DJ Woodmore(BIS Baskets Speyer) I Need To Be More Aggressive On Offense And Defense To Give The Best Chance To Make A Realistic Playoff Run

DJ Woodmore is a 24 year old 190cm rookie from Virginia Beach, Virginia that is playing his second season for the BIS Baskets Speyer. As a rookie last season he played 28 games averaging 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1%He played at Virginia Wesleyan (NCAA3) from 2010-2014 and a s a senior played 31 games: 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He reached the NCAA3 Sweet 16 three times and elite 8 once. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

Thanks DJ for talking to German Hoops. A tough 104-56 loss last weekend against the Scanplus Baskets. How tough was it to digest this loss after things seemed to have been turning around with the two game winning streak?

It was definitely a tough loss, but I’m sure we have already put it in the past. We will learn from it and get ready for our next game on Saturday.

The club was down by 12 at halftime and 19 after 30 minutes. In the fourth quarter Speyer gave up 41 points which looked like a halftime score. Did that quarter feel like you were in a bad dream?

Haha no not a bad dream, but it was extremely hard to watch. We felt helpless out there.

Was that the worst quarter of basketball that you have ever been affiliated with in your career?

Yes. Easily

Speyer was playing good basketball and then the loss to the Scanplus Baskets.Was it just one of those days and how key were the 27 turnovers for the loss?

Yes, it was just one of those days, and they made us pay for it. Turnovers were devastating for us. Every turnover led to a dunk or three pointer.

After a tough loss and as the leader of the team did you feel the need to have to step up in the locker room or did someone else take care of that and do you see yourself leading by example again in the next game?

No not last game. I think Coach pretty much spoke for everybody. There was not much to say. Next game everybody needs to play better but it definitely starts with me.

In the Pro B anything is possible and technically only three wins from a playoff spot. Is the team still thinking about the chance of reaching the playoffs or already a bit in playdown mode?

Of course we still want to give ourselves a chance to make the playoffs but I think at this point we just want to be playing our best basketball. We had a rough start but its never too late for a strong finish. Whatever happens after the season happens.

A big problem this season has been the defense as the club allows 85 points this season. Why hasn´t the team found a rhythm in this area and what continues to be the biggest building block on getting the defense fixed?

We just have to communicate more and stop getting into foul trouble so early in each quarter.

You have improved your scoring, rebounding and assists this season while your three point shooting is down. Does that have to do simply with more repetition or better shot selection from your point?

No, I think I am starting to find my rhythm from the three. I’m not too worried about the percentage too much, I just have to make more shots when I finally do get open looks.

You scored 32 points against TV Langen last season, but do you rank your 35 point game against Weissenhorn as your best as a professional?

Yes so far. But only because I hit very timely shots. I played horrible other than that. I had way too many turnovers.

After a brilliant feat like against Weissenhorn, do you as a professional ever ponder for a few minutes after thinking why isn´t possible to have games like that more frequently?

Sometimes, its always a great feeling to play well. But I think its more satisfying to also win the game.

With a few months left in the season, what do you still want to heighten in your game in the stretch run?

Yes always. I need to be more aggressive on offense and defense. I believe that gives us the best chance to make a realistic playoff run.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors at home. What memories do you have of the first 89-68 loss in Frankfurt?

Not much, I just remember them hitting their first 8 or 10 shots to start the game. Other than that, they’re a solid team that moves the ball well.

You shone in the loss with 20 points, but the club couldn´t contain Richter and Kiel who combined for 30 points and sharp shooter Travis Thompson had 16 points. What will be key in getting the win?

Play better interior defense and keep Thompson from getting open looks from the three.

Who will win Super Bowl 50? Denver or Carolina?

I’m pulling for Cam Newtown and the Panthers

What was the last movie that you saw?

Ride Along 2.

Thanks DJ for the chat.

Cavel Witter(Citybasket Recklinghausen ) I Have Learned To Control The Tempo Of The Game Better.

Cavel Witter is a 28 year old 183cm guard from Kansas City, Missouri playing his fifth professional season and second with Citybasket Recklinghausen (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Trinity Valley CC in 2005. He then played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2007-2010 playing a total of 101 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 7.2ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 82.4%. In 2010 he turned professional with Terceira Basket (Portugal-Proliga). In the 2011-2012 season he played with Barreirense CEPSA (Portugal-LPB) playing 19 games averaging 9.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 79.4%. In the 2013-2014 season he had his first tour of duty with City Basket Recklinghausen (Germany-ProB) playing 25 games: Score-5(21.4ppg), 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 84.5%. Last season he played for S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-LPB): 21 games: 17.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 84.5%. He talked to German Hoops about basketball.

Cavel thanks for talking to German Hoops A big 89-61 win against Schwelm. Your team won each quarter. On a scale of 1-10 what would give this win and why?

I will give the win a ten on the rating scale anytime you can win a derby game by 20 plus is a good sign that your team was focused on the initial game plan. Now we have to build on it carry it over to the next game .

What really stood out in the win was the team unselfishness. The team dished out 18 assists, had four guys that scored in double figures and three guys with 9 points a piece. Is this something that has grown over time?

