David Sturner is a 206cm power forward/center playing his first season in Germany for pro B team Dresden Titans and currently is averaging 11,4ppg and 6,4rpg. He started his basketball career with Orgeon State playing 13 NCAA games and then moved to S.Oregon (NAIA) and as a senior played  31 games: 14.6ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.2%. He started his professional basketball career recently with the West Adelaide Bearcats (Australia-Central ABL) before coming to Germany. He spoke to German Hoops after the dramatic win in game one against BG Karlsruhe.

 

Congrats David on the 92-87 win against top ranked team BG Karlsruhe. How deep was the feeling of belief before and during the game that the Dresden Titans could win this game on enemy territory?

Thank you Miles. I think over the last few months we’ve had the mindset that no matter who we are facing on the court, we are going to win. We’ve gotten to the point where we play so well with each other that we are always capable of winning.

How does it feel all of a sudden to be the little darlings of the league together with the Giants Nordlingen?

I feel like the way we’ve played the second half of the season, that we are the team to beat. To be the darlings of the league is nice, but we would prefer to keep winning and be the champions.

Nordlingen does it with a very thin rotation and Dresden does it with a bigger rotation and team basketball. What do you think do these two teams share in approach to these type of games when your playing the top teams?

I’m not sure if we share anything in common with Nordlingen as far as approach goes. We like to push the ball and force our opponents into low percentage shots. They have a great team, but completely different style of play.

Dresden had a weak first quarter scoring 9 points and gave up 15 points. In the second quarter seemingly out of the blue, both teams scored 33 points. Did both teams defenses take a nap?

I’m pretty sure the score keeper took a nap there in the first half! I believe the correct score at the end of the 1st was 27-23, Karlsruhe. Both teams had a pretty solid start offensively.

After a tight fourth quarter where BG Karlsruhe had their nose slightly in front, it was guard Philipp Lieser that got Dresden the lead back at 73-71. How much volumes does the tip in from the German speak for the team just helping each other out at any time all over the court?

It says a lot about our team. That was a fast break play where we didn’t finish on a layup, but Phil was right there to rebound and put it back in. We play with so much energy and everybody is making an impact on the floor, whether it shows on the stat sheet or not. Lieser hustling to be there to finish the play was an example of our tenacity we had all night.

In the last few minutes, Dresden had the slight lead with big guard play with buckets from Lieser and Randall Holt. BG Karlsruhe never gave up tying the game on occasion, but won with four David Sturner free throws. What was key in the crunch time for ultimately getting this big win?

The key was being smart and staying aggressive. We had 3 games with Rostock that all came down to the end and we really struggled to finish those games out. I think they prepared us for this game, and coach had us working a lot on different end of the game situations all week. It obviously paid off and we were able to finish.

Dresden didn´t win the rebound duel against the talented BG Karlsruhe glass cleaning team, but still scrapped 53 rebounds and only had 7 turnovers. How important were these two facets of the stat sheet for the team success?

Rebounding was something we talked about all week and we knew they were going to be aggressive on the boards. They are a very strong and athletic team so we knew we had to force them to work hard on the glass. The turnovers helped balance out the offensive rebounds we gave up.

You had a monster game with 20 points and 14 rebounds. How key was having this big game now against the powerhouse BG Karlsruhe for heightening your self confidence and that of the team going into game two?

Thank you. I don’t think my game will effect anything going into game two. We always have confidence in each other and as our stats always show, anybody can have a big game, and we need everyone to contribute to help us win.

Your teammate Andrew Jones also has found a groove on offense in the last games. How important has it been for many guys stepping it up now even more in the post season?

Andrew’s been feeling himself again and showing that on the court. He’s been a huge spark coming off the bench. Like I said before, we need everyone to contribute. We have the deepest bench in the league and games like last night prove how important each and every player is.

How does it feel not being the team under pressure in game two as it is a do or die game for BG Karlsruhe. How will the Dresden Titans approach going into game two?

It’s a great feeling knowing we stole a game at their place and get to play in front of our home crowd to try and close out the series. We know that they will be bringing everything they have and we can’t ride the momentum. We have to get back to work this week and prepare like we do every game.

What things will the Dresden Titans need to do better in game two? Can Dresden afford to be abit more risky and key in more heavy on their key players just to wrap up the series now and not have to go back to Karlsruhe?

We need to box out and rebound better. That’s the bottom line. Karlsruhe is an excellent team, and they capitalize on our mistakes. We know we can score and force them to take tough shots, but if we give them too many opportunities, we will be in trouble.

The Golden State Warriors won a tight game against the Grizzlies coming back from 10 to win. They need to win their last two games against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the best NBA record of all time. Seriously will the Spurs let this happen?

