At first glance, Braydon Hobbs looks like that nice guy next door fella that would rather take an afternoon and look after the neighbors child because their babysitter canceled instead of sitting plastered to his sofa and watching Lebron in a heated game seven against the Golden State Warriors. That is just the kind of guy that Hobbs appears to be and is off the court, but on the court, he is as ruthless and competitive as a player will get and nothing has been handed to him on a basketball silver platter, but like so many other players in the world has had to fight extremely hard to get to where he is today with FC Bayern Munich. Fellow competitor and opponent Michael Stockton of BG Goettingen can sing the same kind of song like Hobbs in that nothing was ever given to him for free  despite being the son of NBA legend John Stockton, he had to play for NAIA school Westminster and it took him a long and winding route to reach the EasyCredit BBL in 2013. For Hobbs, it wasn´t quite as bad playing at a division 2 school Bellarmine, but still his journey has been long and at times exhausting having to always prove himself at the professional level despite having strong stats in the NCAA 2. He started his professional career in 2012 with Caceres Basket (Spain-LEB Gold) having solid stats, but nothing to necessarily write home to mom about averaging 7.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.9%. In his second season he played with Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division) and made his breakthrough in the: Eurocup averaging 11.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 52.3%; but in the Hungarian League didn´t have the eye popping stats that had German BBL teams fighting for him as he averaged  9.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 72.7%. He had to continue to prove his basketball worth in 2014-2015 with rent4office Nuernberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.9ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-4(5.9apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 82.4% and BBL teams finally began to notice. Hobbs showed that he could run a team and that was the first step in his development that has helped him get to Munich. He wasn´t a teenager, but still benefited from top German youth coach Ralph Junge. “I benefitted tremendously playing for Coach. He put a lot of trust in me to run the team at the point guard position. He helped me grow in many ways as far as running the team. I think I had a solid year because of the understanding Coach and I had for each other and for the team”, stressed Braydon Hobbs. Denis Wucherer remembered how tough he played his team and snapped him up and gave him his BBL start and he didn´t disappoint averaging 10.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-3(1.7spg), FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 86.8%. He proved he could be a solid BBL point guard on offense, but also improved on the defensive side. “Having great guard defenders on my team has helped me to learn from them. Tadda and Yorman were perfect examples to learn from. I am not always the fastest player, but I can be smarter and try to put myself in the right spot, on defense, to help my team”, warned Braydon Hobbs. The American continued to develop and made the next jump to ratiopharm Ulm where he averaged 7.1ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-4(5.4apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 87.2%; In the Eurocup he averaged 7.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 91.7%and obviously with a stacked team of talent, it was no secret that they would be successful, but as the point guard Hobbs played a significant role in the success of the club having the best regular season in their history and finishing better than Bamberg. Having a mentor like Per Gunether also was a big plus for his development. “It was a big challenge guarding him every day. It’s helped my defense big time this season. He is one of the fastest players in the league. That makes him hard to guard. It’s a challenge for anyone to guard him in the league. Another thing that makes him hard to guard, is how smart he is when he has the ball. There is a reason he is one of the best guards in the BBL”, stated Braydon Hobbs last season. Now Hobbs is in Munich and with 2017 European finalist with Serbia Stefan Jovic trying to follow in the foot steps of the last Munich BBL point guard champion with current NBA player Malcolm Delaney. In the last three years, FC Bayern Munich has had a point guard problem and were punished with no titles as guys like Heiko Schaffartzik, Alex Renfroe or Nick Johnson just didn´t cut it. Hobbs wasn´t brought in because they need that scoring point guard or crunch time hero as others will have that duty and have enough offensive weapons, but because he is that perfect smart offensive organizer something they didn´t have to that degree in the last years. He will benefit enormously from Stefan Jovic who will help him make that next step in his development just by his presence on and off the court. He has won a league title in Australia and Pro A title with Giessen, but winning the 2018 BBL title is something he will definitely be able to call home to mom about. Even after a season in the glitz world of Munich and a possible title, the nice guy next door type Hobbs will most likely still take that babysitter gig if called upon, because that is just how Ohio boys are.

        One sees how important it is to have success with FC Bayern Munich football when coach Carlo Ancelotti gets fired after only a few weeks in the new season and it isn´t quite that serious with the basketball department, but their three season drought of winning nt titles hasn´t been an easy pill to swallow. After at least reaching the BBL final in 2015, the club has been embarrassed twice the last two seasons by arch rival Brose Bamberg being swept both seasons making each summer the last two years seem like an eternity waiting for that next season to start. As always they were a strong team in the regular season losing only four games and beating Bamberg and ratiopharm Ulm once and producing a 15 game winning streak at the end of the season, but as always in the last years the dreaded post season where they just couldn´t make the next hump past Bamberg. Averaging only 70 points on offense and not defending to their standard wasn´t going to get them a final shot at Oldenburg in the playoff semi´s. No season is a success in FC Bayern Munich country unless at least a title is won. The pressure keeps mounting in Munich, but with Bamberg having start problems and possibly a tougher season than most had predicted, this is the season where the Bavarians have to make a move and win the title again.

        FC Bayern Munich did a good job making another step in building their chemistry which they have had for 1-2 seasons and have replaced players with new ones that hopefully will be the right ones that will bring the team real success again. The club held 8 players like Nihad Djedovic who has been with the team since 2013 and Anton Gavel who has worn the red since 2014. They also held on two five players that had their first seasons last year with Devin Booker,Reggie Redding,Vladimir Lucic, Danilo Barhel, Alex King and Maik Zirbes.  Djedovic is a 27 year old 196cm 2-3 player that is going into his fifth season with FC Bayern Munich and played 200 games in that time. The ex Alba Berlin player shot 44% from outside last season in the BBL, his best since coming to Germany, but his big strength is getting to the hole and drawing fouls. Last season he played 39 BBL games averaging  9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 82.0%; In the Eurocup he played 16 games averaging 5.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 71.4%The question now remains if he can still continue to develop on a team that is filled with much scoring punch. Gavel is a 32 year old 189cm guard that is going into his fourth season with the club. Last season he played 41 BBL games averaging 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 67.8%; In the Euroleague, he played 10 games averaging 3.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg; Eurocup: 10 games: 9.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 69.0%. The seven time title winner with Bamberg has been declining in scoring average the last three years as his offensive role declines, but his winning mentality and team focus is still a valuable commodity for the team. Devin Booker is a 26 year old 205cm 4-5 player that is going into his second season with Munich after playing three strong seasons in France. Last season the ex Clemson(NCAA) star played 40 BBL games averaging 9.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 72.5%; IN the Eurocup he played 17 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 76.6%. He is a beast inside and very active at both ends of the court and can decide games on his own. Redding is a 29 year old 196cm swing man from Philadelphia and it seems only like it was yesterday that he entered the BBL with Tuebingen, but in fact that was six years ago as the American is going into his sixth season in Germany and second with Munich after playing two seasons with Tuebingen and Alba Berlin. The ex Villanova(NCAA) star has 46 Euroleague games experience. Last season he played 39 BBL games averaging 9.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 78.3%; In the Eurocup, he played 17 games averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 74.4%. He can play the positions 1-4 and is as complete as a player that you will ever see in the BBL and top character player.

Vladimir Lucic is a 28 year old 201cm forward that is going into his second season with Munich. The ex BC Partizan MT:S Beograd and Valencia player is a four time Serb league champion, three time Serb cup winner as well as four time Adriatic League Champion and won the Eurocup in 2014 with Valencia. Last season he played 39 games averaging 9.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 65.0%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 79.5%;In the Eurocup he played 17 games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 85.7%. Lucic excels at playing the 3-4 position and can do it all at his height and has that winning gene that FC Bayern Munich loves to incorporate. Danilo Barhel is a 26 year old 208cm forward that is going into his second season with the club. The 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner with Frankfurt last season played 35 games averaging 8.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 77.1%; In the Eurocup, he played 16 games averaging 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 76.7%. Barthel has a fine inside game that always gives 110% and gives stability on the defensive end in the paint. Alex King is a 32 year old 200cm forward that has had a great professional career that took him from Frankfurt to Munich via Bonn, Wurzburg and Alba Berlin and three titles. Last season he played 35 games averaging 3.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg. In the  Eurocup, he played 17 games averaging  3.2ppg, 1.2rpg. He averaged only 11,6 minutes in the BBL last season and most likely won´t increase them this season. His experience and energy are valuable and his once weak three has turned into an annoying weapon. Zirbes is a 27 year old 208cm center that was gone for 2.5 years and brought back five titles with Crvena Zvezda Telekom Beograd (Serbia-KLS). Last season the three time BBL allstar he split time with  Maccabi Fox Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) playing 9 games averaging 8.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 51.8%, FT: 63.0%. In the Euroleague: he played 15 games averaging 8.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2FGP: 68.2%, FT: 78.0%, in Jan.’17 moved to FC Bayern Muenchen (BBL) playing 18 games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 62.8%, FT: 77.8%; and played 3 games averaging 7.7ppg, 3.0rpg.

Stefan Jovic is a newcomer that is a 26 year old 198cm guard that won 8 titles with Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (KLS) in the last three seasons and last summer won a silver at the 2017 European championships with Serbia averaging 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 65.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%. Last season with Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (KLS) he played 13 games averaging 6.6ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-4(5.5apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 65.3%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 40.0%; In the Euroleague he played 23 games averaging 7.5ppg, 2.0rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 61.3%; In the Adriatic League, he played 23 games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-4(5.9apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 59.4%. He is a genuine floor general that will make Munich´s pick and roll top in the BBL. He won´t score much, but will run the team the way a pass first guard should. No Bayern team is really complete without an ex NBA player and this season it´s Jared Cunningham. He is a 26 year old 193cm guard from San Leandro, California going into his sixth professional season and first in Europe. The ex Oregon State star was a NBA first round pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012, but in four season played only 69 NBA games for teams like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles Clippers and Cavaliers. Last season he balled in the offensive Chinese league with Jiangsu Tongxi MOnkey Kings (China-CBA) playing 31 games: Score-4(34.0ppg), 4.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 77.7%. That he can score like no other is obvious, but this season he will have to play team basketball, but could be that crunch-time hero. Milan Macvan is a 27 year old 206cm forward that like Jovic won a silver with Serbia this past summer at the European championships averaging 10.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT-1(95.7%).He brings unending experience and has played with top teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv, Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul and EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. His title count is 10 and he just knows how to win having won titles in every country he played. The 2009 sliver medalist with Serbia at the European championships in Poland has a physical inside game and very mobile that will score and rebound at ease in the paint.

