Tevin Olison Can Guard The Other Team´s Best Player And Also Lead His Own Team In Scoring

Tevin Olison (194-G-1998, college: YSU, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 27 year old 194cm guard from Memphis, Tennessee that is currently looking for a new challenge. He won´t be suiting up for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg this season. Last season he played with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.2%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.8% and 16.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.5%. He began his basketball career at Mitchell high school and then played 2 seasons at Cleveland State Community College (JUCO) averaging15.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 70.6% and 17.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 73.7%. He then played 2 seasons with the University of the Cumberlands (NAIA) averaging 17.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 75.2% and 23.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 76.4%. He finished at Youngstown State University (NCAA) averaging 12.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tevin for talking to germanhoops.com. You went from Juco to NAIA to the NCAA to lower leagues overseas and now are in the BBL. Are you the ultimate fighter that never gives up?

I think that I am the ultimate fighter. My path has been a crazy one. I wouldn´t change it for anything. I have worked hard and had help from coaches and my brother. I feel like I have made big steps so far in my career and have proved that I belong.

How blessed are to have a guy like Drew Kelso of One Motive Sports in your corner? He continues to find new opportunities for you.

I really respect Drew a lot. He began talking to me when I was playing NAIA. Nobody else was talking to me at that time. He knew right away that I had some upside. Later big time agents began talking to me, but I always remained with Drew. I´m big on loyalty.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I have heard the names Bradley Beal, Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford. Those are guys that can give instant offense. I classify myself more as a 2 way player. I can guard the opponents best player and still lead my own team in scoring. That is what makes me valuable on the floor.

You’re a lethal scorer, but also fills the stat sheet very well. Talk about other attributes in your game?

I feel like I´m an underrated passer. I´m an unselfish player. Guys like to play with me. I can be effective with or without the ball. I think that I´m a 3 level scorer, but to be able to use all shots depends on the coach you have. My mid range game hasn´t always been used to the fullest in certain systems.

You eclipsed the 40% mark once in college and have been consistent overseas being between 36-39%. What do you have to do to reach the 40% plateau?

I feel like I just have to keep taking good shots and stay in the gym. It is that simple. Shooting is like riding a ´bike. If you stay on top, then you will be ok.

Your also a very aggressive defender. How would do you describe yourself now as a defender and what level do you still want to reach?

I take a lot of pride in playing defense. I don´t like the ball handler being comfortable with the ball. I take being scored on very personally. I´m working most on my lateral quickness so I can become an even better defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to get better in all areas of your game?

I´m watching a lot of film so I can improve my pick and roll game. I want to be able to pick the defense apart.

Last season you played with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.2%. You won the title over Karhubasket. What was so special about this team?

I was really lucky that I chose this team. Everyone was so good to each other on and off the court. We were all close and that translated to on the court. No one was bigger than the other. The guy with 0 minutes was as big as the top scorer. We were a great team that all bought in to winning.

How vital was it having the ultimate veteran Rene Rougeau on the team? What kind of a relationship did you have with him?

Rene and I were really close. We hung out each day. We had deep conversations and talked about everything. He held all accountable. You could tell he was a veteran that had won a lot. He didn´t want to lose. He was a great leader.

You played your first 2 seasons overseas with the Bristol Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.8%; and made a huge jump in your second season averaging 16.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.5%. How did you grow as a player in these 2 years?

I had to get adjusted that first season. The biggest difference was that that first year, I thought to much instead of letting the game come to me. In my second season, I just played my game. I read the game better, was more physical on defense and made the right plays.

In your first season you beat top UK team London Lions with 26 points and hit them in your second season with 31 points. How vital was it for your game and confidence showing all that you belonged on the stage overseas?

The Lions had big name players. Every time that I played them, I wanted everyone to know that I belonged. I always played my best games against them. I was always locked in.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

As soon as I landed. The time difference was huge. It all didn´t seem to be real. It was a big adjustment.

You played 2 seasons with Cleveland State Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 70.6% and 17.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 73.7%. Every JUCO player that I have interviewed have said that the JUCO experience was tough, but one that they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Playing JUCO was one of the greatest experiences in my life. It was super fun. My first year, My older brother of 5 years was on the team. We always trained together. Even in my second year we still trained together when he wasn´t on the team anymore. It was a doggy dog world. Every guy was shooting for a spot. I stood out, because I didn´t force anything. I let the game come to me. JUCO brought the dog out of me.

You were a consistent performer in both JUCO seasons. How vital was Lee Cigliano for your early basketball development?

He was a hard nosed coach. He was a great defensive coach and scouted like crazy. He turned me into a great defensive player. He brought the Tony Allen out of me.

You then played 2 years at the University of the Cumberlands (NAIA) avergaing 17.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 75.2% and in your second season made a massive jump averaging: 23.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 76.4%. How did your game grow here under Don Butcher?

Coach Butcher was by far my favorite coach. He put the ball into my hands. He always told me to treat my teammates right, because I should never only think about myself as the best player, but think of the whole team on the court. I really got comfortable as a point guard under him. He deserves a lot of credit for my success. He had a lot of trust in me.

You had so many great games there, but you really loved Life. You hit them for 40 and 36 points. How exciting was the 107-105 win?

That 40 point game was wild. I actually think about that game a lot. We were on the road and their fans were crazy. I broke the record in that game with the most free throws. I remember their coach talking trash and whenever I scored, I just stared over at their bench.

You then finished at Youngstown State University (NCAA) averaging 12.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.7%. How enriching was this season? Your hard work the years before really paid off.

I was living out my dream there. I always wanted to play in the NCAA. I just had fun there. I really enjoyed playing against schools like West Virginia and Penn State.

How did head coach Jerrod Calhoun give you that last push to prepare you for a pro career?

He helped me break down the game and read it well. His practices were so detailed. He was an offensive mastermind. He really helped me to read the pick and roll and closeouts.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dwayne Cohill

We still talk about our battles. I never lost.

Who is the toughest player that you ever played against that reached the NBA

Darius Garland, Malik Monk and Malik Newman.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dwayne Cohill, Jeremiah Martin, Curtis Hollis, Jordan Olison, Jahi Hinson

Please list your NBA, Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT

Kobe Bryant

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven´t seen it. But it probably should have been left alone.

Thanks Tevin for the chat.

Noah Kamdem Learned To Be A Post Player In Frankfurt And Has Found A Second Home In Erfurt

Noah Kamdem guarding Isaiah Hartenstein

Noah Kamdem (198-C-1998) is a 26 year old 198cm center that has enjoyed a 10 year plus career. He will play his 4th season with the CATL Basketball Loewen Erfurt (ProB). He has been a real basketball traveler in Germany having played with Troster Breitengussbach, Nurnberg, Herzogenaurach, Team Ehingen, Rolstock, PS Karlsruhe, Schwenningen, Coburg, Frankfurt and Elchingen. He spoke to eurobasket about his basketball career.

You will play a 5th season with the Lowen in Erfurt. Did you remain mostly because of the family atmosphere?

Yes I did. It is a real family atmosphere.

Has it become like a second home for you?

Yes it has. My son was born here and my girlfriend is from here. Everything fit.

What makes the Basketball Lowen such a special organization?

It is a special club, because I feel like we can achieve something with this program. We are still waiting for the new practice gym. I feel like when that is ready, then we will make the next step in the direction of the Pro A.

Paul Albrecht like you also keeps remaining in Erfurt and loves the club. How special oof a teammate has he been for you and how ha she helped your game most?

He is a super teammate and guy. I always am able to learn something new from him. He is more experienced than me and has played at a higher level than I have. He is an even more allrounder than I am. I always try to soak up something new from him.

You played parts of 2 seasons in Frankfurt. What was your fondest moment there?

I really enjoyed my time there. Frankfurt is where I established my post up game. I feel like I belong to the best big men in the Pro B now. I was really fortunate to have had a coach like Sepehr Tarrah who really taught me the moves and improve my ball handling. Nobody can stop me inside.

How proud are you of guys like Jordan Samare and Alex Richardson who all made the next step after Frankfurt?

I am super proud of both of them. I hope they stay fit. I feel like both will reach the BBL.

In the 2019-2020 season you played in Schwenningen, Coburg and Frankfurt and covid came. How tough was this season? What did you learn from this season?

I learned that no matter where you are, you have to keep working hard on the game. All you need is a ball to get better. You can always get better even if the coach has different ideas.

Why did you never have a long Pro A career?