I think the Spurs will rest some of their starters since they have nothing riding in the game. I think the Grizzlies will be the team that Golden State may struggle with again. I predict they will get the record!

Where do you rank the exciting Villanova buzzer beater win in alltime NCAA final games?

For a championship game, that had to be the greatest finish in NCAA history. There are a few games in the tournament from years ago that I thought were just as good, but on that stage no game can compare.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last night on the bus we watched an English movie dubbed in German. All I know was it had Samuel Jackson and was based in a prison. Maybe I’ll watch it in english next time.

 

Thanks David for the chat.

Jordan Talbert is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second professional season with the Giants Nordlingen. He came to Germany as a rookie last season and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the huge 79-77 victory against Iserlohn.

 

 

Congrats Jordan on the big 79-77 win against Iserlohn. How big was the feeling of belief before and during the game that the Giants Nordlingen could win this game?

We always believe we have a chance to win any game we play. We’re confident in our ability especially when we come out and play our game.

How did this win show basketball Germany that a thin rotation can beat a deep rotation?

We’re not big on making excuses. We played with a small rotation all season and we’ve been pretty successful. Each team can only play 5 players at once. As long as the 5 players on the court play as a single unit we can win the game.

The Giants Nordlingen and Dresden Titans are the little darlings of the German Pro B. Both teams beat the top teams in the first game showing their underdog strength. How do you feel does Nordlingen and Dresden share this special approach of going out and being able to beat the favorite?

 Being the underdog we have nothing to lose. We just focus on going out and doing what we do. We’re not focused on too much else besides our play each game.

The Giants Nordlingen had the slim 36-34 advantage at halftime. With what words of wisdom did head coach Mario Matic send the troops into battle in the second half?

 He just told us to continue to battle. We expected the game to come down to the final minutes. We’ve been in that situation enough times to know how to finish tough games.

With five minutes to go the Giants Nordlingen were behind 71-64 and then broke out on a 11-0 run to take the 75-71 lead. The club got instant offense from many guys. Was there any huddle or special words form someone on the court that helped get the team get on track in that phase?

No there weren’t any special words. That game was a game of runs and fortunately we had the last one. We made plays on both ends of the floor which was what we needed.

At the end it was free throws that sealed the win. Did you expect German Ruben Dahmen to miss his last two free throws that would have put the game into OT which kind of made it a very bitter loss for Iserlohn?

We were actually up 3 at the moment Dahmen shot his free throws. He made the first and we knew he would intentionally try to miss the second but he forgot you have to hit the rim in the process of missing. We got the ball back and finished the game.

During the 40 minute game Nordlingen played seven guys and Iserlohn only nine guys. Was this small difference noticeable on the floor for the 40 minutes in having to balance your energy?

 I’m not sure. Our small rotation is something we’ve done all season. I think we’ve become accustomed to it and recognize how to manage it at the point.

You played 37,58 minutes scoring 19 points and hauling down 12 boards. At this point of the season does playoff adrenaline erase fatigue in these type of games?

No you definitely feel the fatigue. At this point in the season everyone is tired and fighting injuries. The mental strength to push through it and the smarts to take care of the body throughout the week is the small difference that separates the ones who struggle with fatigue and the ones who don’t.

How efficient was German Kwame Duku with 10 points and seven rebounds with his play?

 The past 2 games his play has been huge for us. His effort on the court has really increased throughout the season which has helped us tremendously.

Did you feel like teammate Brandon Lockhart had a bigger sense of urgency to win this game? He really took up the slack in the paint getting his majority of baskets there?

Brandon is such a smart player. He recognized what they were doing on defense and made his adjustment at half time and then dominated the second half. A great performance from him.

The Giants Nordlingen can win the series at home against Iserlohn. With what kind of approach will the team go into the game?

We will go in with nothing special planned. We know it’s a huge game and our motivation is high.

Is taking care of the ball going to be one of the main priorities to clean up in game two as the club coughed up the ball 21 times in game one?

Yes our turnovers last game were what really got us in trouble. Iserlohn is a good team and good teams will always make you pay for your mistakes.

The Golden State Warriors won a tight game against the Grizzlies coming back from 10 to win. They need to win their last two games against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the best NBA record of all time. Seriously will the Spurs let this happen?

I’m not sure. You never know with Popovich. I can see him resting his players for the playoffs and letting the Warriors tire themselves chasing the record.

Where do you rank the exciting Villanova buzzer beater win in alltime NCAA final games?

