Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007 and has returned back to the Dresden Titans this season. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with four seasons with the Dresden Titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die game in Rostock.

 

 

Congrats Andrew on the big 95-84 win against the Rostock Sea Wolves to force a deciding game three. In how many do or die games had you been in before game 2 in Dresden?

Thanks Miles! I’ve been in quite a few of those games. I would like to remember the wins only, but the losses make you ready for the next opportunity.

It was a team effort again by the Dresden Titans, but how happy were you that Randall Holt was on board again?

I was excited to know he is back! When he is at the point guard it changes the structure of our team. He is dangerous just being on the court.

Seriously would the Dresden Titans had won without his 22 points, 13 assist and seven rebounds?

We had a good chance of winning the first game without him. However, with him playing our chances are better.

How was the week of practice? In what special way did head coach Steven Clauss motivate and gear the team in the right direction?

Coach focused on the simple mistakes we made in the first game. We played our game, but we had too many mental breakdowns against Rostock. Also, our floor general would return.

Both games have been high scoring affairs. Why have both team´s defenses not been able to keep the score down more?

We push a high pace game which will also increases the opponents pace as well. So scores will be high most of the time.

The game 2 was a very tight battle from the get go. The Dresden Titans led only by two points at halftime. How confident was the team after 20 minutes that the season wouldn´t end 20 minutes later?

We needed to start the 3rd quarter strong. Going point for point with a team like Rostock is dangerous.

The game was decided in the third quarter as the Dresden Titans went on a 19-2 run fueled by back to back three pointers by Randall Holt. How key was the Dresden team for totally dominating the first five minutes of the third quarter?

At halftime we talked about increasing the intensity and not letting off the gas. We wanted to swing the momentum in the third quarter and finish them off in the fourth.

How proud were of the team for keeping a powerful team like Rostock at bay in the fourth and never letting Rostock be down by less than double digits points?

I was very proud! It’s always great to still be in the fight!

I don´t need to stress the importance of the Germans Daniel Krause, Walter Simon and Philipp Lieser who combined for 47 points, but has their confidence risen in the last weeks?

We have a very good group of ball players here. Walter and Daniel coming from ProA last year have a lot of experience. Phillip is a 6’5 pg that creates many matchup problems for guards. Everyone here is feeling confident!

Next weekend is a new do or die game. Do you think that your excitement will rise this week as the day gets nearer?

I’m excited already! The next game will put the winners in the second round. It will be a scrappy game.

Head coach Steven Clauss doesn´t have good memories of last season as he was in the same situation as he is now in Dresden as he had come in as a fireman in Hanau saved the season, led the team into the playoffs and lost a game three in Rostock. How will this game be different this time in that he will go home as the winner?

It goes back to your question about how many do or die games I’ve been in personally. The scenario is the same for Coach Clauss. After losing last year he had time to think about it. Now that he is presented with the same situation, he has the opportunity for redemption from last year.

Matt Hunter was hot as usual with 29 points, but Dresden kept other guys in check. Will there be more focus on Hunter or is just focusing on a superb team defensive performance most key in a demanding game like this?

Hunter is a good player. He will find ways to score always. We will try to apply our defensive principles and keep them working hard for every point.

Who will reach the 2016 NCAA final Oklahoma or Villanova and what other team will march to the final?

I have to say Oklahoma, they look pretty good in the tournament.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Mentalist (Tv Show).

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

 

 

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 big do or die win against Rostock.

 

 

 

Congrats David on the big 95-84 win against the Rostock Sea Wolves to force a deciding game three. In how many do or die games had you been in before game 2 in Dresden?

Thank you Miles! I’ve probably played in do or die games every season since high school. As one of my college coaches once said, “If you make the playoffs, there’s only one team at the end of the season that doesn’t finish with a loss.” It was exciting to play the game in front of our home crowd and to have such a great turnout.

It was a team effort again by the Dresden Titans, but how happy were you that Randall Holt was on board again?

We knew with Randall our team plays so well. He brings so many offensive weapons to the floor and tonight he showed them off.

