guard Jesten Lewis.
Professional Basketball Players Overseas And The Super Bowl Have A Special Bond
The Super Bowl is a day that is part of American culture and a day where surely every American that is in some way football interested can give a memorable story to. It is a day where after 6.30 at night in the states, you can roam the streets in some towns and really see nobody and is the night where retail workers could literally take the night off as there is very little customers venturing into the store except for maybe at half-time to reload on Coke and chips, but then again who wants to really miss the usually interesting half-time show and all the new innovative commercials. Obviously any Super Bowl that my favorite home team New England Patriots won was special to me, but if I had to look back in my life at a Super Bowl, then it would be Super Bowl 20. It was rather uneventful as I had to see a feisty Chicago Bears team led by slick coach Mike Ditka and the offensive duo of Jim Mcmahon and legendary running back Walter Payton destroy my team as their defense led by Mike Singletary stifled our offense. I will also never forget the tank William the refrigerator Perry who was called biscuit as he was one biscuit shy of 350 pounds barrel into the end zone for a touchdown and later his infamous commercials. I was attending prep school and of course could of watched it at school, but me and a couple of friends decided to sneak off campus and catch the blow out loss at a girls house who was having a party. The whole thrill of watching the game off campus and doing something naughty made the whole experience worthwhile. The score and loss though didn´t sweeten the few hours off campus though. We didn´t get caught and got back on campus without incident.
Tra Holder (Fraport Skyliners) Learned To Block Out Negativity And Continued To Work Hard To Achieve Success
Basketball buzzer beaters are a rare occurrence and as seldom as DeMarkus Cousins hitting a three, but when they do happen, they often find a very strong hold in the hearts of those that were affected by it. It is even rarer for a guy playing his first ever home game for his new team being a part of a buzzer beater and witnessing the electricity of the arena as the ball splashes through the netting as the buzzer sounds. Rookie Tra Holder experienced this recently in Frankfurt for the Fraport Skyliners as teammate Skyliner lifer legend Quantez Robertson who is in his 10th season with the team hit first ever professional buzzer beater. In the last years there have only been a few buzzer beaters in the Fraport arena as Justin Gray nailed one in 2011 helping Frankfurt defeat Wurzburg while Antonio Graves hit two buzzers beaters one with Artland against Frankfurt and then dropped one with Frankfurt against Ludwigsburg. But none was as exciting and had as much meaning as the one Quantez Robertson hit over the EWE Baskets Oldenburg last weekend. The team were in the midst of a 8 game losing skid, were down by 10 points to the second place team and then to come back and win in buzzer beater fashion was a very special moment in the clubs 20th season. Holder was on the court and witnessed the whole thing. He was parked in the corner and could of got the ball, but American Tyler Larson had little time and his only safe option was Tez as he is called by everyone in Frankfurt except for maybe the passport control at the airport. “ It looked like it would go in. I fell to the ground when he took it and was so happy he made it. It was really cool, because it was my first home game, we were in a drought and we were able to beat the second best team. It was simply spectacular. I hope it can jump start our season”, stated Trae Holder. Seeing that amazing buzzer beater brought back special memories for Trae Holder as he looked back on his younger days and also what he has seen other guys do. “I have made two buzzer beaters. I made one in high school where we won the title. I also made one against USC with Arizona State. The one against USC was similar to the Frankfurt one. Against USC, we were down by 10 points, but had only 1,30 minutes to play. I also remember the one Kyrie Irving hit with the Cavs beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA finals”, stressed Tra Holder. The first week with the Fraport Skyliners has been very thrilling for the rookie while the first part of his rookie season battling injuries and never playing a game for Fiat Torino was rather unpleasant, but the guard wants to finish the season strong and help his new club as much as possible. He came into his rookie professional season having a great career at Arizona State overcoming some hardships along the way, but he learned to block out negativity and continued to work hard to achieve success.
Spaghetti Bolognese And Grilled Salmon With Sautéed Spinage With Jordan Theodore In Athens
Jordan Theodore is a 29 year old 182cm point guard from Englewood, New Jersey that is playing his seventh professional season and first with AEK Athens (Greece-A1). Last season he played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-Serie A) playing 20 games averaging 10.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%; and played 23 Euroleague games averaging 11.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.5%. In the 2016-2017 season he played with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL) playimg 31 games: Score-3 (18.4ppg), 3.7rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.2%; In the BCL, he played 19 games: Score-4 (16.2ppg), 4.1rpg, Assists-1 (7.5apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.3% In the 2015-2016 season, he had his most successful season as a professional winning the FIBA Europe Cup with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) playing 37 games: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 18 games: 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 90.2%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Seton Hall (NCAA) where he played until 2012 127 NCAA games and as a playing a total of senior played 32 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 82.7%. In 2012, he started his professional career with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) playing 27 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 73.5%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA, starting five )playing 17 games averaging 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 87.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against Dijon where the American enjoyed a dish of Spaghetti Bolognese and grilled salmon with sauteed spinage in Athens.
Colton Ray(ScanPlus Baskets) Consistency Is Key And It Helps You Maintain A Job As Well As Get Jobs Later On
Colton Ray is a 196cm guard from Williamsburg, Virginia playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team ScanPlus Baskets. He began the season with KK Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcinj (Montenegro-Erste Liga). Last season as a rookie he played with St. John’s Edge (Canada-NBL Canada) playing 13 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.7rpg. He began his basketball career with Lafayette HS and also played with Saint Ignatios Prep (S.C.). He played at Coastal Carolina (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 119 NCAA games and as a senior played 37 games averaging 9.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 73.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com a few months ago about basketball.