I think that everything has to fit. I feel like the conditions are very good in Erfurt to reach the Pro A. I think all in all, you can improve more if you play a lot instead of playing sparse minutes in the Pro A. I think that my drive and shot will help me get to the higher level.

You played a season with PS Karlsruhe. I´m sure you learned a lot from Maurice Pluskota?

Yes of course I did. I was lucky that when he was injured, I was able to start for a few months and got good minutes. I played very good pick and roll defense in that span. We reached the last 8th place for the playoffs. I showed that I could perform at a high level. I think that I made the wrong decision to go to Schwenningen after that season.

How tough was your Pro B season in Rostock? Did you get a fair chance?

It was tough in Rostock. They chose Dennis Teuchert before me. Daniel Lopez was vital for me that season. He was my mentor. They had a small rotation, but I still learned a lot practicing twice a day.

There were so many great character guys in Rostock like Brandon Lockhart, Jordan Talbert, Chris Frazier, Bill Borekambi or Zaire Thompson. Who had the biggest impact on you?

I think that Lopez had a big impact on me as did Bill Borekambi and Jordan Talbert. Zaire Thompson also had a big impact on me. They didn´t use him the right way.

You played a season in Ehingen. You were teammates with Kam Taylor. If someone had told you then that he would become a Euroleague player soon what would you have thought?

That was Kam´s rookie season. From his awareness and athleticism, you could have thought that. He was such a hard worker and was a super teammate. You don´t always get that from Americans. He was funny and was always ready to help me. He never thought that he was better than you.

You played some years in Breitengussbach. Did you have a mentor?

I lived 3 years with Andi Obst and Leon Kratzer was my teammate. Mirko Petrich was like a mentor. He did a good job there. Now he is with Alba Berlin. He was always very heartfelt. Mario Dugandzic also was super and helped me a lot especially off the court.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your career?

Isaiah Hartenstein

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Andi Obst, Daniel Keppeler, Leon Kratzer, Bill Borekambi, Dominykas Pleta

Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore.

Lebron James. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Joel Embild

Kyle Hines, Luka Doncic, Marcus Slaughter, Brandon Roberts

Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Andi Obst, Franz Wagner

Who is your GOAT

Lebron James.

Thanks Noah for the chat.

Rising Agent Drew Kelso Of One Motive Sports And I Are In Different Basketball Fields But Share The Same Passion And Work Ethic

I have been very fortunate over the years to have had a very good journalist to player relationship. I love featuring player´s journey on eurobasket.com and germanhops.com, because every player no matter where they are if it´s the NBA, first division France, 4th division or somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Argentina, every player has their own unique story. Obviously through my good contacts with players, I often am able to get in contact with other players. But what happens if I can´t get that desired number from a player? Well over the years, I have also been fortunate to preserve good relationships with agents. I have befriended many agents over the years and my list always gets larger. There is nothing better than for a player to get some free exposure. Not only the players profits, but so does the agent. One agent that I have become very friendly with has been One Motive Sports founder Drew Kelso. I was shocked to learn that I got to know him back in June of 2022. In a short span of 2 years to 2024, I had interviewed 17 of his clients. The list has continued to rise in the last 1 year. The last player I interviewed was Tevis Olison. It was actually 15 in 2024 and only a few months later it grew to 18 as he added Vlad Moldoveanu of VM Hoops Agency as I had interviewed a few of his players. “Man, 18 guys is crazy! We appreciate you and your hard work first of all”, stressed Drew Kelso in 2024. After a brief moment in thought, I realized that we are very much alike. I´m a workaholic and never take a day off. I´m always looking for that next interview and writing articles on players. My passion for the game is extraordinary. For me it´s like a game. Who will be my next interview and how big is the challenge to reel in a NBA player for a Q&A? Drew is the same as me. He is an ultimate workaholic. Not only is he doing all he can to get every player of his in the best situation, but when he does, his job isn´t done. This guy shows so much love and does so much promotion for his players on social media on a daily basis. I honestly have not seen another agent give as much love for his players as he does. Whenever I have interviewed a player, I like to follow their journey closer. It wasn´t any different when I was able to interview Daeqwon Plowden (198-G/F-1998, college: BGSU, agency: One Motive Sports) of One Motive Sprots a few years ago after hie finished college. He played NBA Summer League and has made a massive rise in this time. He paid his dues in the G-League and got a 2 way contract with the Atlanta Hawks in 2023. You could feel Kelso´s joy as he was posting news about that. It made me happy as well. But now it´s time to hear about his unique journey as a basketball agent.

Drew Kelso hails from Arkansas and went to Lincoln trail college and then finished at Blue Mountain College in Mississippi. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pro ice hockey player and sportscaster. Since I´m from Boston and watched every sport news cast in the 80´s from the local channels 4,5 and 7. I remember often hearing the name Bob Wolfe and seeing him in interviews as he was handling Larry Bird. Kelso also had a vision of where he wanted to go jobwise when he was a kid. “I told my Dad when I was 13 years old that I wanted to be a sports agent. Life took me a different direction when I started a retail business in my dorm room when I was 21 and then wound up back chasing my dreams 9 years later (another story for another day, lol). But, looking back I guess I really had no idea of agents truly were. The obvious answer is the dramatized Jerry Maguire or even Dom Pagnotti from “He Got Game”. Coming from a small city in Arkansas, it’s not like we had any agents coming around for me to learn from. So, I guess, I didn’t really have any role models in the agent world. I am a self-proclaimed agent nerd though. I study agents, agencies, scouts, etc. Not in a sense of being envious, but at the end of the day I am eight seasons into this but I’m still on a constant pursuit of learning and not afraid to ask questions or admit that I’m wrong in a scenario. When I played, I used to watch certain players and try to immolate my game after them. I do the same in the agent business. I also try to take things I don’t like from certain agents and implement into what we don’t want to do. I always say, I have a lot of respect anyone crazy enough to get into this business and I keep that respect for anyone in the business until something is done for me to lose it somewhat”, stressed Drew Kelso in 2024. He is in his 8th year as an agent and founded One Motive Sports in 2018 and in a way is like a player who just plays the game he loves. “It’s been a blessing to be in my dream profession. But if I had to say one thing, it would be being able to genuinely get to impact the lives of so many players and their families. To know that we’ve been fortunate enough to see young men’s lives changed from when they signed with us at OMS has been amazing. We’ve not only seen players make the NBA, high levels all over the world, see them make a lot of money, but also have been fortunate enough to see players get married, start families, begin coaching, etc. We just believe in the person more than the player and that makes it more of a mission in life more than a job”, stated Drew Kelso in 2024. One of my favorite questions that I love to ask players is what their wake up call was to being a rookie overseas where they knew you were far away from home. Of course I couldn´t refrain from asking Drew what his was as an agent. “I think the wake up call for me was the constant rejection. Reaching out to teams around the world, being left on read, been told no thank you so many times, etc. And we’re not talking about Real Madrid or Alba Berlin teams, respectfully we were being told no by super low level/entry level type teams, which in hindsight, is what we were… low level. I think that and then just the COVID pandemic in 2020. In March of 2019 we had 1 player playing abroad. In March of 2020, we had grown to 36 players in 27 countries. Dealing with the pandemic and getting all of these guys home safely back to their families in a state of so much uncertainty, that was insane. They didn’t teach the art of dealing with a pandemic on our FIBA Agent test”, commented Drew Kelso in 2024.