So where will the journey of FC Bayern Munich go this season? Despite a talented Alba Berlin team that should have better results than last season and a weaker Bamberg squad, the Bavarians are the top title candidate this season. Their biggest strength is having kept a good core of their players from last season. The club averaged 85 points last season and gave up 71 points which is a good stat to build on. A goal for them will be too keep that scoring consistency and focus even more on the defensive end an area that they will improve on. Consistency was lacking last season and will be less of a problem this season with the experience and team chemistry growing. The biggest plus that will depend between titles and not are the new guards Hobbs and Jovic. These two new players are the perfect additions and will help bring rosy times to FC Bayern Munich basketball. The team is the deepest in the BBL and have top notch players at each position that will wear down teams week in and week out. It will be a big surprise if they don´t finish 1^st in the regular season and win the double. The only thing that will halt their titles this season with be a sudden injury plague like in Gotha or if Andrea Trinchieri can create real magic with Bamberg, but that looks more like a reach than being reality this season.

 

 

 

 

Matt Janning is a 29 year old 195cm guard from Watertown, Minnesota that played at Northeastern(NCAA) and currently is playing his eighth professional season and first with Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz (Spain-Liga Endesa). In his professional career, he has played in the NBA, D-League and in Europe for teams like Novipiu Casale Monferrato (Italy-SerieA),  Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA), KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1), KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1),  Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League), and  Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB). He won titles in Italy and Turkey and reached the Euroleague Final 4 in 2016. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the Euroleague game against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg

 

 

 

 

Matt thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You have a 1-5 record against Alba Berlin and were swept by the Artland Dragons with Cibona and by ratiopharm Ulm with Lokomotiv Kuban. Do you have any special memories of these games. You witnessed an exciting 75-73 win against Alba Berlin.

 

The Alba games were a while ago. I will never forget the Berlin arena where I also played the Euroleague Final 4 where fans saw high level games. I remember there being a great crowd in Artland. The German teams have great fans and they always respect the opponent teams. I remember many exciting games in Germany and had a lot of fun playing there.

 

 

 

This is your eighth professional season and seventh in Europe as you have played for seven teams in six countries. Does it sometimes feel like you have been living the basketball globetrotter life?

 

I have had some great stops as well as some stops that were cut short. I have nothing to complain about in my career and always made the best out of where I played while having fun being able to travel.

 

 

 

You are playing currently for Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz(ACB) and the first time in Spain. Are you surprised that a guy with your talent and versatility didn´t land in the ACB earlier?

 

 

I have always had interest and offers from ACB teams as my game is what ACB teams like, but for some reason it just didn´t work out earlier. I am happy to play for Baskonia and finally play in the ACB.

 

 

With Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz  you have a 2 month contract replacing the injured Jordan Mcrae. With what kind of feelings are doing your job? How tough is it playing on a two month contract? How is this role different than if you had a normal year contract?

 

Playing on a short term contract is tough. You are constantly trying to impress everyone with the hopes of being able to stay until the end of the season. At the same time you just try to go out and play your game and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

 

You are in Bamberg playing a Euroleague game against Brose Bamberg. You know guys like Rickey Hickman and Daniel Hackett who was your teammate at Siena. How excited are you to be playing in a new arena, against old teammates and fighting for Euroleague points?

 

 

I am looking forward to playing against Brose Bamberg. It will be a fun game. I know Daniel Hackett well as we played a whole season together and I also know some of the other players. I know they have a good team and great fans in freak city. I have heard good things about the organization from my friend Trevor Mbakwe who played there some years ago. I am very excited to see how the atmosphere is there.

 

 

Baskona have started slow in the ACB and Euroleague competitions. The club has so much talent. What do you believe is their biggest strength? Possibly their versatility?

 

Yes we have a lot of versatility. We have many pieces and guys that can play multiple positions. We have the chance to do many things on both ends of the court. We just have needed some extra time to fit together and it has taken longer than expected. I think that when all the pieces come together we will be a team that teams won´t want to play against.

 

 

You have played for Euroleague teams in the past, but what is the greatest thing about being able to play for a Euroleague team? Being able to learn something new each day from a teammate?

 

Yes there are always things that your teammates teach you from day to day. I also think that the Euroleague competition is one of a kind. You play against the best competition like this week we played against Valencia and now two days later we play in Bamberg. You always have to be focused and ready to play at a high level. That is what makes playing Euroleague so fun and exciting.

 

 

 

You have so many talented players on the team, but what has been your impression of German big man Johannes Voigtmann. He has seen NBA interest. Is he just a Euroleague player or could he make the jump across the pond to the NBA?

 

 

Joe is my roommate and we spend a lot of time together. He has so much talent and can play at the highest level in Europe and I feel he has the chance to play in the NBA. He has the ability to shoot the ball at a high rate and NBA teams look for players like that can do the pick and pop. He has the ability to change a game with his play.

 

Let´s talk about your game. You a very athletic guard that can shoot the ball at a high rate. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you compare your game to?

 

 

Now I would say JJ Redick. I am more of a shooter, but can also handle the ball, do the pick and roll and create for my team. Back when I came out of school I was compared to Jeff Hornacek. But today it is just hard to compare myself because the game has changed so much.

 

 

You’re a guy that can fill up the stat sheet with ease, but what do you feel is still a hidden talent today in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

 

I think being able to play with the ball and create and play pick and roll. Teams tend to think that I am just a stand around shooter. I also think that I am a good decision maker. We have many guys on the team like this and they make you better.

 

 

 

You won the Italian Serie A with Siena and won the Turkish cup with Efes, but was reaching the 2016 Euroleague Final 4 your biggest moment as a professional?

 

 

 

Yes I think so. The playoff series against Barcelona was very special. We won the first game at home and then were down 2-1. We came back and won 3-2. It was one of those rare special feelings that I have had as a professional.

 

Do you ever look back on the loss to CSKA, or is this a game that you have erased out of your mind?

 

 

I remember that game well. It was a great game. We got down quickly something like 8-10 points. It is always difficult having to play catch up basketball when you have to use a lot of energy. We came back at the end and cut it down to something like 3-4 points, but we just couldn´t make that extra step needed to come back and win the game

 

In that game you played with Malcolm Delaney and against Nando de Colo and Milos Teodosic. All three have been in the NBA. If you had to pick the toughest of the lot would it be Teodosic?

 

That is a very tough question. All can do so much on the court. All are a little different. De Colo is more of a scorer while Teodosic and Delaney do a little bit of all being able to run a team and score at ease. If I had to take one player it would be Delaney. He is one of the better teammates that I have had in Europe. It doesn´t matter what the team needs, Malcolm does everything possible and grinds out what is best for the team. He is a winner.

 

 

In the 2014-2015 season you played with Turkish team Anadolu Efes and lost in the Euroleague playoffs to real Madrid 3-1, but in the win you led all scorers with 21 points in the narrow 75-72 win. Was that your most memorable game besides winning the cup?

 

That was a very special game. I was hot that game as everything seemed to be going in. I hit the game winner at the end to seal the deal. It was ironic that that was my second game winner against Real Madrid as I had one earlier in the regular season making a tip in. I will remember these games for a long time.  

 

 

In the 2012-2013 season you won your first professional title with Siena. Your teammate was Bobby Brown who has been a flat out scorer his whole career. Everybody has their special Bobby Brown story. What do you remember most vividly about him as a player and person?

 

Bobby is great and it was a great experience being his teammate. I still talk to him and talked to him last week checking up on each other. He is the type of player where you can learn something new each day. He has been the most talented guy that I ever played with at any position. He can do it all. He is a great teammate and guy that was always looking out for you

 

In your first season in Europe you played with Novipiu Casale Monferrato (Italy-SerieA) playing 25 games averaging 12.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 69.8%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Watertown, Minnesota?

 

 

We were a very young team that had just come up from the Italian second division. We had four Americans that had just come out of college and were rookies in Europe. In pre-season we all gave interviews and were talking about making the playoffs and bringing the team to a new level. In our first game we got blown away. That was my wake up call. It showed really what level we were at and that we had a long way to go to reach the level that we wanted to be at. There ended up being many changes and we moved back down to the second division.

 

You had some veterans on that team like Oluoma Nnamaka who would leave half way through the season. Did you profit from his experience or from other guys early on as you were trying to get a feel for the game and life in Europe?

 

 

He was great and played the full season there. Early on he was like a father to us and took care of us showing us the ropes. In tough situations he told us to keep our heads up and keep moving. He was a great teammate and I am happy that I was able to be around him.

 

 

In your rookie season you started with the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and moved to the Maine Red Claws (D-League): playing 20 games averaging 9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 70.7%, in Jan.’11 signed at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) playing 29 games averaging 11.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 85.0%. How was that whole experience for you. After that season did you feel the NBA could still become reality or did seem more like a reach?

 

 

My rookie season was hectic. I made the Phoenix Suns roster and was on the roster for 12-13 games, but never played a game just sitting at the end of the bench in a suit. The short time was a great experience as I played with guys like Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Jason Richardson. I then got cut and moved to the D-League to Maine that wasn´t a great experience. I then got traded to Rio Grande. I was able to play for Chris Finch who is an assistant in the NBA now. I loved playing for Chris. We had a talented team, but lost the final to Iowa. This experience opened my eyes that I could play in the NBA. All it came down to was the right time and time.

 

 

Then you played at many more NBA Summer Leagues in 2012, 2013 and 2014. When you look back at that whole experience did you ever sense that you might get a chance. Did you ever get good feedback that gave you hope?

 

 

I thought I played good NBA Summer Leagues with Memphis, Brooklyn and Minnesota. I always got good feedback. I had some training camp invites, but they were never guaranteed. It is hard to go to training camp when it isn´t guaranteed. Until I get a real NBA chance I will keep coming back to Europe. It is exciting to know that there is always that NBA chance, but then again tough to turn down good European offers.

 

You played at Northeastern from 2006-2010. How was that whole experience for you and how disappointing was it that you didn´t go farther in the CAA tournament?

 

 

My experience at Northeastern was great. The opportunity to go to school for four years and play basketball at a great university is something that I will never forget. I will never forget my teammates and coaches. It is one of the best experiences that a young person can have.