Colton thanks for talking to germanhoops.com You recently celebrated your first Thanksgiving in Germany. What kind of experience was that for you and how American was the experience in Germany for you?
It was pretty cool they made it really Americanized for me so that it kind of felt like home. Not all the traditional foods but definitely had all the important ones.
After having been briefly in Montenegro this season you are now for good in Germany in the Pro B. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends that have played in Germany in the past?
I don’t know much about Germany other than Dirk Nowitzki but I’m enjoying it. I have a few friends that played here in the BBL so I knew about the style of play from watching it online back home.
You have joined reigning Pro B champion ScanPlus Baskets. What was the deciding moment where you knew that this team would be the right fit?
Obviously knowing they were the defending champions I knew they would be a contender for a championship and that’s what drew me in. Then meeting the players and the coaches I knew it would be the right fit.
You have joined one of the most talented and deepest teams in the Pro B. What is your role on the team and would not being the number one scoring option be ok with you?
My role on the team is to do a bit of everything and no that’s not a problem with me as long we get the dub that’s all that really matters. I’m just trying to win a championship.
The team has many different players with different nationalities. What has been your impression of the club and how important is it having so many different type of basketball cultures playing as one?
I’m loving it so far just being able to meet so many guys from so many different areas and being able to connect through basketball is such a cool thing to me.
You’re a guy that likes to dunk so you should feel right at home having a guy like Brian Butler as your teammate. What have you appreciated most about his game in the early going?
Well Brian is our captain so from the jump I immediately respected him because you don’t get that title without earning it. I mean the guy is a hard worker and a high flyer and I’ve enjoyed being able to go out and compete on the same side as him.
Have you picked up anything from Brian Butler’s dunking abilities in practice or does a guy like you not need any extra dunking tips?
Hahaha I mean nothing crazy. He has a lot more in his dunking bag than I do. I’ll try to do something a little crazy in the warm up line and then he’ll do the same thing and make mine look awful so I really leave the dunking up to him.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a very flashy player that can really do it all on the court. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit that description?
I mean I don’t know because those guys are so extremely talented but I watch a lot of Zach Lavine clips and athletic wings who can put it on the floor and try to model my game and take a little piece out of all of their games and put it in mine.
You can shoot the ball well, run the floor well and can finish with the best of them. What other strengths does your game have that you will showcase in Germany?
I think I’m a guy who can defend pretty well too. I might not be your typical pressure full court kind of guy but in a half court setting I take pride on the defensive end making sure my man doesn’t score and sacrificing my body by taking charges as well.
On what parts of your game are you working most on to continue to make your game as versatile as possible?
I think just remaining consistent is a big thing for me. I stay in the gym and try to go to any optional shooting practices there are in an effort to help do that. I’ve learned as a pro consistency is key and it helps you maintain a job as well as get jobs later on.
You’re a player that can fill up the stat sheet with ease, but what do you feel is still a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away?
I’m not sure. Maybe my creating for others. I’ve always been a team player and I try my best to get everyone involved on the court to a fault sometimes.
You played your rookie season with St. John’s Edge (Canada-NBL Canada) playing 13 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.7rpg averaging only 9,9 minutes per game. I am sure you expected a totally different type of rookie season. How tough was your rookie season and did you experience any positives?
Well honestly I don’t even consider it my rookie season because I suffered a torn meniscus prior to the season officially starting. I tried to play through it but the pain dealt too much and I wasn’t performing at a level I knew I could. Luckily Coach Jeff Dunlap and the front office gave me the opportunity to stay and rehab and even put me in some games toward the end of the season just to let me get my feet wet in the pro game which was huge. Nothing but love for the St John’s Edge and still keep tabs on them. But yeah I really consider this my rookie season.
In your 13 games there no team scored less than 88 points. I have heard good things about the NBL league in that it continues to grow. However is this league similar to the G-League in that guys are playing solely for stats as the big scoring games would suggest?
The league is a lot tougher than people give it credit. There were some really good players that were exceptional offensively which provided a lot of scoring. I don’t think that it’s just scoring though because every night guys were trying to win and stats didn’t matter as much, at least on our team.
You played with quite a few guys that had played in Germany like Carl English and Rashaun Broadus. But when I saw the name Ransford Brempong, I chuckled a bit. I mean he retired ages ago. He came out of retirement after being out of basketball for 7 years. How did you experience the big man? Was it amazing that he could just come back after such a long time and play at a level like that?
Big Rans was my guy from the minute he arrived. Hearing his story and seeing him come out of retirement and being a key contributor was awesome to witness. He gave me so many lessons that I’ve carried with me to Germany and we still talk every now and then to this day.
You played at Coastal Carolina (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 119 NCAA games. You won two Bug South Conference titles in 2014 and 2015. Which one was more sweet?
They both were REALLY sweet but 2014 was special because it was our first NCAA tournament birth in 25 years and we endured a lot of hard losses that year that really shaped us into making a run in the conference tournament and ultimately as a 16 seed taking a 1 seed UVA down to the wire and almost pulling off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history.