The company started from scratch and has really have made a name for themselves step by step. It wasn´t easy for the company, but on their website there is a quote that reads, “The distance is nothing when one has a motive. A very important sentence that has helped the company grow and have success. “Everyone’s view of success is different. For me, it’s the ability that we’ve been able to start something from literally scratch as you said and grow it into something real. To see OMS guys in the NBA to across so many countries across the globe, it’s special. Everyone can look at our journey and see guys like Trey Jemison and Malevy Leons in the NBA and how cool that looks, which it is but when we started this thing in 2018 and Thomas Sandlin and I were up at 4:00 AM cold calling, Facebook messaging, emailing, etc. teams in Regionalliga Germany or the second division of Sweden and getting no replies and ignored? Man, that was a different grind. But we had to go thru that to get to where we are now. That’s where the quote “the distance is nothing when one has a motive” comes in. Thomas and I always knew we had a higher calling to make OMS into something special. Even though its never been easy, I wouldn’t change a thing”, warned Drew Kelso. The company continues to grow and expand thanks to great guys helping Drew with Thomas Sandlin, Davon Bell, Josh Jones and Clay Mallory. “Wow, what can I even say about these guys. Thomas is like the brother I never had. We started this company together on a mission that was bigger than basketball or either of us. We are complete opposite in every sense of the word, but at the same time, just because we think differently, we’ve been around each other so much that we normally end up at similar thought processes about the business. It’s been great to go through this journey with him and we tell stories and reflect back so much on what we’ve been blessed to build. He has such an immense value to OMS and I couldn’t do this without him. Davon Bell and Josh Jones are special to me because they have seen OMS from both sides. They were both former clients and then turned agents. Josh was our first hire at OMS. He was such a talented player and got the short end of the stick with COVID as so many players in the international basketball world did. I saw immense value with Josh in his ability to relate to players and he’s been instrumental in recruiting several players at OMS like Terry Allen, Tevin Olison, Raekwon Rogers, and more. Davon and Josh were both part of our very first “recruiting class” in 2019 and believed in OMS when there wasn’t much to believe in. Forever grateful for them for that. Davon played two years in Europe and was one of our first “real” clients when he was playing very well at Jamtland in Sweden before an injury cut his Rookie year short. His basketball mind is terrific and I lean on him to help me with talent identification. Both of those guys embody what we want to have in our company and represent us the right way. Clay Mallory has been huge for us at OMS. I met Clay in 2019 at an exposure camp in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League. We both were just starting out and both had very little going on (even though we thought we did lol). We always stayed close and bounced ideas off each other. In 2021, we made the decision to merge his company in with us at OMS and he take on a role at OMS. He is the Director of our Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) side at OMS and my eyes out in California/the West Coast. Clay has really grown during his years at OMS and just will continue to get better. Great guy that does things the right way”, warned Drew Kelso in 2024. It is always beneficial when one has ex players in the company. These are guys who have seen it all and know exactly how players tick. “Yeah, as aforementioned with Davon and Josh, it’s been awesome. The value that those guys brings is immense. They can relate to players, especially the ones that are playing abroad, way better than I can. I’ve never flew hallway across the world to chase a dream to play professionally, they have. I feel like I can relate to our clients pretty well still, but those guys are probably way cooler for our guys to talk to than me”, smiled Drew Kelso in 2024.

Being an agent is no piece of cake. It is constant work. Not to mention the travel around the globe visiting players and seeing how their doing. “Typically, I am at home and able to work out of an office at the house. Depends on the time of year, but regardless I wake up early to work with the European and international market as a whole, our players over there, etc. In the summer, I usually am in the office a little after 4:00 AM to be able to talk to decision makers with the time difference. Right now, it’s a little different. We have some things in the works (stay tuned), but I am more focused on our current clients and making sure they are ok. All but a handful of our clients at the time of writing this are on a team currently, so it’s more maintaining the guys we have and monitoring their progress, keeping an eye on the market, and recruiting is really ramping up. The cycle keeps going”, stated Drew Kelso in 2024. One thing that separates One Motive Sports from other agencies is just how important the player really is. The motto of the company that it pursues happiness. This has a deep meaning having to do with a fallen friend. “Yeah, without getting too deep into the story. Thomas and I started One Motive Sports (and named it after) the passing of our mutual best friend. He gave me the vision to chase my agent dreams still even though I was seven to eight years removed from basketball about a week before he tragically passed away. So, the name “One Motive” was something that he preached all the time and his One Motive was to pursue happiness at all times. I fought the idea of leaving everything I knew in my adult life and closed the retail business and got into the agency business to honor him. When you do something that’s bigger than you, you work that much harder. I always tell players to remember their “why” and what got you here. Without that none of us really have anything worth fully pursuing in my opinion. It’s not about the deals, contracts, levels, etc. for me as much as it is honoring my friend and making sure we live out the legacy left and live his dream for me thru our clients”, stressed Drew Kelso in 2024. One often hears about how team´s check players characters before signing them. There are so many agents out there that will sign anyone, but with One Motive Sports, they have a clear idea of who they want to represent and not. “Yeah, no doubt. I will admit, early on we were very bullish and had to take chances on a lot of guys that we may or may not should have. But in retrospect, they took chances on us too. Some of those guys turned out to have great careers (some still going from the early OMS days) and some we all learned valuable lessons on. One thing that I’ve learned is character matters so much. You can only be a bad person for so long. No matter how talented you are, your character eventually has to kick in. The OMS logo and name has such a deep meaning to us and we want people that represent that well. I could genuinely care less if people know who I am in the general public eye. I want them to know what OMS stands for as a company and that they are not only getting a talented player, but often times a better person”, expressed Drew Kelso in 2024. I love how the company doesn´t like to call their players clients, but family. Is having this feeling of being one family the difference between success and not? “No doubt. The word “family” gets thrown out a lot from teams, agents, etc. We truly treat these guys like family. If you know me, I am very passionate about our guys and talk to them constantly (Thomas Sandlin even more than me usually lol). Not just about basketball, but life, their families, their trials and tribulations. There’s only so much business you can talk about with a client. You get what? One, maybe two contracts a year? How many times can you talk about that during the season legitimately with that client? We’ve done a really good job of not only signing these guys but a lot of them we’ve had for their entire pro career and retained them. Retaining players is half the battle. We live in a “transfer portal” society and players leave the moment something is tough. Have we lost guys? Sure. Have we had to let guys go? Sure. But, ultimately when you build the Family culture that we’ve built, guys want to stick around and the feeling is mutual on our side”, added Drew Kelso in 2024.

One Motive Sports continues to build their client pool and no they don´t take just any player. They do a lot of recruiting in finding the right players for the agency. “We definitely have taken the road less traveled in our agency journey. In retrospect, I guess a lot of our players have to. That’s what makes finding the right players that much more special. Have we been wrong before? Sure. Have players maybe been wrong about choosing to come to OMS before? Sure. But, at the end of the day we always say “we will get the players that we are supposed to get. We do a ton of due diligence in recruiting players to become a part of the OMS Family. Not just talent evaluation. It goes into deep “intel” of each player, many conversations with that particular player and their inner circle whomever that may be, etc. I do think that the evaluation process may be my favorite part of the agency business personally. I love being able to get with our group and talk about certain players, go to games, watch them on film and building relationships. Thru trials and tribulations we’ve learned what we are looking for as well. We feel really good about where our current group is and continuing to grow the right way! Still a long way to go from where we want to be though”, said Drew Kelso in 2024. In the last few years the company has helped guys like Trey Jemison, Daeqwon Plowden and Malevy Leons reach the NBA. These were solid guys coming out of college, but not necessarily future NBA guys. Obviously these players put in a lot of hard work, but this wasn´t a fluke either. “I got licensed to be an agent in the NBA in 2021. We started our NBA journey in 2022 with Drake Jeffries and Daeqwon Plowden. Both went thru the NBA Pre-Draft process with them. From then, it’s just been a strong focus for us at OMS. Trey, Daeqwon, Malevy, weren’t guys as you said that had much NBA interest coming out of college. Some, but not a ton. We always talk about “can you cultivate a role?” These guys have an elite skill (or multiple) that can translate to the NBA as a role player, where you can make a ton of money and live your dream out. These guys bought into what we preached to them and then they did the work. All I can really take credit for is signing them and putting them in positions to succeed. They are the ones that did the work and put their body on the line day in and day out. The NBA is tough, man. Especially with where we are in dealing with “fringe” NBA guys. People always talk about the NBA is the best 450 players in the world (600 if you count two-way contract guys). It’s not. It’s about the best FITS in the world. We try to find the guys that are the best potential fits for an NBA team. These guys have shown that they are capable and worthy of being in this position whether anyone else really thought so or not”, commented Drew Kelso in 2024. One of the massive surprises in 2024 was seeing the incredible rise of Malevy Leons attain real NBA minutes a few months after playing NBA Summer League. Kelso´s great support via social media looked like he was a small kid in a candy store. “ It’s the best. When you are growing up wanting to be a sports agent, with all due respect, I never had a dream of sending a player to play in Slovakia or Hungary. Nothing wrong with those as we have done many deals in places like this (and will continue to), but I had the dream of representing NBA players. It’s so much harder than people think. I worked my tail off to even get my NBA license let alone building rapport with teams to be able to talk about our players like a Malevy Leons about when we signed him. Seeing those guys live out their dream? Unbelievable. Malevy is the American Dream personified. He came to America for junior college and barely spoke English about six years ago. A lot of scouts doubted him during the Pre-Draft process. We saw something in Malevy and more importantly Malevy saw something in himself. He was the first player born in the Netherlands to make an NBA appearance in twelve years! Even though there was a Dutch draft pick this year and two other guys that signed NBA deals, Malevy was the first to play an NBA regular season game in twelve years. That’s bigger than basketball. He put a whole country on his back that night and made people back home so happy. I’m forever proud of Malevy for that”, stressed Drew Kelso in 2024. I also cover many of Kelso´s players in Germany in the top 5 league easyCredit BBL since that is the country I cover most. “I think I’ve literally placed a guy in six different levels of Germany over the years, so I’d say we’re pretty well versed there lol. From BBL to Oberliga. I personally love the German market. The people there are good to deal with, no real issues typically like in some other markets. Good place to live. We rarely have complaints from our guys that go to Germany. I think the BBL is terrific. It’s extremely competitive and often the best step for a guy to get into other top leagues like Italy, France, Spain, Turkey, etc. I would say it’s in the top 5 domestic leagues in Europe. Even though some of the teams don’t have the budgets that teams in other top leagues have, they do such a good job with the resources they have. We always want to have a mainstay in the BBL market for sure”, said Drew Kelso in 2024.

