Even if the basketball life of professional players can be a “I am here today, but 1000 miles away tomorrow living and experiencing a new style of play and culture, basketball friendships tend to be built very easily and continue as time goes by as distance can a big factor in keeping them alive. With today´s technology group chat is something that many players live by as Shawn James who had his best years with Macabbi Tel Aviv, but even now after a stay in Spain with Bilbao and now with Euroleague power house Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) still maintains contact with his ex Macabbi players Devin Smith, Tyrese Rice and Ricky Hickman via that route. The most common way to develop a basketball friendship is by having a guy around daily not for just one season, but for many as current Fraport Skyliners Junior Marius Nolte and current Gotha(Pro A) assistant coach Steven Esterkamp had seeing the highs and lows of professional basketball from 2004-2009 with Paderborn as they moved up to the Beko BBL together in 2006 winning 50 games in a row and forcing Alba Berlin to a 5 game playoff series in 2009. Since then if you ask Nolte about Esterkamp, he would say that the Ohio native is one of his best friends as going on vacation with their respective families each summer is nothing uncommon. However the most unique friendship are those that continue to live on year by year as players continue to grow and move on from team to team with that same person. Fraport Skyliner guard John Little and Jason Boone share a very special friendship in that one could easily call them brothers. Boone and Little played together at BG Goettingen from 2008-2011 experiencing their best time there reaching the playoffs each season finishing 2009 and 2010 in second and third place as the club´s 40 minutes of hell on the court gave the BBL a new dimension, winning the Eurochallenge in 2010 and were on the same court playing against Allen Iverson in a Eurocup game in 2011 as he played for Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (Turkey-TBL). They then moved to the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg where they played together from 2011-2014 where they reached one playoff in 2012 kicking out Alba Berlin, but also having woes in their last season as the club finished in 17th place and moved to the Pro A. Of course along the way their head coach and mentor John Patrick played a role in their staying together. Last season Little played in Ludwigsburg and Boone had his first experience outside Germany with Torku Konyaspor (Turkey-TBL). This season Boone moved to Ludwigsburg to be reunited with Patrick, but at times it seems like Boone is a part of the Fraport Skyliners as he is seen as often as possible at games supporting his good friend Little making the 2 hour car drive as a sort of sixth man and good luck charm when he is free. Even last season he came from Turkey and supported Little at games as they beat Alba Berlin. Now for the first time in their career, they faced off as opponents as Boone who forms the Bully brothers in Ludwigsburg with Jon Brockman met the pit bull Little which charachterizes his aggressive defense as both teams fought until the end, but the Fraport Skyliners were able to grind out the win 83-78 as they executed in the last minute on offense and Ludwigsburg didn´t. One could of found countless adjectives to describe the game and ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore had no problem either finding the right words. “This was a tough, gritty, hard fought, down and out dirty game, with both wanting to win where both teams fought to the buzzer. A few days ago in Bayreuth we played cocky as if we had won a title or something where we let them dictate the game. Today we dictated the game and were able to pull it out at the end”, stressed Engelwood, New Jersey native Jordan Theodore. 2010 Eurochallenge winner Jason Boone was happy to play against his friend, but disappointed with the result. “This wasn´t the most entertaining game to watch. A game can become ugly when two teams like to grind out the way we do. They grinded a bit harder than we did. I always try to go into the game with the same mentality. If you get too motivated it can be a disadvantage. Little is a real fighter and gets his team to fight harder. He never backs down against anyone”, stressed ex BG Goettingen center Jason Boone. Little lost two teeth, but it was worth it getting the win against his friend. “It was crazy playing the first time against him. He is one of my best friends and we are always rooting for each other. It wasn´t the best day for either as we were both in foul trouble. There will be a next battle in Ludwigsburg”, smiled Illinois native John Little. “We rebounded very well and got every loose ball which was the difference. We outworked Ludwigsburg which we didn´t do in Bayreuth”, said Aaron Doornekamp.
Jason Boone (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) I’ve Never Enjoyed Playing With Someone As Much As I’ve Enjoyed Playing With John Little
Jason Boone is a 30 year old 198cm power forward/center from Sugar Loaf, New York that is playing his ninth professional season and eighth in Germany and first with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. He played three seasons with the s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg and three seasons for BG Goettingen. He played at New York University(NCAA 3) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 14.1ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.4bpg, 2.9apg, FG: 63.0%, FT: 64.3%. In 2007-2008, he turned professional and played played at Bernau(Regionalliga) before making the jump up three leagues to MEG Goettingen. In 2008-2009, he averaged 4.4ppg, 4.0rpg, FG: 53.7. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge for BG Goettingen playing EuroChallenge: 16 games: 10.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 53.8%; German League: 35 games: 9.1ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 60.3%, FT: 55.9%. Last season he split time with Torku Konyaspor (Turkey-TBL): 14 games: 6.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2FGP: 60.7%, FT: 46.2%, in Mar.’15 moved to SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProA) playing 12 games: 9.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 63.6%, FT: 51.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.
Jason thanks for talking to German Hoops. Merry Christmas 2015. After having spent Christmas in Germany now at least 8 times, have you been celebrating it once at night the German way, twice, the German and American way or just the American way in Germany waking up in the mornings and opening up the presents?
Merry Xmas to you as well. I’ve been fortunate enough to become really close with a number of families in Germany. And because of that, I’ve only celebrated Christmas the way that they do. If we’re being honest though, I like it better.
