James Washington (Boras Basket) Dru Joyce Had The Most Impact On Me When I Was With Trier

James Washington is a 28 year old 182cm guard from St Louis Missouri that is entering his sixth professional season and first with Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan). He played at W.Illinois (NCAA) from 2006-2008 and then transferred to Middle Tenn.St. (NCAA). In his senior year he played 32 games: 14.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 86.4%. He started his professional basketball career for TBB Trier (Germany-BBL) in 2011 and played 23 games averaging 5.7ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.0%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Pro B) playing 15 games averaging 20.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 83.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he moved to KFUM Nassjo Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 36 games averaging 17.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.5%, 3FGP: 38.7%, FT: 83.6%, in Mar.’14 moved to VOO Wolves Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium-Ethias League) playing 9 games averaging 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 86.1%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for Solna Vikings (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 36 games averaging 15.3ppg, 2.2rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-5(1.8spg), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 82.4%. Last season he played for Jolly Jadranska Banka Sibenik (Croatia-A1) playing 18 games averaging 16.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 53.2%, 3FGP: 41.2%, FT: 86.2%, in Mar.’16 moved to Chorale de Roanne Basket (France-ProB, starting five): 13 games: 8.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 70.4%. He spoke to German Hoopsabout basketball.

Hi James thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Thanks for having me. I’m currently in Sweden right now. Just signed to Boras Basket. My summer was good, as I got to spend time with my family, travel some, and play some summer ball.

Did you see Jimmy Mckinney this summer? He hasn’t signed yet and I fear he may retire. Do you have any latest scoop on what he is up to`?

I’ve seen Jimmy a lot this summer, he’s like a big brother to me. But unfortunately for Europe and specifically German BBL fans, J Roc has chosen to retire. He is now coaching at our old high school and helping in the community with working out younger kids. Played pick up ball with him this summer and he still has it.

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Bryan Smithson (I Always Hang My Hat On My Ability To Lead On And Off The Court)

Bryan Smithson is a 31 year old 185cm point guard from Kennesaw,Georgia that completed his third season in Germany and first with the MPL Academics Heidelberg playing 28 games averaging 12.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.1%. He started his basketball career at Middle Tennessee St. (NCAA) in 2003 where he played two seasons. He then moved to NC-Asheville (NCAA) where he finished his college career and as a senior played 29 games: 16.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3Pts: 41.1%, FT: 83.5%. He played two seasons for the Kirchheim Knights in the German Pro A where he was top 5 in assists in the league the last two seasons. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball future.

Bryan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Hey Miles, it is always a pleasure talking with you. I am currently at my home just outside of Atlanta, Ga. I have been enjoying the summer and spending time with my family.

It is September and most teams are filled and your still without a team. How surprised are you that you are still unsigned?

I am a bit surprised that I am still available on the market as most players would be. Obviously, I am excited to get started with my future team.

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The Fraport Skyliners Get Spanked by medi Bayreuth And The Kyan Anderson Show 75-61

It may be still very early in the new season, but so far the Fraport Skyliners have been impressive in the pre-season winning their first four games despite having no head coach Gordon Herbert, no American starting point guard, no Philip Scrubb who will be out for some months due to a knee injury, but one thing they do have as usual is an abundance of very many young talented German players who have benefited from the abundance in minutes and the growing team chemistry over the years with guys like Max Merz, Stefan Ilzhoefer, Niklas Kiel and Garai Zeeb. They also have had the monster games of rookie Shavon Shields who quietly has dominated three games and played as if he had been taking apart the league for years. The Fraport Skyliners dismantled the RheinStars Cologne during the Basketball Aid international tour in a neutral spot on the Wiesbaden US Airbase where if a Mike Morrison or Quantez Robertson had gotten bored during their breathers on the bench, they could of tested each other about who knew their respective state flag better than the other as all 50 state flags were on display in the cozy, bright gym. The 2004 BBL champion then man handled the Walter Tigers Tiuebingen who were without Mr pass Jared Jordan and then nonchalantly strolled into France and showed an early harmonized defense as they stayed loyal to their defense roots getting by Lyon 74:69 and Bourg-en-Bress 71:63. The first fans were getting on the bandwagon and already predicting another playoff visit this season. However more often than not, the surprising good play and results due come to a crashing end as the Fraport Skyliners once again defended the way they knew how giving up 63 points to 2016 Fiba Europe Cup semi-finalist Chalon a few days ago , but couldn´t muster a consistent showing on offense producing only 51 points. Rookie Shavon Shields was brought back down to earth being held in check with seven points and six boards. The only real bright spot was Florida native Mike Morrison who tallied 14 points and five rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners now had four days to recuperate from the tournament in France where they played on three consecutive days and next had a real tough opponent with EaysCredit BBL team medi Bayreuth, but were at home again playing in their practice facility BCM. The Home crowd also saw the debut of rookie Shavon Shields and 10 year veteran Antonio Graves who many still had his buzzer beater in their heads from two seasons ago where he spanked the Fraport Skyliners as an Artland Dragon in the Fraport arena. However the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t withstand the Kyan Anderson Show has he poured in 11 points in the third quarter which blew the game wide open as medi Bayreuth was able to extend their lead into double digits and from there on it was cool sailing home as they defeated Frankfurt 75-61.