 

 

How did head coach Bill Coen groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

 

He was the first to give me the opportunity to showcase my skills. He told me from the start that I would be one of the main guys and take the program to a new level. Also we had many guys from far away with no families close by. We all became a family. He taught us to do it the right way. He gave us the keys and told us how to go.

 

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Chaisson Allen?

 

I think that I got the best of him. He was my roommate. He still is a great friend today.

 

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

 

 

 

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett

 

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 

 

 

Lebron is the second best of all-time. I grew up watching Jordan. It was all about Jordan. For me what he did was different. He was effortless and graceful. Lebron will also go down as one of the greatest of all-time

 

 

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

 

 

 

If you watch his games and see his energy, you would never ever say something against his play. He gives 110% each time on the court. It is always exciting to watch him and he has worked hard for everything.

 

 

How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA?

 

I don´t follow the NBA that much but did see NBA Summer League games. Kyle Kuzma looked good at the NBA Summer League. He seems to be a guy that can fit into any NBA system. I hope that he turns into a good player.

 

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?

 

 

I hope that Bobby Brown gets some minutes now with Chris Paul out. The Rockets have a lot of talent, but it will be an uphill battle against Golden State.

 

 

 

How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?

 

 

Boston got the better deal, but now with the injury to Gordon Hayward it has changed. The Cavs have much talent and when Thomas comes back they will be tough. Crowder can be that steal that will bring the team to a new level on defense. A Cavs-Golden State series will be fun to watch.

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season with Westbrook, George and Anthony? Can they make a serious run in the west?

 

 

They have much talent and three main pieces that each can get you 25-30 points a night. The Warriors will have to be locked down on defense to be able to control the series. If all three get hot then it will be hard to beat them in any series.

 

 

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Wonder Woman and The New Spiderman.

 

Thanks Matt for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Shingles is a 30 year old 190cm guard from Albany, Georgia that currently playing for Limburg in the Regionaliga. He last played for the UNI-Riesen Leipzig playing 23 games averaging 14.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 67.2% He started his basketball career at Morehead St. (NCAA) and in 2010 he started his professional basketball career at  Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing  15 games: 14.5ppg. He led the team to the Regionaliga 2 title. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Guildford Heat (United Kingdom-BBL) playing  6 games: 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.3%; left in Nov.’11, then moved to BBC Febro Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing  7 games: 16.1ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 63.0%. He then played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) and three years ago for GBP Badajoz (Spain-EBA) playing 15 games: 15.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 6.3%, FT: 57.3%. He spoke to German Hopps the American recently about basketball

 

 

 

Brandon welcome back to Germany. You are playing this season with Limburg in the German Regionaliga. After a year off how good does it feel to be back in Germany playing the game that you love?

 

I feel good to be back in Germany. I missed playing so much

 

Last season was the second time in your professional career that you sat out a season as the first time was in 2014-2015. Did you pursue other interests or did you simply not get the right offers last season to come back to Germany?

 

In this business that’s just works sometimes. I thought I definitely should have been playing.

 

How did you experience last season? You were coaching last season. What kind of experience was that and do you think that you will continue to do that later in life after your done playing basketball?

 

I enjoyed coaching very much.  it is definitely what I will do when I’m done playing. I love to make kids better .

 

Did you check up with some of your ex German teams last season? Your ex team Leipzig had a less than satisfactory season. Even though they had some good guards like Guy Aud and Cardell Mcfarland, they were unable to hinder having to move down to the Regionaliga. Did you ever think about what may have been had they kept you for last season?

 

Actually the plan was for me to come back the next season but they changed coaches and he wanted an import wing more than a guard. I love that city and I hate it for the fans there. Leipzig will always have a special place in my heart .

How did you keep in shape? Did you have a certain routine that you kept to continue to be ready if a team called?

 

I had access to a gym anytime I wanted so I stayed ready .

 

You have a new chance now with Limburg. How do you like the city? It is much much smaller than Leipzig and Magdeburg, but probably more similar to Aschersleben. How have you adapted to your new surroundings?

 

I like the city a lot. Small but everything I need is here. The people welcomed me here with open arms .

 

How did you come to sign with Limburg. Head coach Danny Stallbohm must of really went through his basketball black book to find the right contact to find you?

 

I got coach Danny contact through a former coach I played against in the Pro B and he said it would be a good opportunity for me to get back into Germany so I reached out to coach and he decided to bring me in.

 

Limburg has a very young team. What has been your impression of the team and what do you feel is the team capable of accomplishing this season?

 

 I like my team a lot. We are not going to out score opponents, but we will have to out work them. My goals is to win as many games as possible.

 

You and Justin Stallbohm will be the leaders of the team. How excited are you to be running a young team. Where do you see taking your game this season with Limburg?

 

 Yes me and Justin clicked as soon as I got here. He is a good player and a great competitor and everyone feeds off his positive energy.

I can imagine you averaging 20-25 points and filling up the stat sheet. Do you feel that the expectations are high and will you come to terms with them?

 

 High expectations is what I expect of myself. I just want to win games and have a good season.  If I focus on that good stats will follow.

 

Limburg has had some great players in the last years like Ron Howard, Kris Douse, Paul Dick or Kevin Yebo. Six years ago, with Magdeburg you averaged 16/7 stats as a 24 year old. How confident are you that you not only will be an impact player at age 30, but could eclipse those stats from then and be a very potent player at your age?

 

 I don’t feel 30… lol .. but I’m smarter and more experienced now to the European game. I think it will come to me more easier now.

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

 

Jordan, Magic,Lebron,Kobe

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time? Answer

 

Lebron is one of the best ever. Jordan is one of a kind. There will never be another Jordan.

 

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

 

To be honest I wasn’t a big Westbrook fan at first but the way he plays the game makes you a fan. I don’t think he is hunting stats I think he just wants to win.

How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA? Answer:

 

 I think the Draft was good but the player I’m excited to see the most is Dennis Smith Jr.  He is exciting to watch.

 

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?

 

 Most people think that it won’t work but I believe that they will take pressure off of each other. I think they need another piece to be a serious contender.

 

How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?

 I think they both benefited from the deal but Boston may have the edge in this trade .

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

 Hostel Part:3.

 

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

 

After toiling most of his professional basketball career in the German Pro B and Regionaliga, Andrew Jones (191-SG-83, college: Miles) will get his chance to show his basketball art in the Pro A with the Niners Chemnitz. With most players already out of basketball at the age of 30 after having given up the low salary and the little recognition of playing in the lower leagues of Germany, Jones has been one of the few special cases that has continued to grind year in and year out playing the game he loves. In September he spoke to eurobasket and described his new experience with the Niners Chemnitz as being a very rewarding one and now has been rewarded with the chance to play at least 5 games while filling in for the departed Jajuan Johnson who was a rookie out of Marquette (NCAA), but couldn’t fullfil the expectations of the team averaging 7,2ppg, 3,0rpg and 3,0apg. The club announced that the homesickness of Johnson effected his play and the departure would be best for both sides. The club is looking for a replacement, but until that player is found, Jones will fill in and help out while also continuing to play for the Chemnitz 2 team in the Regionaliga 2.

Jones is a 191cm guard that started his basketball career at : Miles (NCAA2). He got his first experience playing with the Marietta Storm (SEBL), and the BC Celtics (SEBL). He played his first professional season in Germany in 2008 with the Dresden Titans (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 3 games averaging 25.7ppg later that month moved to the Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 11 games averaging 18.0ppg. Over the years he found a home with the Dresden Titans and would always return back there playing there three more seasons with his best statistical being the 2012-2013 season where he played 22 games averaging 18.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.1%. In the 2013-2014 season with Dresden he played 25 games averaging 17.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 78.5%. His last year with Dresden was in the 2015-2016 season where he played 28 games averaging 9.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 63.6%. He also got additional basketball experience with the Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-Regionalliga) in 20111-2012 playing 22 games averaging 23.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.9apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3Pts: 27.5%, FT: 68.7%. He also played with Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League) in 2013 and played a season with C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) in 2010-2011 playing 30 games averaging 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 74.5%.

Even if the Drsden Titans will remain his special home as he still lives there with his family, but Andrew Jones and the Niners Chemnitz just fit together. One could already feel that in his interview with eurobasket in Spetember as he described his new basketball home and possibility and hope of playing Pro A basketball. “This experience is more than I expected! The club has been great. Coach Rodrigo has a very high coaching I.Q. I’m learning every day. I thank God for putting me in this situation. I was worried when I knew I would train with them. I was not in the best shape, however I put my best foot forward. Taking the year off from basketball affected me a little as well. Getting some of the plays down took some time. My basketball brain did not kick in until the third week. My training has stayed the same. It’s the preparation and regeneration that changes. Taking care of your body after practices and games are the keys to staying in it”, stressed Andrew Jones. The American also is confident that he will make a smooth transition to the Pro A when given the chance. ” Honestly depending on who you play for there is no difference. However, Coach Rodrigo wants things done the right way. His style of play makes you create more opportunities for the next teammate. I compare it to styles of the euroleague teams. The speed for me is no difference. Playing with a group of guys with a pass first mentality, is something new for me. It’s a better brand of basketball”, stressed Andrew Jones. Jones also will be key for helping the young players and also has lauded the work with head coach Rodrigo Pastore. “My overall experience with the game would help. It’s not just about dribbling, defending, shooting and whatever physical thing that’s done on the court. The mental side of the game is just as important. Teaching them how to deal with adversity as well as the game itself would be my main focus. He was so close to leading the team to the BBL last season. From the first day I trained with him he expected high level performance. With everything! That means footwork, setting screens, making the right reads and so much more. He prepares very well and really knows the game. He treats every player from young to old the same. If anyone makes a mistake he let’s them know quickly”, warned Andrew Jones. Jones is 34 years old and finally will play in the Pro A and deserves it more than anybody.

Quincy Diggs is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Texas that is playing his third professional season and first with CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). Last season he played with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 13.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.7%. As a rookie he played with the Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 48 games: Score-2(20.0ppg), 7.3rpg, 3.2apg, Steals-2(2.0spg), FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 68.3%. He started his NCAA career at New Orleans (NCAA) and then finished with Akron(NCAA) playing a total of 102 games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 12.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 65.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets in Bonn.

 

 

 

 

Hi Quincy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. Your playing your third professional season and first with CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). How good does it feel to be back in Germany?

 

 

Feels good to be back in Germany especially being able to speak German some bit.

 

 

Last season with Bremerhaven you split winning at home, but losing 98-93 in Bonn scoring 8 points. What memories do you have of that game?

