Kenan Reinhart Powers The Dragons Rhondorf Past SC Rist Wedel 82-67 As They Win For Daniel Mayr.

After another long summer with no basketball in the Dragon Dome, it was finally time for the start of the 2025-2026 Pro B season for the Dragons Rhondorf. With a new head coach with Max Becker and relatively new team with only a few guys back from last season, the team wanted a good start into the new season under the watchful eyes of their diehard fans. There was also some joy about the possibility of ex Dragon Janne Muller appearing back in his old stomping ground. He had left the club to Hamburg and had a double license with BBL team Towers and Pro B team SC Rist Wedel. However Janne Muller was not fit and was only a minor side note as the story of the day was when the Dragons announced that team captain and veteran Daniel Mayr had suffered an Achilles rupture that would sideline him indefinitely. That was very tough to digest, but after 40 minutes, the Dragons Rhondorf had displayed an incredible team performance where 6 of the 11 players were teenagers. 17 and 16 year old kids Remi Voelkers and Dusan Ilic had combined for 20 points in the absence of Jorge Mejias who was with BBL team Bonn and helped lead the team to it´s first win of the season in the Dragon Dome 82-67. Plus Kenan Reinhart (194-SG-2007, agency: Octagon Europe) led them in scoring with 20 points and young German Benjamin Sadikovic was a rock at both ends with a 12/8 game and 3 blocks while veteran Juhwan Harris.Dyson added 13 points and 9 boards and 3 steals to round off a more than satisfying first team win. “We played 40 minutes with a lot of intensity and fight. We gave a full effort and played for Daniel Mayr. Plus the youth stepped up big, They give their all each day and it showed tonight”, smiled Juhwan Harris Dyson. SC Rist Wedel were without easyCredit BBL double license players Janne Muller and Jarrod Grey, but that was no excuse as they had to play pick up basketball all night long and couldn´t get over the hump after getting down in the first quarter. “You have to give a lot of respect to Rhondorf. They did a great job compensating the loses of Mayr and Mejias. They played with a lot of heart and we didn´t. We were unable to match their intensity all night long”, stated ex BBL player Linus Hoffmann.

Bejmamin Sadikovic with the dunk

Both teams found their offensive rhythm quickly as 16 year Dusan Ilic did a great job setting the tone and running the Dragons offense as he found and distributed dimes to Harris Dyson and Sadikovic for baskets but the guests stayed close and even got the lead and only lead of the evening as Canadian Lincoln Rosebush made a lay in and dunk for the 6-4 advantage. However the Dragons Rhondorf got the lead back and would never trail again as ex RheinStars guard Kenan Reinhart found his shooting touch early with 2 jumpers and ex University of California (NCAA) guard Harris Dyson scored twice and kept the 13-10 advantage. The Dragons had problems taking care of the ball, but showed high intensity on the glass getting 4 offensive rebounds that allowed them extra chances. However a big plus was simply how well their youth stepped up from the bench. 18 year old 195cm forward Fynn Dobiecki came up huge scoring 2 baskets while finding his spots well. Rosebush supplied another dunk, but the Dragons Rhondorf simply had more spunk and overall depth that allowed them to secure the 21-16 advantage after 10 minutes. “Dusan Ilic did a great job right away showing a lot of pace and getting us into our sets. He handled the ball really well and attacked the rim relentlessly. We also rebounded well. Everybody did their job crashing the boards. We wanted to play fast whenever we could”, stressed Juhwan Harris Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 56% from the field and 33% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 8 turnovers while SC Rist Wedel shot 33% from outside and 0% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Alexander Postic at the FT line

The second quarter was a battle of little runs. One team would attack, but the other never laid down, but came back stopping the pressure and starting their own run. The Dragons Rhondorf began quickly adding high intensity at the defensive end that SC Rist Wedel couldn´t come to terms with. The Dragons made 5 stops with 2 steals by 17 year Remi Voelkers and on offense executed with a Harris Dyson dunk and Reinhart lay in. Reinhart had been known in his young basketball life as a 3 and D player, but this season he wants to be more versatile and showed it in the first game of the season as his attack game would sparkle. Rhondorf led 25-16, but Wedel finally got on the board at the 7,36 minute mark as ex Hanau guard Niklas Krause made a lay in. Now the guests would start a little run as they scored 6 unanswered points led by Krause again with a lay in and German Al_Fayed Alegbe also made a lay in as the Dragons only led 27-23. However the Dragons had an answer something that would continue until the end. They went on a 6-0 run to lead 33-23 as Reinhart led the charge again as he stayed away from the three point line making a runner and jumper and letting his mid range game take over. The Dragons bench continued to be big as 18 year old David Boning made a 10 footer. Both teams would trade buckets until the end as Krause scored again while Rosebush continued to be active on the glass with a tap in and put back as the guests had improved their rebounding in the quarter. Mamadou Diallo added a trey and Reinhart another lay in as the Dragons Rhondorf led 38-31 at halftime. “Basketball is a game of runs. They were able to get close, but we always had an answer and withstood it. We always got big baskets and never allowed them to get a big run”, added Juhwan Harris Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 53% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 13 turnovers while SC Rist Wedel shot 32% from the field and 0% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris Dyson at the FT line

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to lead by as much as 10 points, but allowed SC Rist Wedel to cut the lead down to 2 points only to see their lead grow to 9 points at the end of 30 minutes. Rosebush and Ilic traded baskets in the first minute, but the Dragons still led 40-33. Rhondorf continued to play with a lot of intensity and got great energy by Harris Dyson as he scored on a put back and on transition while Reinhart scored again on the penetration this time with his left hand to lead 46-36. However the Dragons Rhondorf continued to have high and lows as suddenly Niklas Krause scored 8 unanswered points that began with a technical against the Dragons bench. Krause scored a lay in and 6 free throws as Rhondorf only led 46-44. “Krause did a good job getting to the rim and foul line. We pressured him as best as we could”, said Harris Dyson. However the Dragons Rhondorf never had a serious lull as they closed out the third quarter well with a 11-4 run to lead 57-48 after 3 quarters. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf continued to remain aggressive as Ilic scored 4 free throws while Diallo added another clutch three pointer and Harris Dyson a lay in. “We continued to be hungry and keep the lead. We really wanted to win and prove that we are a good team. Our defensive pressure was very good. They couldn´t hit three´s and we forced a lot of turnovers”, commented Juhwan Harris Dyson. “We had runs and then played our game, but then they did the same. We couldn´t find real consistency. They really hit a lot of tough shots and we didn´t have an answer”, commented Linus Hoffmann. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 48% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and 32 rebounds and 20 turnovers while SC Rist Wedel shot 32% from the field and 0% from the parking lot and had 19 turnovers.

Linus Hoffmann with the fade away jumper

In the fourth quarter SC Rist Wedel were able to cut the Dragons Rhondorf lead down to 6 points, but the home team slammed the door going on a massive run to decide the game. Krause began the last frame with a lay in, but the Dragons responded with a swift 5-0 run as Reinhart showed his sniper qualities again with a trey and Voelkers made an off balance shot for the 61-52 lead. Linus Hoffmann then finally connected on the team´s first three pointer of the game at the 7,11 mark to trail 61-55. However the Dragons Rhondorf then decided the game with a brutal 15-2 run to lead 76-57. The first 6 baskets was the Voelkers and Sadikovic show as Voelkers made 2 great lay in´s and a pull up jumper as his quickness allowed him to score while the big man was a beast with a lay in, dunk and free throws. “I was a bit nervous in the first half. I was out of rhythm. In the second half, I noticed I needed to attack more for myself than on the pick and roll. That opened the floor for others more”, stated Remi Voelkers. Reinhart continued to be consistent hitting another trey. “Kenan played great. He stepped up on defense pressuring the guards and hit big shots. He also attacked the rim great and was vocal”, added Juhwan Harris Dyson. The guests did close out the game with a 10-6 run with a trey by Nelson Martin, lay in by Rosebush and lay in by Theo Sigmund, but it was too little too late. “We rebounded great, got stops and executed on offense. Remi Voelkers stepped up huge for us. He does that each day in practice. We have a lot of confidence and trust in him”, said Juhwan Harris Dyson. “We gave up way too many easy baskets in the fourth quarter. We didn´t rebound well. We didn´t do the basics needed to win”, stressed Linus Hoffmann. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kkenan Reinhart with 20 points. Juhwan Harris Dyson added 13 points and Dusan Ilic and Benjamin Sadikovic added 12 points a piece while SC Rist Wedel were led by Niklas Krause with 20 points and Lincoln Rosebush added 14 points and 15 boards. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 48% from the field and 21% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 21 turnovers while SC Rist Wedel shot 32% from the field and 9% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 23 turnovers.