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Worthy De Jong (Dutch National Team) We Have To Work Our Butts Off And Believe In Our Defending Strategy Against Germany

Worthy De Jong is a 28 year old Dutch 194cm shooting guard that is currently playing with the Dutch national team in the European qualifying round. He completed his sixth season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Eredivisie) playing 34 games: Score-2(16.9ppg), 6.6rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-1(2.9spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 69.0%; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 17.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 79.2%. He will play this season for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB) He started his basketball career with the Rotterdam Challengers (Eredivisie). He had his best season last season playing 34 games averaging 15.0ppg, 5.9rpg, Assists-4(4.5apg), Steals-2(2.6spg), FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 74.1%. He also had a solid performance at the 2015 European Championships playing 5 games: 9.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT-2(66.7%), FT: 81.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the European qualifying game against Germany.

Worthy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. The last time you played in Germany, you scored 22 points with Leiden in a 63-58 loss in Fiba Europe Cup action in Frankfurt. What memories do you have form that game?

It was a very intense game probably the best one during the FIBA Euro Cup and seeing how we played definitely one we could’ve won.

Now you are back in Germany with the Dutch national team playing Germany who are 2-0 in a Euro qualifying match. The Dutch national team have a 1-1 record having lost a close game to Austria and spanked Denmark. How happy are you with the current 1-1 record of Holland?

Well if we take a look at the first game stats we were definitely in the postion to win that game, seeing that we took about 24 more shots then them and out rebounded them too . I guess we didn’t have our day, but none the less they played a very good game.

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Chris Hass (Phoenix Hagen) ) I Absolutely Need To Mature Into A 40% Plus Shooter From Outside In The Pros

Chris Hass is a 22 year old 196cm guard from Pellston, Michigan that is starting his professional basketball career in Germany with Phoenix Hagen. He played the last four years with Bucknell(NCAA) playing a total of 102 NCAA games. As a senior he played 30 games: 17.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 82.9%. He was able to improve his scoring average each season at Bucknell(NCAA). He won the Patriot League Tournament in 2013 and was a All-Patriot League 1st Team selection in 2015 and 2016. He spoke to German Hoops after signing with Phoenix Hagen earlier this summer.

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Summer has been great! I have been working on my game and just getting in shape for the upcoming season! I am currently in Troy, New York running a basketball camp for high school kids and getting ready for a big basketball tournament in Philadelphia this weekend!

Congrats on signing with Beko BBL team Phoenix Hagen. You were signed well into the summer. How was your first signing experience as a rookie. Did you have your share of offers and what did you expect coming from Bucknell and your success in terms of finding a team?

The experience was very similar to how college recruiting works but harder because you aren’t able to meet the coaches and coaching staff. And I expect to learn a lot about the way the game is played in Europe and I’m excited to help Hagen win games this season!