During that week of practice we really had emphasis on sharing the ball and making the extra. The more people we have contribute on offense the better

Recklingshausen is averaging 70 points a game and giving up 75 points per contest. The club is more than capable to rack up more points. What does the team need to improve in the second half on the offensive end?

Well its not offensive we need to improve . We have to focus more on defense if we are able to get more stops that will lead to more fast breaks therefore better offensive.

You are only two wins away from a playoff place. How realistic are the playoffs and focus of the team to reach that plateau?

Playoffs would be nice but we have to focus on the Now. Take it one game at a time and if we do then good things will happen.

With Joe Kennerly, Robert Franklin and yourself average 31 years of age which is rare in the German Pro B. Is there a sharing of the leadership on the team between you guys?

Yes Rob and Joe doing a great job with their leadership both are very good players and doing a great job grooming some of younger players as well .

German Aaron Donkor has played at the BBL and Pro A level. How have you seen his development progress since you arrived?

Yes Aaron is improving every day. He is a hard worker and is capable of good things if he keep it simple .

You are back for your second tour of duty with Recklingshausen. Two seasons ago you averaged 21.4ppg), 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 84.5%. How has your game progressed since your last season here via Portugal?

I have learned to control the tempo of the game better. My last coach in Portugal did a great job teaching me how to play point guard. When I’m at the point guard I know I have to get others involved earlier and when I’m at shooting guard that’s where I can be more aggressive scoring wise

Is your three point shooting and turnovers two areas that you want to improve?

I want to improve all aspect of my game. Yes the three ball can be better but I’m confident that if I keep working hard it will improve . I can also limit my turnover as well if I stick to my fundamentals and good things will happen.

You are a guy that can fill up the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I think my leadership gets overlooked. I try stay positive during the game always telling my teammates good job . Also leading by example , setting the tone by playing hard

You played three seasons in Portugal. What did you like most about your experience on and off the court there?

I loved the country. There were a lot of nice people made playing basketball easy.

As a rookie you played with Terceira Basket (Portugal-Proliga). What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I found out real fast it’s all business production base job . So if your not playing well they will bring in someone that will so I just try stay sharp with every team I’m on .

Who will win Super Bowl 50 Denver or Carolina?

I think the Panthers will win. I’m a big fan of Cam Newton . Plus I want see someone else win other than the usual teams

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant.

Thanks Cavel for the chat.

Brandyn Curry Skips The Cheese Cake For Curry Wurst While Overcoming Growing Pains In His Second Professional Season With Bremerhaven

One of the oldest tricks of a woman to get the attention of that desired man is with “the way to a man´s heart is through the stomach” approach and that is the same also for a professional basketball player who has battled for 35 minutes on the floor hitting jumpers, getting into passing lanes, diving into the fourth row or going coast to coast. If it´s a Quantez Robertson, Jordan Taylor, Brad Wanamaker or Brandyn Curry on the road, all depart the floor after 40 minutes soaked in sweat and win or lose are already thinking what will be served on the bus? Usually it´s pre ordered pizza´s or will the club make a pit stop at the local Mcdonalds or Burger King. For a guy like North Carolina native Brandyn Curry who is a 24 year old 187cm point guard from Huntersville and playing his second professional season, he became used to the shorter road trips in Holland last season and the longer ones in Germany this season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven and knows what to expect on the post-game menu. However last season what he surely didn´t expect was getting an ear full of something out of his food closet from high school something he figured had been long buried in time just as the music from J-Kwon. Back in high school a totally innocent daily ration of cheese cake evolved into a total fascination of having fans shout it at his high school games. And just when the personable American thought that this nickname had forever been forgotten and would at tops be mentioned at the 10 year high school reunion, he actually had to hear about it last season first with an interview before an Eurochallenge clash against the Fraport Skyliners and then from the same guy a very energetic play by play guy who had done his homework and didn´t refrain from yelling Brandyn “Mr cheese cake” Curry for three every time he hit from the parking lot. In terms of his production in that unforgettable Eurochallenge game in Frankfurt, he couldn´t complain as he hit for 27 points nailing seven three pointers and in the return game notched 26 points having the number of the Fraport Skyliners, but in the end the cheese cake name must have had a sweet sour effect, because the rookie lost both games with Den Bosch. Despite the tasty cheese cake from high school being years removed from his diet, he did have the audacity to give it a try in Holland last season as it is a specialty. “The cheese cake is good in Holland, but actually I am not a big fan. That was a practical joke in high school and somehow the nickname stuck. I just liked the cheese cake at school and ate it not being a fan of it. A chant was started at games and there were signs, but it didn´t follow me to Harvard”, smiled Brandyn Curry. In Bremerhaven he actually has stayed true to his own name and traded in the local favorite crabs for the famous German dish Curry Wurst. “To be completely honest I haven’t even had the crabs yet! I am not a huge seafood fan and I especially don’t like raw seafood. I made the mistake of ordering the seafood platter at one of the restaurants in the city only to have to send it back because there was no way I could eat so much uncooked seafood. The best food I have discovered here is the Curry Wurst. They have it every home game in the buffet after the game”, expressed Brandyn Curry.