Seriously would the Dresden Titans had won without his 22 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds?

That’s hard to say, but I believe in our team whether we have every player healthy or not. Randall is an excellent player, and our leader on the court, but I think he would be the first to say that we could win without him.

How was the week of practice? In what special way did head coach Steven Clauss motivate and gear the team in the right direction?

We took all of the things we had struggled with in our last game vs Rostock, and really just focused on them all week. Rebounding, transition offense, and protecting the paint. It obviously was a great way to prepare for tonight.

Both games have been high scoring affairs. Why have both team´s defenses not been able to keep the score down more?

Well we pride ourselves in being a transition offense heavy team. We like to keep the possessions per game very high so our opponents are going to have more chances to score as well.

The game was a very tight battle from the get go. The Dresden Titans led only by two points at halftime. How confident was the team after 20 minutes that the season wouldn´t end 20 minutes later?

We were confident throughout the game. We knew we just had to play our game and the rest would take care of itself. Rostock is a relentless team so they hung in with us through to the end. We just stuck to our game plan and stayed aggressive.

The game was decided in the third quarter as the Dresden Titans went on a 19-2 run fueled by back to back three pointers by Randall Holt. How key was the Dresden team for totally dominating the first five minutes of the third quarter?

This was a huge momentum shift for us. Coach told us to continue to be aggressive and attack offensively. The run we made ended up being the difference at the end.

How proud were you of the team for keeping a powerful team like Rostock at bay in the fourth and never letting Rostock be down by less than double digits points?

I’m very proud of the team, Rostock came back on us in the first game after we had a 12 point lead, so for us to keep them out of striking distance tonight was a great way to finish the game.

I don´t need to stress the importance of the Germans Daniel Krause, Walter Simon and Philipp Lieser who combined for 47 points, but has their confidence risen in the last weeks?

They really played great, and Max Von der Wippel and Marc Nagora also stepped up and played great. I don’t think their confidence has changed in the last few weeks. They always are confident, and have the experience to perform in the playoffs.

How happy were you with your game? You shot well from the field and had 10 points, but also stepped it up on the defensive end with two blocks and a steal?

I wasn’t particularly happy with my performance tonight, but when we come out on top I would rather celebrate the win and success of the team, then focus on myself and the negatives I can take away. I really tried to focus on stopping their bigs from having big nights and I think we limited them for the most part.

Next weekend is a new do or die game. Do you think that your excitement will rise this week as the day gets nearer?

Of course, we know this next game is the difference between going home, and the second round. I’m sure we will have high energy practices and everyone is excited to get the chance to play another game.

Head coach Steven Clauss doesn´t have good memories of last season as he was in the same situation as he is now in Dresden as he had come in as a fireman in Hanau saved the season, led the team into the playoffs and lost a game three in Rostock. How will this game be different this time in that he will go home as the winner?

I think it will come down to our determination. I’m sure Hanau was a great team, and coach Clauss obviously did a great job with them. Any team can win or lose a series, but the team who wants it more is going to come out on top. We know what we’re capable of and have the focus and drive to make sure it happens. Coach has given us all the tools to succeed and now we need to put it all together.

Matt Hunter was hot as usual with 29 points, but Dresden kept other guys in check. Will there be more focus on Hunter or is just focusing on a superb defensive team performance most key in a demanding game like this?

I think Hunter is going to get his points. He is a great player and finds different ways to score. We will continue to focus on team defense as usual, and do our best to keep Hunter in check throughout the game.

Who will reach the 2016 NCAA final Oklahoma or Villanova and what other team will march to the final?

I actually have Oklahoma winning the championship in my bracket so that’s my first team. I think North Carolina will be the other.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was with my fiancé in Dresden, and we watched the new Star Wars. In English too! Great movie. As always, thanks Miles! It’s a pleasure.

 

Thanks David for the chat.