Tomas Bjarkason Isn´t Only A Leader But Another Swiss Army Knife With SC Rist Wedel

Tomas Bjarkason (204-F-1999, college: Lewis, agency: BIG) is a 26 year old 204cm forward from Denmark playing his first season with SC Rist Wedel. He played the last 4 seasons with BK Amager (BasketLigaen) averaging 16.0ppg, RPG-3 (10.2), 4.6apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 50.0%. He played a season with Lewis University (NCAA 2). He began his basketball career with the Svendborg Rabbits. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the season opener against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Tomas for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season out of Denmark in Europe with SC Rist Wedel. Why did you chose this organization?

I had some good talks with Hamed about my fit with the team and their philosophy. During the talks I also had the opportunity to come to Hamburg and practices with Hamed and some of the players, after that I felt it was a good place to go.

What kind of an experience has Germany been and the Pro B league. How is the whole experience different to playing in Denmark the last years?

The physicality and the crowds. The refs allow more physical play here compared to Denmark and the crowds here is more engaged in the game, especially the yalla rister from wedel

How has the working relationship been with head coach Hamed Attarbashi? What have you appreciated most about his basketball philosophy?

It’s been a good relationship. He’s intense and want a high energy team.

Your playing on a very young team where you’re the oldest. Do you see yourself being that leader?

It’s not anything new for me, my last couple of years in Amager I have been the most experienced player and also had the role as one of the team leaders.

Your teammate Lincoln Rosebush said this about you. “I’ve never played with another passing big like Tomas, and it makes my life on the floor so much easier with how well he sees the floor. We’ve spent a lot of time together so far and I feel that theres a natural chemistry that will really show in Pro-B games. We both can create and play inside and out which makes us dangerous as a unit”. What do you appreciate most about his game?

He’s a great shooter

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 204cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would make the best description?

I have been compared to being the Danish Tornike shengelia.

You fill the stat sheet well. Are you also a Swiss Army knife like Lincoln Rosebush?

Yes I would say so

You do so many things so well on the court. Is there anything that you feel is a bit off the radar?

I don’t know, haven’t thought much about that and if it is other teams won’t scout it so that’s good.

You’re a really good defender. How would you classify yourself as a defender now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

A defender that doesn’t end up in foul trouble, so I can stay on the court

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can still improve your game?

Just by looking at my percentage from last year it would be the 3 ball and free throws thats the part of my game I’m improving to round my game better

You played the last 5 years with BK Amager (BasketLigaen). What kind of an experience was that? You made big strides in your game in your last 3 years. How did your game grow there? You played for many different coaches.

It was my childhood club, so nice to be back home. The first year I was out with a meniscus year and surgery and was back for the second year, after the second year I was one of the guys with most responsibilities on both offense and defense and my game just grew trough that

You had many great games with BK Amager being close to a triple double and once grabbing 24 rebounds in a game. What was your fondest moment there?

There are a lot, but I would say when we beat Svendborg in the season opener. Was a mix of being a great start and beating old teammates and club.

You played a season at Lewis University (NCAA2) playing only 5 games. Despite not playing much, what positives could you take from your year in USA?

I was injured for most of the year, so it really helped me to understanding how important all the of the court you do for yourself is.

You began your basketball career with the Svendborg Rabbits. How valuable was this time for your early basketball development? Did you have a type of mentor there?

The physical development and the basketball iq took huge strides while being there.

I had different kinds of mentors, Axel Kárason who just was the best and toughest teammate that you could ever want. Nana and Antonio Porta mentored me in play and being a professional

How much of a role model was Terrell Harris? He played in low leagues, but then reached the BBL in Germany and Serie A Italy? He showed he can go from the bottom to top.

Terrell was more a friend and a teammate than a mentor in that sense. While me and nana Harding played the same position he mentored me more

You were a junior national player for Denmark and a national team player. How is the current state of Danish basketball? Are there any talents coming in the next years?

It’s good, a lot of young talents coming up both through the youth and also in college. The u18 team just won the European Championship B, so they had some talents and then the u16 team has some promising players.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

LaMelo Ball

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Pg: Antonio Porta

SG: Iffe Lundberg

SF: Darko jukic

PF: Nana Harding

C: Kevin Larsen

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, lebron, Kareem and Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

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

Nope didn’t see it and didn’t know it had a sequel

Thanks Tomas for the chat.

Lincoln Rosebush Is A Swiss Army Knife That Is Ready To Lead SC Rist Wedel To Success

Lincoln Rosebush (208-F-1999, agency: BIG) is a 25 year old 208 cm from Guelph, Ontario playing his second pro season overseas and first with SC Rist Wedel. Last season he played with Alianca Sangalhos (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 12.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT-2 (41.8%), FT: 73.8%. He got his first pro experience with Brampton Honey Badgers (CEBL) averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0apg. He began his basketball career with Lincoln Prep and then played 3 seasons with the University of British Columbia (U Sports). He then played 2 seasons with Toronto Metropolitan University (U Sports) averaging 9.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 68.4%and 9.2ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.6apg, 1.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 61.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Lincoln for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing pro in Canada and Portugal, now your in Germany with SC Rist Wedel. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

Well, first of all, I know it’s developed into one of the best basketball countries in the world, winning the World Cup a few years ago and most recently EuroBasket. I know its a very multicultural place and generally very sports-oriented.

Have you ever had ex teammates or opponents play in Germany?

Quite a few. From the CEBL, Callum Baker played Pro-A last year following our summer on the Honey Badgers. I played AAU with Abu Kigab, who spent some time here recently. I spent a lot of time this past summer with Jahlin Smith, who just finished here. And the newest coach of the UBC Thunderbirds, Phil Jalalpoor, played in Germany for much of his pro career after his time at UBC.

Why did you choose this club for your second pro season overseas? What do you appreciate most about the organization?

Rist Wedel and the Towers provided the best opportunity to improve my game and also push my career forward. The coaches really understood my game from the first time they saw me and I felt like it was the best opportunity to be successful in both the short term and long term.

How has the working relationship been with head coach Hamed Attarbashi? What have you appreciated most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Hamed has been very welcoming from the day I arrived. He is an excellent teacher and communicator, and gives me the chance to lead the young guys and find my voice as one of oldest guys on the team. His players play so hard for him and that establishes the standard.

Your playing on a very young team where you’re the oldest. Is that weird since your only in your second pro season? Do you see yourself being that leader?

I was in a similar situation in college, where I was one of the oldest players by far on a very young team. I feel as a leader it is important to meet each person where they are at and I’m lucky enough to have some experience in that realm. While it might be different because now I am a pro and before I wasn’t, having 6 years in school does have some advantages when it comes to leadership.

What has it been like playing with Tomas Bjarkason? How do you guys compliment each other best?

I’ve never played with another passing big like Tomas, and it makes my life on the floor so much easier with how well he sees the floor. We’ve spent a lot of time together so far and I feel that theres a natural chemistry that will really show in Pro-B games. We both can create and play inside and out which makes us dangerous as a unit.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm forward/center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would fit the description best?

I think I’m kind of in the Kelly Olynyk mold. I can shoot the ball well, pass, post up, and put the ball on the floor a bit.

You have been described as a Swiss Army knife. Did you always have these qualities or were they were more developed at Toronto Metropolitan University (U Sports)?

I think I’ve been developing them my whole life. At TMU we had a lot of really talented scorers, like Aaron Rhooms and David Walker, so we really needed someone to do the other stuff like rebounding, passing, and blocking shots. At TMU we would be best when I was focused on those things. Now as a pro it helps me a lot because I can adjust my game to what is needed to win.