So what is the future of One Motive Sports. Is Quality more important than quantity or is a goal to keep expanding the player list? “Actually, as we speak, we are going thru a lot of potential scenarios to grow OMS. Our thing is we want to do it the right way. We are in the process of growing and expanding and that comes with a lot of due diligence and planning. Quality is definitely the most important thing. We feel that it doesn’t really matter the number of clients a company has, its more do they have the infrastructure and the ability to maintain and grow those clients the RIGHT way. That’s all we focus on is doing things the right way. We have some things coming though that will continue to hopefully keep OMS going the right way”, warned Drew Kelso in 2024. Another trait we both have is that we are Never satisfied. “I think if you’re satisfied then you stop pursuing dreams. I was so naïve coming into the agency thing when I first started. I thought that we would get in the NBA right away and make all this money, lol. That took a LONG time to even scratch the surface of the NBA. I want to secure a long-term NBA deal in the near future. We’ve had three guys make the NBA but nobody on a multi-year standard NBA contract. That’s a goal. I’d love to have an NBA Draft pick as all three guys we’ve had make the NBA went undrafted. As far as Europe, I’d love to have someone in Euroleague. Something we haven’t been able to accomplish but a dream for sure”, said Drew Kelso in 2024. Since our interview, he has helped many more players reach the NBA. One of my favorite things as a report/journalist is interviewing NBA or ex NBA guys. For him it isn´t any different either. “ I think the coolest experience for me was seeing our guys play in NBA games. Trey Jemison’s time in Memphis was really special to me because Memphis is an hour from my house and I grew up going to games there as a kid. I said shortly after I started the agent business that I wasn’t going back to a Grizzlies game until we had a player playing there. I didn’t think it would take five years and I didn’t think it would be an OMS client wearing a Memphis jersey. But overall, the whole experience as an agent has been a blessing and so, so many cool experiences”, added Drew Kelso in 2024. The experience Drew Kelso with his clients reminds me of when I opened baseball card packs as a kid. It was exciting to get the allstar players. It is no different then waiting for the moment when Drew Kelso helps that next college player get an NBA contract. The excitement never wanes in Drew Kelso´s basketball life.

Noah Westerhaus Will Never Forget Youth Teammate Isaiah Hartenstein Being Taller One Week And Himself Being Taller The Next Week

Noah Westerhaus (200-PF-1998) is a 27 year old 200cm forward that has played the last 3 seasons with the ETB Miners Essen. He began his basketball career with the Artland Dragons and was a teammate with 2025 NBA champion Isaiah Hartenstein. Noah also has sampled experience playing with BSG Bremerhaven, Wolfenbuettel, Neustadt, Langenhagen, Koblenz and Limburg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories being Isaiah Hartenstein´s teammate.

Thanks Noah for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life?

I´m living in Essen playing Pro B.

You completed your third season with Essen. Has Essen become like a second home to you and will you remain?

Definitely. I met a lot of people here and want to stay for a while.

Your ex teammate Isaiah Hartenstein became NBA champion with OKC. Did you stay up the whole night to watch history?

Yes I watched a couple of game during the season and of course the last one.

How proud are you of Isaiah Hartenstein. What does this success mean for the Artland Dragons?

It does shows how good their youth teams were and are. Every one of his clubs is probably proud of him as am I. He really deserves it.

Do you still have contact with him to this day? Did you congratulate him?

Unfortunately no, but yes I texted him.

What memories do you have of the 2014 JBBL final against Breitengussbach which you won 68-60?

It was an unbelievable experience in front of our home crowd. Winning the chip is front of family and friends is something special.

What was the key to that success? The team had 2 giants with Hartenstein and Herkenhoff and great aggressive guards.

The key was the whole team and our defense. We had 2 good coaches, great defenders and big guy sunder the basket and Isaiah who did everything.

Isaiah Hartenstein had a 22/14 game. How do you remember his game then?

We was our biggest weapon and nobody was able to stop him.

How do you remember practices in 2014? He was already a giant. How tall were you then and did you battle in the paint in practice?

At that time we were both growing so quickly. One week he was taller and the next week I was taller. Practices were always very competitive and if they weren´t competitive enough, then his dad Flo joined and it became competitive.

If someone had told you that he would be NBA champion 11 years later what would you have thought?

I would of called him crazy, but not because he wasn´t talented enough, but because it´s such a long way from where he started. But he made it. That’s unbelievable.

In JBBL the guys are very young, but what kind of a relationship did you have with him? Were you close?

Yes we were more than teammates. 3 of us were living with his family including me.

He often says in interviews that so many doubted him in his young days. But how can that be? It seems like he dominated youth basketball and then went his way.

Yes he did and he proved everyone wrong and that is something that he deserves because of all of his hard work.

Have you followed Isaiah Hartenstein´s career in the last decade? How have you observed his development? Can you explain why he had to pay his dues so long?

Yes I have. I watched his highlights and he always got better.

He switched a lot of teams but for some reason he was never used the right way. Now he made his break through with OKC. Do you feel like he is still on his way of becoming an even better player?

Sometimes it has to do with how a coach wants to use him. I feel like he fits into the OKC team well.

He made the next step with OKC. Do you feel like he can get even better?

I think that he will take another step and get better and more consistent.

He played in the Artland Dragons organization but now seems to support ratiopharm Ulm. Does he still have some kind of ties to Artland?

I have no idea.

If you played 1-1 in 2025, how many baskets could you make in 10 tries?

I´ll give myself a solid 1. There will be a lucky one going in.

Thanks Noah for the chat.

Joe Asberry Believes OKC’S Dynasty Ends Now As He Sees His Golden State Warriors Being On Top In 2026

Joe Asberry (196-F-1965, college: SF State) is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player. He worked last season with the Artland Dragons organization. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2025 NBA finals.

Thanks Joe for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

What’s up Miles? Always good to catch up with you. I’m in Berlin, Germany and loving this heatwave, while other’s MELT! LOL!

Let’s talk NBA. OKC are NBA champions. They dominated the whole season. What made them the best team for you?

OKC has a bunch of Dawgs ,who love to play together and thats the key to their success.

How did you rate OKC going into the 2024-2025 NBA season. Were they a team you saw making a run in playoffs?

Coming into the 24/25 Season, I knew OKC would be good, but I didn’t think they would win the title. I thought the Nuggets or Twimberwolves would win the chip

What is your summary of the finals? Did OKC win it fair and square?

OKC was the better team.Fair play to them

Tyrese Haliburton had 9 points in the first 8 minutes, but then left with injury. The Pacers kept pace for a long time. Would the Pacers have won the final with him?

Halifburton is a Elite Stud,but, it was SGA’s time. He was going to go out there and get a 50 ball,or do EVERYTHING to help his team win

Where do you rank Tyrese Haliburton now as a point guard in NBA? Is he top 5 now?

I don’t like to Rank NBA players, because I view all of them as the best basketball players in the World, but with that said, you have to put Haliburton in the conversation of top 5 PG! His clutch 3’s were unreal. To point at Reggie Miller and do the “choke sign” on that stage with the WORLD Watching means that dude is different
What was key in game 7 for OKC winning. If you look at the stats, the To’s seemed to be the big key.