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Ratiopharm Ulm Destroy The Hebeisen White Wings Hanau 82-46 in Basketball Aid Charity Game In Rhondorf

Usually the last game on a tournament weekend means final time baby where the big time players write history and tragic hero´s can be born as well. However at the Gezeiten Haus Cup in Rhondorf that had seen Northeastern(NCAA) and the Iranian national team and Dirk Bauermann withdraw, the 2016 Basketball Aid international tour had to scramble and find replacements and did with Pro B team Bochum that played on Saturday while the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau fought against top BBL team ratiopharm Ulm in the second game on Sunday that may have been meaningless in the final title game atmosphere and was just another routine test game, but for some players, this game had other meanings when bringing teammates rookie Brian Sullivan and Till Joscha Joenke into the picture. For both players this was another game, but deep down it was another test that had different meanings for both. For Sullivan, he isn´t only another one of thousands that hail from the basketball talented state of Ohio, but it was a game where he could really measure himself against top rate guards and ratiopharm Ulm boasted a handful of them. Sullivan had faced top guards game in and game out in the tough Atlantic 10 conference at Davidson and now he had the chance to battle top German point guard Per Guenther, ex Boston Celtic Chris Babb and Braydon Hobbs who like Sullivan had to prove himself in the Pro A two seasons ago with Nurnberg. Sullivan as always was in attack mode on every possession and nailed home two three pointers early finishing with eight points, but overall had his difficulty with the swarm of annoying ratiopharm Ulm guards as the Hebeisen White Wings were destroyed by ratiopharm Ulm 82-46. “It was a good challenge and a good experience going against their guards. I could see how a Chris Babb reads ball screens and how he defended me. I also learned that their guards don´t tend to force anything and let the game come to them. The guards in Germany have a good feel for the game while in the States the guards tend to focus on getting buckets”, stressed ex Davidson(NCAA) guard Brian Sullivan. Joenke on the other hand wanted to show his ex team ratiopharm Ulm where he played from 2012-2014 playing 38 BBL games and 10 Eurocup games that he had developed further in the last two years with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and last season with the Hebeisen White Wings. After the rout, Joenke was slithering his way back to the bus and had Ulm and his past less on his mind, but rather was content about playing against top competition. “It is always good to see people from the past. I was roommates with Per Guenther for two years and still have a good relationship with Thorsten Leibenath. This was a difficult game, because we had played three games in four days. My role is to play the one and when you lose by 36 points, it doesn´t show that we did a good job. For us it was important to play against top level competition, because we can see where we made mistakes and how we should correct our mistakes”, warned ex Bayer Giants Leverkusen guard Till Joscha Joenke. Both Sullivan and Joenke want to play a successful season with Hanau and help lead the club to the playoffs while one could see himself playing in the BBL for the first time in the future while the other has claimed that he wants to return back one day as well.

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The Telekom Baskets Bonn Escape Late Comeback From ratiopharm Ulm 78-74 At Basketball Aid Charity Game In Rhondorf

It may only be pre-season, but unforgettable and sour playoff memories can linger on for any player even if it is almost three months ago when the Fraport Skyliners were rudely booted out of the semi-finals by ratiopharm Ulm like a hurricane does any small Florida town that had the misfortune of being hit. ratiopharm Ulm identity figure and national player per Guenther and Konstantin Klein might separate only one cm and three kilo´s to the advantage of the Berlin native Klein, but can that one Fiba Europe Cup title erase some of the uncomfortable memories of the 3-1 playoff series loss for the Telekom Baskets Bonn guard? Guenther let his quickness and sharp shooting speak for him when it counted most in game one and game four. In game one Guenther hit two back breaking trey´s in OT and shooting 6/7 from the parking lot ending with 19 points while in game four he had the hot hand again leading the team to the final with 18 points and four three´s. For Klein, the series was one to forget as he played only 48 minutes in the four game series while contributing a bit with 8 points in 23 minutes in the game three 85-54 win in Frankfurt. After a four year stay with the Fraport Skyliners where he developed nicely, but had injury problems and consistency issues was in the shadow of the twin towers Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel now has moved on to the Telekom Baskets Bonn to start a new chapter in his basketball career. Klein is looking to play a significant role in the guard rotation of head coach Silvano Poropat and had the chance to get some pre-season revenge on Guenther again as both battled in a highly anticipated game during the Basketball Aid International tour that had set up shop at the 2016 Gezeiten haus cup in Rhondorf. Klein got revenge on Guenther for the playoff loss helping the Telekom Baskets Bonn escape a late comeback attempt by ratiopharm Ulm to win 77-74. The German isn´t only aggressive on the floor, but also when it comes to answering questions about his ex club Frankfurt or new horizons with Bonn, he is very edgy and one notices that he has a gigantic chip on his shoulder and wants to prove something this season with Bonn. “It was nice to win against Ulm. I still think about the series loss to Ulm with Frankfurt and probably will still remember it when I am 80, but it is a new season and life goes on. I am as motivated as I was the last seasons with Frankfurt and feel I always have to prove something. I am happy to be in Bonn. It is a good situation and I am looking forward to having a good season”, warned Konstantin Klein.