You have shot the ball really well since going to Toronto Metropolitan University (U Sports). What steps do you want to make with your three pointer this season?

I want to stay as confident as I can in my shooting and hopefully attempt more 3s a game than I have before.

Do you still see yourself somewhat as raw as a defender? How would you classify your defensive game now in your third pro season?

I think I can always be better as a defender, but my goal is to be excellent positionally and on the glass.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?

I would say my biggest focus for this season is rebounding.

You played your rookie season overseas with Alianca Sangalhos (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 12.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT-2 (41.8%), FT: 73.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

Probably Christmas, when I was all by myself in the house. But I really enjoyed being overseas as well, Portugal was a beautiful country to explore.

How valuable was it having fellow Canadian James Woods on the team in Portugal? You knew him from school. He was a rookie like you and knew what you were going through. Did you become like brothers?

Yeah, definitely. It was crazy how it worked out, the club didn’t know we knew each other and we just happened to get offered to the same team. We spent so much time together through the ups and the downs and he really helped me during the hard times. He’s a hell of a player as well and I’m excited to see what his career brings.

You had many great games in Portugal like scoring 23 points against Vasco de Gama. What was your fondest moment on the court?

Beating Vasco was huge, each time we played them it always came down to the wire and they ended up winning the league. My favourite moment would probably be beating Illiabum at home near the end of the season, because it was the club’s biggest rival and we ended their season.

You got your first experience with Brampton Honey Badgers (CEBL), averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0apg. What positives could you get from this experience?

That was my first experience with pro basketball. I saw how established pros worked, how the flow of the game was different, and also how cutthroat of a business it is. I also realized I had the potential to play at a high level and got some vision of how to get there.

After playing at Lincoln Prep, you played at the University of British Columbia (U Sports) for 4 years. You never averaged more than 5,2ppg. What positives could you get from these years with your basketball development?

I had to work so hard to even get on the floor at UBC. There was a lot of talent on our roster, with many guys that went on to play pro at various levels. Having to fight for every minute ended up being a blessing because I was forced to dramatically improve my game and it served me well after I had moved on from UBC.

You won the Canada West title in 2020 over Western. What memories do you have winning that title and then little time later Covid coming? – note we won the national bronze medal over Western, and the Canada West title over Calgary.

Well I remember Manroop Clair had 39 and an all-time interview after the game. We wanted to win the whole thing so we were still reeling from the loss the night before. And the next weekend COVID shut the world down and I flew back home to Ontario.

You had some good games against TWU, TRU and Victoria. What was your fondest moment at the University Of British Columbia?

The game against Victoria was probably my favourite, I played the entire second half and that was their only loss during the regular season, I had a big putback dunk and a few threes.

You then played at Toronto Metropolitan University (U Sports) averaging 9.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 68.4% and 9.2ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.6apg, 1.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 61.9%. Your minutes rose from 13 to 23. How did your game grow in those 2 years?

Well that was where all the work I put in for 4 years at UBC really helped me. I was given an opportunity and was lucky enough that what I did really helped the team on the floor. I was also willing to do whatever it took to get on the floor and win games, and Coach DeAveiro recognized my value.

You had many great games like against York and Toronto. What was your fondest moment on the court at Toronto Metropolitan University?

I had a triple double and 9 points in the last 2 minutes in a rivalry game against Toronto with my Grandparents in attendance – that was the first time they had ever seen me play, and my grandfather passed 9 months later. It was special as an athlete and as a grandson.

How did David DeAveiro groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach DeAveiro never sugarcoated anything. He coaches players hard and tells them the truth. It gave me thick skin and resilience, and he also really opened my eyes to seeing the game differently in terms of Xs and Os.

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

Back then, I just had to throw a shot fake up there and he would jump to the moon. Maybe now he stays down though.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

I played AAU with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s pretty good at basketball.

Chris Boucher also routinely makes my life tough for like 3 summers in a row now. His wingspan makes him so hard to guard.

Honourable mention to Isiaha Mike, formally Partizan now on Bayern. He’s also super tough. He just always does the right thing in each situation.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Give me James Woods, Aaron Rhooms, Zack Moore, Simon Chamberlain, and Jadon Cohee.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

LeBron, Kobe, Dirk and Larry Bird are my favourites.

Who is your GOAT and why?

2018 LeBron was the best player to ever touch a basketball. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Game 1 of the Finals was probably the best basketball game I ever saw someone play.

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

Didn’t see it. Probably not a good plan to wait 30 years.

Thanks Lincoln for the chat.

Could This Be The Best Pro A Season Ever For The EPG Baskets Koblenz? Why Not?

It is no secret that the last 2 seasons of the EPG Baskets Koblenz were nothing to brag about. In fact they were quite poor as both seasons ended with the club ending on the 16th position. Despite the non-success, the organization has always been ambitious. It is also no secret that the long term goal of the club is to play in the easyCredit BBL. Sport director Thomas Klein loves his team and will do anything to bring success. The last 2 seasons featured 2 coaches with Pat Elzie and Marco Van Den Berg that were able to bring in talented individual players, but that doesn´t guarantee winning. One hopes that one learns from it´s past mistakes. Thomas Klein´s first good mood was bringing in the success coaching duo from Rhondorf with Stephan Dohrn and KJ Sherril. My feeling that this season´s club could be a good one grew with every new signing that happened through out the summer. It seems like this time the club has learned from it´s past mistakes and have brought in the right mix from the guard position to the center position. My feeling that this could be a good season continues to be there as the team continues to grow in pre season. The team has individual talent, character and heart. “Almost every new player wants to prove themselves. They are all high character guys. They want prove themselves not with their ego´s, but as team players. They all want to play together”, warned EPG Baskets sport director Thomas Klein. This is thought was heightened simply by the type of players they have brought in. One can never be sure about the Americans, but with Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB)t, Tim Smith Jr and Aleksa Kovacevic, the team has 3 winners. I will be bold and proclaim that this will be the best season ever for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Ok one can only get better from landing on the 16th place the last 2 seasons, but still the Pro A is fiercely competitive where any team can beat any team on any night. The only place is up with this team and they will be better than 16th place. “I´m really looking forward to the season and have 100% a good feeling. I think the team is very homogeneous and we are stronger than the last 2 seasons. We are above average at the guard position. I think the team has shown that in pre season”, stressed Thomas Klein.

A big problem the last 2 seasons was the defense of the EPG Baskets Koblenz. At least last year they tried to focus and defend better and at times it worked, but as usual they never could truly establish a real defensive identity and 1-1 defense often hurt them most. In both seasons, they had the talent to score a lot, but still scored a lot less than what was expected. A big problem last season was the terrible three point shooting percentage. This season, the club wants to be able to combine offense and defense and be more consistent. If the formula worked once before in Rhondorf where Dohrn led the team to the Pro B title, why not do it again in Koblenz. “It’s pretty much the same concept here in Koblenz. With Stephan, he puts emphasis on defense. So we want that to be our identity, not just an offensive team. We know we can score, but we want to have consecutive defensive stops. That’s what wins games”, warned KJ Sherrill.. This season the club has really powerful guards with Wishart, Kovacevic, Hicks, and Buck, but also have very skilled big men who are very experienced. In the last years, the big men play wasn´t as focused on scoring. Will that change this season? “Our bigs maybe won’t be our outstanding scorers, but their presence under the basketball is what we need. Rebounding and being physical down low. Controlling the paint and setting good screens. With their experience, they are able to contribute to the game a whole lot and we are happy to have them with us”, stated KJ Sherrill. “We are very big especially at the positions 3-5, but even big at the position 2. We are very versatile and will play fast and be aggressive on defense”, warned Thomas Klein.