Turnovers will happen in every basketball game. It boils down to who wants to win more, so again OKC has some Dogs with chips on their shoulders and that was the difference.

What was the difference between OKC’s defense and other teams? How key was having a coach like Mark Daigneault for keeping the defensive principles intact all season long?

Mark Daigneualt is a great coach. He hung his hat on them getting stops. We all know defense wins championships, but none of the principles mean anything if you don’t have the players that can play defense. Jalen Williams is a Monster. Luguentz Dort is a Monster. When you have elite studs like those two and Big Hartenstein playing in that pain ,like a Grown ass Man, you can’t go wrong on Defense.

If you had to choose an unsung hero for OKC in the final series and season who would it be?

The unsung hero for me is Big Chet Holmgren. He can average a 20 ball on any team in the NBA! He is damn good and on his way to be great. He didn’t let his injuries or ego get in the way

Which Indiana Pacer player made the biggest jump this season? So many of their players have showed consistency the last years.

Anybody that knows me,knows one thing about me, I don’t like Dunkers,i l Ive them. So Obi Toppin made the biggest Jump and I see him getting better and better! LOL

SGA made the next step. Is he the top point guard in the NBA and top 3 best players in world?

SGA is a NBA World Champion,and the best player in the world TODAY! Now if i let my feelings get involved, I’ll slap myself for not saying Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Steph Curry,Anthony Edwards, The Joker,and Luca Doncic, are the best basketball players in the world. I hope the homey Bryan Battle doesn’t read this he will punch me for not putting his boy Kyrie Irving,in the Mix! LOL!
What is the next step for SGA? Can he elevate his game now to another level or has he reached his prime?

Sky is the limit for SGA! He has that Canadian Chip on his shoulder, showing us Americans,”we’re here buddy”

How cool is it for Germany having that second NBA winner ever after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein (213-C/F-1998). Especially since you coach with the Artland Dragons organization where he began his career?

Congratulations to Big Isiah. I love the G-League,so when he was killing in that, I knew it was only a matter of time, big strong, and Dunking on people, I LOVE HIS GAME! Now my job is much harder, I can’t find the next Big Hartenstein in Quackenbruck, real talk though,that area is loaded with talent. There is a big Shot Blocking Diva on my Radar and a 1 on 1 Wizard Diva too, but I won’t put pressure on my 2 “WNBA Allstars” They have enough pressure right now. When they read this, they will know who I’m talking about! Especially if I scream”Stop BSING;AND COOK” LOL!

Have you had any dealings with big Flo Hartenstein, the dad of Isaiah? Can you even imagine what is going through his head the day after?

Congratulations to Big Flo. He gave my guy Pierre Bland a chance ,when nobody else would. I heard his name of course, but we met in Quackenbruck through the Agent I work with (My guy Mike Baron) I’m happy for big Flo. He’s a good dude. I’m sure he’s also laughing at Haters who thought he was crazy when his son went to go hoop in another country. Yes,I’M PETTY !LOL!

Hartenstein became a NBA player with OKC after having to pay his dues for many years. Still I feel like he isn’t respected as a no offensive scorer yet. OK so OKC has many great offensive players, but can Hartenstein ever get more of a scoring role? He just doesn’t get enough shots.

Big Hartenstein is in a perfect position. He proved he can score in the G-League. You feed him, and he will score more. His jump hook is cash. He doesn’t have to score. OKC is loaded with Scorers.

How did you see development of Jalen Williams. Is he on track of becoming an NBA superstar?

Jalen Williams is elite. He will get better and better

How key was the big man duo of Holgrem/Hartenstein. Would OKC have won only with 1 player?

The modern twin towers Holmgren and Hartenstein is incredible. Hartenstein is as strong as an Ox, and truth be told, Holmgren probably has a 8 foot wingspan, its SCARY!

What is possible now with OKC. I picked a dynasty with Boston last season and was wrong. Can it happen with OKC?

OKC’s Dynasty ends now. The Golden State Warriors will sign Giannis, Dame, James Harden, and I’m going to Kidnap Ace Bailey to join the squad, “I believe in 26″Warriors will beat your Celtics in 7! Thanks for having me Miles,I appreciate you!

Thanks Joe For The chat

Seeing Fans Excited Happy And Proud Of Their Team After A Game Was Always the Best Feeling In The World For Former Pro Player Paul Miller

Paul Miller (208-C-1982, college: Wichita St.) is a former professional player that celebrated an illustrious 8 year pro career. He played in countries like South Korea, Germany, Russia, Turkey and France, but spent the most time in Poland where he spent 4 seasons. He began his basketball career at Blair Oaks high school and then played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2001-2006 playing a total of 131 games. germanhoops.com caught up with the former player to talk about his basketball career and after.

Thanks Paul for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

No problem, I’m now living in Wichita, Kansas with my wife and 3 kids. After retiring from basketball in 2014 we lived in Kansas City for 7 years before moving to where we currently are 3 years ago. Our family loves it here.

You retired from the pro game 10 years ago. Has time flown by for you?

It definitely has gone by quickly. I think the first few years after were a little slower because we didn’t have kids at that point but since starting a family I feel like the years have flown by.

What have you been doing with your life since basketball? How was the transition period for you going from pro basketball to life after? Did you get a normal 9-5 job?

Basically since basketball ended I’ve worked in sales selling orthopedic trauma implants that are used by surgeons to fix fractures. It’s a demanding, rewarding, and fun job.

Did you stay connected to basketball? I read that you served as an analyst for Cox Channel Kansas covering your alma mater?

I’m connected to basketball in some small ways and being in Wichita I’m able to attend a lot of the Wichita State Shocker basketball games locally. A few years back I filled in and provided color commentary for one of the games. It was fun to do but I found a new perspective on the talent and job that people in that role have. It is not as easy as it looks or sounds and takes a lot of ability and work to do a good job.

Let’s talk about your basketball career. You played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2001-2006 reaching the NCAA tournament as a senior. What memories do you have beating Seton Hall and upsetting Tennessee?

Those memories will always be near the top for me. The tournament has such a hype around it and there was just an unbelievable amount of attention for us that year locally. To have the success after years of working toward a result like that was just really rewarding. We had a special group of guys that year and it was just an incredible experience. The success in the tournament was a culmination of a lot of things for the program and I’m very proud of that season.

You played 20 years ago in the NCAA. It was a long time ago. How has the game changed in your mind besides it getting more athletic. How would you have faired in the NCAA today if you were playing now?

When I was in college I think I attempted 1 three point shot if I remember right? The way teams play fast, shoot more 3s than ever, and with less structure and sets now is different than 20 years ago. It’s not like it changed overnight but has been adapted through analysis and as players and the game has changed. The metrics and analytics that are available now would have blown everybody’s minds 20 years ago. I think there is so much information that is digested and used to plan, scout, and train teams and players now. It’s very hard to compare players of different eras but where you’re in the middle of it all playing things would have been fine for me.

You had many great games. What was your best game in the NCAA?

The game against Tennessee in the tournament that put us into the sweet 16 will always be one of my favorite memories. It wasn’t my best personally but one that certainly stands out in my mind.

How did head coach Mark Turgeon groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I came into college with very little experience playing basketball compared to what most players have now. I was also a baseball player and focused on that sport much more in my youth. So when I got to Wichita St. the coaches had a lot of technique and skill work to teach me. I think the footwork and principles I learned at that time were a big part of my success later. Turgeon held us to a high standard when it came to being accountable, focused, and dedicated. Turgeon really helped me grow in my career and I’m very thankful to have played for him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kyle Wilson?

We had some good battles for sure. If we played in the post I would win but from the perimeter and mid range Kyle definitely had the advantage.

You began your pro career in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga) averaging 4.7ppg, 2.3rpg, FT-2 (89.7%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

That season I spent time in Poland, New York, and Korea before ending up in Germany. That was a little bit of a whirlwind for me but I really enjoyed the team in Bremerhaven and it ended up being a good springboard for my career.

How tough was it as a rookie cracking the rotation with 2 talented guys like Adam Chubb and RT Guinn patrolling the paint area. What memories do you have of these 2 fine players?

That season I remember having so much fun in practice. We had some great battles that year. RT and I played a lot together in practice and usually matched up against Adam and Judson on the other team. Adam was strong as an Ox and was hard to move he and I had a lot of battles for sure. RT was dynamic but unsuspecting he would regularly surprise me with a play or a move that you had never seen. Both of those guys were great teammates and fun to play with.