You reached the NCAA tournament in 2015 losing to Wisconsin 86-72. What memories do you have of this game despite not getting many minutes?
Honestly just seeing how good that team really was up close instead of on TV. Frank Kaminsky dominated us effortlessly and everyone else really followed his lead. After playing them we understood how they went to two straight Final Fours.
You had many great games as a senior, but many that resulted in loses. Was your 15 point 16 rebound effort in the 81-77 win against S Alabama one of your fondest games concerning your overall play?
Awesome game from a rebounding standpoint and pushing the game to overtime and winning on the road was awesome as well. My fondest game was probably my senior night which was my last game in the home gym with the guys I came into Coastal Carolina with and securing that win will always hold a special place in my heart.
Is Elijah Wilson like a brother for you? You went through thick and thin in school for four years. Now he is a top player in Austria. What was your fondest memory with him?
Blood wouldn’t make us closer. Talk to him still all the time and even lived with him this summer. Funny story actually we played each other in prep school when we were both committed to Coastal and his team cheated and beat us by 1 in a holiday tournament. My fondest memory of Elijah would have to be when we played Minnesota as freshman. It was maybe our 4th or 5th game playing a top program on the road and we came out absolutely on fire together. I finished with 15-16 points and didn’t miss a shot and he finished with 25. I knew our time at Coastal would be special after that and ultimately we became two of the most winningest players in our schools history.
How did head coach Cliff Ellis prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?
Coach always had belief in my talent and knew if I panned out and worked hard I would play professional at some level. So he made it a point to stay on me and coach me tough because he could see my potential as a player. At times I didn’t understand but looking back now it all makes sense.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Elijah Wilson?
Obviously me but he probably won’t ever admit it. He did win the last time but I’m definitely winning the overall series.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?
Either Eldridge Payton or Frank Kaminsky
Who would be your starting five of best teammates you ever played with?
Elijah Wilson Badou Diagne Tristan Curtis Warren Gillis Myself And Ron Trapps off the bench
If you had to construct your very own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?
LeBron MJ Curry KD
What is your personal opinion of the never-ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
Jordan will always be the greatest player ever however LeBron has solidified second. Mike just was so ahead of his time and his killer instinct would make him a problem in the modern day era as well.
The Los Angeles Lakers are over 500 at the moment. Where do you see the journey of them going this season with Lebron James?
I picked them to go to the conference finals. You can’t ever bet against LeBron. Only when he’s playing against the Warriors
Luka Doncic is the real deal and the top rookie in the NBA at the moment. Do you feel that with time he could become one of the greatest European players to ever play in the NBA?
He’s definitely on track. The things that guy can do at his size is unreal. Definitely a believer.
What was the last movie that you saw?
Home alone
Thanks Colton for the chat.
The wiha Panthers Schwenningen Big Third Quarter Breaks The Fraport Skyliners Juniors 75-65
Every winning streak has to come to an end sometime as the wiha Panthers experienced last weekend losing a bitter nail bitter to Coburg 85-82 which ended their amazing 23 game winning streak at home which had started in April of 2017 and carried over all through last season where they won the Regionalliga title. They didn´t need any adjustment time this season as they have taken the Pro B South by storm. They won their first four games, but since then have had ups and downs, but produced a positive 7-6 record to have a strong hold on second place. A big problem for their offense has been the injury to captain and robust point guard Kostas Karamatskos as the team playmaking and leadership has been dearly missed, but the club still has done a good job compensating his void by getting solid production through out the roster. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continue to play a super season despite having changing rosters all through out the season with the availability of the BBL double license players and injuries effecting their results. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors arrived into the battle with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen with a lot of self confidence as they had beaten talented and 2018 Pro B champion ScanPlus Baskets 81-75 as they were extremely deflated without their leading BBL double license players, but the younger guys stepped up and came up big in their absences leading the club to a huge victory. Against the wiha Panthers Schwenningen, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without young kids Len Schoormann, Maxi Begue, Calvin Schaum and Jordan Samare who were balling at the Addidas Next Generation Tour in Munich, but in good company again as some of the BBL double license players were on board again like Elijath Clarance and Armin Trtovac, but not Richard Freudenberg and Garai Zeeb as a high scoring third quarter of the guests broke the back of the home team as they could never recover losing 75-65. After the tough loss, many of the players snuck out through the rear of the gym next to the dressing room, but young German big man Aaron Kayser left through the main entrance and gave his two cents about the loss. “We didn´t play together as a team in the third quarter. We had no solution for their zone. We also gave up too many transition baskets. We have to learn to play better as a team and share the ball better. Obviously Garai Zeeb was dearly missed, but that can´t be an excuse as we won last weekend without him”, stated ex Chemnitz Niners center Aaron Kayser. After the big win Philadelphia native Rasheed Moore was proud of how his team stuck together for 40 minutes. “We gave all we had today. We didn´t have a great start. The first half was ugly. In the second half, we began to hit shots and turned up the defense”, stressed wiha Panthers Schwenningen forward Rasheed Moore.