 

Demetrius Ward is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Detroit, Michigan playing his forth professional season with MTV Wolfenbuettel  Herzoege (Germany-ProB). This is his third Pro B season with the club after having helped the team move back up from the Regionaliga last season where he played 23 games averaging 18.4ppg, 7.6rpg, Assists-2(7.0apg), Steals-4(3.2spg), FGP: 66.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 76.4%. He played at Western Michigan from 2008-2012 playing a total of 129 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die game against Wesissenhorn.

 

 

 

Demetrius thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 89-82 loss last weekend against Weissenhorn. How disappointed are you that the club was unable to pull out the series then?

Hello Miles thanks for having me. We were disappointed with the loss but it’s a learning experience.

Wolfenbuettel was playing catch up basketball all night long, but made a little run in the fourth quarter to cut the Weissenhorn lead to 80-73. What was key in the last minutes that didn´t allow you to get over the hump?

 Turnovers, we had to many turnovers that didn’t allow us to get over the hump.

When your playing catch up all night long, you tend to get fatigued. Did that play a role in the stretch run of the fourth quarter?

No, I don’t think that played a role, I think we are a team that is in good shape.

Nils Mittmann had 28 points and Chris Anderson 11 points and 13 assists. Many other guys can go off on that team, but are those the main two guys that the team will really have to watch in game three?

They have a lot of good players that can get going, plan is to not let that happen.

You battled against many talented point guards this season in the Pro B north, but this is your first time competiting against Pro B south teams. How challenging is it playing against a guy like Chris Anderson who when in the paint is very hard to stop?

Anderson is a very small quick pass first point guard. Challenge is making others make decisions and not him.

Wolfenbuettel gave up 27 more points in game two. What will the team have to do better on the defensive end in game three?

 Limit our turnover and know personnel

You have played at Western Michigan and this is your fourth season in Germany with Wolfenbuettel. How many do or die games do you remember having in your career and how has your track

Last season was a do or die game in Stade to win the league and we won it so 1-0

What will be key in game three for Wolfenbuettel moving on too play the Fraport Skyliners Juniors?

The key would be to rebound and limit our turnovers.

This is your fourth season in Germany with Wolfenbuettel. How enjoyable have the last two seasons been for you moving up last season and reaching the playoffs this season?

 It’s been really good,moving up was a big accomplishment being player coach. This season nobody expected us to finish second in the league with a new cooperation and young team.

In the seasons 2013-2015 , you averaged 6,8rpg. Was this major increase in rebounds and having that consistency something that surprised you?

 No, it’s something I was always able to do. Sometimes it just goes unnoticed.

You are the only American on the team this season. What do you appreciate most about having this role and playing with young talented Germans?

Being the only American helps me to learn more German. It’s good to be around a good group of players that’s hard working and willing to listen and learn.

Your scoring average is down this season from other seasons. Does this have to do with the balanced scoring and play of the young Germans?

Yes, my role isn’t to score this season but to be a leader and help win games.

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

 My IQ, and my unselfishness on the court.

What has been your overall impression of 18 year old

Lars is such a great guy on and off the court. He has the potential to be special.

You played at Western Michigan from 2008-2012. How did head coach Steve Hawkins prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 He made it very clear that things will not be handed to you. Also always being respectful and having good character.

You played little in your first two seasons at Western Michigan, but what do you remember most on the court with teammate Donald Lawson who has had a successful career in Germany?

I can remember Don always being reliable.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or German Robin Amaize?

That would be a good game but I’m sure I would win.

Some of the older NBA players that played at different times are having a hard time giving Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors credit for their success saying they might not have had that success 20-30 years ago. Are these former players just jealous or why can´t they just give credit where it´s due?

I think that things have changed over time. 20-30 years ago rules were different in the NBA. So who knows what would’ve happen.

Do you see it being justified that ESPN has Lebron at #3 of the best NBA players of alltime list before guys like Magic, Bill Russell and Larry Bird?

I think Bill Russell should be in front of Lebron for sure.

Which two teams will reach the NCAA final and win it?

 North Carolina and Oklahoma

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dirty grandpa.