You played your second pro season with SPEC Polonia Warszawa (Poland-DBE) averaging 11.6ppg, 6.7rpg, Blocks-3 (1.1bpg), 2FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 69.0%. How important was this season for you? Your minutes went from 10 in Germany to 25 in Poland. You finally could show your game.

Like most guys sometimes the opportunity to play minutes and given responsibility is the key to confidence and then the game takes off for you. I think my time that year in Polonia was just that. It gave me a bigger role in the team than the year before and I was able to grow as a player.

In the summer of 2008 you played NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks. What memories do you have of that experience? Who do you remember being your teammates and opponents?

We had a pretty good set of guys. Nate Robinson played and he was always great to be around and play with. Danilo Gallinari had just been drafted so it was good to play with him as well. The summer league was still new back then and less of a production than it is today. That being said it was always a lot of fun to test yourself against the players there.

You played your third pro season with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK) averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.9%. You played an exciting 6 game playoff series against then top team Asseco Prokom. You had 3 20 plus scoring games and 2 games scoring 19 points. Was that some of the best basketball that you played in your life?



That year our team in Anwil really came together in the playoffs and we found our rhythm. That series was really fun, they had a very strong team and I still think we could have won the series. That series was certainly one of my favorite playoff memories throughout the years.

Were you extra motivated against Asseco Prokom playing against ex NBA players like Daniel Ewing and Qyntel Woods and others like Ronnie Burrell and David Logan?

They had so many weapons on that team. Those guys were really good in their own right but they played together and had a good system. We just wanted to win I never thought much about the background of who was on the other team. If I learned one thing in Europe it was that everybody deserved to be respected. Sometimes owners or clubs would want to make some comparison of teams based on salaries or budgets of teams but at the end of the day when the lights come on teams and players have to go out and perform night after night.

You played your fourth season with Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia-A Superleague) averaging 7.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 87.5%;in the Eurocup and in the Russian League averaged 9.6ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 78.4%. How was it playing in Russia and taking in that culture? What was your fondest moment there?

Russia was a great experience for me. I enjoyed the club and the guys I played with. There was only 9 teams in the league that year so the level of all teams was high. If not for the weather I think I would have enjoyed playing there multiple years.

You played twice against top team CSKA Moscow playing against legends like Langdon, Holden and Siskauskas. Is one able to take in the atmosphere of playing against top players then or does one realize more now what one did so long ago?

At the time you have to respect the level those teams played at. Their quality was so high across the board. If one of the starters came out it seemed like the next guy to come in was just as dangerous. They were so solid in their play and didn’t make many mistakes or take bad shots. It was very hard to play against them. They were incredibly consistent in their play throughout the game, they didn’t take plays off or have any lapse in intensity

. In 2010-2011 you returned back to Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-PLK) averaging 13.5ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 71.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 68.8%; in the Eurocup and in the Polish League averaged 12.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 69.2%. Every now and then you would see ex NBA players like Gerald Green. He was in between the NBA when he played in Europe. You also played against Slovenian legend Primoz Brezic who had played in the NBA for 8 years. Do you still remember battles against guys like them?

On paper that year we had a very strong team built at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately I think that team underachieved as we should have won more games. That’s how it can be sometimes though and sometimes guys just don’t fit together as your might hope. We did have some highlights during the season and good stretches of play. The team from Samara with Green, Rush, Brezic was definitely talented. I remember a couple plays Green had that he finished with dunks and it’s no wonder he was a NBA dunk champ he could really explode off the floor.

In the 2011-2012 season you played for Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey-TBL) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 84.6%. What memories will you always have of Turkey? What were you able to take with you with a season of Turkish basketball and culture?

That year was challenging for me as I broke my nose in the preseason that year. I was playing in Aliaga and it took some time to get back into form after that happened. I moved to Bandirma and enjoyed my time there but it had its challenges. Banvit I thought had a really great club and management and they took care of the team well. Kirmizi was built with a lot of the up and coming younger players in the club. The talent in the Turkish league was really good and there was a lot of veteran players throughout the league. The inexperience of our young team would show itself often that year but personally I enjoyed that season and watching and helping some of my teammates grow and develop.

In the 2012-2013 season you played with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-ProA) averaging 2.0ppg, 2.1rpg; and in the EuroChallenge averaged 4.5ppg, 2.5rpg. How tough was this season for you? You played 21 minutes less than what you saw in Turkey. Could you take any positives out of this season?

This was a very frustrating year for me. I got to the team after the season had started with the thought that I would be stepping in and playing significant minutes. I explored leaving for another club a couple times right around the new year but was told that I would get a chance to play more. A couple months went by and I continued to hope for more time on the court but it never happened. Looking back I would have left for other opportunities but at the time you just try to make the best decision you can and in that instance it didn’t work out for me.

You played your last season with WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-TBL) averaging 14.1ppg, Reb-5 (7.6rpg), 1.2apg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 77.0%. You helped them win the league title. What was so special about this team?

I had gotten married the summer before this season so I really enjoyed my time in Wroclaw being with my wife and enjoying playing basketball. I will always have fond memories of that year and time in Wroclaw.

You then retired after 8 seasons. Could you have played longer? Why did you retire at age 31?

I definitely could have played for 3 or 4 more years but I felt like I wanted to start my next career and establish my family in Kansas. I wanted to spend time around my extended family and friends that I had been sacrificing and missing for 8 years. I’m satisfied with the time I spent playing and will always look fondly at my experience playing in Europe. The teammates, coaches, trainers, and staff that helped me throughout the years are the people and things I miss the most. I was fortunate to have played with and against many great players and those experiences and people are what I am most thankful for.

How would you like for fans to remember the player Paul Miller best?

As a player that always wanted to win for the fans. When the final buzzer would sound and everyone would finish shaking hands looking up to the stands and seeing the fans excited, happy, and proud of the team and the outcome of the game was the best feeling in the world.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA?

That’s a hard question, I played with and against lots of guys that played in the NBA. David Lee definitely was one of the best guys I had to play against many times from high school up to the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

David Lee Lukasz Kozarek, Brion Rush, Pete, Michael Judson Wallace

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Shaquille O’Neal Lebron James Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen the sequel. Anytime a sequel comes out that much further down the road I feel like it never ends up being as good. They should have left it alone.

Thanks Paul fort he chat.

The Competition Level Between Marc Friederici And His Brothers Leon And Vincent Is High But Always Positive As They Are Always Pushing Each Other

pic credit Blendwerk 24

Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen. He played the last 2 years with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and last season averaged 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to germanhoops.comabout basketball.

You began your career with the AB Baskets. What memories do you have from those days? Did you have a mentor then?

We had a great team and unbelievable experiences. We reached the Final 4. What an incredible moment. My mentor was my big brother and coach Stephan McCollister. I also had him in the school team. I had extra talks and practices with him.

You were teammates with Vince. How big is the competition level between you brothers? How do you push each other best?

The competition level is high, but it´s positive. Nobody is envious of the other. We know the strengths of each other and push each other no matter if we are teammates or opponents.

You also played Regionalliga with Wusterhausen and scored 11 points against Cuxhaven. Was that the game where you knew that you could play with men?

I don´t really remember that game. I never had any doubt that I couldn´t play with men. Leon already had brought Vince and me to the playground courts where we played against older guys.

In 2019 you made the jump to Dresden playing NBBL averaging 22.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.0apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 81.1% and played 7 Pro B games. How important was it making this step and getting out of Berlin?

That jump was very important for my development. It helped me as a person and player.

You were teammates with German Daniel Kirchner. What memories do you have of him. Was he a guy that you could learn certain aspects of the game?

Daniel is a great guy and very funny, but at the same time very focused and ambitious. He is without a doubt one of the fastest players that I ever played with or against.

You then played 2 seasons with Lok Bernau playing 32 games and not averaging more than 4,6ppg. How disappointing was this time? When looking back was this a mistake going there?

My time in Bernau was in no way disappointing. I came there after being injured and missing a season. Going there was exactly what I needed physically and mentally.

Do you feel like you got a fair chance? There were so many great talents there with Delow, Ruff, Schulte, Machowski, and Tilly just to name a few. What positives could you get from these 2 years?

The first season was difficult, but I got chances. The saying is hard work pays off always.

Your still very young at age 24. What dreams do you still have as a player?

I want to play higher than Pro B. The next step is Pro A and then BBL. I also want to play internationally and see the world.