Fraport Skyliner Lifer Legend Quantez Robertson Slaps The EWE Baskets Oldenburg With Buzzer Beater 75-74 Win
The last weeks have been extremely painful for the Fraport Skyliners and fans as the team has been losing and losing so much that it´s almost February 2019 and they were still seeking their first victory in the new year. Currently the club was hiding behind an embarrassing 8 game losing streak and desperately looking to crawl out of their always growing hole, but the opponents didn´t get any easier as they had to battle 2015 easyCredit BBL cup champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg. They have witnessed an amazing season as withdrawing from international club duty this season has done wonders as they have been able to concentrate on the BBL and came into Frankfurt with a 13-3 record and sitting in second place behind FC Bayern Munich with the second best offense and defense in the league. For some Skyliner fans coming to see their team may not have been high on many wish lists, but to see Rickey Paulding step on the Fraport arena floor again and do his magic was definitely worth the ticket. Time continues to fly even on the basketball court and the Detroit native isn´t 30 anymore, but 36 and still playing like a 28 year old as he is in his 12th season with the club. A few days ago the seven time BBL allstar who had many battles in Frankfurt with his friend Jimmy Mckinney in the last years was rewarded with a contract extension and handed a loyalty ring for his faithfulness and loyalty to the EWE Baskets for never leaving the club. The American BBL identity figure came to Frankfurt having played 460 BBL games and amassed a total of 6,242 BBL points and was ready to not only battle the Fraport Skyliners again, but also against their identity figure Quantez Robertson who is in his 10th season with Frankfurt and both combined for 29 points and dropped some amazing shots over each other, but the guy standing tall and having the biggest smile after 40 minutes was Quantez Robertson who led a comeback and slapped the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the face with a buzzer beater 75-74 win. After the big win Robertson was content and not eagerly emotional since he had left all his energy on the court after the buzzer beater, but he still had enough gusto to talk and smile about his duel with Rickey Paulding. “We battled all day long. I made a couple tough shots over him and he did the same against me. It´s always fun battling a guy like that”, stated ex Auburn(NCAA) standout Quantez Robertson. After the loss, EWE Baskets Oldenburg legend Rickey Paulding hid out in the dressing room together with teammate Franz Massenat and one could of thought they might never come out, but actually they were waiting for teammate Karsten Tadda who had been occupied with doping controls. As always Paulding was very professional the way one should be after such a bitter loss. “I know what Tez brings to the table. I am happy for his career in Frankfurt. I hope he can play longer with Frankfurt than I did with Oldenburg. The people in Frankfurt really like him”, stressed Rickey Paulding. “I could really feel those two guys going at it. There is a reason why Paulding has played so long and we see Tez make those shots every day”, warned Trae Holder.
The NBA Is Always On Vincent Hunter´s Mind But For Now It´s Leading AEK Athens To Another Title
It was 2,30 in the afternoon on a very rainy, windy and stormy day in Germany where no one really wanted to leave the house or the work place as the conditions were as uncomfortable as a Shaq falling down on you in the paint and taking his time getting up and the kind of day where no umbrella is safe and where one better have a more sturdy one waiting in the wings when I reached ex NBA player Vincent Hunter preparing for a Basketball Champions League game against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg. It was five and a half hours before tip off and he was up beat and why shouldn´t he have been, because basketball life for the friendly American has been excellent in the last year and a half as he got his first experience in the NBA playing a few games with the Memphis Grizzlies and then returned back to Europe and suited up with a new team AEK Athens and proceeded to win the Basketball Champions League and Greek Cup. Basketball life has continued to be good for the Detroit native as this season he has an important role on a team that has been playing very well in the Greek league where they are currently in third place and always in the mood of annoying the Euroleague powerhouse teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos and in the Basketball Champions League have held their own sitting atop group C with a record of 10-2 and on their way of continuing to do damage in this competition the way they did last season. The amiable sounding American didn´t know me and I didn´t know him, but for some reason we hit it off right away on the phone, but there was one side note that definitely helped the getting to know phase as I mentioned to him that I had had dealings with his brother Matt in the past. His brother Matt Hunter is four years older than Vince, but 7 centimeters smaller and is also a professional player. He played at Central Connecticut State (NCAA) and then played in Germany and his last stop was with IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Dominos League) two seasons ago. In Germany he wore the jersey of the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProB) playing 25 games averaging 18.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 71.2% and picked up Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 2nd Team -16 and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Defensive Team -16 awards. Even though Vincent Hunter has had more success than his brother he has the utmost respect for him and thankful for very much. “We have a special relationship. I have watched him play since I as a little kid. He is one of the main reasons why I even started to play basketball. He is looking for a team at the moment. He is still a good player. I still learn a lot from him. I appreciate his passion and hustle the most on the court”, stressed Vincent Hunter. He also is one of the few professional players that didn´t take himself in that special one on one duel with his brother. “We get at it all the time during the summers. I think he would get more wins. I´ll give him that”, added Vince Hunter. One notices quickly that that brotherly love is mutual and that the respect for each other is more than present. “Me and my brother are like super goofy. Anytime we get together it’s nothing but jokes n laughs. We can just chill and not talk about basketball at all. I think that’s what helped us with sports. We’ve always been competitive and it just helped us push each other. Seeing who would score more or get more dunks. It’s always been fun. I think that’s why we have always been happy and cheered for each other”, warned Matt Hunter. After my nice chat with Vincent, I promised to try to help his brother Matt get back on the basketball scene with a team with my basketball and agent contacts. After the brother connection was discussed and the ice was broken, I preceded to have a very informative and interesting 40 minute talk about his career. The NBA was a hot topic, but so was his zeal to do great things with AEK Athens. All throughout the talk, the American continued to repeat a phrase that has stuck with me since then. “I just have to keep my head down and keep moving forward”. He obviously wants to get back to the NBA, but this phrase clearly shows the kind of drive he has to be successful for any team he plays for as the NBA is always on the mind of Vincent Hunter, but for now it´s leading AEK Athens to another title.