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more exciting championship game. I believe that Butler vs. Duke game a few years back was great but this one was mind blowing.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 Fade To Black

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

 

Brandon Lockhart is a 25 year old 185cm guard from St Louis, Missouri that is playing hiss econd professional season and first with German team Giants Nordlingen. AS a rookie he played for BK Levicki Patrioti (Slovakia-Extraliga) playing 34 games: Score-5(16.7ppg), 3.8rpg, Assists-5(4.3apg), Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 78.9%. He played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 6.1apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the thrilling 79-77 win against Iserlohn

 

Congrats Brandon on the big 79-77 win against Iserlohn. How big was the feeling of belief before and during the game that the Giants Nordlingen could win this game?

Danke Miles! Iserlohn is a really good team. But we go into every game thinking that we have a chance to win if we play our game. We knew it would be tough and just wanted to keep it close because we knew the closer we kept it, the more the pressure builds on them.

How did this win show basketball Germany that a thin rotation can beat a deep rotation?

I think it just shows that it’s not a guarantee a team will always win because they have a deeper rotation.

The Giants Nordlingen and Dresden Titans are the little darlings of the German Pro B. Both teams beat the top teams in the first game showing their underdog strength. How do you feel does Nordlingen and Dresden share this special approach of going out and being able to beat the favorite?

It just shows that on any given day, anyone can be beaten. I cannot speak for Dresden, but I know we felt like most of the pressure to win this game was on them. So we just wanted to play freely and keep the pressure on them.

The Giants Nordlingen had the slim 36-34 advantage at halftime. With what words of wisdom did head coach Mario Matic send the troops into battle in the second half?

He just reminded us of the things we talked about before the game like taking care of the ball because that stops them from getting out in transition which is when they are really good. Continuing to rebound and not allowing them extra possessions or easy baskets.

With five minutes to go the Giants Nordlingen were behind 71-64 and then broke out on a 11-0 run to take the 75-71 lead. The club got instant offense from many guys. Was there any huddle or special words form someone on the court that helped get the team get on track in that phase?

We just kept telling each other to play to the end! We kept encouraging each other to stick with it. It had been a game of runs all night so we knew we would eventually have one of ours. I’m sure we didn’t think it would be 11-0 at that time but we were pleased by it.

At the end it was free throws that sealed the win. Did you expect German Ruben Dahmen to miss his last two free throws that would have put the game into OT which kind of made it a very bitter loss for Iserlohn?

I did not because he is a pretty good shooter. Luckily the ball bounces your way at the end of games and last night it happened to do that for us.

During the 40 minute game Nordlingen played seven guys and Iserlohn only nine guys. Was this small difference noticeable on the floor for the 40 minutes in having to balance your energy?

I would say yes because of all the scoring runs that happened during the game. Whenever we tried to catch our breath, they brought in players with fresh legs which made it a little more challenging for us on the defensive end.

You played 36 minutes scoring 25 points and hauling down 8 boards and dishing out six assists.  At this point of the season does playoff adrenaline erase fatigue in these type of games?

I don’t think it erases it but it definitely helps you to push through it. It’s the playoffs, so you can’t let fatigue be the reason you lose games. Just have to dig deep, push through it, and rest after the games.

You really took up the slack scoring 8 buckets in the paint in game one. Was it one of those games where you just concentrated more on what the defense gave you?

I try to do that every game. Last night the lane was open from time to time and I wanted to take advantage of that. Things change from game to game, especially in a series, so maybe next game I’ll have to score from different areas.

How efficient was German Kwame Duku with 10 points and seven rebounds with his play?

He had a really solid performance last night! Kwame knows his role and plays hard each game. If he continues to do this, it will only make us a better team.

The Giants Nordlingen can win the series at home against Iserlohn. With what kind of approach will the team go into the game?

The same one we had last game because now I think they have slightly more pressure on them because they know this is a do-or-die game for them. So we can really just go out and play our game. But I would be lying if I said we did not want to close out the series on our home court.

Is taking care of the ball going to be one of the main priorities to clean up in game two as the club coughed up the ball 21 times in game one?

Taking care of the ball is always a priority for us. We really struggled with that in the first half of last nights game. But it’s good that we had that many because it will give us something to focus on for this week of preparation.

The Golden State Warriors won a tight game against the Grizzlies coming back from 10 to win. They need to win their last two games against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the best NBA record of all time. Seriously will the Spurs let this happen?

I hope the Spurs, or the Grizz beat them, because I am a 90s Bulls fan. So I do not want the Warriors to beat the record.

Where do you rank the exciting Villanova buzzer beater win in alltime NCAA final games?