Thanks Demetrius for the chat.

 

Jordan Riewer is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Staples, Minnesota that is playing his first professional season in Germany for Gotha. He played at MSU Moorhead (NCAA2) from 2010-2015 and as a senior played 25 games averaging 15.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 5.8apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 49.6%, FT: 94.6%. Currently he is averaging 8,9ppg, 1,3rpg and 1,8apg. He spoke to German Hoops after the loss to Science City Jena and before the start of the playoffs

 

 

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 72-53 loss against Science City. How disappointing was it to end the regular season like this when you had beat them in the first try?

Any loss is difficult and disappointing. We just couldn’t get it going, they were the better team that night.

Gotha was down in the first half and mustered only 22 points in the second half. Why didn´t anything go consistently well for Gotha on this night?

Obviously too many turnovers and the open shots we did have, we didn’t knock down. To the credit of Jena, they played and executed very well. I believe it’s something we will learn from and getter better here before the playoffs.

Science City is the number one defensive team in the German Pro A allowing 65 points per game. What makes this team so difficult to beat on the offensive end?

They try to speed you up and they want you to play their style of basketball. I’d like to call it chaos basketball.  If you don’t take care of the ball it will cost you and unfortunately, we didn’t play well and it cost us as you can see from the score.

The only bright spot was that Gotha won the rebounding duel 29-23, but the team coughed up the ball 22 times. Does this up and down play not scare you a little going into the playoffs?

No, not really. We’re a young team. But we all know what we have to get better at before the playoffs and we will be working hard every day before that first playoff game to improve.

One always wants to end the regular season on a good note, but could this hard loss be a positive in disguise letting the team know that you still have things to work on and have to work and improve?

Absolutely. Losing to Jena obviously was not fun, but it doesn’t take away the regular season that we did have. We know that if we come to play and do the things we  practice on and follow our rules we will be successful at the end of the day.

With what kind of mind set are you personally going into the playoffs with how you played this season? You cut down on your turnovers in the last 12 games with only seven turnovers while in the first 18 games it was 26.

Just stay relaxed and let the game come to me and most importantly just enjoy the moment and have fun. Everyone is 0-0 now and anything can happen in the playoffs. We have a deep team that is very capable of making a deep run here in the playoffs coming up.

Gotha now faces the Hamburg Towers. How excited are you about playing your first post season as a rookie?

Very excited to get the opportunity to play in the playoffs as a rookie and it being my first year. I’m not going to take anything for granted and just try to outwork everyone that we play. We’ve been going hard since August, so if you can’t give it your all in the playoffs something is wrong with you.

Gotha split the season series with the Hamburg Towers. Do you see this becoming a kind of grind out series or could be see more points being scored this time?

A little bit of both, both teams like to score the basketball but it will come down to who can get more stops consistently. It will be a very fun series.

 

Hamburg dominated the boards in the season series. How key will it be to control the boards in this playoff series?

Rebounding will be very important and we will need everyone to do their job and box out.

Bazou Kone played very well in both series. As a guy that prides his game on defense, how much are you looking forward to making an impact not letting him dictate and control the games?

Kone is a very skilled player and he has been having a great season. The job for us guards will just be to make it as difficult as possible for him and try not to give him any easy ones, make him earn everything.

What are you most looking forward to in your first playoffs? Do you see yourself being able to step up your game an extra notch more?

The crowds both times we played them were great and even though it’s my first professional playoffs I will be very excited to play in this type of series. It’s one of the reasons why I came to Gotha, which is to play in the playoffs and get the opportunity to play games like these.

Were you surprised by so many upsets in the NCAA March Madness? Is there more parity with NCAA schools than possibly in the past?

 It’s March Madness, I’m never surprised. I don’t think anything in sports lives up to the hype on a consistent basis as much as March Madness does. Just goes to show people how many great players are out in the world, small colleges or not.

Which two teams out of Villanova, Oklahoma, Syracuse and North Carolina will reach the NCAA final and who will win it?