Vincent Hunter was born on August 5th, 1994 in Detroit Michigan and grew up in Southfield and played at Consortium College Prep. There he first got noticed with his basketball talent as he was named team MVP as a senior after averaging 26.5ppg, 14,0rpg, 4,0spg and 4,0bpg and aided the team to a 20-4 record. He then played two seasons at UTEP(NCAA) playing a total of 67 NCAA games and started 58 games. In his freshman season he played 34 games averaging 12.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 60.9%. He scored in double figures in 22 games including posting 26 points against Southern Mississippi, 21 points against FIU and 20 points against Middle Tennessee State and Marshall. He upped his game even more in his sophomore season averaging almost three rebounds more per game while playing 33 games averaging 14.9ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 60.2%. He scored in double figures in 25 of 33 games and registered 12 double doubles. His season highlights included a 26 point bashing against South Eastern Louisiana, 23 points against N Mexico State and 22 point efforts against UAB, Rice and Florida Atlantic. He had made great progress on the court in his two years at UTEP and felt he was ready to test the professional waters instead of continuing in the NCAA. He had the total support of his family who made his decision come a lot easier. Usually when a player is putting up strong stats in the NCAA, a lot has to do with his own ability and teammates, but in most cases the head coach also has played a significant role in that player developing so well. Very rarely do I hear of a player that had a good NCAA career and then had the luxury of having a professional career not talk fondly of his college coach, but sometimes things don´t mesh with the head coach as Hunter experienced with Tim Floyd at UTEP. “I´d rather not talk about him”, said Vincent Hunter. The American declared for the NBA Draft in April 2015, but remained undrafted, but got his first taste of the NBA that summer playing the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with the Philadelphia 76ers playing 4 games averaging 7.0ppg, 5.5rpg.
Hunter who credits the Arizona(NCAA) standouts Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as his toughest opponents in school began his professional career in 2015 and made the training camp roster of the Sacramento Kings (NBA) plying one pre season game and later was released and then moved to Reno Bighorns (D-League) where he got his first real taste of how the NBA works playing 33 games averaging 21.8ppg, Reb-3(11.1rpg), 1.5apg, 1.0spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 66.7%. He was incredibly consistent scoring in double figures in 30 of 33 games and scored 20 points or more 23 times and 30 points or more four times. He had a monster game against Los Angeles netting 32 points and hauling down 24 rebounds and also had great games against Iowa with 32 points and hit Oklahoma for 31 points. His stellare play definitely warranted some kind of NBA call up, but it never came. His rookie season didn´t end in the D-League, but suddenly he was in balmy Athens in winter playing for one of Europe´s greatest teams Panathinaikos and teammates with Greek legends Antonis Fotsis and Dimitris Diamantidis and well known players like James Gist, Nick Calathes, James Feldeine. “Of course I was disappointed and wanted a call up. I really wanted some team to recognize me, but in the end it turned out good. I came to Greece and played Euroleague with Panathinaikos Athens. Signing with a Euroleague team was a big deal for me. I was quickly showed another view of basketball. That helped me in the long run”, warned Vincent Hunter. With Panathinaikos Athens (Greece-A1) he played 14 league games averaging 2.9ppg, 3.3rpg; and 8 Euroleague games averaging 4.0ppg, 1.9rpg. It normally is always very competitive with minutes with Euroleague teams, but when you come in mid season, getting minutes is a major challenge, but he was very happy for the early European experience. “It helped me a lot. I was lost when I came to Greece. I didn´t know the European game. The game quickly taught me how different the game is in Europe. When I came over, I really believed I would average 30/20 in Euroleague, but I learned quickly that that wasn´t realistic. I ended up getting something like two shots a game”, added Vincent Hunter. Along the way he picked up his first professional title with the Greek cup.
In his second professional season in 2016-2017 he sought the NBA route again starting with the NBA Pro Summer League in Orlando playing 3 games for the Los Angeles Clippers averaging 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg and then played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas with the Memphis Grizzlies playing 5 games averaging 11.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.8spg, 1.0bpg. After playing a very strong NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, he had high hopes of making an NBA opening day roster, but was disappointed by the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies ven if he did play 4 pre season games for the latter. He decided to refrain from going the G-League route and went back overseas for a new challenge with t Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB). He had a very good sophomore campaign overseas for the Russian side playing in the VTB which is considered a top league where he played 17VTB games averaging 14.7ppg, Reb-2(7.7rpg), 1.0apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 67.6%, and played 9 Basketball Champions League games averaging 14,6ppg 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.9%. “I believe that the VTB is one of the top leagues in Europe. It was crazy how many good teams we played from a day to day basis. I remember playing top teams like Kuban, Zenit, CSKA and Khimky in a time of four to five days. You always have to bring you’re a game. Otherwise you will have problems”, warned Vincent Hunter.In the VTB League he had some great games against Unics and Khimki netting 22 points a piece. He´ll never forget playing against one of Europe´s top organizations CSKA Moscow losing 95-80, but contributing 6 points, 6 boards, 2 dimes, 2 steals and a block. There was especially one player that Hunter was in awe of on that evening. “Kyle Hines is a guy I always want to learn from. We play the same position and we are both undersized position five players. He is one of the top defenders in Europe so I try to pick up things from him. He is a perfect fit for CSKA Moscow. I like how he plays his game. He produces in his own way”, warned Vincent Hunter.That season he had some teammates with marque names like Michael Stocktin and Marquis Teague, but he had a very special relationship with the fierce and intimidating competitor Nick Minnerath. “Nick is my guy. He actually played division one at the University of Detroit so I watched him play a lot in high school. So we had a little connection there. He went through the same kind of steps I did playing D League and then coming overseas. I always tried to take in as much information as possible”, added Vincent Hunter.