Who is the toughest player that you ever played against that reached the NBA?

Franz Wagner

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Eric Palm, Vincent Friederici, Dwayne Koroma, Franz Wagner, Oshane Drews

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore of 4-5 best players of all-time for you?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James.

Thanks Marc for the chat.

Marc Friederici Wants To Make The Next Step With The ETB Miners Essen And Reach The Pro A Again

pic credit: blendwerk 24

Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen. He played the last 2 years with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and last season averaged 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Marc for talking to germanhoops.com and congrats on a great season with Wolmirstedt. I always thought Wolmirstedt was deep but was Leverkusen possibly the deeper team?

I felt like we were very deep. Leverkusen wasn´t necessarily deeper than us, but more experienced. They played both final games as disciplined as every other regular season game. They were simply better. That they only lost one game in the season was no coincidence.

How tough was the 76-53 loss at home? You split the season series 1-1, but hadn´t played against them since 4 months. How were they better than in January 2025 when you last played them?

You noticed how unbelievable they played at both ends. A big part of that was their good scouting. They knew exactly how and where to defend.

Leverkusen defended very well and with Dennis Heinzman in the middle a real rim protector. How key was the rebounding and lack of three point shooting for the loss?

Dennis was a danger for everyone in the league. That was no surprise. Our three point shooting really hurt us.

Wolmirstedt has always been very ambitious and has wanted to move up since years. If someone had told you in September 2023 that the team would move up in 2025 what would you have thought?

I think that nobody would have believed it and we would of laughed about it. However moving up was always a team goal for us. We had a very strong season and it was time to move up. It was no surprise for me.

What is so special about the Wolmirstedt basketball culture? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?

The club is very close and it has a family atmosphere. At the same time we have goals and a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve. It has been like that for years and not only since I arrived. I think it will continue. I think without this attitude you don´t move up. Remember only a few years ago, the club was playing Regionalliga.

The chemistry was great and the team scored a lot and belonged to the best defensive teams in the Pro B north. What was this season´s team´s biggest strength? Perhaps “TEAM” as there was no big star?

Your correct. Team was our biggest strength. We didn´t have to rely on one guy. Even when Derreck and Boggy carried us, we still had others who could jump in and make an impact at any time.

How key was head coach Eiko Potthast in the success? What do you believe was his biggest strength as a coach`?

I feel that we were able to find our roles. He did a good job letting us come down after intensive phases so we would be able to come fresh into the next game. The balance between freedom and coming down helped us as players very much.

Let´s talk a little about your teammates. Bill Borekambi has been there since 2021 and one of the leaders. He is a walking bucket and can score in so many ways. What do you appreciate most about his game and what is your favorite move from him?

You notice quickly that Bill is very experienced. Especially in the playoffs and key games, he played a vital role for our success. He has moved up something like 4-5 times in his career and that doesn´t remain unnoticed. At the same time he is a really nice and cool guy that is always in a good mood. A normal player makes a lay up and he makes a fade away jumper. That is his lay up.

Talk a little about the 2 American imports Derreck Brooks Jr. and Eamonn Joyce. What did you appreciate most about their# games this season?

Derreck is a really nice guy. We weren´t so close at the start. He just needs some time to open up. But he became a mentor for me. We went through some similar situations as players. He gave me a lot of tips. He is a player that does what the team needs. Eamon is very open. We talked a lot. I really respect his attitude. He is ambitious and a winner. Even after a bad game, he can calm down. That isn´t common.

Martin Bogdanov is also one of the leaders. How vital has his game and leadership been for the success?

Martin was one of our most important building blocks. No matter what we needed, he was there on and off the court. He decided many games for us. He knows exactly what he can and can´t do. He just does it.

Fabien Kondo made a huge jump in his game from last season. Was he one of the most improved players on the squad?

Yes definately The coaches trusted him and he paid it back with good play.

You averaged 7/2/1 stats. You played a few minutes per game than last season. How content were you with your game?

I wasn´t 100% content and awaited more from myself. I feel like during the season, I was able to concentrate on the things that I can control. Then I found my game again. I got stronger mentally and that is just as important as stats.

How have you seen your game grow in the last 2 seasons with Wolmirstedt?

I proved that I got better as a defender.

What was your favorite personal game this season? Perhaps your 18 points in the game 3 win over Essen?

My 2 favorite games were the 2 final games even if we lost them. I gained a lot of experience and learned a lot.

Who was the toughest team that you faced in the pro B this season?

Leverkusen.

You come from a big basketball family and have brothers Leon and Vince. What has each brother given you that has helped you on the court most?

Leon taught me always to give all I have and never to give up. I picked up the calmness from Vince. I should stay calm even when something doesn´t work out right away.

Who wins in a 1-1 on the court between you and Leon and Vince?

I win all.

Thanks Marc for the chat.

Dyon Doehki Always Loved Sharing The Ball And Winning Instead Of Averaging 27-30 Points Per Game And Having Losing Seasons

Dyon Doekhi (188-PG-1987) is a 37 year old 188cm guard that completed his 9 season with the TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-ProB). He began his basketball career in Holland with West Braband Giants (Hoofdklasse). He then sampled experience in France with USD Charonne (France-N3) and VGA St. Maur (France-N3. He then got experience with Stepco BS Weert (Eredivisie). He then came to Germany and played with clubs like Buergerfelder TB (Germany-Regionalliga), SG Sechtem 1971 (Germany-Regionalliga), SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga) and TSVE Dolphins Bielefeld (Germany-Regionalliga. He will play with the Ademax Ballers Ibenburen in 2025-2026. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dyon for talking to germanhoops.com. You played your first Pro B season with Neustadt after playing many seasons in the Regionalliga. How enjoyable was it playing that first Pro B season and what did you appreciate most about the season?

The thing I appreciate the most was having the chance to play at my age with 37 years And to be fit and healhy. It was fun playing at this level know that I can still compete with young guys.

Neustadt played a solid season just missing the playoffs. Did the 9 game losing streak to start the season cost you the playoffs?

Maybe a small part off it but there were also some games after that we could have won but didn’t so I think its mix of both

The team rebounded in the second half of the season having a 9-7 record. What was key for turning the season around?

I think lot of players found their confidence back. We stayed also more healthy where in the beginning had some injuries. I broke my hand in pre-season and Leif his shoulder and some more small injury’s. And also we got new coach that brought some fresh air in the team as well.

What was it like being teammates with Shawn Scott. You 2 guys must of really understood each other well because of facing adversary in lower leagues. Is his chip on his shoulder as big as yours?

It was nice to be with him on the same side. He is a hard working guy also funny and verry humble. I think he had a bigger chip on his shoulder since he had to carry the team more since he had a bigger role.

You averaged 7/2/1 stats this season. How do you summarize your personal season? Was your role different than other seasons?

Personaly I don’t think I had that good of a season because I didn’t know what my role is or was in the team also I know I could have done much better. I should have been more consistent.

You played your ninth season with Neustadt. Has Neustadt become more than a second home for you?

Oh yes! I found lots of new friends and family in Neustadt. That will last a life time.

You showed that you were consistent in the German Regionalliga and always had solid seasons. Did you ever have Pro B or Pro A offers in the last 9 years? You were always that versatile player that did so much well. Do you sometimes wonder where your career may have gone had you averaged 27-30ppg in a season?

Yes I did have offers from other teams and not only from team in gGrmany also from teams in Holland, France, Italy, and more. But I stayed because I have so much fun and the fans showed so much love. I don’t think me avg 27-30 points was an option for me. I had good players around me that I loved to share the ball with and win games because me avg those points most off the time will end in a losing season. Winning was more important to me.

You played against so many great Regionalliga players in the last years? Who was the toughest that you ever played against? Possibily Jeremy Ingram?

You had me thinking here. In the last years I think Jeremy was tough one also Qurin from Bargteheide beez. And off course, I can´t forget my team mate Shawn Scott when he played for the Braves

You played the longest together with Fabio Galiano. Has he become like a brother?

Yes he is we still have contact till today.

You also once were teammates with Mubarek Salami. What memories do you have of him? He was taken way to early from this earth. What did you really appreciate most about him?

This one made me emotional. Mubarek is also my little brother to me. I have so much memories with him from our 1st game together untill our last game together that was in the summer where we played a tournament together In our 1st season we where Vizemeisters Off the court we watched movies, went out for drinks. I´m still heart broken till this day. There is so much I appreciated but number 1 was his love for his family and 2nd the way he played the game with so much passion and love and heart.