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The Quantez Robertson And Jordan Theodore Shoot And Dish Duo Lead The Fraport Skyliners To 75-58 Win Against Rosa Radom and 12-0 Europe Cup Record

Despite the Fraport Skyliners having had three new strenuous challenges in the last week, the club was able to master each one in a manner as if what they did was the most self evident. It started 10 days ago as they were finally back in the cup format with the chance of advancing to the top 4 for the first time since 2011 in Bamberg, but had a difficult task to get there as they were facing the defending cup champions EWE Baskets Oldenburg in a do or die game, but they were playing in their own living room as they dominated the 2009 Beko BBL champion as ex Seton hall guard Jordan Theodore led the team to victory despite having a thinner rotation without German national player Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein. Three days later they played against probably their strongest opponent in the Europe Cup play with Royal Hali Gaziantep, but destroyed them 91-79 as they were once again without the two Germans, but also without Aaron Doornekamp and were led by Canadian rookie Philip Scrubb who poured home 26 points and held the ex NBA trio of Rautins, Williams and Stone combined to 31 points as once again they showed total team basketball and unselfishness something which continues not to be self evident in today´s game. Then four days ago against medi Bayreuth and again without the two key Germans, they showed some serious moral sticking together and when being down 18 points never gave up and this time the hero was the team, but crunch time hero was freak athlete Quantez Robertson who nailed a three pointer, made a steal and two handed dunk within 30 seconds to seal the team´s 10^th win in a row. With so much basketball heroics happening in a short span of time, the question was could they do it again short handed in a totally meaningless game on the road for both teams as Frankfurt had qualified for the next round and Rosa Radom was out? The Fraport Skyliners had trounced Rosa Radom in the first game 91-61 as they had had five guys in double figures and were led by Jordan Theodore and Danilo Barthel with 16 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners arrived in Poland with a 10 game winning streak and amazing 11-0 record in Europe Cup play, but without head coach Gordon Herbert who stayed in Frankfurt citing back problems as well as Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp who had back problems and Johannes Voigtmann who had the flu. The Fraport Skyliners had a very thin rotation, but very hungry players that were looking to make an impact and did as the Fraport Skyliners remained unbeaten in Europe Cup play and go into the round of 16 with a perfect 12-0 record after disposing of Rosa Radom in Poland 75-58 winning their 11^th game in a row. Especially Canadian Philip Scrubb continues to shine as he had the hot hand registering 19 points as his input was vital for the team. “It was a tough game all around. We struggled in the first half to find what we were going to do to beat this team. We have a lot of guys out and we had to adjust to playing with a different lineup. I think the second half was a lot better. We decided to play Skyliner basketball and you saw the results”, stressed ex Seton Hall point guard Jordan Theodore. “They played a better second half than us and hit some big 3s the key was those big 3s and they drew a lot of fouls”, stated Rosa Radom guard Torey Thomas.

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Andrew Jones(Dresden Titans) My First Thought On The Court Is Trying To Make The Right Play For The Team Defensively Or Offensively

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 after the tough 90-86 loss to the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

Thanks Andrew for talking to German Hoops

No problem at all Miles! Thanks for having me

A tough 90-86 loss against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. Could one say the biggest strength on the day for the Dresden Titans was their fighting mentality?

Yes in the first half you could say that. We gave to many offensive rebounds to Frankfurt which gives them more opportunities at the rim.

In the first half Dresden gave up 11 offensive rebounds and in the second half only two. What was missing in the first half that the club compensated with in the second half?

We started out really slow and less aggressive attacking the glass. In the second half we made a conscious effort to take away their second attempts to score.

In the fourth quarter the Dresden Titans kept fighting, but couldn´t get over the hump. Was having to cover the three line which Frankfurt was dangerous from all night long and that always threatening inside game just too much to handle with the energy conditions diminishing as time elapsed?

Frankfurt is a very good team. They shot more from the three than inside. We did a good job covering them inside. However, they shot 40 percent from the three and made 25 out of 30 free throws. It was a good shooting night for Frankfurt.

Head coach Steven Clauss stated after the loss that despite the loss, it will help the team for future games. What do you believe did the club gain out of this loss?

We lost to Frankfurt by a few points after fighting to comeback. We understand that giving to many offensive rebounds kills us. Controlling the glass will help win games.

You had another tough game in the scoring department not scoring. Do you feel like you are forcing things too much with your shot?

I have been a scorer my whole career and I think that’s the first stat everyone looks for. I pick my shots a little bit more now and look for the open guy when I attack. The last two games I shot 9 times, so forcing has nothing to do with it really. I’m looking to win and get to the playoffs. We have 5 games left in the season. I will be more aggressive in the next games.

However you helped out in other areas like defense where you made some huge plays in key moments. How difficult is it to balance the mental part of the scoring and trying to be effective in other areas?

I don’t try to balance anything really. We have 3 imports splitting minutes. My first thought on the court is trying to make the right play for the team defensively or offensively.

Randal Holt has a lot of confidence in your game. Do you feel that when you are on the court with him?