Going into his third professional season in 2017, it was no surprise that he was booked up in July and not available for any lounging on Miami´s or Mexico´s beaches as he had another date with the NBA Summer League in Orlando playing 3 games with the Oklahoma City Thunder) averaging 16.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 58.6% and also with the Memphis Grizzlies in Las Vegas playing 6 games averaging 8.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.8%. In his third attempt of reaching the NBA, he finally made the big show with the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) playing 3 games averaging 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg and also played 13 games with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 17.4%, FT: 70.3%. In the G-League he scored in double figures in 10 of 13 games including a 29 and 13 effort against N Arizona and a 23 and 14 effort against Oklahoma. His good G-League play got him a gig with the Memphis Grizzlies. He scored in every game, but lost to San Antonio, Miami and Golden State. He had some memorable teammates with Marc Gasol, Tyreke Evans and Mario Chalmers just to name a few and will never forget the NBA ride. “I cherished the overall learning process. We didn´t have a very good season. We had the second worst record and were ahead of Phoenix. Our coach was fired during the season. I learned about the ups and downs that go along with being in the NBA. The most important thing I learned about my time with Memphis is that you have to keep grinding, keep my head down and keep moving forward. You can only control what your doing”, warned Vincent Hunter. There is that phrase again of keeping his head down and moving forward. Every player´s dream is the NBA, and for Vincent Hunter being at the big show was way to short. “Of course the NBA is on hold for me. I always want to play at the highest level possible. If I can´t play NBA then I want to play Euroleague. The NBA dream is never over for me”, warned Vincent Hunter. Making the NBA last season may have been his biggest feat as of yet, but his season would provide a few more major highlights when he joined AEK Athens (Greece-A1). He may have come in mid season and played only 14 Greek league games averaging 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 63.2%, FT: 81.5%; and 8 BCL games averaging 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 63.6%, FT: 57.7%, but he also won 2 chips with the Basketball Champions League and the Greek Cup. He had some very strong games in the Basketball Champions League including a 20 point game in 22 minutes in the 80-71 win against Olimpija and was solid in the final contributing 10 points in 17 minutes in the 100-94 win against Monaco.
It was only obvious after the massive success with AEK Athens that he would return for this season. He did have another go at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas playing 4 games for the Los Angeles Clippers averaging 8.8ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 68.4%. AEK Athens continue to shine this season and after two titles last season have a lot of self confidence for new great things happening this season. “I think that we are a top team. We have been playing well in the BCL, but were coming off a tough loss against Olympiakos. They are a real tough team. Our biggest strength is our defense. When we are locked in defensively then we are to beat”, said Vincent Hunter. The team recently let go Canadian guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes and could have picked up the missing piece to a title with guard gem Jordan Theodore. “ He played with Milan last season and played BCL with Banvit. He knows how to score the ball”, stressed Vincent Hunter. The team has a lot of versatility and experience with guys like Jonas Maciulis, Dusan Sakota, Malcolm Griffin and the beast Delroy James, but have a reel jewel in Howard Sant-Roos who has been climbing the basketball ladder since 2009 when he was with Bernareggio (Italy Serie C Reg.) and toiled in the German third division for a few years in Braunschweig playing with a fairly unknown Dennis Schroeder before making his break through in 2015 with CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). “He is our leader on defense. I think that a lot of people don´t really know how good of an offensive player he is. Once he is clicking he can be unstoppable on offense. On the defensive end, he can stop anyone”, warned Vincent Hunter. On a team with a lot of talent, Vincent Hunter is holding his own and leading the team in scoring and rebounding in both competitions. He had good performances in the Greek league with 12 points against Panathinaikos and 15 points against Olympiakos in losses and in the Basketball Champions League hit Lietkabelis for 28 points, French team Dijon for 25 points and Spanish side Fuenlabrada for 24 points. “My biggest strength is my versatility. I can guard the positions 1-5. I try to bring a lot of hustle on defense getting blocks and steals and just being everywhere”, warned Vincent Hunter. His scoring definitely gets noticed from opponents, but it´s his versatility as a scorer that isn´t always on the radar. “Even if I do score, I still think that at times it does get unnoticed. My ability to score on the fast break and scoring in different ways is something people don´t always see. I can´t control if people notice this or not so I just keep my head down and continue to move forward”, stressed Vincent Hunter. Once again that favorable phrase of his always present in his mind when he is thinking about his career. Hunter didn´t leave Bamberg with a win, but left the Bavarian town still sporting a positive 3-2 record against German teams. Against Bamberg, he played solid for 27 minutes contributing 14 points on 7/10 shooting in a tough 77-73 loss as the 11-5 turnovers did them in. The 203cm forward has the chance to win three titles this season as his basketball rise continues to develop. At the age of 24, he already witnessed the NBA and played against Tony Parker, Marc Gasol, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and as a rookie was a Euroleague player with Panathinaikos Athens. He is a guy that will be very interesting to watch where his basketball path continues to take him. With a strong finish with AEK, he might not even have to play NBA Summer League in summer as he route back to the NBA could even be easier. He knows what his recipe for success will have to contain for him to get back to the big show. “I think the only thing I have to do is keep playing my game. I think that somebody will eventually notice me. I can´t control that, but only how I play. Like I said before, I will keep my head down, work hard and keep moving forward”, warned Vincent Hunter. Oh there is that phrase again of keeping his head down and moving forward. His intensive focus and desire to reach his goals are so strong that he will go his way.