The clubs 2 best signings were most likely Calvin Wishartt and Aleksa Kovacevic. With Wishart, you have a motivated guard who showed last season that he was a top guard in the Pro B. He knows how to lead a team and is more than just a great offensive player, but gives all on defense. He could be a MVP candidate. Aleksa Kovacevic has BBL experience and is ready to have a great Pro A season so he can get back to the BBL. He played many years for Crailsheim and practiced on a daily basis with top BBL guards TJ Shorts, Trae Bell-Haynes and Dwayne Russell and learned from NBA coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Serbian is so hungry. He will rock the Pro A. Badu Buck has had his ups and downs as a pro, but had success with Dohrn in Rhondorf and will give important offensive qualities to the team, but most importantly leadership skills. Garrett Hicks comes to Koblenz after a strong rookie season in Georgia. Don´t let his Damian Lillard scoring fool you. He is more than that, but a guy who will do anything to help the team win. The team kept young guard Jacob Hanzalek from last season. He had trouble last season getting minutes and it won´t be easier this season, but he is a point guard that plays controlled that can hit the three pointer as well as make the big play on defense.

The team has a talented rotation at the forward position with 2 Germans and 2 Americans. Tim Smith Jr comes from the Dragons Rhondorf and has a great rookie season and wants to make the next step in the Pro A. He has shown in the pre-season that he can do that. He is a scorer and tenacious rebounder that is also an impact defender. He doesn´t talk much on the court, but leads by example. He most likely won´t have the Pro B stats, but will be consistent in the minutes he gets. He could be a glue guy type of player. DJ Jeffries came late to the team and is hungry for his pro break through. It is his first season overseas and he is more than motivated to have success after a very disappointing season in the G-League. His middle name could be Mr versatile as he fills the stat sheet with ease, but most importantly is a good defender that can guard many positions. He wants to be the next successful DJ in Koblenz. The team also brought in experienced Jonas Niedermanner. He like others on the team is very versatile and can shoot the three. The fan of Tadas Sedekerskis has 6 seasons of Pro A experience as well as BBL experience. Perhaps the most interesting signing was young 22 year old German Jannis Sonnefeld. After paying his dues in the Bamberg and Trier organizations, he had his Pro A break through in Paderborn last season averaging 9/7. He is also versatile and likes to shoot the three pointer. When describing the 2 centers Marko Bacak and Alex Moeller, all one can say is experienced. Bacak has 6 Pro A season experience and 4 BBL seasons with Oldenburg and was even teammates with BBL legend Rickey Paulding while Moeller proved in 5 Pro B seasons that he was a top center and during his 4 Pro A seasons was a solid role player. Bacak is another versatile big man that plays like Johannes Voigtmann while Moeller is the classic banger under the basket.

So what kind of a season will the EPG Baskets Koblenz have this season and where will they land? When looking at the schedule, one can´t say that they have an easy start. They have to face BG Goettingen and Crailsheim in the first 3 games. At least those games are at home. A good start would be ideal for the team. The club knows that you can´t look forward, but simply take it game by game in the Pro A. This should be a club that will average somewhere between 80-85 points. They also should be a strong rebounding team. They also should be a better three point shooting team after their horrible shooting season in 2024-2025. Scoring won´t be the problem, but can they be a well rounded defensive team? The club definitely have the versatility and good defensive players. It will be the job of the coaching staff to develop an identity quickly and then continue to develop it. “When you play fast and aggressive, you give the opponent more possessions. We will see more high scoring games than last season. Everybody thinks that coach Dohrn only concentrates on offense, but he is a very skilled defensive coach as well. I like how he really goes into detail”, warned Thomas Klein. I see this club having the potential of landing somewhere between 9-15. “I see us being somewhere between 10-12 this season”, added Thomas Klein. If they can develop through the season and refrain from getting injuries then they will have their best Pro A season ever.

Mario Matic Believes The Heightened Self Confidence Of Dennis Schroeder Puts Him Over The Top As He Can Miss 5 Shots In A Row And Then Hit The 6th To Decide The Game

pic credit: FIBA

Mario Matic is an ex professional player that played in the German BBL with Nordlingen and currently is in his 10th season as a head coach with TSV Oberhaching Tropics He began his coaching career with Nordlingen where he was for 6 years. As a player he played 11 years in Germany for teams like Karlsruhe, Crailsheim, Kaiserslautern, Bayreuth, Nordlingen and BG Leitershofe. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the success of German basketball.

Thanks Mario for talking to germanhoops.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?

I was really happy for all the people who were involved. I was especially really happy for Alan Ibrahimagic who stayed grounded and worked so well in guiding the team. This title will give German basketball another boost. More kids will want to play.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

I would say that 3 out of 10 German fans would have predicted a Gold medal. I feel like Serbia was the top favorite, but Germany was close behind with all the NBA and Euroleague players. Germany had a great roster.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

You can´t compare the 1993 win. That was a total surprise and a huge sensation. I was 13 and that title brought me to basketball. Germany wasn´t a favorite like Germany is now. Germany wasn´t known on the basketball map in 1993, but a respected and known basketball nation now.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

It was a high level final with many shots made. I did have a feeling a few times when Turkey got their lead up to 5-6 points that if they had reached +10 that then the game could have had a different outcome. But Germany always had an answer and struck back. Turkey had a shorter rotation and the German role players were key always giving important impulses in key moments.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a los in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

You do get that feeling now. You kind of figured that Schroeder would come up big in crunch time. His unbelievable self confidence is a huge factor for his success.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

Yes the bench was the difference. So many guys stepped up in key moments. Johannes Thiemann had big moments in the final

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

I feel like he was already really good 2 years ago. He wasn´t that strong in the final, but overall, he had a strong tournament. If he can get a stable shot, then he won´t be stooped. He has more experience and got stronger. His drive is already unstoppable.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

After the way he played, he should have NBA offers. He developed really well at Partizan last season. His shot has become so much better.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

His biggest strength is his massive self-confidence. He can miss 5 shots, but then hit that 6th shot which can decide a game. He has that special touch and ability to take responsibility at the biggest moments of a game.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

I honestly don´t follow the NBA so much. There is simply a lot of competition at the guard position in the NBA. You have more combo type guards and scoring guards which seem to be more desired. Schroeder is more the type of player that leads a team.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

With all due respect to Schroder, he isn´t at the same level as Dirk Nowitzki. Schroeder had great teammates while Nowitzki didn´t have the same type of support 20 years ago.

One of the big winners is your colleague Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

He gave freedom to the team, but also had clear instructions. He always found the right words. It wasn´t really complex what he said, but the team executed. He was really responsible for the good atmosphere and chemistry.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

I think the three pointer by Daniel Theis was the most important shot. Without that shot, you don´t win.

Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

Yes you can and their time isn´t over yet. I see a very rosy future for German basketball.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

I think the success can keep going. But when some guys retire in next years, you will have to put the expectations down a bit. One has to remember where the state of German basketball was 10 years ago. It wasn´t good. I´m sure the young guys coming up will continue to develop and lead Germany to success. I see a very good future.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I think that the work ethic with German players is good. The success has to do with the Infrastructure. It is very good. You can´t compare it to the time when I was a kid. The clubs all work so well in having their youth kids develop the right way. Players get double license and get minutes. I think that the success now shows that all the hard work the last years has been rewarded.

Thanks Mario for the chat.

Stefan Smith Displays 35 Points In Best Steph Manner Leading The MHP Riesen Past The Skyliners 101-96 In OT Cup Thriller

It was a long 4 months without basketball in Frankfurt, but finally the season commenced with a cup game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Both teams had produced a house cleaning and had new coaches. Well in Frankfurt Klaus Perwas was technically not new, but for the first time in his career was the head coach for good and from day 1 in a new season. Both teams wanted to get off to a good start as they would see each other in only a bit more than a week later for the first Frankfurt home game of the regular season. The cup season has few games and a title at the end. Ludwigsburg were still seeking their first cup title while Frankfurt last won in 2000 in their first season with head coach Stefan Koch. No fans could complain about the excitement after 45 minutes as Stefan Smith (187-G-1999, college: St.John’s, agency: Players Group) pulled out 17 points in overtime in best Steph Curry Manner nailing big shot after big shot leading the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg past the Skyliners 101-96 to move to the next round in cup action. After Stefan Smith posted 35 points in his easyCredit BBL debut, he wasn´t all smiles, but knew exactly where his team had to work on in the lab the next day. “I´m happy that we got the win, but we were inconsistent especially on defense. We have to do a better job on defense and not foul so much. We made steps today. If you can find a way to win when it´s ugly, then that’s a skill. We have to clean up our defense”, stressed ex University Of Vermont (NCAA) guard Stefan Smith. I don´t know if any of the players will have a sleepless night, but head coach Klaus Perwas couldn´t be pleased about the given up free throws and missed free throws. Frankfurt was in control of the game in the third quarter and should have won the game hadn´t they missed 15 free throws. “This was a very tough game. We had control in the third quarter, but they came back hitting open three´s. We have to do a better job on the defensive glass. Smith made tough shots in overtime. We will see them again next week and be ready”, stressed ex Artland Dragon William Christmas.