Yes of course. I felt that way the first practice we had together. He brings a lot to this team.

After a loss and not scoring, what do you try to do the following week in practice to be able to fully focus on your job as a professional basketball player?

I will focus on what we need to accomplish as a team. With us fighting for positioning in the playoffs, I will look for my shot more to give us a deeper threat.

Philipp Liesser had a huge game with 25 points always in attacking mode. Do you feel that he can still make the jump up a level at age 26?

Yes of course. With the right opportunity he could definitely make it to the next level.

Randal Holt had a huge game with 29 points. How has his presence helped your game since he has arrived?

Randal’s scoring ability and aggressiveness has given us a more options. He controls the game very well.

The Dresden Titans are 2-2 with new head coach Steven Clauss. One could say that the club has gotten better and has every chance to make the playoffs. What do you believe has been the secret to the current success of the team?

3 out of the 4 games have been fast paced with Coach Clauss. His style of play fits with the players on this team. So if there secret, I would say his style of play.

What has been refreshing with the coaching style of Steven Clauss that you have never seen before?

I been around a lot of coaches so it’s hard to say what I haven’t seen before. However, I can say he handles wins and losses very well. He is very positive no matter the outcome

What do the Dresden Titans have to do now to secure a playoff spot in the post season?

We have to continue to play our game and control the rebounds. We can definitely score. But we have to defend and rebound.

Who will win Super Bowl 50 Denver or Carolina?

I am going for Cam Newton and the Panthers

What was the last movie that you saw?

Captain America.

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

Bo McCalebb(Limoges CSP Elite) I Don´t Care As Much About The Individual Match Up But More About The Game Which Matters Most

Bo Mccalebb is a 30 year old 178cm point guard from New Orleans, Louisiana that is playing his eighth professional season and first for Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProA). He started his basketball career at New Orleans (NCAA) in 2004 and played there until 2008 and as a senior played 32 games averaging 23.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3Pts: 40.5%, FT: 77.2%. In the 2008-2009 season he started his professional basketball career for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) playing 31 games averaging 17.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.7apg, Steals-1(2.7spg), FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 74.2%. In the 2009-2010 season he moved to BC Partizan Igokea Beograd (Serbia-A League) playing Serbian League: 17 games: 14.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-3(2.1spg), FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 21.9%, FT: 85.3%; Euroleague: 22 games: 13.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5(2.0spg), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 75.9%; Adriatic League: 26 games: 12.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.8apg, Steals-1(2.2spg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 75.9%. He then played for Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) for two seasons playing 40 Euroleague games and reaching the Euroleague Final 4. He then played for Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) from 2012-2014 playing 47 Euroleague games. Last season he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL): 8 games: 13.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 5.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 80.0%; Eurocup: 1 game: 16pts, 1reb, 4ast, 1steal; Euroleague: 5 games: 9.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 34.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 83.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Thanks Bo for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. Last season you played briefly for FC Bayern Munich. Was that the most professional team that you have played for?

I have played for many professional teams, but yes I would say FC Bayern Munich was.

You have played 106 Euroleague games in your career, but never played against German teams in that time. You played many years in Italy, but is the Beko BBL a league that you would like to return to?

It was definitely a very good experience playing for FC Bayern Munich last season. I had a lot of fun until I got that injury. You never know what can happen. Maybe I return some day.

You started the season with the New Orleans Pelicans. In an interview in 2012 you said that you would never play in New Orleans. What changed your mind?

I felt it was time to give a try with the New Orleans Pelicans after having played so many years at a high level in Europe. It was nice experience that didn´t work out. Now I am back in Europe playing the game that I love.

What kind of experience was that for you in training camp with the New Orleans Pelicans? Was it a numbers problem at the end why you didn´t stay as the team had Jrue Holiday, Norris Cole, Tyreke Evans and Toney Douglas?

I was just very happy for getting this opportunity with the New Orleans Pelicans. I didn´t really know what happened and why I got cut, but at the end of the day, I didn´t make the team, but am still happy being able to make a living in Europe.

You came very late to Limoges, but just in time for the Eurocup stretch run. How are you feeling playing in France for the first time in your career? It is supposed to be one of the most athletic in Europe.

France has been good to me. I am happy to be able to play at a high level again and yes France is a very athletic league.

Congrats on beating unbeaten Valencia twice within a week. Limoges made the amazing feat of stopping their unbeaten streak in Euro cup even if they are still unbeaten in the Endesa league in Spain. What was the secret of beating this very good team twice?

I don´t think that there was a secret. We just played two very good games. In the first game, we made shots and played good defense. In the second game we believed in ourselves and repeated what we did in the first game. These games were a big help in the Eurocup standings and gave us energy and confidence to keep going up the right path.

With all your experience as a professional as well as playing in the NCAA how difficult is it in general to have an undefeated season in basketball?

It is very difficult. I have never been on an undefeated team in my life.

How much confidence does Limoges have now to advance to the Top 16 in Euro cup? Oldenburg is at 3-1 and it looks like you will battle with Valencia for the second spot as both are 2-2.