After Surviving His Nurnberg Woes Bill Borekambi (wiha Panthers) Learned One Should Never Give Up No Matter How Tough The Challenge
Bill Borekambi is a 26 year old 198cm forward that has played for 9 professional teams and is playing his first season with the wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen (ProB). He has a lot of professional experience having played 36 Pro A games for Cuxhaven and Nurnberg and played 75 Pro B games with Lich, PS Karlsruhe and Rostock. He also played two seasons with Coll.Sequoias CC (JUCO) and played a season in the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven organization playing second Regionalliga and NBBL. Last season he was a key contributor for the Rostock Seawolves (ProB) playing 30 games averaging 14.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the Pro B game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.
Bill thanks for talking to germanhoops.com! You’re 26 years old and have played for 12 teams in the last 12 years. Are you a guy that has to by nature always be on the run and can’t be in one place for a longer moment of time.
Hey miles, I hear that question a lot. but yea honestly I like to collect different experiences and see different places. For me it’s fun to see so many places for me it’s a part of that pro basketball lifestyle. It really helped me to grow as a person and player.
You helped lead PS Karlsruhe and Rostock to the Pro A. I never understood why a guy like you didn’t get rewarded with remaining with one of the teams and playing Pro A again. Has this bothered you and created a chip on your shoulder?
I figured out for myself that the Pro B is the perfect league right now for myself because I’m also working off the court on my future after basketball. I know the league very well by now and know that I can have a big impact on any team. I had a couple Pro A offers but instead of being a role player in the Pro A, I rather be a league lower and be one of the team leaders. I probably don’t have too many years left of pro basketball and I want to use them playing as much as I can and don’t sit somewhere on the bench.
Your playing your first season with the wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen (ProB). If somebody had told you in training camp that the team would be in second place with a record of 11-5 in January 2019 and had won all 8 games at home what would you have thought?
I knew we had a very solid team and that the ambitions of the club and coaching staff were the same like before in Rostock and Karlsruhe. I think a lot of teams underestimated us but for me it wasn’t too much of surprise because I know that we put that work in and everybody is on the same page.
Kwan Waller(Dragons Rhondorf) I Started From Scratch But It Made Me Tougher Because I Never Gave Up
Kwan Waller is a 29 year old 183cm point guard from Auburn, Illinois that is playing his third season in Europe and first with the Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 16,8ppg, 4,1rpg, 4,0apg and 2,9spg. He began his basketball career with Auburn High School. He then played with Sauk Valley CC (NJCAA) and Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2). He turned professional in 2012 an dplayed in semi-pro leagues in the states from 2012-2015 for teams like the Charleston Gunners (PBL), Rockford Riverdawgs (IBA) and the Lake Michigan Admirals (PBL). He also sampled experience with Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA) playing 15 games averaging 12.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 80.6%. In 2015-2016 he came to Europe and played with the Leeds Force (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 15.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 69.7%. Last season he played with Sokhumi Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague playing 21 games: Score-4 (17.9ppg), 5.6rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 63.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Kwan welcome to Germany. After playing in countries like England and Georgia. What has been your impression of Germany and what have you learned to appreciate the most so far from the country?
I have learned to appreciate the way Europe plays the game of basketball. It’s a more team oriented game!! It has taught me to become a better point guard.
Congrats on signing with the Dragons Rhondorf. What was the deciding factor that made you take this step?
Basketball is my dream job! I know that joining the Dragons will be a win win situation for both parties! For example me helping out the Dragons with wins and me moving up the latter in Germany from the Dragons organization!
After toiling in the semi-pro leagues for three years, you have found foot in Europe now in your third full season. Does the chip on your shoulder get lighter now with two seasons of European ball under your belt or will it always be there?
Good question! It’s still there! My road to professional basketball has been quite the journey. I have started from scratch. Unlike most players who go pro straight out of college, I felt like I was passed up because of my height and lack of numbers from playing division 2 basketball. Moreover learning that grades does matter in highschool/juco college which stopped my chances of playing division 1 basketball even though I was the leading scorer in my conference and all-american. so I had to start from scratch going to try out after tryout! but it made me a tougher basketball player because I never gave up!
How tough has the overall situation been for you coming to an ambitious team that started 0-4. How tough was it mentally leading up to the first game in Erfurt?