I’m hoping for a Oklahoma Vs North Carolina championship. With Buddy Hield and Oklahoma going out on top.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

 

Julian Scott is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Sacramento, California that is playing his second professional season and first with the Uni Riesen Leipzig. Last season he played for TSV Quakenbrueck (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 16 games averaging 29.7ppg. He started his basketball career at Yuba junior college and then played two years at S.Utah (NCAA). He finished at Adams St. (NCAA2) playing 27 games: 10.8ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 70.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the tough 91-86 loss against Iserlohn ending his season.

 

 

 

Thanks Julian for talking to German Hoops. A tough 91-86 loss in game two to Iserlohn that abruptly ended the solid season of the UNI Riesen Leipzig. If someone had told you on February sixth in Lich that you would win no more games what would you have thought?

I believe we will win every game we play so would of told you they were crazy.

In game one the UNI Riesen Leipzig scored a strong 80 points which was a bit above the team average and 86 points in game two, but averaged giving up 92 points on defense in the two games. Why couldn´t the team make adjustments from the first game on the defensive end?

We were there as we are in most of our games but couldn’t seal the deal. We made plenty of adjustments.

The UNI Riesen Leipuig made a huge comeback in the fourth quarter, but just fell a little short. What was key for Iserlohn being able to keep their nose ahead in the final minutes?

Respect to Iserlohn they have a deep roster and very well coached so they made plays when it needed to be done.

I hate to bring this topic up, but how key was the bench in this series for Iserlohn moving on?

They have an 11 man rotation so it makes it tough playing against that many fresh bodies at full speed a whole game. So their bench is just as good as the first they don’t lose a beat.

The UNI Riesen Leipzig lost their last seven games of the season. Did the UNI Riesen Leipzig run out of gas in the stretch run and get mentally tired?

I am not really big on excuses so I’ll just say we gave it all we had and it just didn’t go our way.

The team played some superb basketball this season including a 9 game winning streak. What were the main positives that the team took out of this season?

The goal was to make playoffs and to stay in the league. It was a bitter loss but in the end we did our job. That’s the positive thing we fought hard though and I am proud of my team.

How satisfying was it being able to play with such an amazing player and character like Sascha Leutlof? What will you remember most about him?

Big Sascha has been a player coach for this team and it wouldn’t have been possible to have made the playoffs without him. He has mentored me all season and I’ve been able to pick up and understand a lot of it.

What was your personal season highlight this season?

Personal highlight this season would be the game against Nordlingen that we won in triple overtime. Everybody left it out on the floor and it was one of the funniest games I’ve ever played.

You played a very strong second season in Germany after having played in the Regionaliga with TSV Quackenbruck. You averaged double double stats in points and rebounds. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your season?

Personally the goal is to win games. I can’t really rate a season by number we fought hard that’s all I care about.

How did Tuna Isler help you develop your game further this season as a second year man?

Tuna Isler biggest focus was to help me with my passing and finding open shooters in order to get them going in the game as well as my spacing in some regard and I have improved on that. Want to thank him for the opportunity to play for this organization

There have been players that have gradually moved up from league to league. How excited are you to be testing the market this summer or could you remain in Leipzig for another season? There was some good chemistry between you and Brandon Shingels.

We will see I will speak with the managers of the Leipzig organization if they are interested in having me back and go from there. I am excited definitely my goal is to move up and play BBL so I’ll keep working to make sure that happens. Me and Brandon are great on and off the court. He is definitely a true point guard/ forward only guard I know who loves to get in the paint and grab rebounds and I enjoyed battling with him this season.

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled this season at the forward position?

Honestly the toughest forward for me to guard all season was my teammate Sascha Leutloff. He is one of the craftiest forwards I’ve ever played against all season.

 

What two teams in the Pro B do you see reaching the Pro B final?

Iserlohn looks like they are clicking pretty well so I’d say them and maybe Ehingen.

Which two teams will reach the NCAA final?

I think the best game will end up being Oregon and Kansas

What was the last movie that you saw?

Glory road.

Thanks Julian for the chat.