 

 

My memories playing Bonn at their place was ok wasn’t my best game but we still had a chance to win and I passed up a game tying three to send it to over time but other than that Bonn is a good team and we can’t allow them to get off to a good start.

 

 

 

The Telekom Baskets Bonn lost Ryan Thompson who had 27 points in that game and Ken Horton and kept many players as well as adding new strong components. What kind of game can we await and what will be key to winning?

 

 

The key to winning is containing their scorers and we must get off to a good start in the beginning when your playing away games

 

 

Your playing your first season with CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL) What kind of a feeling is it playing with the Celtics/Lakers of the Czech Republic, a team that has won 24 titles in the last 13 seasons. Do you feel that unbelievable tradition every day?

 

 

Man this organization is great. They are really professional here and you can see why they win here.

Last season the club played Champions League, VTB League and in the Czech League, but this season not in the competitive VTB league. Was being able to play for a team very rich in tradition, possibility to win titles and playing in the Champions League the biggest urge for you to sign there?

 

When I saw I had the chance to play in champions league I couldn´t pass it up and coming to a team who almost made it to final 16 last year why not come here.

 

 

 

You played with a young point guard in Jordan Hulls last season and this season with very experienced Eugene Lawrence. How has your game profited just from his basketball IQ?

 

 

Jordan was a good shooter and Eugene is a true point guard who has helped me with the style of Nymburk and he knows everybodies position on the floor and runs the team when he is on the floor. They are two different players

 

 

 

Do you sometimes feel in awe just listening to 9 time Czech allstar Petr Benda who has won 18 titles with CEZ Basketball Nymburk? What has impressed you most about his game and character?

 

What impressed me about Petr is his monitor. He has good monitor for his age and can stretch the floor with his shooting ability which helps us out a lot and off the court he is a professional and funny guy

 

 

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a very athletic swing man that can do it all at both ends of the court. If you had to describe yourself to an NBA player that most fits your game who would it be?

 

My game is very similar to Brandon Roy. He is my favorite player and if I had the chance or given the opportunity to play in the NBA people would notice what I can really do

 

You are a very strong defender that takes passion on the defensive end. Are you the type of player that let´s your defense spark your offense first?

 

My defense is all about instincts and that helps me out a lot. It can spark my offense but I don’t rely on it to do that.

 

 

 

You’re a guy that can fill up the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

I can fill up the stat sheet and yes I feel it is hidden. I know I can play at the highest level and me being over here learning the European game has increased my basketball IQ as well. It gets frustrating seeing other players I played against at a high level  in basketball or teams and I am just trying to stay ready for my opportunity

 

 

 

After a strong rookie season in Austria, you last season made the next step in the more competitive BBL with the  Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 32 games averaging 13.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.7%. How do you feel did your game develop further last season in Germany?

 

 

Austria was great. Oberwart gave me a chance to start my career and I won’t forget that but the league wasn’t for me and was happy I got an offer from a German team even if was a low level team, I just wanted to help and show I could compete at this level

 

 

Last season you scored 16 and 20 points in two tough loses against Brose Bamberg. Did these two games prove to you that having the goal of reaching a Euroleague team has to be realistic for you down the road?

 

 

I thought after those games against Bamberg would show some scouts that I am a diamond in the dirt but I guess it wasn’t enough but I will continue to play my best until I get my chance

 

 

As a rookie you played for the Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 48 games: Score-2(20.0ppg), 7.3rpg, 3.2apg, Steals-2(2.0spg), FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 68.3%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Texas?

 

 

I was happy to be away from home because I finally got a chance to play ball

 

How refreshing was it for you tearing up the Austrian league. You never averaged double figures In school until your senior year at Akron(NCAA), but did show that explosiveness at Akron the way you did in Austria. Was Quincy Diggs the explosive scorer born in Austria?

 

 

Same thing at Akron. I was hidden kind of until we made the NCAA tournament

 

 

 

 

You started your NCAA career at New Orleans (NCAA) in 2009 playing 27 games averaging  3.3ppg, 1.6rpg. You left to go to Akron as New Orleans moved down to the NCAA 2. Do you ever think about how your NCAA career could have gone had you stayed at New Orleans?

 

After leaving New Orleans because of Katrina I was able to leave without sitting out a year and was happy that I found another college

 

 

 

You improved your scoring, rebounding and assists in each season at Akron. How difficult was it siting out the 2012-2013 season and did you have a huge chip on your shoulder going into your senior year?

 

 

I work hard in the summers and improved and they say numbers don’t lie

 

 

You had some tough loses at Akron against Ohio and Western Michigan. Which game creeps into your thoughts most still?

 

 

The game that creeps me the most was the Ohio one where we missed a shot to tie the game to send it overtime for the NCAA tournament.

 

 

 

How did head coach Keith Dambrot groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Keith Dambrot taught me about adversity and that helped me with my pro career

 

 

 

At Akron you were teammates with CJ Oldham who plays in Germany with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He said this about you. “Quincy Diggs was a great player from the beginning and each year he finds a way to get better. It is hard to pick out one moment out of so many where he made a great play. Most people only get to see him in games, but practicing against him every day you could tell he was going to be special”. How do you remember Oldham as the player/person best?

 

CJ was my roommate and we pushed each other to get better with our trainer Cedric Middleton. We had got along real good and it is good to see that he is still playing and shows you hard work pays off

 

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

 

I can´t remember one player that was the toughest.

 

 

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

 

 

Michael Jordan, Shaq, Phil Jackson and James Naismith

 

 

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 

 

 

Lebron is the best player in the country

 

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?

 

 

Houston will beat the Warriors in playoffs

 

 

Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season with Westbrook, George and Anthony? Can they make a serious run in the west?

 

OKC will make it the final

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

The last movie I saw was A time to kill

 

Thanks Quincy for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Malcolm Armstead is a 28 year old 187cm point guard from Florence, Alabama that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Last season he played with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL) playing 29 games averaging 12.9ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5(5.2apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 78.4%. He played at three schoold before turning professional with Chipola JC (JUCO), Oregon (NCAA) and Wichita St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 39 games averaging 10.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 79.7%. He started his professional basketball career in 2013 with Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Telemach League) where he played two seasons. In the 2015-2016 season he played with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB) playing 4 Eurocup: games averaging 13.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.5apg, 1.5spg; In the VTB United League he played 7 games averaging 13.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 43.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 95.2%, in Nov.’15 moved to AEK Athens (Greece-A1) playing 3 games averaging 7.0ppg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, in Dec.’15 signed at Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-BSL) playing 14 games averaging 10.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-5(1.5spg), FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League against the MHP Riesen in Ludwigsburg.

 

 

 

 

Malcolm thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time to Germany and what do you in general about the country and it´s basketball?

 

 

 

This is my first time playing as a professional in Germany, but not my first time visiting. Friends that I know that have played here in the past are Jordan Theodore and Sean Armand that played in Frankfurt.

 

 

 

Your playing your fifth professional season and first with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL) which is your fifth country and fifth team. Do you sometimes feel as if you are living a basketball globetrotter life?

 

 

I wouldn´t say I´m living a globetrotter basketball life. When I think of globetrotter I think of them doing it for the fans and entertainment. I feel like I am doing a job as a professional basketball player.

 

 

 

 

Has the Basketball Champions League been extra challenging to you in comparison to the Lithuania-LKL league. What have you been focusing most on your game in this league?

 

 

I have only been here a month so my main focus is to just get better every day. I want to enjoy the process at the same time, and know that there will be ups and downs.

 

 

You’re the only American on the squad. Has this been a big adjustment for you as you have become less minutes than you have been used to in past years?

 

 

Well it´s been kind of tough. This season has been a real challenge. It has just been a matter of having different roles. Before I was a scoring guard, but this season we have many scorers here. I feel I have become a better player on the defensive end.

 

 

 

How has the daily head to head competition with other point guard Mindaugas Girdziunas helped your game so far in the early going?

 

He is a very good player and has helped me become better. I have learned different things and just try to pick and choose along the way.

 

 

 

Your playing with some experienced Lithuanians like Tomas Delininkatis, and Renaldas Seibutis and others. Does their presence take away some pressure from you having to have the full load of bringing your experience?

 

 

I don´t feel any pressure. It´s not like I am in the ring fighting Mike Tyson, but I´m just playing basketball. They do what they have to do in the paint and I just try to get them the ball and put them in the best position possible to be successful.

 

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You’re a versatile guard and to what NBA player would you best compare your game to?

 

 

I don´t know and have never really thought about it. I try to take bits and pieces from many players and add it to my game.

 

 

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

I feel a hidden strength in my game is my defense. In the past I have tended to be lazy, but my coaches have always been on me to be a better defensive player. I want to bring my defensive game on track which will help my career further.

 

 

Last season you played with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL) playing 29 games averaging 12.9ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5(5.2apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 78%. Do you feel that this was your strongest season where you showed you could be an impact player in one of the top leagues in Europe?

 

My numbers were better last year than in past years, but I think my season was just solid. I feel like I could have done a lot of things better last year.

 

 

 

How much easier did a guy like ex NBA player Ricky Ledo make your life as a point guard that season as he led the league in scoring? What did you learn to appreciate most about his game?

 

He is a scorer and led the league in scoring. I appreciated his work ethic and energy level the most. You saw why he played in the NBA

 

 

 

In the 2015-2016 season you split time with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB),  AEK Athens (Greece-A1) and  Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-BSL). What do you feel was the most toughest about this season and what did you learn from living in a suitcase?

 

It was a tough season. In Russia there was a lot more going on than just basketball with the club. I left, but when I look back I wish that I could of stayed because they were winning in the Eurocup and I believe that if I had stayed it would really have helped my career. In Greece I wasn´t able to play my natural position. I was a stand still shooter in the corner. Being a stand still shooter is ok, but that isn´t my game as I am also a creator. It looked like I was a problem having to leave so many teams, but I wasn´t.

 

 

You played your first two professional seasons with  Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Telemach League) winning two titles. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Alabama?

 

I didn´t have a wake up call. I left home at age 16 and played JUCO and then played at Oregon and then at Wichita State so I was used to being away from home. Christopher Booker helped me a lot since he was something like 30 and a lot older. Having Booker there made me feel easier and it felt more like being at home. I was injured my first year and when I came back for my second season I knew what to expect.

 

 

 

How important was American Christopher Booker in your early time in Slovenia? Did his JC roots help make the understanding and communication easier between you?

 

 

His experience really helped me He told me the things I would go through things he had seen as a professional.