For NCAA final games, that’s probably the best finish to a game that I have witnessed in my years watching the tourney.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Whiplash

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Courtney Belger is a 26 year old 187cm guard from St Louis that just completed his first season with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB). Last season he played his second professional season with TV Ibbenbuehren (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 21 games and averaging 23.7ppg, 7.5rpg, Assists-4(6.7apg), Steals-2(3.5spg), FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 75.2%. He started his basketball career at Quincy (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing  a total of 113 NCAA 2 games. As a senior he played 27 games averaging  11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 72.0%. He improved his scoring and rebounding average each season. He just finished his third professional season in Germany with the Izehoe Eagles and now hopes to continue his rookie season in Australia. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Courtney thanks for talking to German Hoops. You just got off the plane, but instead of setting foot on home soil in St Louis, you have touched down in Australia. Did you kiss the ground for making down under safely?

Haha no I did not but I definitely prayed and gave thanks. That was an extremely long flight.

What has been your first impression of the country Australia?

Australia is great. One of the nicest places I have seen for sure. Nice weather and the people are very friendly here.

After just completing your third season in Germany, you have decided against a month of fun and then back to the grind and getting ready for the new season, but decided to prolong the 2015-2016 season in Australia. Are you still not tired from the last season with Izehoe?

Well I did a decent job of balancing working out and resting since the season has been finished and I feel like the minor aches and pains are starting to leave my body. I actually came to Australia to visit my girlfriend and we are currently looking for me a team to play on. I have been close to signing already but the other player’s who’s spot I was going to take have received their visas at the last minute. I think I have a good chance at hopefully finding a team. It sounds like the coaches here like my highlights from last season. It just depends on who has a spot left. Last time I visited my girl in Germany and tried out, this worked out pretty good for us haha.

After reaching a higher level each season in Germany in the last two seasons, is your goal to reach a new higher level for next season?

I’m a very ambitious person and the game doesn’t change, only the people and the philosophies. Of course I would like to play higher and feel like I can play point guard no matter where it is. I am not ruling out coming back to the pro b though.

You finished the season very strong with the Izehoe Eagles. Are you confident you can take that momentum on to the court in Australia?

I pray that I can get a team here to showcase what I can do. I am healthy finally and really feel that I can benefit a team who is looking for one more import.

Let us talk a little about your last season with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB). The club made the playoffs, but bowed out against Ehingen. What was missing in the playoff series to getting a better result as a team?

We weren’t together enough and mentally all the way there it seemed. Everyone got along great and liked each other but on the court we just didn’t work together for 40 minutes like a team that wanted to pull off an upset.

In game one American Devon Moore hurt the team badly. In game two, the club did a better job on him, but couldn´t contain Danny Berger who scorched you for 30 points. Did they just have too many weapons to contain?

In the second half of those games their stats slowed down but it was too late and we had already dug the hole. I don’t think they had too many weapons but I think they were a great team that was focused and ready from the beginning. In both games once we woke up we had some amazing 4th quarters but you have to be perfect at that point. Not just amazing. That’s a great team with good character though and I wish them the best of luck.

You played 24 games averaging 12,6ppg, 5,3rpg and 4,5apg. When you look back at your season and compare the Regionaliga, was your overall performance that what you would have hoped for coming into the Pro B and the skill level that awaited you?

For me it was an up and down season. It was good to see that I could compete in this league, but the numbers don’t tell the complete story. We tried to go with 4 Americans and overload the team but it didn’t work out all the way due to a couple injuries to our German players. I think I could do a lot more, but was only playing half the game. That wasn’t because of something that I was or wasn’t doing. I think people don’t know or see that when they look at the numbers. We had to play like that due to the roster we had. Coach brought in 4 guys and told us he wasn’t going to leave anybody out. I respect him for that. We knew that everyone would look good if we could get rolling and make a run, but it just didn’t work out. I’m a very humble guy, but honestly feel like I was one of the best guards in the league. The hard part was just trying to give us that push in a shorter amount of time on the court compared to the other imports amount of time on other teams.

In the Regionaliga you were the main scoring threat, but with Izehoe had very talented players around you like ex Beko BBL player Flavio Stueckemann and others where it would have been impossible to average 20 points a game. Did you feel like you were able to showcase your overall game as you were second in team rebounding and steals and first in assists?

We had a very talented team and I was able to learn a lot from our veterans. I’m a little disappointed in my own performance this season. I feel like I have a lot more to show than this season but I am grateful for what I was able to do. I think next season will be a lot different. Everyone thought I was an eagle player, but I showed that I could assist and run a team more this year. In the right situation, I think I can have that season that Pat and I both expected this year. I’m very happy about my play to an extent, just not satisfied.

The club had some very good defenders in Flavio Stuckemann and Adrian Breitlauch. Do you feel like your overall play on defense compensated from playing with these teammates?

I think we had very tough defenders and I definitely benefitted from playing with them. Our defense took a major loss when we lost Kosta who is very versatile and clever on the defensive end. Things could have definitely been scary for opposing teams because Kosta honestly can guard 1-4 and I can hold my own as well so with Flavio and Addi that is a very quick and tough line up.