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Ken Horton (Telekom Baskets Bonn) I Support Basketball Aid As Cancer Is A Serious Things And Has Effected The Lives Of So Many

Ken Horton is a 26 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Recently completed his fourth professional season with medi Bayreuth playing 34 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 89.5% In the 2014-2015 season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games averaging 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playing18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against ratiopharm Ulm at the Gezeiten Haus Cup in support oft he Basketball Aid charity.

Ken thanks for talking to German Hoops Welcome back to Germany. You were signed late into the transfer period by the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Was it worth waiting longer and more selective thinking about what your next move would be?

It was definitely different waiting late into the summer to sign but I am happy. I’m with a really good organization and I’m excited to get the season started.

What has been your first impression of Bonn. What is the biggest difference to Bayreuth where you balled last season?

Bonn has been good so far, a bigger city than Bayreuth and it’s much more difficult to get used to driving in the city but I’m definitely loving it so far.

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Julian Gamble (Telekom Baskets Bonn) I Support Basketball Aid And Believe One Day A Cure Will Be Found For Cancer

Julian Gamble is a 26 year old 207cm power forward/center from Durham, North Carolina that will be starting his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He started his basketball career at Miami(NCAA) in 2008 and played there until 2013 playing a total of 127 games. In 2013 he started his professional career with Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-ProB): 44 games: 16.3ppg, Reb-3(9.0rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-1(1.5bpg), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 62.9%. In 2014 he moved to the Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Scooore League) playing 25 games: 17.0ppg, Reb-3(7.6rpg), 1.4apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-1(1.6bpg), FGP: 57.0%, FT: 69.2%. Last season he remained with the Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Scooore League) playing 36 games: Score-5(16.6ppg), Reb-2(8.3rpg), 1.3apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 60.8%, FT: 68.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Gezeiten Haus Cup in Rhondorf.

Julian thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are living in Bonn now. What has been the biggest difference for you living wise coming from the Belgium capital Bruessels?

Living in Bonn has been great so far. The city isn’t as big as Brussels but having Cologne so close with the combination of Bonn has been great. My family and I, along with my teammates have all been exploring the city together and have enjoyed it this far.

You have been with the Telekom Baskets Bonn now for a month. How has the integration period been for you? Was there any big difference to coming from the Belgium league to Germany that has stood out?

The integration into the team has been great. We are all working towards our common goal of having a good team and taking that process one day at a time. We are making very good progression in this regard. The biggest difference I have noticed is the physicality, but I think my opinion on this subject will be more clear as we play more teams in our league.

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Chase Adams (Uni Baskets Paderborn) Glad I Can Participate In Basketball Aid And It´s Only Right I Give Back In Anyway

Chase Adams is a 27 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland is playing his second season for the Uni Baskets Paderborn in the (Germany-ProA) this season. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2001 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig which is part of the 2016 Basketball Aid international tour that stopped in Paderborn.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops. You had a long summer in Baltimore. How was your summer and what did you reflect most about concerning your professional career?

This was most certainly a challenging summer for me training wise pushing my limits. I spent a lot of time thinking about my shortcomings and how I can push through when times get rough.

You will be playing your second season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. A professional basketball players career might not always be a long affair so one has to appreciate it as much as possible. How much have you appreciated the city of Paderborn and has it become like a second home for you?

I made the decision to come back because I do have that home feeling and I’m blessed they welcomed me back with open arms. The city shows a lot of Love and that propels me to go harder.

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