Jaedon LeDee at the FT line

Bad rain and a mid week date didn´t get many fans into the arena as those who did come saw a very nervous first few minutes of the first quarter as shots weren´t falling and turnovers was on the menu of both clubs. German Brandon Tischler and ex Princeton (NCAA) center Keeshawn Kellman got the guests on the board while ex Bonn center Til Pape and ex NCAA finalist Jaedon LeDee scored for Frankfurt as the game was dead locked 4-4. However the guests then stepped up their game going on a 9-2 run to lead 13-6. In the run, Ludwigsburg got 2 put backs from German Lenny Anigbata and ex Utah Jazz American Elijah Hughes while ex Emporia State (NCAA2) guard Trae Buchanon drilled home a trey. Ludwigsburg upped their intensity at both ends and worked harder on the boards. Frankfurt had some open looks, but the shots just didn´t want to fall. However basketball wouldn´t be basketball without runs and sometimes a game can change so quickly. Frankfurt clawed their way back going on a brutal 13-4 run to dead lock the game at 17-17. BBL rookie Isaiah Swope who played at St Louis (NCAA) nailed home 2 three´s while ex St John´s guard Nahiem Alleyne also scored from outside. Swope showed instantly that he could be this season´s version of Malik Parsons. Frankfurt kept up the pressure and execution rate leading 21-19 after 10 minutes. “I feel like it took both teams some time to get comfortable. Both teams were nervous and had first game jitters. Both teams also had new guys and everyone needs to get comfortable with each other”, stated Stefan Smith. Ludwigsburg controlled the boards in the first quarter with 7 offensive rebounds.

Stefan Smith at the FT line

The second quarter was very tight and the MHP Riesen attempted to get away in the latter part and led by 5 points, but Frankfurt fought back leading 40-39 at the break. Both teams found their offensive rhythm rapidly and LeDee scored twice with a lay in and tap in. He showed in his first game how well he moves without the ball and seems to almost always get open for the mid distance shot, but at the same time is extremely active on the glass. While Ludwigsburg countered with a lay in by Buchanan, a runner by Babacar Sane from Senegal and young German Julis Baumer dropped a trey from the corner for the 26-25 guests lead. Baumer did his job coming from the bench and giving instant energy. Frankfurt stole the lead back with a clutch trey from German Radii Casin, but Ludwigsburg continued to be very aggressive in the paint getting 2 dunks from Kellman and Hughes to tie the game at 31-31. Smith who seemed to be all over the court made a pretty cross court bullet pass for the Hughes dunk. The guests high intensity helped them get a 8-3 run to lead 39-34. Smith continued to lead his team well finding ex Skyliner Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman for the lay in on the pick and roll and made free throws while Buchanan hit another three pointer. However Ludwigsburg couldn´t carry the momentum into the break as Frankfurt stayed as tough as nails going on a 7-0 run to lead by one point. Frankfurt attacked the rim fiercely getting free throws by ex Creighton (NCAA) big man Ryan Hawkins and ex G-League slam dunk champion Logan Johnson. Johnson then showed his speed scoring on transition to end the first half. “Both teams were figuring out how to find their flow on offense. I feel like the free throws limited both teams flow. That was why the game was so close”, added Stefan Smith. Ludwigsburg continued to control the glass 23-17 and had 9 offensive turnovers.

Isaiah Swope with the runner

In the third quarter the Skyliners missed a golden opportunity to really run away with the game as they led by as much as 9 points, but the MHP RIesen scrapped their way back to deadlock the contest at 59-59. Frankfurt got good support from German Till Pape who made a hook shot and dunk and Logan Johnson with points, but they couldn´t get away as Stef Smith made an off balance shot and free throws as the Skyliners led 46-45. Frankfurt then found some daylight going on a 11-4 run to lead 57-49. In the run, Frankfurt got back to back 20 footers from LeDee while Christmas made a lay in, Swope a pull up jumper and Pape free throws. The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg went by the motto if three´s aren´t falling keep shooting. However in their case three´s weren´t falling which allowed Frankfurt to attain their biggest lead of the game. However Frankfurt was unable to ride the momentum longer as they lost some focus allowing a 10-2 run by Ludwigsburg. Frankfurt coughed up the ball 3 times which led to three´s by Smith and Hughes. “We did a good job not to panic. We had some tough possessions which led to turnovers, but we kept being aggressive and got to the free throw line”, commented Stefan Smith. “That was a tough phase at the end where we let them come back. The refs were calling the game tight. We have to play better defense and keep our hands off them”, stated William Christmas.

Brandon Tischler from outside

The fourth quarter was supper tight until the end. Ludwigsburg even had an opportunity to win the game on the last shot, but missed. Frankfurt´s free throw misery continued in the first minute as Logan Johnson only made 2 of 4 shots and they couldn´t keep the slim lead as Wolfarth-Bottermann once again was set up nicely by Smith for an easy lay up and a Tischler trey tied the game at 64-64. Frankfurt then escaped out on a 5-0 run to lead 69-64 with a Lorenz Brenneke tip in and Swope three pointer, but the guests struck back with 5 unanswered points as Sane drilled home a trey and Hughes made a 20 footer for 69-69 game. After a Hawkins trey, Ludwigsburg got the lead back again 74-72 as Buchanan made a floater and Hughes a deep three. The ex NBA player made it look so effortlessly. However the Skyliners had many weapons on this night as now was the time of William Christmas who scored 6 points in a row for the 79-78 advantage in crunch-time. Christmas was also making big defensive plays to secure the slim lead. However now it was Ludwigsburg´s time again as 40 year old dino Yorman Polas made a step back and Buchanan a jumper for the 81-78 lead with 1,10 to play. However Frankfurt stayed calm as Logan Johnson made a quick pass to LeDee for the dunk as Frankfurt trailed 81-80. After a Ludwigsburg and LeDee turnovers, Buchanan struck with free throws for the 83-80 advantage with 16 seconds to go. LeDee then nailed a clutch three pointer to force overtime. “We had the game won. We missed free throws and they made free throws. Buchanan made big shots. You just have to live with them”. Commented Will Christmas. “It went back and forth in the fourth quarter. LeDee hit a big three. As did Buchanan. Traevon lives for those moments. We have a lot of confidence in him”, warned Stefan Smith.

Stefan Smith from downtwon

In the overtime period, it was literally the Stefan Smith show as he hit 17 of 18 points to help win the game. He scored the first 8 points of the extra time with free throws and 2 three´s for the 91-83 lead. Christmas then added 3 points, but Smith continued to be in execution mode making 4 points for the 96-86 advantage. Frankfurt was in a hole now and Stefan Smith had control of the game and wasn´t about to slow down now. After a Christmas trey, Smith made another lay in for the 98-89 lead. Frankfurt did close out the overtime period with a 7-3 run as Alleyne made a lay in and Christmas a three pointer, but it was too little too late. Smith´s 35 points weren´t a career high as he had scored 38 and 36 points in Serbia, but his 17 points had to have been a career high in a OT period. “It probably was. I did struggle shooting the ball in the game. But I have a lot of confidence in my game and my teammates and coaches the same in me. I just kept shooting and kept shooting as they kept going in. I have spent a lot of time in the gym my whole life. This performance weas a very exciting moment for me”, stressed Stefan Smith. “I wouldn´t call that a Curry performance, but give him credit for making big shots. We can´t let a player take over like that. We have to be able to take his strength away. We have to be able to make better adjustments on him”, warned William Christmas. The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were led by Stefan Smith with 35 points. Traevon Buchanan added 15 points and Elijah Hughes added 13 points while the Skyliners were led by William Christmas with 22 points while Jaedon LeDee added 19 points. The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg shot 46% from the field and 33% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 38% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

In Klaus Perwas We Trust As Could This Be The Season Where The Skyliners Finally Make The BBL Playoffs Again?