Where do you feel like your game improved the most with the Izehoe Eagles?

I feel like I learned how to give more energy at all times and not just in spurts. I also feel like I learned how to find that balance I spoke about at the beginning of the year. The balance of getting others involved and putting pressure on the other team with my scoring.

Did head coach Patrick Elzie help you become a better player on the court or make you a better character?

Pat was on me tough and straight forward this year because he knew I could take it. I asked him to push me to help me develop. I think he definitely helped me to understand that the circumstances do not matter. You have to always do what you can with what you have. Off the court and on the court he tells me I’m very professional and that I’m a great character guy. I really respect Pat as a coach so that was refreshing to know that he thought of me that way.

What was your personal season highlight? Possibly beating top ranked team Iserlohn early in the season?

Beating an early Iserlohn team didn’t mean much to me. It was the beginning of the season. You don’t really have an identity yet at that point. My highlights were winning close games on the road. I love it. Nothing better. We won a couple tight ones at home, but it doesn’t compare. When your brothers come up to you and thank you for the heart and effort you showed after a win, it’s nothing like it on the road. Schwelm on the road early. They were a tough team early on. Wedel matched up well with us and we came back and won. Won a meaningful game in Stahnsdorf when people were doubting our abilities and Bochum on the road was great. Loved that win

What is the next step for Courtney Belger after Australia? Would you like to return to Germany or are you going to really explore the market this summer?

I am open to anything for next year. Going into my fourth year I just want a good situation where I can showcase what I can do and be able to have my lady live with me if she chooses to. I have to make sure I make the right decision and pray a good situation comes my way.

Where do you rank the Villanova buzzer beater NCAA tournament win in the all-time NCAA finals?

I’m not a person who remembers every NCAA final, but this past one definitely has to be around the top of the list. The back and forth effort and then for Nova to steal it like that made it a for sure classic.

With the Golden State Warriors set to clinch the best NBA regular season record ever against Memphis, how would this great team do against the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls if both played each other?

Chicago Bulls win. No questions asked. Mike is the goat. Love curry but Mike ends that conversation.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Hunger Games. Mockingjay part 2 on the way over here to Aussie.

Thanks Courtney for the chat.

 

 

Dwayne Evans is a 24 year old 198cm forward playing his rookie season with the Gladiators Trier currently averaging 13,8ppg,7,8rpg and 2,5apg in the German Pro A. He started his basketball career with Bolingbrook, IL / Neuqua Valley in 2007 and as a senior averaged  16.9ppg, 12rpg, 3.2apg; 26-3 record; set school’s career rebounding record with 737 and finished second all-time in scoring with 1,122 points. He then played with St.Louis (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 34 games averaging  14.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 74.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before game 3 against the Kirchheim Knights.

 

 

Dwayne thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 2-0 series lead against the Kirchheim Knights. The Gladiators Trier have won the last three games against Kirchheim. Could one say that you slowly have their number on the court?

I wouldn’t say we have their number until we are able to close out the series. We have been playing at a high level against them though and are looking to continue to do that

Does the Kirchheim and Hamburg 2-0 leads in the playoff series show just how competitive the German Pro A has been this season?

The Pro A has been a deep league all year with many “upsets” throughout the regular season so this is not surprising to those who play in the league

The Gladiators Trier won game one 82-75, but you made it exciting in the fourth quarter as you had a 17 point lead and Kirchheim went on a 15-6 run early to get back into the game. What was key for being able to get the win on the road?

We were able to execute down the stretch when we needed to and made free throws and were able to close it out

Would you agree that the Trier solid shooting over 50% from the field and outside was a big reason for getting the win since you lost the rebounding duel clearly and had 15 turnovers?

We do need to pick up on our rebounding and turnovers but we were able to get good looks at shots. But if we can combine all three that would be great

You have played against many very talented point guards this season, but was the 23 point, 15 assist effort by Richie Williams one of the best that you have seen this season?

Williams is a very talented player and we are trying to limit him as best we can, but he had a solid game but we came away with the win which is what matters.

How soothing is it having Simon Schmitz healthy again and contributing so well? He had 11 points in the game one and takes some of the pressure off you.

Simon has been huge for us since getting back healthy. He really organizes the game and is a lights out shooter from deep.

In game two, the Gladiators Trier won again 79-76. This was another exciting game that Trier was able to win at home in crunch time. What did the team learn from game one that they did better in game two?

We made some tactical changes on defense for game 2, but mostly we just fought with more heart and continued to be who we are as a team

There were numerous lead changes in crunch time. How proud were you off the effort of German Justin Raffington who made the big offensive rebound and put back to secure the win with 13 seconds to play as for once you didn´t have to make the big play?