How important was head coach Alen Smith early in your basketball career? How did he help shape your game early in your years at Neustadt?

Coach Alen Smith was important for finding my love for coaching the game of basketball and giving it to the younger players back. Not sure if he helped me shape my game. I always played small roles on his teams and I would say I learned how to be effective also in small roles.

You had so many great games in your Neustadt career, but what was your fondest? Possibly the 26 points and almost perfect game in the clinching win over Goettingen to reach the pro B?

Oh yes I think is for sure my most favorite game in Neustadt maybe even my favorite game off my career.

You had the role of being a mentor with Neustadt, but how big was being that mentor? Did you mentor young German kids on the team?

Yes I always talked with younger players that came to practice and let them make their own mistakes so they can learn from it. I like teaching and giving back to future basketball players I think it was of showing respect to the game and to the players that did that for me.

You played a season with SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga). What memories do you have of that organization? Did it surprise you that it came so far to play in the Pro A?

I remember we falling just short and became 2nd if I´m correct. But the organization was always verry professional and had clear goals. So was not surprised that they made it that far.

Do you still follow SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga)? The club is on the verge of moving back down to the Pro B:

I watch from time to time how they do but not that much. Yes I saw that but if it will happen, I believe that they will do everthing in their power to move back up.

You also played a season with Buergerfelder TB (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 72.5% What memories do you have of head coach Predrag Lukic? Did it surprise you that he left shortly after that season to Asia and has been there a decade?

He was very strict coach and I think that fits well with the Asian culture. I saw he had some good success there and am happy for him.

You played a few seasons in France with USD Charonne (France-N3)
and VGA St. Maur (France-N3). How do you remember those early years in your career? What positives did you get from the France days?

France was one of my best experiences in my early career. I really loved it out there. I still play there every summer in tournaments. I like the France playing style fast and very physical. I also had some great coaches that helped me believe a lot in myself. And I still have contact untill today and they still gave me advice.

Did you ever think about coming back home to Holland and playing in their leagues? You stayed in Germany for more than a decade which is more unusual for Dutch guys playing long in Germany.

I don’t think I will ever play there again. I played there 2 seasons and it was never really my style off playing.

What is the next step for you? Your turning 38 this summer. How much longer do you still want to play?

That’s a great question that I got a lot the last days. I still feel verry fit but I think I will play maybe 1 or 2 more years and then hang my playing shoes up. I´m already focusing on coaching. I have my coaching C+ license. So becoming a coach is what I would love to do after.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court?

I have played against a lot of great players in my career. I played against Kevin Yebo. I also played with him. I played against Worthy de Jong from holland who now plays 3×3 and is an Olympic champion. I played also against one of the Wagner brothers but he was still young then. And in tournaments I have played against Nicolas Batum.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kevin Yebo, Isaac Bonga, Mubarek Salami, Papito Hersisia, Chip Jones

Please name your personal NBA, Euro, Dutch and German Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

I would say Kobe bean Bryant

Thanks Dyon for the chat.

Even If Jeremy Ingram Had One Of His Busiest Summers Of His Life In Europe He Never Lost Track Of The NBA

It may be difficult to believe but even if Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) has played most of his overseas career in Germany, recently he has taken his game to different countries. Last season he concentrated on other basketball duties and elected not to play, but then did help out Avanti Mondorf in Luxemburg for a few games and this upcoming season will suit up in the second division in Croatia which will be his 8th team as a pro. “I signed to a new Sports Agency a few months ago called United Sports and started working with a guy named Stefan. He was the key to this great opportunity. 1 thing I have said this past year was I needed to go play in a warm country because of playing in this German weather for so long. So I´m excited I can get to go play there and take my brand even further. I have no idea if the Croatian second division is like Pro B Germany, but I can’t wait to find out ”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. As usual he is in Germany at the moment in the Stuttgart area and doing what he loves most. You never know where you may find him, because he is all over the place. “The summer has been cool, literally, German weather. I guess. This summer has been pretty busy because I have been all over Europe teaching kids the game of basketball, while still playing and working out for myself, while figuring out where I want to play next season and still handling Family things so this maybe 1 of my busiest summers ever. Out here grinding for real”, warned Jeremy Ingram. He also found some extra time to ball with other basketball lovers and showcase his still very explosive game, but wasn´t has fortunate to win a title. “This is my first year playing in the GRC but I had so much fun playing with team “For the Glory” with guys like D. Mcgee, BA, Shaun and a few others. We came up a little short because we honestly got cheated seeming that if you lose you go home. Well we beat a team and somehow we had to play them later and they had about 10 new players this time. But that´s a story for another day. I just enjoyed getting out there turning up with the guys”, stated Jeremy Ingram.

Even if he is overseas, one thing Jeremy Ingram never loses sight of is the NBA. The time difference may be tough, but even if he can´t watch every game, he finds a way to keep track as best as possible. It also didn´t surprise him that the Oklahoma Thunder won the 2025 NBA title. He simply had that special premonition. “ I had OKC picked since preseason because they were clearly the overall best team this season and arguably last season except last season I didn’t pick them because I felt they were too young and weren´t ready yet. I knew this season they would be ready. Their defense was amazing and sometimes overshadowed by their great offense. Also Shai is the best player in the NBA right now and he has so many characteristics that reminds me of my all-time favorite player Kobe Bryant”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. Many surely had the Thunder winning easily as the Indiana Pacers gave them an incredible fight, but what many will wonder is what would have happened had Tyrese Haliburton been able to play the whole game? He had 9 points in the first 8 minutes and was red hot, but then went down with a season ending injury. “I wanted OKC to win and I hate to admit it but if Tyrese Haliburton don’t get hurt we may be talking about this series a little differently. I don’t want to say Pacers win because I think OKC maybe still pulls this game out but I do think the Pacers had no hope and no chance after he got hurt”, commented Jeremy Ingram. Haliburton had another great season, but made another step in the playoffs leading his team to 7 games in the final. Did that run heave him into the top 5 best point guards in the NBA? “ Curry, Kyrie Luka, Shai, and Ja Morant are my top 5 point guards. I don’t think he was consistent enough to be in the Top 5”, said Jeremy Ingram. It was apparent to see that the Pacers staggering amount of turnovers and the Thunder´s consistent defense put them over the top. “ TO’s was a big key because that´s what OKC had done all year is make teams turnover the ball and get out on them fast breaks. OKC made defense their main priority. If that´s the case and your offense is even better than your defense then that´s a winning formula”, warned Jeremy Ingram.

OKC might have had that dominant point guard and MVP in Shai Gillgeous-Alexander that was massive for the win, but also had so many other great parts like Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace or Aaron Wiggins just to name a few, but does OKC win without both big men of Hartenstein and Holmgren? “To win a championship it´s very important to have a good big man. OKC had 2 which made them even tougher in the paint”, said Jeremy Ingram. Jalen Williams made a huge jump in his last 2 seasons and exploded in the playoffs and had a 40 point game against Indiana. Is he on superstar course now? “I don´t see him becoming a superstar because ultimately I think playing with Shai will prevent him from going to superstardom. If he goes to another team he definitely could become a superstar if it´s his team”, explained Jeremy Ingram. Shai Gillgeous won the MVP fair and square even if people in Denver will doubt it, but is he now a top 3 point guard in the NBA and can he still elevate his game to bigger heights now? “I mean he is League MVP and Finals MVP so you would have to say he’s the best player in the world for now. I think you can always elevate your game no matter how good you are so I do think he will come back even better next season and even more efficient”, expressed Jeremy Ingram. Germany got it´s second NBA champion after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein. The big man has had to pay his dues for years, but finally found his calling in Oklahoma. He has a specific role, but still it´s a shame that his versatile offensive game can´t be shown more. “I think this NBA title just makes German basketball even more popular and makes basketball in general more popular over here. It´s not Hartenstein’s job to get more shots when you already have 2-3 players taking 15-20 shots every night and I´m sure he understands that”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. I wished more than actually believed last summer that the Boston Celtics could start a dynasty, but what´s possible with the Thunder? “ I think if OKC’s main players stay healthy. They can win at least 2 more championships in the next 5 years but you never know because of so many different NBA teams are good now and the west is especially super tough”, warned Jeremy Ingram.Never doubt Jeremy Ingram, because he knows the NBA. So if he predicts another Thunder win in 2026, it could very well come true.