 

You already was on the go during your college years playing at Chipola JC (JUCO), Oregon (NCAA) and Wichita St. Do you feel like you became a better player having had this varied experiences instead if you had stayed at one school?

 

Yes that helped me for sure. I played with three different coaches that had different styles. In the JC I had come in as a scorer and became a distributor. At Oregon they needed me as a scorer and at Wichita State I played for a defensive minded coach.

 

 

You had two solid years at Oregon playing for Dana Altman. How did your game mature there and why did you feel the need to transfer to Wichita State(NCAA)

 

 

My numbers went down here, but I learned to become a better creator and he let me play my game under his system.

 

How did head coach Gregg Marshall give you that last touch and helped you groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Wichita State?

 

 

He always got down on me wanting me to get better each day.

 

You reached the NCAA final 4 in 2013 with Wichita State losing 72-67 to Louisville. Does the ending of that game still pop through your head today?

 

 

I never watched that game again. I try not to think about it. Sometimes people remind me about it, but that was 5 years ago.

 

 

You had some very talented guards with Fred Van Vleet who plays with the Toronto Raptors and Ron Baker with the New York Knicks. When you look at their game is there so much difference in talent in your games. Didn´t their success give you hope for the NBA or do some guys just have more connections and luck?

 

I knew from day one that coach would be lucky to have them on the team. It´s all about timing. I was a fifth year senior and didn´t play NBA Summer League. I never pursued the NBA, because I knew that I would have a better career in Europe.

 

 

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Fred Van Vleet?

 

 

 

We never played. Coach didn´t allow it. I would have won a one on one had we played.

 

 

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

Isaiah Thomas of the Cavs. We played 4 times and we split each season.

 

 

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

 

 

 

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson

 

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 

Michael Jordan are you serious? Jordan has six rings and Lebron has three rings. If you don´t win, it doesn´t matter.

 

 

 

 

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

 

 

I don´t listen to what people say. He averaged a triple double and was MVP.

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Straight Outta Compton. I watched it on the plane today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last season medi Bayreuth fans were engulfed in a wonderful basketball trance season that had just as much Cinderella in it as did ratiopharm Ulm´s season going on to have the best regular season BBL record, but something like that seemed more likely than for the Bavarian team to win 10 of their first 11 games and hold the consistency for a whole season and finally make the playoffs again something that hadn´t occurred since the 90.s.  This season can´t be classified as a Cinderella season anymore as fans are expecting success again and so far the medi Bayreuth hasn´t disappointed as everything what head coach Raoul Korner did correctly last season is falling into place again as the club has started at 4-1 in the BBL losing only uncharacteristically  to Science City Jena while disposing of disappointing Ulm who have started off 1-4. The club also has started off perfect in the Basketball Champions League destroying Rosa Radom and even doing something they aren´t used to winning in Bamberg against Strasburg in a game that was moved on account of a scheduling conflict in their home arena 82-80 as excitement was an understatement in that contest. The big question mark of can Gabe York and James Robinson replace the departed Lewis and Anderson has blossomed into a yes and Assem Marei continues to develop into a top 3 BBL big man while the team concept continues to work while the only sore spot is the defense where the club is averaging giving up 80 points something that will need to be gradually turned down if the team wants to have further success. The Fraport Skyliners strolled into their own living room also sporting a 4-1 record having beat all the lower teams they faced and only losing to playoff team Ludwigsburg. Frankfurt has done a superb job playing with an injury plagued team and reduced 8 man roster, but the club has stepped up as Mr Canada Philip Scrubb has returned back from a tough injury and played like an MVP while the big man tandem of Mike Morrison and Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman have played above expectations as rookie point guard Tai Webster has been refreshing with much potential still in him. The Fraport Skyliners now have test after test in the next weeks facing top teams FC Bayern Munich, EWE Baskets and Bamberg and first had to tangle with tough annoying medi Bayreuth who last season swept the season series and were looking to add on to their winning streak, but suffered a slow start and couldn´t get past Frankfurt in crunch time losing 72-68. The Fraport Skyliners remained unbeaten at home and once again couldn´t put together two strong halves and were lucky once again escaping the clutches of their opponent and moving to 5-1. After the victory, Philip Scrubb made the rounds again with the Frankfurt media and once again carried his team to the victory something he has done time in and time out this season with his precision shooting especially his step back. It seems like his step back jumper was added to his arsenal, but in fact he has always had it, but not unleashed it as rapidly as this season. “We started well with good offense and we gave up only 26 points in the first half to a very good offensive team. In the second half, medi Bayreuth stepped up their defensive intensity and put us on our heels where we couldn´t match theirs. They pushed us around and got more confidence on offense and started hitting shots.  I have always felt comfortable taking that step back going to my left. Only my role is different this season in that I have to be more offensive and take more of these shots. As long as I keep making them, I will continue to take them”, warned Philip Scrubb. Medi Bayreuth gave it a fight until the end, but weren´t rewarded. “We had a slow start and couldn´t make any shots. We showed more character in the second half and fought back. In past games we were able to come back and pull out wins. If we had started the game stronger then it would have been different”, stressed ex Pittsburgh(NCAA) guard James Robinson.

The Fraport Skyliners jumped all over medi Bayreuth in the first few minutes taking a 9-4 lead as they were damaging the guests inside as the three ball would be no factor as only five were hit in the whole game. Ex Alba Berlin center Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann was on fire and unstoppable as he connected twice, Scrubb hit his first step back shot as creating for himself is a whole new dimension this season as two seasons ago he had a Jordan Theodore supplying the dimes for him. Quantez Robertson also scored going coast to coast for one of his typical buckets he gets. Frankfurt had their noses ahead, but medi Bayreuth already showed their fighting qualities early and also did damage inside as Egyptian wonder Assem Marei was a one man wrecking crew in the paint as he scored twice, but also his side kick ex Davidson(NCAA) forward Demon Brooks was aggressive inside and scored twice dead locking the game at 14-14. However the Fraport Skyliners ended the first quarter with a tad more intensity on the offensive end and had the momentum going on a 4-0 run as ex George Mason center Mike Morrison made a lay in and Scrubb again displayed his pretty shooting touch dropping a step back jumper. “No teams got their three point game going, but were killing in the low post. Medi Bayreuth got easy baskets and Scrubb made some effortless shots”, stressed EVL Baskets Limburg (Germany-Regionalliga) guard Brandon Shingles. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 57% from the field and 50% from outside while medi Bayreuth was shooting 47% from the field and 0% from outside. Medi Bayreuth had the 8-6 rebound edge, but had four turnovers while the guests had three turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners broke open the game in the second quarter and totally took control leading by as much as 18 points. Scrubb continued to lead the Fraport Skyliners carrying them on offense as he hit free throws, nailed a trey and then somehow found Mike Morrison down low with a difficult shovel pass in traffic as the big man dunked with authority and then found him again on the pick and roll with a perfect bounce pass for an easy lay in as Frankfurt upped their lead to 28-19. Medi Bayreuth didn´t back down staying on the heels of Frankfurt getting a three from German national player Bastian Doreth who was parked in the corner and found nothing but net and 36 year old ex USF(NCAA) guard John Cox scored in the lane as he made another tough shot as Frankfurt was playing good defense cutting the Frankfurt lead to 30-24. Then the tide of the game turned rapidly as the Fraport Skyliners rode into halftime with a crushing 14-2 run to break open the game and lead 44-26 at the break. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners were led by Scrubb who contributed 7 points including a trey and back to back step back jumpers that couldn´t have been polished off better than Larry Bird back in the day. On the defensive end Frankfurt stepped up their defense one more notch supplying annoying ball pressure and clogging the lane making only tough shots an option. Even if they were beat, their quick hands remained active making additional havoc. On offense they got a layup from German wonder child Isaac Bonga who had had a pretty uneventful game until then and another easy Morrison score as he made the tip in on the offensive glass. “Frankfurt executed well and took their time letting the shot clock wind down while on offense took quicker shots which gave Frankfurt the advantage of less time on the defensive end. The difference was that Frankfurt was taking high percentage shots and medi Bayreuth was taking low percentage shots”, stressed Brandon Shingles. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 59% from the field and 39% from the three point line while medi Bayreuth was shooting 37% from the field and 14% from the three point line. Medi Bayreuth had the slim 15-14 rebound edge and nine turnovers while Frankfurt had six turnovers.

In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners came out strong again and led by as much as 20 points, but allowed a late medi Bayreuth run to get back into the game. Brooks started the third quarter with a tap in, but a Wohlfarth-Bottermann hook shot and Scrubb fingertip role extended the Frankfurt lead to 48-28 and the first Frankfurt fans were already thinking lights out. But medi Bayreuth stuck together sharpening their defense and closed out the third quarter with a timely 19-6 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to only 54-47. In the run, medi Bayreuth also started to hit shots as the three ball continued to be absent as only Robinson connected, but they hit at a high percentage inside as ex Trier center Andreas Seiiferth unleased his moves and scored three buckets. Ex Arizona(NCAA) guard Gabe York also picked a good time to get going as he made three field goals including two step back jumpers and a fingertip role. Medi Bayreuth had more success getting the ball in the post as the Frankfurt rotations were slower and less efficient than in the first half. The Fraport Skyliners got away from their offensive game and relied too much on 1-1 play. Frankfurt didn´t muster much offense as Scrubb scored zero points in this span and only got two buckets from Quantez Robertson and a hard dunk from Wohlfarth-Bottermann. “Bayreuth was playing with more heart while Frankfurt had lost it´s rhythm and were complacent and played like the game was over. Frankfurt also had little playmaking as the team couldn´t get into their sets”, added Brandon Shingles. “We picked up the intensity on defense and began to get stops. We continued to fight back and attacked more in the paint”, stressed James Robinson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. medi Bayreuth had the 26-21 rebound edge. Both teams had 12 turnovers apiece.