Justin had a huge night for us and I couldn’t be happier because he deserves it. We had many guys who can step up and make plays and Justin came up big for us.

How motivated are you for game three not only getting the sweep, but getting more productive again scoring wise? You had 10 points in game two, but shot 1/7 from the field? Did you get away from parts of your game, but just shots not falling the way they should?

In game 2,  I still got all the shots I wanted, but  some just did not fall. I know I don’t have to score 20 every night for this team to be successful and I think that is evident from our record of 2-0 this series.

The Gladiators Trier can wrap the series in Kirchheim now. What will be most essential to doing and not forgetting on the court in game?

Limiting our turnovers and upping our rebounding will be essential to winning.

How key will it be having a better grip on top point guard Richie Williams in game three? In game two he was more than half below his points and rebound totals of game one?

Williams has been one of our major focuses since the series started and he will continue to be. We will do our best to corral him and make his shots as difficult as possible

The Golden State Warriors need two more wins against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the most wins ever in a regular season. Will the Spurs let them get this record?

I don’t think the Spurs will have a choice, the warriors are on a mission this year.

Where do you rank the Villanova 2016 NCAA final in all-time best finals ever?

I think it has to be the best in my lifetime, only thing that would top if it is if SLU was in it.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant.

Thanks Dwayne for the chat.

Brandon Spearman is a 24 year old 190cm guard playing his second season in Germany in the Pro A for the Gladiators Trier. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. As a rookie last season in Germany he played for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 64.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before game 3 against the Kirchheim Knights.

 

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 2-0 series lead against the Kirchheim Knights. The Gladiators Trier have won the last three games against Kirchheim. Could one say that you slowly have their number on the court?

Kircheim is a really good team, both teams playing very hard. We just want to go out there claim victory and play with each other. Represent the city and people of Trier every night.

Does the Kirchheim and Hamburg 2-0 leads in the playoff series show just how competitive the German Pro A has been this season?

Yea defiantly this year has been very competitive with this being my first year

The Gladiators Trier won game one 82-75, but you made it exciting in the fourth quarter as you had a 17 point lead and Kirchheim went on a 15-6 run early to get back into the game. What was key for being able to get the win on the road?

We always have been able to stick with each other when things don’t go our way in a course of a game. One thing I love about this team is that we stick together.

Would you agree that the Trier solid shooting over 50% from the field and outside was a big reason for getting the win since you lost the rebounding duel clearly and had 15 turnovers?

We’ve been shooting the ball well hopefully that will continue, we have to do a better job in some areas on defense but I’m sure will fix them and be just fine.

You have played against many very talented point guards this season, but was the 23 point, 15 assist effort by Richie Williams one of the best that you have seen this season?

That was a good performance he’s a good player that can make plays.

How soothing is it having Simon Schmitz healthy again and contributing so well? He had 11 points in the game one and takes some of the pressure off you.

Simon has been great for us. He’s one the reason why we been able to play so well this second half of the season and playoffs. Simon is a great PG and always looking defiantly relieves pressure off me.

In game two, the Gladiators Trier won again 79-76. This was another exciting game that Trier was able to win at home in crunch time. What did the team learn from game one that they did better in game two?

We did some different things on the defense end and changed some things but our aggressiveness we wanted to maintain and we did just that also protecting home court is key.

There were numerous lead changes in crunch time. How proud were you off the effort of German Justin Raffington who made the big offensive rebound and put back to secure the win with 13 seconds to play as for once it wasn´t Dwayne Evans needing to make the big play?

Justin had a big rebound that saved us the game probably. It was big

You have been very steady in game one and two scoring 13 and 12 points. How key has your shot selection been in the first two games for your offensive success?

Just been picking my spots better I’m not forcing shots like I’ve done in the past, but just being smarter with shot selection

The Gladiators Trier can wrap the series in Kirchheim now. What will be most essential to doing and not forgetting on the court in game?

We just have to play hard and give it are all like we have been doing in this series.

How key will it be having a better grip on top point guard Richie Williams in game three? In game two he was more than half below his points and rebound totals of game one?

We been doing a great job I think on the defensive end and we have to keep it going and make sure we limit his touches.

The Golden State Warriors need two more wins against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the most wins ever in a regular season. Will the Spurs let them get this record?

Golden State is a unbelievable team and I love watching them play. They will get the regular season record for sure.

Where do you rank the Villanova 2016 NCAA final in all-time best finals ever?