We are confident, but at the same time want to take it one game at a time. We have a big game in Oldenburg tomorrow. We will be prepared and need to execute to win.

The club is 9-9 in the French Pro A at 8-9. How realistic are the playoffs and what does the team need to do in the stretch run to be successful?

The second round hasn´t even started. We still have a long second half with 16 games. I feel that we have gotten better with the new coach on board. We will continue to work hard and get better as a team.

What exactly is your role for Limoges? Are you the missing offensive punch that the team needs in the latter part of the season?

That is hard to say as I haven´t been here long enough. The most important thing for me to do is to go on the floor and do exactly what coach wants.

Your known as an explosive scorer, but also a player that can distribute the ball very well, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I can do many things, but to be honest I can´t point out one strength that gets unnoticed.

How pleased are to be teammates with Heiko Schaffartzik again? How do you guys compliment each other best?

Everyone knows that Heiko is a great shooter and on top of that a great person. I am a guy that pushes the tempo, gets in the lane and can dish. He knocks down shots all game long. We compliment each other well.

Heiko Schaffartzik is known for taking and making crazy shots from anywhere on the court. If you couldn´t shoot, would you leave the destiny of your team in his hands during money time?

That is not my decision. That is the decision of the coach. I trust every single teammate in crunch time.

You played a few years ago with three time Euroleague champion Mike Bastiste at Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) shortly before he retired. Where does he rank in all time best teammates that you have played with?

Mike Bastiste is definitely in my all time top 5 best teammates. He did it all on the court. He played with the best coach in Europe with Zeljko Obradovic and best point guard with Dimitrios Diamantidis. He won so many titles and just knew what it took to be successful.

You have won 11 titles in Europe as a professional. You also showed supreme consistency doing it in Serbia, Italy and Turkey. If you had to pick one title that you cherished most what would you chose?

I cherish my title in Serbia, because it was my first. You always remember that first title.

You reached the Euroleague Final 4 in 2010 and 2011 and became a household name in Europe playing with Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA). How do you believe your game matured in your two seasons in Italy?

My game did mature in Italy, but I am thankful that I had great teammates like Shaun Stonerook, David Moss and Rimantas Kaukenas that deserve a lot of credit for my development. Nikolais Zisis was also a big help. I was young at the time and they helped me make the transition.

You reached the semi finals at the 2011 European championships with Macedonia losing to Russia 72-68. Do you ever think back to that game about what could have been in crunch time if the club has secured a few rebounds more?

That was a big game. I don´t think about those rebounds later. That wouldn´t have changed anything. We had a good run and came up a bit short.

You scored in double figures in every game during the 2011 European championships. Was that the best basketball that you ever played in a short amount of time?

Yes it was.

As a rookie you played for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were far away from New Orleans?

The first couple months were very tough. I had no mother or family with me. I am not a cooker and had to go out and find food on my own. I had never done these kind of things alone. After a few months I got used to everything.

You had a great career at New Orleans(NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 23.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3Pts: 40.5%, FT: 77.2%. You then had 6 try outs with NBA teams. What do you think was missing for you to reach the NBA at that particular time?

I think that the main reason I didn´t get to the NBA then was that I played out of position my last two years in college. I am a point guard and my last year I played the two position despite not being so big.

You played for three different coaches at New Orleans(NCAA), but had Monte Towe in your first two seasons. How did he groom and prepare you for a professional career early in your college career?

He gave me a wake up call. I was recruited as a two, and I told him I am a point guard. He started to play me at the point and after two months I was in the starting lineup. He realized my potential and told me I should get serious about becoming a professional as I could go very far as a player.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled in your career on the floor that is in the NBA now?

I had so many battles that I can´t pick just one player. I had some very tough match ups in my career. I don´t care as much about the individual match up, but more about the game which matters most

Who will win Superbowl 50 Denver or Carolina?

That is a tough one, but the way Cam Newton is playing, I have to go with Carolina.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Ted 2. I liked it, but not as much as the first.

Thanks Bo for the chat.

Janek Schmidkunz(Giants Nordlingen) We Were The Hottest Team Before The Frankfurt Game And Taking Out The Frankfurt Game We Continued That Streak

Janek Schmidkunz is a 24 year old 183cm point guard that is playing his first season for the MLP Academics Heidelberg (ProA). He started his basketball career with Central Hoops Berlin (Regionalliga) in 2008. He then also got further experience at ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga). He then went to the states and played at Amer.Internat. (NCAA2) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 86 NCAA games and as a senior played 26 games: 10.9ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 91-72 win against BG Karlsruhe.

Congrats on the huge 91-72 win in Karlsruhe. How big was the revenge factor after losing to BG Karlsruhe at 74-59?

I think the revenge factor wasn’t necessarily in our minds during and after the game. We have become a different team since that home game against Karlsruhe early on. We are confident to beat anybody on a good day. I believe that we have earned a win like that for our hard work and commitment.

The Giants Nordlingen had some big wins this season, but was this the biggest win of the season?

I would put this slightly ahead of our road win in Ehingen. I want to call this the biggest win of the season so far and hope that we can top it in the near future.