In the fourth quarter medi Bayreuth continued to claw back, but the Fraport Skyliners had the best nerves in crunch-time, the home crowd behind them and as always their offense gem Philip Scrubb. Both teams defended hard in the first two minutes as they couldn´t execute on the first two offensive sets. The Fraport Skyliners then scored the first basket of the fourth quarter which could easily have been the nicest of the contest as Scrubb picked off a pass near his free throw line and then made a beautiful long bounce pass like Russell Westbrook over half of the court that found Robertson all alone, but he elected to dish to the trailer Bonga who finished with a hard one hand dunk for the 56-47 lead. After Cox hit a runner, Frankfurt answered with a Robertson turn around shot and incredible Tai Webster submarine lay up that he somehow managed to hit. It was Webster´s first field goal of the game as he didn´t have one of his better games. Frankfurt returned back to a double digit lead of 61-49. However that didn´t hinder medi Bayreuth who never felt that they were out of the game and retaliated with a 8-1 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 62-57. In the run, medi Bayreuth continued to scorch Frankfurt in the paint as Marei and German Robin Amaize scored inside and oldie John Cox stayed very efficient scoring inside twice finishing with 10 points in 17 minutes. Medi Bayreuth was on the comeback trail while scorer Gabe York was on the bench. Down the stretch, it wasn´t a York, Brooks, Linhart or Marei that supplied the punches, but talented German Robin Amaize who scored twice inside cutting the Frankfurt lead to 63-61 with 1.44 left. “Amaize was the reason Bayreuth was still in the game. He made good plays, scored the ball, made smart passes and supplied great help defense”, added Brandon Shingles. After Webster connected on a 20 footer for the 65-61 Frankfurt lead, Amaize continued to take control for medi Bayreuth scoring inside and hitting free throws tying the game at 65-65. With 40 seconds left, Scrubb unleashed his electric step back jumper once again and Morrison added a free throw for the 68-65 advantage. After a Cox lay in cutting the Frankfurt lead to 68-67, Webster and Roberston closed out the game with free throws for the win. “It was a good win for Frankfurt, but they did have a little luck down the stretch getting some bounces in their favor. Bayreuth fought hard, but Frankfurt played a little under their expectations and should have won by more”, stressed Brandon Shingles. “We closed out the game well and managed the clock well. They scored baskets at the end, but we matched them. Webster made a big shot at the end. We have confidence in him and so does he in himself in making those kinds of shots. I wasn´t surprised he made that shot”, stressed Philip Scrubb. “We came back at the end making shots, but they made the big shots at the right time. We dug a hole early and if we had played the way we did in the third and fourth quarter in the first half then it would have been a different game, but that is a part of the game”, stressed James Robinson. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Phillip Scrubb with 20 points and five assists. Mike Morrison added 13 points and Quantez Robertson and Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann added 11 points apiece. Medi Bayreuth was led by Assem Marei with 12 points. Gabe York, John Cox and Demon Brooks added 10 points apiece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 19% from outside while medi Bayreuth shot 45% from the field and 13% from outside. Medi Bayreuth won the rebound duel 36-28 and had 15 turnovers while Frankfurt coughed up the ball 16 times.

With the emergence of German wunderkind Isaac Bonga, it can be a passion and exciting task to check his box score after every game to witness how he can fill up the stat sheet like no other as this has been happening in the Pro B since last season and beginning to take off as well in the EasyCredit BBL. However in the last weeks finding the name Bonga in the Fraport Skyliners Juniors weekly game box scores has been absent as he hasn´t been playing anymore, but concentrating fully on his BBL role. Last weekend one had to look twice if the name Jules Akodo was a mistake after the narrow win in Karlsruhe as a stat mishap had already occurred a few weeks earlier as Coburg stat keepers mixed up Can Akbayir for Garai Zeeb who had actually played. Despite Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert proclaiming in pre season that Bonga would play Pro B to continue to help his experience, it seems like the coaching staff has been more than pleased with his early BBL development in this season and have got a replacement for the Pro B with Akodo who is back after playing in Frankfurt in the 2014-2015 season. After playing with the Union Olimpija Ljubljana junior team, The now 21 year old 188cm point guard that likes to drive, but knows how to hit big three´s came to Frankfurt and played 14 pro B games averaging 10.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 59.1%, and he played also at Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (Germany-NBBL). Since he left Frankfurt in 2015, he was able to broaden his basketball horizon in Slovenia with LTH Castings Skofja Loka (Slovenia-Telemach League) playing 27 games averaging  8.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 66.0%, and last season in Spain with San Pablo Inmobiliaria Miraflores Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 12 games averaging 1.6ppg, and also played also at Grupo de Santiago Automocion Burgos (Spain-EBA) playing 26 games averaging 14.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 69.2%. In his last game with Frankfurt in 2015 he scored 23 points in a 102-81 playoff loss in Rostock and in his last game in the BCM in Frankfurt mustered only 5 points in a 67-65 win against Rostock. Akodo was back again in an old stomping ground and wanted to put a first dent in the Iserlohn´s perfect season and did aiding a massive fourth quarter comeback finishing off an impressive 30-7 run from halfway through the fourth quarter through overtime combining with Garai Zeeb for 47 points as the annoying guard terror got Frankfurt it´s first home win 93-83 in OT. After the contest Akodo was all smiles and it was refreshing to hear his English accent again. “It is great to be back especially getting our first home win. Our transition defense hurt us a lot in this game, but we never gave up. We began to move the ball better in the fourth quarter and we made a defensive adjustment trapping more which forced Iserlohn to more turnovers. I feel no pressure coming in for Isaac Bonga. I am just doing my job and doing what I know how. I am more experienced, more composed and read the game better than three seasons ago”, warned Jules Akodo. After the bitter loss, Iserlohn American Julian Scott was on the bench trying to piece together why his team couldn´t finish the job. “We had them, but when they started putting more pressure on us at the end, we couldn´t wake up. When we lost Donte Nicholas in the fourth quarter, it really hurt us. He is our best playmaker and we lost a key piece”, stressed ex Leipzig forward Julian Scott.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got on the board first as Houston Baptist(NCAA) rookie Alex Fountain made a runner as German Lennard Okeke made an offensive rebound and the pass, but that would be their only lead until the OT period. Iserlohn then jumped all over Frankfurt going on a huge 8-0 run as they scored three transition baskets in a row and Julian Scott hit his first three shots as he also supplied a 20 footer. Despite a Zeeb floater, Iserlohn continued to be an offensive menace going on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 17-6. In the run Iserlohn was powered by ex BBL player Soren Fritze who nailed a trey and also showed his quickness in the paint with a lay in. Scott continued to show his touch scoring on a left handed lay in and 30 year old veteran Nikta Khartchenkov who is playing with his 16^th professional team and has played 115 BBL games hit a jumper. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors began to find their groove and were also due for a run and weaseled their way back into the game closing out the first quarter with a devastating 18-4 run cutting the once huge Iserlohn lead to 24-21. In the run, Frankfurt was led by Jukles Akodo who gave the term scoring in bunches a new meaning as he nailed a trey, finished a pretty finger tip role and scored in traffic. Ex Kronberg guard Felix Hecker also dropped a trey form the corner and three year man Konstantin Shubert scored in the paint. There are always a few Skyliners from the BBL team on hand as Quantez Robertson and Philip Scrubb rarely miss a Pro B game and the latter gave a fine perspective of the first 20 minutes. “Iserlohn hit many open shots and rebounded well while Frankfurt was lacking physicality. Frankfurt finally got stops and they moved the ball better. Akodo started to get going and when your down you need a guy like that can score a lot”, stressed Phiipp Scrubb. Iserlohn was shooting 63% from the field and 33% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 41% from the field and 33% from outside. Both teams had eight rebounds and four turnovers apiece.

In the second quarter Iserlohn would break away again to lead in double digits only to see the Fraport Skyliners Juniors battle back and trail only 42-39 at the break. Iserlohn´s two main scoring threats at that point were Scott and Khartchenkov who helped build the 10 point cushion again as they combined for six points to extend the Iserlohn lead to 33-23. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors would find little spurts here and there and powered a 4-0 run as the two quick guards Hecker and Zeeb scored in the paint to cut the Iserlohn lead to 33-27. Despite the closeness of the game there was a big difference at that point in the game in terms of both teams offensive flow as Iserlohn had wonderful ball movement while Frankfurt´s seemed erratic and hurried at times. Iserlohn was a lot more aggressive on the boards and were in every passing lane. Frankfurt continued to fight back as the guard terror duo of Akodo and Zeeb continued to supply points when needed cutting Iserlohn´s advantage to only 35-34. Iserlohn kept the slim lead as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors just couldn´t get over the hump as Julian Scott snuck inside for a hard two handed dunk and the guests caught Frankfurt napping again on transition defense as 19 year old 206cm forward Gabriel De Olivera finished a hard dunk as Rueben Dahmen supplied the nifty behind the back pass as Frankfurt led only 40-36. After Scott Free throws, Akodo brought his teammates into the locker room with a bang as he nailed a last second buzzer beater with a few hands in his face as everyone saw nothing but net, but Frankfurt still trailed 42-39 at half-time. “Both teams had pretty good looks, but Iserlohn had the better ball movement and a few offensive rebounds. The Iserlohn zone gave Frankfurt problems also”, added Philip Scrubb. Iserlohn was shooting 53% from the field and 46% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 43% from the field and 29% from the three point line. Iserlohn had the narrow 18-16 rebound edge, but had 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

In the third quarter Iserlohn could break away getting their lead back to double digits as their zone continued to stump the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. Frankfurt came out real aggressive at the start getting back to back buckets inside from ex Ehingen center Tobias Jahn as they established themselves inside to trail Iserlohn only 44-43. However Iserlohn broke away going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 54-45 as Fritze got aggressive again inside making two pretty spin moves and finishing with authority and making free throws. Donte Nicholas who had been cold needed some positive experience and got to the free throw line twice connecting on all four free throws. However the way BBL team Fraport Skyliners have deadly sniper Philip Scrubb, the Pro B team has Alex Fountain who really is a guy you can´t leave alone because he has a license for drilling home shots and demonstrated it with consecutive trey´s cutting the Iserlohn lead to 54-51. As quickly as Frankfurt had crawled back, Iserlohn quickly crawled away again going on a lethal 9-2 run as Ruben Dahmen nailed a trey and Nicholas finally got his first field goal with a three and then made an amazing acrobatic runner from the baseline between two Skyliners as Iserlohn led 64-53. Iserlohn closed out the third quarter with Fritze free throws and a Joshua Dahmen three pointer for the 70-57 lead after 30 minutes. “Our zone slowed them down because we took away those things that were comfortable for them. I would have liked to have played more zone”, warned Julian Scott. “It was one of those games where many things went wrong. We knew that if we kept fighting that we would get that chance to come back”, added Jules Akodo. Iserlohn was shooting 54% from the field and 50% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 42% from the field and 30% from the parking lot. Iserlohn had the slim 24-23 rebound lead and 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had 15 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, The Fraport Skyliners Juniors would go on another run and totally catch Iserlohn by surprise dragging them into overtime. Both teams traded baskets in the first few minutes as Frankfurt did their job from downtown connecting with Fountain and Zeeb trey´s while Iserlohn scored inside as Scott made a left handed lay in and De Oliveria made a nice spin move around two Skyliners prompting head coach Sebastian Gleim to call a time out. Then came the turning point of the game as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors brewed up a tasty 17-4 run to dead lock the game at 80-80 and force overtime. The guard terror duo of Akodo and Zeeb combined for 12 points apiece while Frankfurt also got needed support inside from Jahn and ex St Johns forward Richard Freudenberg who had a tough first half, but finished strong in the second half. Zeeb hit a beautiful trey over Khartchenkov with 58 second to go to take the game into overtime. “In the fourth quarter we played good offense getting into the right spots getting good shots and we used our advantage inside as well”, stressed Jules Akodo. “We got lax and Frankfurt forced us to crucial turnovers and got easy steals at the top of the key. Our bad turnovers helped them get into rhythm as they fought very hard”, added Julian Scott. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 44% from the field and 34% from outside while Iserlohn was shooting 53% from the field and 40% from outside. Frankfurt had the 32-29 rebound lead and both teams had 19 turnovers apiece.