Foto: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

It feels like an eternity since the last time the Skyliners made the easyCredit BBL playoffs. The last time the 2000 BBL cup winner reached the promised land not including the Covid season, they were led by the historic Gordon Herbert. Even if a guy like Gunnar Wobke surely could of predicted some things in the future when regarding Herbert, I’m sure nobody would ever have thought that the Canadian would be very responsible for the German national team having so much success. When the Skyliners bowed out to FC Bayern Munich in the spring of 2018, Franz Wagner was still a NBBL player, Isaac Bonga wasn’t even drafted by the NBA yet and Luka Doncic was still with Real Madrid. The Skyliners in the last 7 years have been an organization that have really struggled. It was even that bad, that the club had to play a season in the Pro A. The 2023-2024 was successful in that they moved right back to the BBL as that is definitely a feat. Teams like Bremerhaven, Giessen and Trier have stayed in the Pro A for years showing you can build yourself a rut in the Pro A.. Having enough money in the budget has always been a problem for the Skyliners. Often one reels in young Americans with little experience and just hope for the best. The best news story going into the 2025-2026 season is that they finally have Klaus Perwas as head coach. Perwas had always been the faithful assistant coach and once in a while even was interim head coach, but having the main responsibility was never his cup of tea. Somehow Wobke was able to persuade him to do the head coach job. Perwas is a coach that had been responsible for helping developing so many young Germans over the years and if there is 1 player that knows if Perwas can handle the head coaching job then it Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson who played there form 2009-2023. ‘ He was always cool and focused as an assistant coach. Now as head coach, we can see how he does everything his way. His defensive principles were always the same as Gordie Herbert. Now we will see how his offense will work. He has always been known as a defensive coach, but now we will see how the Skyliners offense works’, warned Quantez Robertson. With Perwas as head coach and a face lift with the roster, could this finally be the season again where the Skyliners make the playoffs?

You never really know what to expect when a club produces a fine house cleaning as they reeled in 7 new players. From the new players, the club have added a healthy mix of young and experience. But they also kept a healthy core from last year. Important is having that solid duo at the big positions with Lorenz Brenneke and Jacob Knauf. Both have experienced highs and lows over the years. Brenneke will bang inside while Knauf likes to sparkle form outside while also helping inside. The team added 2 really talented bigs with BBL experienced versatile Till Pape who played the last 2 years in Bonn and newcomer Ryan Hawkins who played in France and Italy the last 2 seasons and also sparkled with his versatile game while he shot 45% from outside in his last 2 seasons in the NCAA 2. The team also reeled in Radii Caisin and Jaedon LeDee for the forward positions. Casin played parts of 4 seasons in the BBL with 3 teams and played 96 BBL games, but never averaged more than 3,3ppg in a season. After 2 successful seasons with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) where he averaged 18.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 82.2% last season, he is hungry for his BBL break through this season. With LeDee, the Skyliners could have a guy that will be one of their consistent scorers in the season while also grabbing many rebounds. He played his rookie season in the G-League and reached the NCAA final in 2023 with San Diego State University.

The Skyliners are also very deep and talented at the guard position. Going into the season, they have 3 players with BBL experience with Garai Zeeb, Will Christmas and Marcus Domask. Zeeb is going into his 7th season with Frankfurt and has 147 BBL games under his belt. He is a great team player that will give effective minutes form the bench. Christmas is like a mini Cinderella story. He began in the Pro B and via Luxemburg reached the BBL and became a solid player player. He fills the stats sheet and is a consistent scorer while Domask already had a short tour of duty last season with Frankfurt. He is another versatile player that has G-League experience and showed last season that he needs no adjustment time to the BBL. The club also added 3 more guards with 2 with no experience overseas with Logan Johnson and Isaiah Swope and Nahiem Alleyne who has experience in Greece and Poland and played at 3 NCAA schools including UConn and Virginia Tech. Johnson is probably one of the more interesting signings as he is the point guard and will run the team. His dunking and athleticism may stand out, but he knows how to lead a team a she showed as a rookie with the Oklahoma City Blue averaging 10.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 76.1%. Isaiah Swope is a rookie and showed at 3 schools in the NCAA that he could adapt to any coach averaging 16/3/3 in his last 3 years. He is quick and gets to the hoop well. This could be Malik Parsons’s 2,0. Alleyne is a great shooter that averaged 38% from down town in 3 years at Virginia Tech. But as a rookie overseas had growing pains. The gritty defender is hungry for his overseas break through in Frankfurt. The Skyliners also have 2 talented young Germans with Ivan Crnjak and Jamie Edoka who had solid Pro B seasons in 2024-2025 and are planned for the main BBL rotation. However this Skyliners roster is talented and deep. The question is will they anything besides garbage time minutes this season?

So what will be the fate of the Skyliners this season. The excitement is massive simply because Klaus Perwas is the head coach from day 1 of a season. He has been known for being a coach who prides his team to play defense. One saw that philosophy under Gordon Herbert and with Denis Wucherer in the Pro A. It will be interesting to see how he wheels and deals with the offense. The club definitely have offensive weapons and should score much on a consistent level and it will be interesting to see how well the players are able to identify and accept their roles. The team has valuable shooting players but a team also with big men who finish at the paint. One can only hope they become more than just a shooting team. With the athleticism, the team should play fast as well. The team should be an above average rebounding team and sky is the limit at the defensive end. The club has many hungry players that will want to produce and have to not only execute on the offensive end. The Skyliners aren’t the only club with many new players, but there are so many other teams with the same scenario with new players. The question is always how well can these new guys get integrated to the easyCredit BBL and how well can the coach develop that correct team chemistry. The Skyliners have many guys with LeDee, Swope and Johnson where the potential to be successful is great. That is one of the exciting aspects to every season. Can some of these BBL newcomers break out or will they be flops. The Skyliners schedule in the first month is difficult to evaluate as it is hard to rate how well an Oldenburg and Ludwigsburg will play as they have many new faces. However MBC and Braunschweig are teams that have had success recently and won’t be cake walks. A good start to a season is always beneficial. Predicting where the Skyliners will finish is never easy. However I will bold enough to say that they won’t be 17th or 16th in May 2026. I see this team being a club that could be one on of the surprise teams this season, if many things go right and they aren’t hit by the injury bug. I see them somewhere from 8-14. It is finally time again for the faithful Skyliners fans to have joy again. The suffering in the last years simply has been to long There is that famous phrase on the US 1 $. In God we trust. Skyliner fans should etch ‘In Klaus Perwas we trust’.

Head Coach Max Becker(Dragons Rhondorf) Wants To Help Bring Excitement Back To The Dragon Dome

pic credit: Martin Jung

Only a couple of seasons ago, the Dragons Rhondorf were about to commence on their breathtaking Pro B title season that presented so many happy faces in the Dragon Dome that season. Germany had just become World Champion and Harry Kane was in the starting gate of his scoring mission and winning ways with FC Bayern Munich. Who can forget the players that season that featured guys like Kelvin Omojola, Avery Sullivan, Tyrese Blunt and Badu Buck. Those are memories that will last a lifetime. Only 1 player remains from that season with Lagui Diallo and from last season add on Kenan Reinhart. A lot has changed in this time, but if a Dragon fan becomes really sad and wants to relive those memories in another place, who knows it might happen only a short 49 minute 41 kilometer ride down the Rhine river to Koblenz. There you will see coaches Dohrn, Sherril and Schallenberg as well as Badu Buck. But that is in the past and the Dragons Rhondorf want to make new history this season. They made a house cleaning and inserted a new coach with 26 year old Max Becker . At first glance, he looks like a kid, but he definitely coaches like a man. ““He may look like a kid, but he can get mad. Then he definitely doesn´t act like a kid. He is still young, but I´m confident that he will do a good job”, stressed Kenan Reinhart. Becker did a good job coaching the Bonn/Rhondorf NBBL team and knows his new team well as he has guys from last season´s team this season. “I´m not nervous, but have positive joy. I have full confidence of all involved. I´m really motivated for the season”, stated Max Becker . Does he feel pressure taking over the pro B team? “Not really. I feel relaxed. I have incredible people around me from Bonn/Rhondorf and their full trust. The work ethic and communication of all is very positive. I mean there is always pressure, but that is why we do the job”, expressed Max Becker . His personal goal is straight forward. “I want to bring that fan excitement back to the Dragon Dome. We have had our ups and downs the last season. I was born into this organization. I know what kind of excitement has been here before. I want to help bring that excitement back”, warned Max Becker.