How was the bus ride back home? Was there big time celebrating or is the team more subdued knowing that there is still work to be done?

No celebrating really. Of course the atmosphere was great and everyone was all smiles. Yet, there is more work to be done. We know that made another big step towards our number one goal, which is reaching the playoffs. Hopefully, when it is all said and done we can celebrate by reflecting on a great season.

The game was pretty tight for 30 minutes, but Nordlingen exploded for 29 points in the fourth quarter. Coming into the fourth quarter, did you think that the team could have this much energy on offense and defense to win by 19 points?

Coming off the court at the end of the third quarter I had a feeling that the momentum has shifted our way and confidence built up to a level where all of us were clicking. But to have a quarter like this was definitely not something I was thinking of.

The club got needed support from Brandon Lockhart with 13 points and you added 9 points. Did Lockhart grow in explosiveness in the fourth quarter?

He carried us with big plays finding the right mix between creating for us and scoring himself. Karlsruhe didn’t really have an answer for us that night.

Did the team self confidence grow throughout the game knowing that you could play with the first ranked team which led to that big 29 point fourth quarter?

It grew, but it was already a good level of confidence that we brought into the game. When we realized that the game plan we had was working, our confidence level probably increased even more.

The usual BG Karlsruhe scorers Marcus Smallwood, Rouven Roessler and Paul Brotherson supplied punch, but how key was it keeping American Hayden Lescault in check and disrupting his play as he can create well, but coughed up the ball six times?

That was one of the goals we had going into the game. Defensively, we held him in check and I do believe that we made it hard for the other main scorers as well. You can only take away so much from a quality team like Karlsruhe and I think that we played a good game defensively as well.

Brandon Lockhart was close to a triple double. Was this a new side of him that was born tonight?

Well to my knowledge he is still waiting for his first career triple double. So one can say it is a new side, but honestly the guy is a very versatile scorer with great passing abilities. I am sure that if he rebounds the ball a few more times, we will see him accomplish that.

The trio of Talbert, Lockhart and Schmidkunz combined for 69 points. How much fun is it playing together and how good a reason is this consistent play to warrant thinking about staying together for the future?

It is a lot of fun and we all know that. I cannot speak for the two, but I believe what makes this even more special is the fact that we are unclear about the future and that is why we cherish this particular part of the season as we do. I believe thinking or worrying too much about it could cause us not to live this situation to the fullest.

How proud were you of Leo Vrkas. In the last two games he is 9/18 from outside while in the three games before that he was 1/20. He is feeling it at the moment.

He has been real big for us all year. His defensive abilities have stopped a lot of good scorers in this league with Lescaut being the latest addition to his accomplishments. Obviously, him having good shooting performances help the team enormously considering what he brings to the table on defense every game.

How has Vrkas grown throughout the season and can he become that consistent fourth scorer the team could really need?

I mean joining the team mid-season without having a pre season where we found together as a team, he has done a great job integrating and finding his role. He has a crazy work ethic and commitment to this sport that I am not surprised that he has grown throughout the season as he has. I am confident that he will have many more great games.

The team is now 3-0. What happened to the team since that 78-56 loss at home against Frankfurt which head coach Mario Matic really took to heart?

Nothing happened, we were the hottest team before the Frankfurt game and taking out the Frankfurt game we continued that streak. We have won 9 out of the last 11 games I believe. I see the Frankfurt game as unfortunate because we played a bad game and were unfortunate to face such a strong Frankfurt squad. But I don’t that there was a particular lesson that we learned from it.

The club has given up 74 points on average in the last three games. In what area has the team improved most on in the last three weeks?

I would connect that to my previous answer. I’d consider what we have done over the past 11 games and what we improved in that period the most is for one our defense, our rebounding and not turning the ball over limiting easy opponent baskets. Those are keys to our game and if we continue working on those areas, I am sure we will be where we want at the end of the year.

You stopped a tough Scanplus Baskets, contained Ricky Easterling and now beat BG Karlsruhe. What is next for the Giants Nordlingen? Suddenly Nordlingen has become a playoff team and in third place?

I considered us a playoff team since the beginning of the year as it was our goal. I wouldn’t say that we have become one suddenly, but that we were always in contention and took care of our tasks. So what is next? I believe earning home court advantage should be the next logic goal for us.

Who will win the Superbowl Denver or Carolina?

Carolina. But I am paying for dinner regardless, as I have already lost my NFL Playoff bet to Jordan or Brandon!

What was the last movie that you saw?

Nightcrawler!

Thanks Janek for the chat.

Brandon Lockhart(Giants Nordlingen) Everyone Gets Along On and Off The Court Which Makes Our Chemistry Even Better

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 big 91-72 victory against BG Karlsruhe.

Congrats on the huge 91-72 win in Karlsruhe. How big was the revenge factor after losing to BG Karlsruhe at 74-59?

Thank you Miles! I do not think we were too focused on our first meeting with them because we knew that we were a much different team from when we first played them. But it’s always good to beat a team that beat you earlier.

The Giants Nordlingen had some big wins this season, but was this the biggest win of the season?