The overtime period belonged totally to the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they took control from the start and never looked back going on a 13-3 run to finish off the win and crush Iserlohn´s perfect record. Akodo gave Frankfurt only it´s second lead of the game after their 2-0 lead to start the game with free throws. Scott answered with a two handed stuff. Frankfurt upped their intensity as one could see that they wanted it more as Freudenberg nailed a trey and Akodo sneaked inside for a lay in extending the Frankfurt lead to 88-83. Frankfurt forced Fritze to two turnovers which they capitalized on and then kept the offensive onslaught going as Akodo put a nail on the coffin with another trey for the 91-83 lead. After a Dahmen miss, Freudenberg put a close to the evening with an off balance jumper. “I felt they were a bit tired, but once we had the run we put our foot on their neck and didn´t allow them to come back. Zeeb and I harmonized well and we have good chemistry and it showed”, stressed Jules Akodo. “We were a bit fatigued, but need to get passed it in a situation like that. They made smart decisions and hit big baskets. We needed to find a way to slow down the game, but when they got going, it was too late”, expressed Julian Scott. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Jules Akodo with 24 points while Garai Zeeb suppied 23 points. Alex Fountain added 15 points. Iserlohn was led by Julian Scott with 24 points. Soren Fritze supplied 18 points while Nikita Khartchenkov added 12 points and Donte Nicholas contributed 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 37% from the three point line while Iserlohn shot 51% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 36-31 and had 19 turnovers while Iserlohn coughed up the ball 21 times.

 

Coreontae Deberry is a 23 year old 208cm center from Holland, Michigan that is playing his second professional season in Germany with the  Cuxhaven Baskets (Germany-ProB). So far this season the club has a record of 1-3 while Deberry is averaging 10,7ppg and 5,0rpg. Last season as a rookie he split time with the Windy City Bulls (D-League) playing 12 games averaging  2.8ppg, 2.3rpg, left during the season, in Mar.’17 moved to Halifax Hurricanes (Canada-NBL Canada): playing 14 games: averaging 0.8ppg, 1.9rpg. Earlier in his rookie season he played with the Mono Vampire Bangkok (Thailand-TBL) playing 12 games averaging 12.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FT: 75.0%. He started his basketball career at Mott CC (JUCO) and then moved to Hutchinson CC (JUCO playing 34 games averaging 11.8ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 69.7%. He finished at Cincinnati (NCAA) playing 67 NCAA games in the 2014-2016 time and as a senior played 33 games averaging 6.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 56.4%, FT: 68.3%. He spoke to German Hoops late in the summer about basketball.

 

 

 

 

Coreontae thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. It is near the end of the summer in terms of the basketball transfer period. How relived are you that you finally got signed and were you getting a little nervous?

 

I am excited when I found out the I had a team in Germany interested in me playing for them. I was relieved that I did not have to worry about waiting to find out where I’ll be playing next. I was able to enjoy the rest of my time home with my family.

 

 

You have a very unique first name with Coreontae. Talk a little about how you have experienced your first 22 years with the name. Were there any hard times with it in school or was it one of those names that everyone loved to say?

 

Lots of people have had comments about my first name. I have never met another person or heard of another person with the same first name as me. Some people can say it correctly and some people have a hard time trying to say my first name. But everyone seems to like it though.

 

 

 

Congrats on signing with Cuxhaven. How did you go about making the choice to sign with this team? Did you have some other offers and what was the deciding factor that made you sign with the German Pro B team?

 

Honestly I have never heard of Cuxhaven until my agent told me about it. By researching how the city is like it seems like a lowkey city and not too much going on. I don’t really do much outside of basketball anyway so it didn´t seem like a bad idea. Plus it was in Europe so why not. My decision was made talking with my agent. He had a few teams in mind but we found the right fit in Germany.

 

 

Cuxhaven CEO Knut Spreckelsen can´t really believe it that you were able to come to this team. How excited are to be playing in Germany?

 

I am very excited that Knut Spreckelsen is being very welcoming me to play there. That’s the best way to start something special. I’m excited to be playing in Germany.

 

You will be living in Cuxhaven which is on the water and remind you of Lake Macatawa. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

 

Yeah I heard I’ll be living close to the water. Hopefully I have a good view. It would remind me of Lake Mac! I don’t know much about Germany but I have heard good basketball is being played there.

 

 

 

 

I described you a famished lion concerning your hunger in your second professional season. You didn´t really get a chance in the D-League or Canada averaging under 10 minutes a game. How hungry are you to show the basketball world of your abilities?

 

I am hoping to come to Europe help win games and accomplish good things there. The sky is the limit from there.

 

Let´s talk about your game. You are a pretty athletic 208cm big man. How would you describe your game and if you had to to what NBA player would you compare your game to?

 

I do t really like comparing myself to anyone but I do idol and respect the game of Lebron James.

 

 

You have been described as having hands the size of gloves. Do you feel like just your presence will be able to intimidate opponents this season before games when they see you dunking in warm ups?

 

I get that I have big hands almost everywhere I go. Yeah I have to agree there not normal size hands!

 

 

 

 

You should not only be an impact player in the Pro B, but should dominate this season. What will be your main personal goal on the court besides winning games that you want to showcase with your game?

 

 

I feel like my presence on the court will help win games! Of course I’ll have to take care of business at the same time. I would like to showcase my all around game to Germany. That will be a goal of mine.

 

 

Your first experience as a professional was with the Mono Vampire Bangkok (Thailand-TBL) playing 12 games averaging 12.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FT: 75.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Asia where you knew that you were far away from home in Michigan?

 

 

Yeah that experience was crazy. Being that far away from home was really different for me. I enjoyed it though We ended winning a Championship there I’ll never forget that experience. Longest plan ride ever!

 

 

 

You didn´t have huge stats in the NCAA with Cincinnati (NCAA) as as a senior you played 33 games averaging 6.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 56.4%, FT: 68.3%. You went the D-league route with many other guys looking to make their dream of the NBA come true. Basketball players are always confident, but were you realistic knowing that the NBA probably wouldn´t happen after the first few days of practice?

 

 

The NBA is a hit or miss situation. I played for the Chicago Bulls D League for 3 months. I did not go in the D league thinking NBA right away. I knew I needed a little more experience so I planned on playing overseas. I chose the D League route before going overseas to play in the States so my family and Friends could come watch me play. Playing overseas it’s kind of hard to come watch a game when you want to

 

 

 

What kind of experience was the D-League in general. What do you feel is placing you apart from the NBA from teammates like Paul Zipser and Jerian Grant who would play for the Chicago Bulls last season?

 

 

I have played in practice with both of those guys Grant and Zip and I did pretty good against them when they joined our practices.

 

 

 

 

 

You seemed to take the Canada experience in stride as well as even though you didn´t play much you helped the team to the final. Do you feel like you could gain something from head coach Mike Leslie´s knowledge there?

 

 

When I get that NBA experience back it will be much different than before. I feel like I did not gain much from Coach Leslie. We didn’t really see eye to eye because of his coaching style. But I did not let that stop my focus on helping my team to the finals.

 

 

You had to pay your dues at Mott CC (JUCO) and Hutchinson CC (JUCO) before moving to Cincinnati(NCAA). When looking back how glad are you that you could make this experience? How did 2 years of Juco ball kind of shape your basketball character?

 

 

 

JUCO basketball changed my life for basketball because I had to learn how to play more tougher. And that’s when I really found my role in this game of basketball. Being the muscle on the court.

 

You played 67 NCAA games at Cincinnati(NCAA) scoring in double figures in 10 games. How do you feel did you grow as a player in the NCAA in your last two seasons?

 

I feel like after my college career like I gained good knowledge about the game and saw things better on the court. And I was able to react to things better.

 

 

 

How important was a guy like Octavius Ellis who will play in Russia in the top level VTB league this season in your last two years at Cincinnati? How did he help make you a better player and vice versa

 

 

Ellis was a good player and one of my good friends at Cincinnati. We played off each other’s energy in games and practices. I’m happy he is still chasing his dream.

 

 

 

It has been 18 months since your last NCAA game which you lost 78-76 and scored the most points in your NCAA career against ST Joseph´s with 18. Is this a game where you can still play the last seconds through your head today?

 

Yeah I can still play those last few seconds in my head and I hate to think about it. That was heartbreaking but yeah it was a tough one to take in.

 

 

As a junior you lost the last game of the season against power school Kentucky in the NCAA tournament. You held your own with 7 points and 6 boards in 17 minutes against 6 future NBA players. If somebody had told you after that game that Devin Booker would be the best of those six to make it in the NBA would you have believed it after that game?

 

 

 

 

After playing Kentucky that year they had 7 NBA players get drafted I felt like Karl A. Towns deserved to be in the NBA.

 

 

How did head coach Larry Davis help groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Coach Larry Davis prepared me best for those big games I had at Cincinnati.

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Octavius Ellis?

 

In practice me and Ellis never played one on one but we do battle in practice and worked hard.

 

 

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

 

The toughest player I played in the NCAA was Ryan Boatright from Uconn.

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 

 

 

Like I said before my idol is Lebron so of course I think he’s the best right now. Micheal Jordan will always be the GOAT and will always be respected by me.