Man that was a crazy game for sure one of the best all-time NCAA finals.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dead Pool.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

On many occasions this season during home games of the Fraport Skyliners, one could observe a tall, rugged looking 201cm 221 pound big fellow that has the liking of wearing a Benny hat and thus making his own special fashion statement and would warrant any kid in the arena to wonder all game long for what professional basketball team he plays for. For the basketball insider and members of the Fraport Skyliners, knowing who the 33 year old native from Greenville, South Carolina is isn´t difficult as it is Martinis Woody who serves as a sixth man good luck charm and temporary baby sitter for the kids of John Little and Quantez Robertson during the game as one can see him chasing after the very very outgoing and lively toddlers on many occasions. Coming to see his friend Quantez Robertson play and make the 144 kilometer trek from Karlsruhe and back didn´t pose a problem for him as he attempted the road trip on many occasions this season. Last season Robertson also would visit Woody in Langen when he had games making the 23 kilometer trek from Frankfurt look like a kid´s field trip instead of a business type trip that Woody made from Karlsruhe. On the last day of the German Regionalliga season, Woody and his team PS Karlsruhe Lions were playing for a ticket to move up to the German Pro B, but the big man had to do it without the support of Quantez Robertson. This weekend would have been perfect for Robertson to make the 80 kilometer trip from Frankfurt to Limburg as the Fraport Skyliners had an off weekend. However Robertson was on his own business trip taking part in a team building seminar in London, England and couldn´t help support Woody in Limburg. Instead of cheering on Woody, Robertson was in London getting his special dose of Big Ben and Buckingham palace, but Woody didn´t need any extra support from the Skyliner as the PS Karlsruhe Lions had massive support from their fan base creaming the EVL Baskets Limburg 92-69 winning the 2016 Regionaliga south-west title. With 30 seconds to go in the game, one could already observe Martinis Woody on the sidelines with a huge champagne bottle ready to celebrate South Carolina style and when the buzzer sounded there was no stopping the American, his teammates and fans as pandemonium had broken out on their side of the court. After taking some sips from the champagne and then giving the rest to his teammates, the American was able to reflect on the game and season. “This was the first time that I have moved up in my professional career. We as a team did a great job to come in here and win this game. We had our ups and downs this season, but we always stayed positive. We worked hard and with the help of  a great coaching staff stayed together as a team the whole season. We knew that it wouldn´t be easy here, but we had to make Josh Michaeux work for each shot and just key on him. Our great fans supported us all season and helped us get this win. Quantez Robertson wanted to come to our game last week, but today was in London with his team. When I get home, he will know about this win”, stressed Martinis Woody. It was a nerve wracking day for EVL Baskets Limburg head coach Danny Stallbohm, because he and the team had to wait until 5.00pm to know if they would have a do or die game. Had Crailsheim beat Mainz, then Limburg would have needed to win, but because they lost, Stallbohm´s season was already saved before the jump ball at 8.00pm as his team will play in the Regionalliga again next season. “We didn´t have as much pressure going into the game. However we didn´t show that in the first half as we slept a bit. We showed a lot of heart in the second half coming back”, stressed EVL Baskets Limburg guard Justin Stallbohm.

In the first few minutes of the first quarter, the EVL Baskets Limburg were hit by a lightening offensive force that powered the PS Karlsruhe Lions to an overpowering 11-0 run. The guests stepped on the floor and just showed a very versatile offensive style that at first showed their dangerous outside shooting. The guests got on the board first and quick footed Croatian Dino Palacic scored in traffic and then it was boom, boom, boom as the PS Karlsruhe Lions connected on three straight three pointers from Croatian Branimir Mikulic who played in the UK The last two seasons with Leeds Force (United Kingdom-BBL) nailed two while ex Kirchheim Knight German Michael Baumer connected on the other. The most fascinating aspect of this quick run was that all 11 points were scored before the work horse Martinis Woody had even touched the ball once. “When you have a good point guard, good shooting guard and a great four man, there isn´t much any team can do. We have the ability to get going early like that, I know that eventually I will get the ball. We are very dangerous when we get going like that. I love this group of guys”, added Martinis Woody. The EVL Baskets Limburg still had problems overcoming this early shock as the guests extended their lead to 18-3 as Woody got his first bucket with a lay in, Croatian Dino Jakolis who averaged 15,2ppg last season with the PS Karlsruhe Lions in the second German Regionalliga made a hook shot and Palacic scored inside again. The PS Karlsruhe Lions had an amazing ball movement that looked like a junior version of the Fraport Skyliners and were always attacking on offense and at every instance pushing the ball forward which the home team just couldn´t adjust too. It also didn´t help that the EVL Baskets Limburg were as cold as an ice pond in Alaska. The EVL Baskets Limburg found some kind of a rhythm in the last few minutes scoring eight points to cut the PS Karlsruhe lead to 24-11 after 10 minutes. Ex SG Sechtem 1971 (Germany-Regionalliga) 202cm forward Kevin Yebo got going scoring inside twice as his quickness posed problems all night for PS Karlsruhe and Mike Sharma nailed a trey. The EVL Baskets Limburg would of probably trailed by far less had Josh Micheaux been able to get going more early as he was tossing up brick after brick in the first quarter. “I don´t think that we were nervous at the start, but their run got them self-confidence and we just didn´t hit shots”, added Justin Stallbohm.