Right now, it’s the biggest win of the season because it is our most recent win. I believe all the wins are equal because they help us get closer to achieving a spot in the playoffs.

How was the bus ride back home? Was there big time celebrating or is the team more subdued knowing that there is still work to be done?

I would not say that there was big time celebrating, but we were happy to leave Karlsruhe with a victory! But our focus is now shifting to next weeks game because we know that we still have other goals to accomplish before the regular season ends.

The game was a battle the entire night so I never thought for one second that things would end up like that. BG Karlsruhe is a really good team and has proven that all year. Luckily we were able to expand our lead early in the 4th which forced them into doing some things they’re not accustomed to.

Did the team self confidence grow throughout the game knowing that you could play with the first ranked team which led to that big 29 point fourth quarter?

We knew they were a good team and that they played really well at home, so we just wanted to execute our game plan and give ourselves a chance at the end. We hoped that if we kept it close throughout, the pressure would shift in their direction. So keeping the game close definitely gave us confidence!

Hayden is a good player and had been playing extremely well as of late. He is tough to guard because not only can he create for himself, but he also gets the rest of his team involved. So we just really wanted to focus on making everything he wanted to do a struggle.

The trio of Talbert, Lockhart and Schmidkunz combined for 69 points. How much fun is it playing together and how good a reason is this consistent play warrant thinking about staying together for the future?

Being able to be playing basketball with this group of guys has been a blast all season. Everyone gets along on and off the court which makes our chemistry even better. I do not know what the future holds but I would not be against having the opportunity to play ball with these guys again.

How proud were you of Leo Vrkas. In the last two games he is 9/18 from outside while in the three games before that he was 1/20. He is feeling it at the moment.

Very proud because most people would get down on themselves and forget about other parts of the game if they go through such a shooting slump. But Leo has remained positive and did not let it interfere with other aspects of the game. He is a good shooter so we knew he would eventually make shots for us again.

How has Vrkas grown throughout the season and can he become that consistent fourth scorer the team could really need?

He has gotten better each day and I believe he can be another scorer for us because he is that capable of a shooter. When he is hitting shots, it makes us a better offensive team.

The team is now 3-0. What happened to the team since that 78-56 loss at home against Frankfurt which head coach Mario Matic really took to heart?

We moved past it and just got focused for our next game. Frankfurt was just better than us that day. So hats off to them! That loss broke the winning streak we were on and made us want to work harder to put together another winning streak. So that loss was a blessing in disguise for us you could say.

The club has given up 74 points on average in the last three games. In what area has the team improved most on in the last three weeks?

We have really been trying to improve our 1 on 1 defense as of late because that makes your team defense much better if you are not constantly having to help. Defense and rebounding has been a focus of ours all year and I’m sure it will be until the end of season.

You stopped a tough Scanplus Baskets, contained Ricky Easterling and now beat BG Karlsruhe. What is next for the Giants Nordlingen? Suddenly Nordlingen has become a playoff team and in third place?

Just one game at a time, so our focus is now on Weissenhorn. They have a good young team that is also trying to make the playoffs just like us. We managed to come out with a tough win when they visited Nordlingen. So we have to prepare for a tough game at their place.

Who will win the Superbowl Denver or Carolina?

New England Patriots!! haha! Since my team is out, I am just hoping for a good game but I believe the Panthers will come out victorious

What was the last movie that you saw?

Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Quantez Robertson Lets The Complete Freak Athlete Explode Leading The Fraport Skyliners Over medi Bayreuth 75-71 For 10th Win In Row

With the exception of always new injuries popping up in Fraport Skyliners land that tries to put a dent in the flow and rhythm of the team which is as unnerving as being sat on by Shaq after he had a meal at Mcdonalds, basketball life is pretty awesome for the 2004 Beko BBL champion at the moment. After the team had a big winning streak of 13 games in the first half, it then suffered losing some focus losing to ratiopharm Ulm and medi Bayreuth, but since that fateful December 23^rd in Bayreuth, the club hasn´t lost since, having strung a long new winning streak of 9 games. In the last week, they were super impressive reaching the 2016 Beko BBL cup top 4 beating top Eurocup team EWE Baskets Oldenburg despite being without German national players Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein and then 4 days later in Europe Cup action were missing them again plus Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp and whipped strong Turkish team Royal Hali Gaziantep 91-79 displaying that team feeling once again and just having other players step up for the injured players. With the win against Royal Hali Gaziantep, the Fraport Skyliners moved to 11-0 in Europe Cup play and clinched a berth to the next round. With all this basketball hoopla having happened in the last week, now it was time for the Fraport Skyliners to continue to work on that supreme basketball chemistry and continue to carve steady focus into their minds for each game. With medi Bayreuth entering into the cozy living room of Frankfurt, the club still had that last bitter 82-69 loss on their minds where they were out dueled by a hot shooting Jeff Xavier nailing timely three pointers, but this time around there would be no Xavier around to annoy Frankfurt with his precision shooting as he had been released recently. The Fraport Skyliners had revenge on their mind and there was no way they would allow getting swept this season and despite playing a less than satisfactory first half, the 2000 Beko BBL cup winner heightened their defense in the second half, never gave up and witnessed as Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson unleashed the complete freak athlete in crunch time leading the team to a come from behind 75-71 victory, which was their 10^th in a row. After the game and a win, it is standard procedure to chat with American Jordan Theodore and get the full game analysis in a basketball Shakesperean manner and even before he has finished some Skyliners were already heading back into the locker room after the obligatory autographes with fans. The American was relived after getting the huge come from behind win against medi Bayreuth and as so often this season credited the win to the club´s never die attitude. “Coming in we knew that this would be a very tough game. We owed them for the first bitter loss in Bayreuth. They may only have 7 wins, but you can´t underestimate anyone in this league. The last three minutes were back and forth, but the way we played, you could see how much we wanted to win. When we were down 18 points, we continued to fight back and when we were down 12 points the same. We made the right plays at the end, got stops and never gave up. What we played was Skyliners basketball”, stressed ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore. For medi Bayreuth having misfortune in two of the loses in the last three games was nothing new as they had combined lost to Bremerhaven and Phoenix Hagen by 7 points and against Frankfurt they let another nail bitter slip by. “I thought that we did a good job doing our game plan sticking to it for 38 minutes. The second half was our downfall as we continued to give up leads. We made costly mistakes at the end and when you do that to a good defensive team, then it is hard to win”, stressed ex Joensuun Kataja Basket forward Ken Horton.