The organization hauled in a core of 3 very experienced players that will be share the responsibility of leading the team. With giant Daniel Mayr, they have a player that has Euroleague experience with FC Bayern Munich and was the best shot blocker in the Pro B 3 times. With Juhwan Harris-Dyson, their new version of a Swiss army knife who by the way is a scoring bucket having showed it in Herford and Hagen and Jorge Mejias who played youth basketball at Real Madrid at the same time as Luka Doncic was there a few years before his departure to the NBA in 2018. Mejias is a solid scorer and great playmaker who averaged 6,0apg with Iserlohn last season. With Lagui Diallo the team has a great team player and energizer that can get hot at times from outside and shut down the other teams best player. Ex RheinStar Cologne guard Kenan Reinhart has high expectations this season and would like to average 10,0ppg in the Pro B. Will he make the next step? “Kenan is very ambitious. He knows what he gets from me and I from him. He has worked hard. I feel like he has already improved his game this summer. I see him taking on a bigger role”, warned Max Becker . The club also hauled in talented big men Duje Dujmovic and Benjamin Sadikovic. Dujmovic made the next step in Neustadt last season averaging 10/4 and Sadikovic averaged 5/4 in Oberaching last season. “They both have a lot of potential despite their age. Both are really focused and alert in the BBL Bonn practices”, stated Max Becker . Another interesting pick up was Dusan “Mr quick release” Ilic who averaged 20,0ppg and 10,oapg with BBA Hagen in the NBBL. He is only 16, but has the potential for the next step. The team also has many young guys with Carlo Schmid, Remi Voelkers, Vuk Scepanovic, David Boning, Leonard Franzen, Fynn Dobiecki, Malik Idbihi and Tom Viehofer prepared to get minutes. “We have 10 of the 16 man roster that are NBBL players. They all will have a chance to play, but need to earn it”, warned Max Becker .

So what kind of a play style will the Dragons Rhondorf showcase in games? “We will play at a high pace with quick decisions and play very aggressive defense. We want to take the advantages that are presented to us on the court with our height, shooting or on the pick and roll”, warned Max Becker . Two years ago, the Dragons Rhondorf had 3 very potent bigs with Avery Sullivan, Leon Bullic and Ferenc Gille, but despite that were more of a shooting team. Last season, they had even less of a big man presence with only center Danas Kazakevicious. This season there are 3 bigs. Will there be more focus on the bigs? “Yes definitely. We will focus on the pick and roll and have more opportunities as well to get our shooters involved. Our bigs will be very much involved”, commented Max Becker . Will the team have enough scoring power? Will there be more go to guys than only Mejias, Harris-Dyson or Mayr? “I feel like we have a very balanced team. It will always depend on the game, opportunity and situation. I have the highest confidence that everyone will have the confidence to take the big shot”, warned Max Becker . On defense the name of the game will be being aggressive. That is something that each player will have plastered in their mind. “We will be aggressive at all times in all defensive forms. We will always be active on defense and not be passive and react”, stated Max Becker . Becker is very confident in his time so early in the season and also has an ambitious season goal. “We want to get the best positive result in the standings and in the development of the players. We believe in ourselves and want to reach the playoffs”, warned Max Becker . It will be interesting to see where the journey of the Dragons Rhondorf will go. They will have to find a defensive identity quickly as the Pro B North is never a cake walk. We know what we will get from the experienced guys, but getting consistency from young players will be vital for the team having a shot at the playoffs. I see the team landing somewhere between 7-11 in the season

Niklas Pons Remembers Isaac Bonga Already Being Ambitious And Leading The Team As A Youth Player

Pic credit: FIBA

Niklas Pons (192-SG-1999) is a 26 year old 192cm guard that is playing his ninth season with TV Langen playing 112 games in his career there and this season averaged 12/3/5/1 and helped win the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the success of German basketball.

Thanks Niklas for talking to eurobasket.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?
I was very happy and I believe German basketball is on the right path.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

3 out of 10 would have believed that Germany could win european Championship.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t born yet back then and can’t remember it.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

Germany ended up winning because, on the one hand, they have more depth, and on the other hand, everyone brought their strengths to the team.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

The hunger for medals/success drives the guys. Also, knowing that you can win even more with this special team.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a los in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

The whole game I thought they had another gear left in the tank and would win in the end.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

The deep bench gives the German team so many more options in their play, making them very difficult to scout. On top of that, it helps when the guys coming off the bench provide important energy.

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

He has improved in every category. What I especially like is his transition offense with his Euro step.

You played NBBL youth basketball with Isaac Bonga. He is world champion and Euro champion. Did you notice a sort of winner mentality in Frankfurt that was starting to develop there?

Isaac was always very ambitious and even as a young player already led the team.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn’t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

I would be very happy if Isaac got a second chance in the NBA. In my opinion, he has shown that he can make life difficult for superstars with his defense. Offensively, he is a threat.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis’ ability to take over in crucial moments is incredible and probably one of the best there will ever be.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

I think the NBA executives have the wrong picture of him. Dennis gets better every year, and I’m sure he can lead a team – provided he is given the trust.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki’s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

For me, both are the GOATs of their era. You shouldn’t compare them since they are two different types of players.

One of the big winners was Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

Alan helped the guys in the sense that he gave them a lot of freedom and has known most of them for a very long time.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga’s dunk or Franz Wagner’s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

Every play was a highlight. You really have to watch the whole game.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

I believe Germany has a lot of potential, and that the successful generations will show the next ones how to win.

Often now adays the talk is young players aren’t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren’t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I think that hunger is becoming rarer, since many kids nowadays have so many opportunities to get jobs. Basketball is no longer the one and only option.

Thanks Niklas for the chat.

American Guys Like Joe Asberry Elijah Allen And Omari Knox Are Just As Much Responsible For Helping German Basketball Development With Their Training Of German Kids

Joe Asberry is a legend. He is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player.Currently he is in his second season with the Artland Dragons organization coaching girls U-14 and U-16 and boys U-18. A big focus in his basketball life in Germany has been working with kids. Not only keeping them out of trouble and being an excellent role model, but also teaching them the game. He sees joy in a young German kid having success on the court just as much as he does seeing Steph Curry bury a three pointer for his home town team Golden State Warriors. There is probably no other American in Germany now that has worked as long with kids as he has. He has been following and been involved with the rise of German basketball just as much as German coaches who have worked endless hours helping kids develop. But all in all, it isn´t only Germans and Joe Asberry who have contributed to the youth development but so many other Americans. How often do you see an American from the BBL to the Oberliga help coach youth teams? It is everywhere especially with lower level teams where Americans have so much free time on their hands, why not give a hand with guiding the kids? “Guys like Elijah Allen (194-PF-1989, college: NW Missouri St.), Omari Knox, Levi Levine, Ronny Weihmann, Andrew Jones, Coach Omar Sylla (just to name a few) have been training youth here for YEARS! Teaching them how to be shifty,and play like PRO´S, instead of ROBOTS, who CAN´T create their own shot. My guy Misan Nikagbate, (yes,the same beast who played for the National Team) has been training kids daily since 2017! Everytime I call Misan,I say,”Can I speak to the Gentleman, that Dunked on Yao Ming Please”? So yes, I saw this coming, that Germans were on the Road to Success”, laughed Joe Asberry.

Of course Joe Asberry followed the magical run of Germany the last weeks and even if he will always root for his home land USA, he is proud of the success of German basketball.