Nothing that I haven’t faced before. Playing in Georgia has taught me how to play with a young team so I’m looking forward to the challenge
You started in Germany on the right foot getting a win. You don’t have the best winning percentage in your first two seasons in Europe as you had a combined record of 15-38 in England and Georgia. How confident are you that the Dragons will turn the season around?
Very confident! anything is possible when you work hard and inspire while your doing it!
What has been your early impression of the Dragons Rhondorf. It is a very young team. What do you feel is the biggest strength of the team? Possibly always sticking together in all tough situations?
Our biggest strength is that we are young! so we can use that to our advantage, running the floor, playing aggressive defense etc.
Lithuanian big man Zygimantas Riauka has been a beast. What has impressed you most about the veteran inside player?
The guy LOVES to win!! He treats the Game like war! and I love that and he doesn’t mind looking in the mirror to see if he is doing anything wrong. Oh he’s also super unselfish. A little bit too much and a great IQ as well. He is my type of big!
You’re the oldest on the court and will be the leader in the back court. How much of a raw talent is 17 year old Samuel Horvath? How vital will he continue to be this season as he gains more experience?
This young guy is good. All we can do is wait to see how good he will become. Maybe sooner than later if he keeps playing against me every day in practice.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard that can fill up the stat sheet at ease. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I don’t like to compare myself especially when I’m still an active player. Let’s wait and see after I finish ball.
You showed your scoring talent the two seasons in England and Georgia On what things do you see continuing to work on and getting better at in your third professional season?
Everyday I’m continuing to become a better playmaker for my team. Also a better shooter and an overall dominate force on the court.
Last season you averaged 4,4apg in the Georgian league. Do you feel like you can up that this season especially when you have a big man like Riauka who is a beast down low?
Yes sir. I feel we already have good chemistry and communication. I feel comfortable we will make the right decisions on the court together!
What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away on the court?
My shooting! and my overall ability to control the game!
Last season you played with Sokhumi Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague) playing 21 games: Score-4 (17.9ppg), 5.6rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 63.3%. You won only 1 game. How tough was this season and what lessons did you learn about yourself when you went through hard times?
The season was really tough and I was put in a bad situation because of injury the previous year. It taught me how to be leader through tough situations on the court. More importantly how to talk to my teammates through those situations.
As a rookie in Europe you played with the Leeds Force (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 15.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 69.7%. Ok so you had the English language there but what was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?
Actually rookie season was in Mexico! I never have been afraid to leave home, that is what I always wanted to do!! England was a great experience for me and the english speaking country made me feel right at home!
In your rookie season in Europe in England you were teammates with American Dandre Bullard who was also a rookie. How important was he for your rookie season and how important were you for him as rookies?
Like I said before I was not rookie! I also toured in china and all through Europe countless times in between Mexico and my first European job. my ex agent is working on a documentary about it now. Bullard and I became very close during our time in England!!
As a rookie you played in the up and coming Mexican league but then three years in the semi-pro leagues with teams like Rockford Riverdawgs and Lake Michigan Admirals. How tough was this period. Was there any one special experience in those years where you say today that that was vital for you staying with it and not stopping?
It was very tough making it as a pro those years everyone kept asking my why I’m not a pro. All I could do was shrug my shoulders. I’m glad I kept chasing opportunities and investing in myself, and that’s what I would tell youngsters today.
In your season in Mexico you played with three veterans Clavin Clemons, Derek Wright and Franco Harris. How vital was guard Harris for you in your first professional destination. Is he a guy that you looked up to considering his vast experience in Mexico?
Mexico was the experience that showed me what the business was about and to play under pressure! it was everyone for themselves.
You began your basketball career at Sauk Valley CC (NJCAA) in 2007 and played two seasons there. How important were these two seasons for your early development? What did you learn about yourself as you were fighting to get established more as a player?
I was just a scorer back then and strictly a 2 guard!! I was a raw talent that didn’t do much besides putting the ball in the basket! I started school early as well, so I was always 2 years younger than my competition.
You finished at Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2) playing there from 2009-2011. What were your fondest memories there on and off the court?
Honestly Kwc was a bad experience for me. one of my fondest memories was changing my shot in one summer. The system made me feel like a robot and I dropped out my 4th year with no degree and no professional offers. The reason for dropping out was to pursue a professional career in basketball in China. The best memory of kdub was when the head coach told me my best basketball was ahead of me with a look of disgust on his face because I was dropping out!
How did head coach Todd Brown help groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
By saying my best basketball was ahead of me!
Who won a one on one back in the day Cardell Mcfarland and who would win today?
We were tied. Cardell doesn’t play anymore. Might want to go watch the full game when we played against each other in England.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?
Not sure if anyone made it to the league when I was playing in the NCAA.
Who would be your starting five of best teammates you ever played with?
Huzie Hambright. Willie Richardson. Darko who currently is in Russia and Tone from my NBA China tour. Sorry I don’t remember last names.
If you had to construct your very own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?
Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Shaq and Bill Russell.
What is your personal opinion of the never-ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
Come on now!! Mj I hate this question. The greatest players never abandon their teams to chase rings, There in it for competition. Kobe is better than Lebron.
What was the last movie that you saw?
interstellar! I’m a huge fan of physics
Thanks Kwan for the chat.
German Hoops 