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Jordan Talbert(Giants Nordlingen) The Frankfurt Loss Was A Wakeup Call And We Stayed Together And Got Refocused And Elevated Our Game

Jordan Talbert is a 24 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 91-72 win against BG Karlsruhe.

Congrats on the huge 91-72 win in Karlsruhe. How big was the revenge factor after losing to BG Karlsruhe at 74-59?

The revenge factor wasn’t the major motivation for us. We knew they were the number one team in the league and we just wanted to come out and play our best proving that we can compete with anyone.

The Giants Nordlingen had some big wins this season, but was this the biggest win of the season?

I believe this win and the win against Ehingen were our two biggest victories of the season so far. Definitely our best performances as a team.

How was the bus ride back home? Was there big time celebrating or is the team more subdued knowing that there is still work to be done?

The bus ride home was calm and normal. Beating them was just a small step moving forward towards our ultimate goal. The season is not over and yes there’s still much more work to be done.

No I did not expect us to pull away at the end like that especially since we only brought 8 players on the trip. I thought fatigue would set in, and it would be a tough battle coming down to the final minutes. We were able to make plays and shots down the stretch and break their spirit.

The club got needed support from Brandon Lockhart with 13 points and Janek Schmidkunz added 9 points. Did Lockhart grow in explosiveness in the fourth quarter?

I think Brandon was able to take advantage of their defense not being able to help off of Janek, Leo, and I because of our hot shooting. We made 15 3’s just between us three and with that kind of space it’s almost impossible to stop Brandon 1v1.

Did the team self confidence grow throughout the game knowing that you could play with the first ranked team which led to that big 29 point fourth quarter?

Yes, our confidence definitely grew and we knew we were playing at a very high level. We also playing a very unselfish style of basketball which made the game fun for all of us.

We knew that he was on a hot streak with the way he had been scoring so we focused on containing him early. Leo did a great job making it tough for him and we were there to help anytime that he needed it.

Brandon Lockhart was close to a triple double. Was this a new side of him that was born tonight?

The past 3 games Brandon has played extremely well, probably the best out of us all. Tonight was just him continuing his great play and a representation of our growing chemistry as a team.

We definitely enjoy playing together. I think our chemistry is at an all time high and we’re motivated to continue growing. Personally speaking the future is not something I’m focused on now. I’m worried about this season and how we can continue to build and improve heading into the playoffs.

How proud were you of Leo Vrkas. In the last two games he is 9/18 from outside while in the three games before that he was 1/20.

He is feeling it at the moment. I’m very proud of Leo and I’m glad he stayed focused and persistent even through his shooting slump. We need him to make shots and we trust him to do so.

How has Vrkas grown throughout the season and can he become that consistent fourth scorer the team could really need?

He’s become someone we can rely on to contribute to the scoring output for sure. I think his most important contribution to us has been on the defensive end, tonight holding Lescault to 8 and last game hold Easterling to 15. He done a great job of making it difficult for the wing players we play.

The team is now 3-0. What happened to the team since that 78-56 loss at home against Frankfurt which head coach Mario Matic really took to heart.

I think that lost was a wakeup call we needed. We stayed together got refocused and elevated our play which has shown.

The club has given up 74 points on average in the last three games. In what area has the team improved most on in the last three weeks?

I think our rebounding has improved over the past games. Early on in the season it was a real problem but now we’ve made a conscious effort to get rebounds after stops which starts our transition game on the offensive end.

You stopped a tough Scanplus Baskets, contained Ricky Easterling and now beat BG Karlsruhe. What is next for the Giants Nordlingen? Suddenly Nordlingen has become a playoff team and in third place?

We just want to continue to improve, we still have potential to grow and that is our main focus.

Who will win the Superbowl Denver or Carolina?

Carolina.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.