“As an American, I´m thrilled that Germany won the Euro Chip. It means more kids will fall in love with the sport. I´ll give myself credit for helping a Gang of kids here in Germany, fall in Love with Basketball. When the National Team wins ANY American,doing basketball business in Germany WINS”, warned Joe Asberry.

Joe Asberry has seen his share of titles in USA and Europe and has a very special connection to Germany´s surprising win in 1993 over Russia.

Back in 1993, I got a shot at Pro Basketball in the Second Division in Finland. So when my dawg,Big Chris Welp won his chip, it was a special feeling. I was so happy for him. When he played for the Golden State Warriors he gave me money to take back to my hood in the Bay to get everyone hammered, and that´s exactly what I did. I flew from Tampere to San Francisco, and told my dawgs, the big fella won a chip, CHEERS! “, stressed Joe Asberry.

Would it have been crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? With the success of German basketball in the last years, would it have been Ok to predict a Gold or been more unrealistic?

“I´m sure all German Fan´s thought their Team was going to win Gold. Dennis Schroeder is a Beast! Mo and Franz Wagner are REAL LIVE Dogs. Daniel Theis plays basketball like a Grown ass Man! Bonga was the X factor. He doesn´t get enough credit for his Defense. With that wingspan, he can guard 1 thru 5. Those are the stars, but that team is Stacked”, said Joe Asberry.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

“1993 has special meaning for me, because of my Boy,Big Welp, but this Team is unreal. On that last shot, I knew Schroeder would get to his spot and cook, he is so quick and shifty, at that moment, he would have cooked,ANYBODY,in the WORLD”, warned Joe Asberry. Big words from him, but Asberry has seen it all and Schroeder would even have cookeda Victor Wembanyama. And why not his killer instinct would have also gotten him over that tree of a player.

The final game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. Germany´s key to winning the chip was one that every team dreams of having.

“Germany won that Gold Medal because of their Team Chemistry! They put away their ego´s to WIN together”, added Joe Asberry.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

“The best way to keep that Chemistry, is to keep them all together, now they just have to add one more piece, my Boy,Kevin Yebo, another Real Live Dog”, stressed Joe Asberry. The love for Kevin Yebo will always be there from Asberry. Asberry discovered him and watched him move from the Regionalliga to the Euroleague.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I personally was never fearing a loss in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

“Osman and Bona are Elite. Sengun is on his way to becoming a Superstar. Shane Larkin is ELITE ELITE. I was just praying Schroeder and Wagner save the day, and Schroeder saved the day”, smiled Joe Asberry.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

Germany´s bench is deep, but to me the key down the stretch was Schroeder and Wagner. Dennis Schroeder just looks so comfortable with that ball in his hands, and he won´t just chunk up a wild shot to be a hero, he makes the winning plays for his Team”, stated Joe Asberry. I would always give Larry Bird the ball any day and for Germany it´s simply Dennis Schroeder. That´s a fact.

But not only was Dennis Schroeder a massive factor for the success, but also Franz Wagner. The Berlin native was already incredible 2 years ago in the World Cup win, but he is on his way to becoming extra special.

“Franz Wagner is unreal. At that size,with his skillset,the sky is the Limit. When you learn hoops from a Legend like Juwan Howard, you CAN´T GO WRONG! He´s already a star in Orlando, and he is getting better by the minute. Humble Superstar”, warned Joe Asberry.

Joe Asberry dunking back in the day!

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

“Issac Bonga is qualified to play on ANY NBA ROSTER! That man is a BEAST”, added Joe Asberry. I´m sure he will be in the NBA in 2026 and latest in 2027 when He and Germany win the Gold Medal at the Olympics.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How does one explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis Schroeder is one of the best players in the World! With success comes Hate. People judge that Man, and they have ZERO Clue who he is. They have never had a conversation with him. I have inside info though. My man Big Dia, my boy Dami,Ant Watkins, Yebo, all told me he is a good dude. Last but not Least, Coach Livio Calin, (who let me get 1000 makes in,when everyone else was afraid of me, and calling me crazy) gave Schroeder a chance in Braunschweig, and believed in him. Coach Livio told me DS is a good dude, so DS,is a GOOD DUDE! So I´m one of the Fans that LOVES HIM TOO”, warned Joe Asberry.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

Yes, NBA bosses have this perception that he´s arrogant. I heard that from a reliable source. The thing is, when they cut you, or trade you, its all good. But when Dennis Schroeder turned down the Laker deal, they all probably got in their feelings. What they DON´T UNDERSTAND is that Schroeder can NEVER LOSE! He represents Alte Waage! Nobody wants to talk about the Racism he went through in that town. Again, THANK YOU COACH LIVIO”, stressed Joe Asberry. Braunschweig will always be home for Dennis Schroeder and he is giving back by helping the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig continue to make strides as an organization.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

“You can´t compare Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroeder, they´re two different breeds of beasts! It´s always a matter of Opinion. Big Dirk is my Goat, but I´m biased. I´ve had conversations with him, and I´ve never met a guy who was at one time, the best basketball player in the World, and can yet be so nice, and so Humble. He put a NBA Team on his back, and won a Chip. 7 Footer with a Sweet Jay, and we all know that the World has copied his fadeaway off one leg. When my WNBA All star Big Leni masters the “Fall Away Dirky” she will be the next superstar in Germany, no pressure though! LOL”, laughed Joe Asberry.

One of the big winners for Germany and the tournament was Alan Ibrahimagic who went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. Even if he allowed a winning combination bunch of guys play their game, he still had to make key decisions on the sideline.

Salute to Coach Alan. It´s not easy to deal with basketball stars, and their ego´s so to get them all on the same page, is the sign of a Great Coach”, commented Joe Asberry.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. It was no surprise to me what Joe Asberry´s favorite play was.

“My favorite play was Dennis Schroeders Dagger Middy. I made a living off of Dunks and Middy´s so I was thrilled, watching that sweet jay, splash through the net”, said Joe Asberry.

“Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

“German Basketball is HOT! If they beat the Americans and win a Gold Medal in the Olympics, I`ll cry and Dive head first into the Rhine River, please, Pray for me Miles LOL”, stressed Joe Asberry. I definitely will pray for you, but I wouldn´t mind seeing you jump into the Rhine River. It definitely is cleaner than 30 years ago.

Will the dynasty go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

Germany has the chance to keep getting better, if the young guys continue to put in the Work”, warned Joe Asberry.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation? Does the typical German discipline play a role?

“I think the biggest challenge for young German players is Gym time. If a Club doesn´t have constant access to the Gym, then the players will spend way too much time, playing with their phones, instead of Hooping. I can´t speak for other country´s but I know for a fact, American players have access to a Gym,24/7 All of my guys who are Coaches and Trainers stateside, hold all of their players accountable, if they don´t LISTEN, they get CUT”, warned Joe Asberrys.

Is there perhaps a different mentality in Germany? USA always have talented young kids, but how do you see the general mentality and hunger of young American players in 2025?

“The Mentality of American players is different a lot of times, because of the Conditions. That dawg Mentality comes from not having anything, and you want something out of your life, so Basketball becomes the ticket, to have a better life. That´s not something you can Coach. That gives players a slight advantage for sure. On the other hand, kids growing up here in Germany also have an advantage. They can focus on hoops, without a lot of the extra shenanigens in their neighborhoods. It´s just different”, warned Joe Asberry.

So does this Euro title scare team USA? I guess the big showdown will be in 2027 at the Olympics. Germany will be looking to win, but USA will have different players than at the 2024 Olympics. Will Team USA win their next Gold medal?

I´m sure that Team USA will win Gold Again. There are just too many Elite athletes,

with size, incredible skillsets, dawgs, I could go on and on. Then again, I`m a Proud American, who balled in the Michael Jordan era, if Team USA loses, they should all be cut from their teams, and have to start their Career´s over in Helsinki Finland, so they can learn to appreciate NBA Basketball. Shout out to Helsinki though, I loved it,but then again, I`m a Pro Hoop Misfit, who´s claim to fame, is DUNKS, and saving kids LIVES! LOL! I appreciate you Miles”, stressed Joe Asberry. Well I´m sure Finland would love to have some NBA stars in Finland, but honestly the Olympics is USA´s cup of tea. They won´t allow Germany to spoil their party.