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

 

No one can stop Westbrook and people that criticism him don’t know what there talking about. He averages a triple double! No one else is doing that.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Last movie I saw was Horrible Bosses 2.

 

Thanks Coreontae for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is no secret that basketball fans in Bayreuth are very passionate about the game they love so not having won a BBL title since the late 80´s, the club has been starving for success again and after many long years in the second Bundesliga, the club finally moved up to the BBL in 2010 and witnessed six long years of never reaching better than 13^th place, but last season every fans´s birthday, Christmas, and first sex came back all over again as the club finally had a spectacular season finishing fourth and reaching the playoffs and making the biggest headline story in the last 7 years of the speculation that Kevin Durant would wear a Bayreuth jersey in 2011 seem trivial and long long forgotten. A big reason for the success of head coach Raoul Korner who was able to find the right team chemistry as well as bringing in the right ingredients of new players with Trey Lewis and Kyan Anderson who were a big reason why the club was able to win so many games as their consistent scoring and team play was a guarantee for success last season as they combined for 27 points of the medi Bayreuth 84 points per game. Of course the club had other important key players like Nate Linhart, Assem Marei and Demon Brooks who filled out most of the rest of the bulk combined averaging 33ppg. However as is so often the case, players move on because of better offers that medi Bayreuth just can´t compete with. Lewis and Anderson moved to greener pastures with ratiopharm Ulm and  Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA). The club looked long and hard and found Gabe York who had a stellar NCAA career at Arizona developing a scoring gene and continued it as a rookie with the Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 44 games averaging 15.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 83.7%. New point guard James Robinson is the Kyan Anderson replacement and like York is in his second professional season after having a solid NCAA career at  Pittsburgh (NCAA) averaging 5,0apg in his last two seasons and last season as a rookie made his professional breakthrough with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) playing 16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT-2(48.8%), FT: 75.8%; In the Adriatic League he played 24 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.3%. The 23 year old 190cm point guard is from Mitchellville, Maryland and describes his toughest foe at the NCAA level to be Portland Trailblazer CJ Mccollum is motivated about making the next step in Germany with his new team medi Bayreuth. “I have known Trey Lewis for a couple of years now going back to our college days so I followed the team last year during their impressive season. When Coach Korner called me with interest for me to join the team I was excited and knew I would be going to a great situation. I have followed Brad Wannamaker´s professional career since he left University of Pittsburgh and saw the success he has had not just in the BBL but in all of Europe”, warned James Robinson. The American is a guy that can fill up the stat sheet and will woo Bayreuth fans with his versatile play. “I like to think of myself as an all around player that can contribute and affect the game in multiple ways, on both ends of the court. I would not say I mold my game after any one player but I like to take aspects of multiple players games and use those aspects to my advantage”, warned James Robinson. One guy who will be keeping a close eye on him is his ex teammate at Dematha high school Kameron Taylor who is playing for Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf and is looking to one day reach the EasyCredit BBL like his buddy Robinson. “James is more of a brother to me. I have a lot of respect for James, he has earned everything he has and probably deserves more. We are constantly pushing each other to become better players in the off season. I continue to learn something new every time we work out. We both will continue to raise our game and work our way up the ladder”, warned Kameron Taylor. Just how well Raoul Korner´s choice for his point guard James Robinson pans out will be revealed in May if medi Bayreuth make a second straight playoffs, but with Robinson´s rookie season track record of two titles in Bosnia and Herzegovina, his leadership skills will come in handy this season with medi Bayreuth as he looks to be the perfect Kyan Anderson replacement.

Despite ratiopharm Ulm having the huge season last year in the regular season winning almost everything, the big surprise team was medi Bayreuth that emerged on the scene winning ten out of their first 11 games including 10 in a row having huge wins against top team Alba Berlin and playoff teams EWE Baskets Oldenburg and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. They weren´t as dominant the rest of the way, but were still able to string along a three game win streak and beat three more playoff teams including FC Bayern Munich 74-72. In the playoffs which they hadn´t reached in 21 years, they ran out of gas losing a hard fought four game series to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. With a few more breaks here and there and they could have made it a five game series, but their defense couldn´t withstand the Oldenburg offensive weapons as they gave up an average of 94 points per game. Their biggest strength was their offense last season that averaged 84 points per game and shot a strong 40% from outside. Without this potent offense, they wouldn´t have had such a good season, because on the defensive side they allowed 80 points per game and just didn´t have  a more consistent defense presence. In the regular season, they won six games where they allowed the opponent to score 80 points or more and they also had nerves of steel as they knew exactly how to win those exciting close crunch-time games as they won six games by three or less points difference.

A big key to success for any team is being able to hold a solid foundation of the team to keep that team chemistry intact and then add those new pieces and build on it. Head coach Raoul Korner did a super job keeping seven players with Americans Nate Linhart and Demon Brooks, Egyptian Assem Marei and Germans Bastian Doreth, Steve Wachalski, Andreas Seiferth and Robin Amaize. Nate Linhart is possibily the best player that the organization has reeled in since returning to the BBL in 2010. The 30 year old 201cm small forward played at Akron(NCAA) and via Trier, and Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy-SerieA) reached the big time with Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) and played a season in the ACB with Zaragoza. Last season with medi Bayreuth he played 36 games averaging 10.5ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 86.0%. The point forward is the leader of the team and is the ultimate team player that holds the team together. Demon Brooks is a 25 year old 201cm forward that played at Davidson(NCAA) and made a name for himself in the Italian Serie A-2 averaging 16,0ppg and 7,orpg in his two seasons there with Givova Napoli Basket and Orsi Derthona Basket Tortona. Last season with medi Bayreuth, he played 36 games averaging 12.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 87.0%. He energizes the team with his will and finishes in style and has a nice mid distance game. He will continue to be a consistent scoring option. Assem Marei is a 205 year old 206cm center and was one of the big BBL surprises last season. He always had to prove his basketball worth as he played in the NCAA 2 with Minn.St.-Mankato and as a senior averaged 19.3ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 59.2%. As a rookie he played with BC Siauliai (Lithuania-LKL) playing 37 games averaging 12.1ppg, Reb-2(7.5rpg), 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 53.6%; In the FIBA Europe Cup, he averaged 12.5ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 64.7%; and in the Baltic League averaged 12.3ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-5(1.1bpg), FGP: 58.3%, FT: 68.3%. He made the next step last season with medi Bayreuth averaging 11.9ppg, Reb-2(7.2rpg), 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. His hard working attitude as rewarded him year after year and he will continue to be a menace in the paint area as his athleticism gives him big advantages over other centers.

Bastian Doreth is a 28 year old 182cm point guard going into his sixth BBL season. He played three seasons with FC Bayern in the Pro A, gained early experience with Brose Bamberg, played with ex BBL teams Trier and Artland and belonged to the German national team for years and played at the 2013 European championships in Lithuania. He won´t score much, but knows how to run a team and get his team in the best scoring opportunities and is a great defender. Steve Wachalski is a 202cm forward and might be 34 years old, but he is showing no signs of slowing down. He was a late bloomer as he didn´t debut in the BBL until age 27 after toiling three years in the Regionaliga and two years in the Pro B. It was Bayreuth that gave him his BBL chance in 2010. He got two more years of BBL experience with the Telekom Baskets Bonn and is playing his fourth season with medi Bayreuth and last season averaged 6.3ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT-1(53.3%), FT: 92.3%. His bred and butter is his shooting and if left wide open, he will hurt you almost always. He was one of two players that last season belonged to the elite BBL 50/50/90 group. He is the ultimate shooting weapon from the bench. Andreas Seifert is a 28 year old 209cm center that made his debut in the BBL at age 20 with Alba Berlin and played in the BBL since 2009 playing with teams like TBB Trier, Artland Dragons and FC Bayern Munich. This will be his third season with medi Bayreuth and last season the 2013 German European championships member averaged  6.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.8%, FT: 64.9%. He is a guy that will get you points and rebounds in the paint and is a solid back up center. Amaize is a 23 year old 188cm shooting guard that already made his BBL debut at age 18 with Giessen. He has had a slow ride up the basketball ladder as he couldn´t make his breakthrough with Braunschweig where in three seasons he played only 21 games. Korner liked his game and brought him to Bayreuth and last season he made his BBL breakthrough averaging 6.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 79.2%. He is an athletic guard that will dunk, but also can shoot from outside. He has all the qualifications to make another step this season as his minutes should increase.

Besides James Robinson, the team also added two new imports with Gabe York and John Cox. York is a 23 year old 190cm guard that has the task of having to fill the shoes of the departed Trey Lewis. York played at Arizona and demonstrated his scoring and shooting qualities at Arizona(NCAA) averaging 15,0ppg as a senior and shooting 41% from outside in his last two seasons. Last season as a professional rookie he played with Vanoli Cremona (Italy-Serie A) averaging 4.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.5apg, left in Nov.’16, later that month moved to Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) averaging 15.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 83.7%. He is an excellent shooter that will have to prove that he can rebound from his short stay in Italy and become an impact player in Germany and will get the fullest trust from head coach Korner. Cox was a bit of a surprise reeling in a 36 year old, but when looking at his resume can still play at a high level. He is the son of former USF star Chubby Cox and cousin of Los Angeles Lakers’ star Kobe Bryant. He is going into his 13^th professional season and has had knack of playing in France and he played every season there for 7 different teams winning the cup with  Paris-Levallois in 2013. The Venezuelan national player also has had experience winning a gold with at the FIBA Americas in Mexico and played at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 26.7%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 80.0%. He is a physical guard that likes to score in the paint and take the mid distance, but also won´t shy away from the parking lot as his stats last season prove with  Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA) averaging 15.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 75.0%.

So where will the journey of medi Bayreuth end this season? The big strength is keeping seven players and having a tad more experience with the guidance of John Cox. The club has all the pieces to be another very strong offensive team, but will they be a better defensive team than last season? The key for medi Bayreuth to reach a second consecutive playoffs will be if James Robinson and Gabe York can successfully replace Kyan Anderson and Trey Lewis and make the next step in the higher league BBL. The signing of John Cox could be the the clubs biggest plus simply because he will have the capacity to bring valuable minutes from the bench should a Robinson or York have an off day. The club also needs to stay healthy and having a Robin Amaize make another step would be refreshing. Medi Bayreuth has started off fantastic at 4-1 in the BBL and 2-0 in the BCL and will finish the regular season somewhere between 5-11.