The second quarter was dominated by the PS Karlsruhe Lions as they outscored the EVL Baskets Limburg 30-14 to take the very comfortable 54-25 advantage at the break. The PS Karlsruhe Lions got out to another big start and extended their lead to 36-16. The PS Karlsruhe Lions showed just how powerful and deep they are as they were able to get this big lead with Woody on the bench. The guests got production from many different hands as ex wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen 204cm center Daniel Zovko scored inside as well as Jakolic and Max Roser. Ex Licher Basket Baeren (ProB) guard Deon Mcduffie also showed his quickness on offense and defense scoring two buckets inside. The EVL Baskets Limburg had problems with the offensive tempo of Karlsruhe who continued to have ball movement where whipping the ball around was the norm and otherwise continuing to push the ball forward at any time. The EVL Baskets Limburg were getting tangled up into too much one on one situations that they couldn´t take advantage of. The offensive consistency continued for the PS Karlsruhe Lions as they went into halftime with a 18-7 run. 27 year old forward Max Roser who played 3 Pro A games with BG Karlsruhe in the 2007-2008 season got going on both ends of the court and scored twice inside. Mikulic connected on another three pointer and Woody and Mcduffie also contributed in the scoring. Justin Stallbohm connected on a three pointer for Limburg at the end to make the score of 54-25 not look as bad for the home team.

With 20 minutes to go, the EVL Baskets Limburg may have looked like they were helpless in the Mojave desert, but in heart and spirit, they believed that they could still find that water for the extra energy and did. The EVL Baskets Limburg won the third quarter 29-18 to cut the PS Karlsruhe lead to 72-54. Kevin Yebo and Josh Micheaux were the impact players in the first five minutes of the third quarter which got their club going. Yebo was a work horse battling and finding the way to the rim and scoring twice while Micheaux had his inside/out game going hitting a trey and going coast to coast for the bucket and German Robin Pflueger who was always hanging around the three point line connected for a bomb cutting the PS Karlsruhe lead to 64-41. Limburg was finally hitting shots on a regular basis which upped their self confidence to a 9-3 run cutting the PS Karlsruhe lead to 67-50. In the run, the EVL Baskets Limburg got added production from other players like Kaan Kus who made a runner and floater while Pflueger also scored inside. Micheaux put an exclamation mark on the 67-50 PS Karlsruhe lead as he weaved through the zone finishing with a menacing one handed dunk. After Micheaux and Bramer traded buckets, it was Mikulic who put a dagger into the spirt of the Limburg comeback with a quarter ending three pointer. “It seemed like Karlsruhe was a bit nervous and already thought they had won the game. We defended and pressed well and hit our shots. We really thought that we could come back, but Mikolic kept hurting our comeback with his three pointers”, stressed Justin Stallbohm. “Limburg played well in the third and we just lost focus. However we kept our composure and fought”, stressed Martinis Woody.

The fourth quarter was relatively even with the PS Karlsruhe Lions winning it 20-18 and with their already big lead had a 7-3 run to extend their lead to 79-57 as Woody helped his stat line with two easy buckets inside and Mikolic connected on another trey.  PS Karlsruhe continued to hold their big advantage with further buckets from Woody and Palcic extending their lead to 87-62. With three minutes to go and the game decided both coaches emptied their benches and the EVL Baskets Limburg closed out the season in fine fashion with a 10-5 run. Ex VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers guard Henry Volkert scored on the fast break and Justin Stallbohm got revenge after missing two free throws hitting a three pointer and scoring the last points of the season for the EVL Baskets Limburg. “We lost energy in the fourth quarter. All in all we are lucky to have stayed in the league. We knew it wouldn´t be an easy season after losing many key guys from last season. We had a young team and we lost some games that we should have won this season. Thanks to Mainz for saving our season”, smiled Justin Stallbohm. The PS Karlsruhe Loins were led by Branimir Mikulic with 25 points and seven three pointers and Martinis Woody added 18 points. The EVL Baskets Limburg were led by Kevin Yebo with 26 points and 17 rebounds. Josh Micheaux and Justin Stallbohm added 14 points a piece. The PS Karlsruhe Lions shot 54% from the field and 28% from outside while the EVL Baskets Limburg shot 37% from the field and 25% from outside. Limburg had the 42-34 rebound edge, but had 10 turnovers and PS Karlsruhe had five turnovers.