After being in Germany for so many years, what have you been able to appreciate most about the German Christmas in Germany?
I love the Christmas Market and the way it brings a city together. But I appreciate how the German Christmas doesn’t feel as commercialized. They focus more on the important things that Christmas represents.
Alex Foster (RheinStars) It’s Never As Good As It Seems And It’s Never As Bad As It Seems Mindset Gets Me Through My Struggles And Will Keep Me Grounded As I Find Success
Alex Foster is a 23 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Portland, Oregon and also has the German citizenship and is playing his professional rookie season in Germany with the RheinStars(Germany-ProA). He played at Emory (NCAA3) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 108 NCAA3 games and as a senior played 20.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 79.8%. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops after the RheinStars 84-83 victory against Rhondorf
Alex congrats on the 84-83 win against Rhondorf. Do you think that there will be another Christmas gift that will top this Christmas gift game winning shot?
Well my parents and little sister are visiting from the US and we’re all driving down to Stuttgart to celebrate Christmas with my mom’s family. So us all being together as a family is the best gift I could ask for, but the feeling of winning is pretty great too.
It was a wild game as the RheinStars had the comfortable lead at halftime, but Rhondorf never gave up coming back in the fourth down 9 points and taking the lead. Why wasn´t the team able to close the door earlier on them?
They deserve credit for fighting their way back into the game. I thought they were able to make us uncomfortable by switching defense and then they were making lots of plays on offense. We were out of sorts and they took advantage.
Jeff Xavier (medi Bayreuth) We Can Play With The Best Teams In The League When We Play Hard On Defense For 40 Minutes
Jeff Xavier is a 29 year old 189cm point guard from Pawtucket, Rhode Island that is playing his seventh professional season and first in Germany with medi Bayreuth after playing his first six years as a professional in Spain. He started his basketball career at Manhattan (NCAA) in 2004 where he played until 2006 playing a total of 60 NCAA games. He then moved to Providence (NCAA) in 2007 where he played his last two seasons of college ball playing a total of 64 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 35.6%, 3Pts: 29.1%, FT: 80.0%. In 2009 he started his professional basketball career with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 38 games and averaging 12.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 76.8%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Caceres 2016 C.B. (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 38 games averaging 9.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.4apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 69.6%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Faymasa Palencia Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 32 games averaging 13.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.3apg, Steals-3(2.0spg), FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 76.7%. He played the last three seasons for Autocid Ford Burgos where he was twice LEB Gold champion. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 82-69 home win against the Fraport Skyliners.
Congrats on the big 82-69 win against the Fraport Skyliners. Do you think that you could be getting an even better Christmas present on the 25th than getting this win against Frankfurt?
Thank you very much. It was a huge game for us and for our fans and I am glad we could give our fans a great game to watch and a present from to them.
After having lost the last three games in a row and giving respect to the wins against Giessen and Bonn, is this win against Frankfurt which was recently the hottest team in the league the biggest win of the season?
I think it for sure was the biggest win for us so far this year. We showed that we can play with the best teams in the league when we play hard on defense for 40 minutes. We need to be consistently hardnosed on defense.
Rocky Trice Isn´t Slowing Down With Age Giving The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg That Game Changer On Offense And Defense
For the most hardcore BG Goettingen fan having Khalid El Amin back on the roster must have been an early Christmas gift for their temporary dismal season, but one thing will never change for them is being able to see ex players and coaches back in the Beko BBL. Especially in Ludwigsburg, it must be a treat being able to see guys like John Patrick, Jason Boone and Chris Mcnaughton strutting their skills all over the court weekend after weekend, but this season another ex player has joined an already very full ex BG Goettingen reunion with Roderick Trice that one could shyly ask where is Chris Oliver. Well Oliver hasn´t belonged to those guys that has stayed faithful to the Beko BBL or his old BG Goettingen teammates as he has been mainly in countries like France and this season is balling in Japan. Roderick or as he is called Rocky Trice is a 31 year old 185 cm shooting guard who may be 31 years old, but doesn´t have to be afraid to be called an old head by the 10 year younger players since the club is stacked with many veteran players with 31 year old point guard Mustafer Shakur, 33 year old Chris Mcnaughton and Adam Waleskowski, 31 year old Shawn Huff and 30 year old Jason Boone. Trice who hails from Swainsboro, Georgia feels right at home with all the other experienced players around him which is a big factor for the team success. This is the ninth professional season for the American and after turning his back on the Beko BBL the last three years and playing in Poland, returns back to an even more competitive and fast growing league and isn´t slowing down with age. After winning the NIT tournament with South Carolina(NCAA) in 2005 and 2006, the American is still searching for his first professional title. He has been a bit unlucky as he left BG Goettingen in 2009 a year before Patrick and co won the Eurochallenge moving to Ulm and left in 2012 right as that club was developing and moved to Poland where he was an allstar in 2014 and reached the Super Cup final in 2015 with WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-TBL). Now Trice is back in the Beko BBL and as hungry as ever a she has joined an ever developing Ludwigsburg team under John Patrick and this could be the season where Ludwigsburg win a title with their best chances in the cup where it takes only 2 wins on a weekend where everything has to be clicking. This season Trice is on a very talented Ludwigsburg roster with 12 guys that can lead the team in scoring, but the American who grew up idolizing Penny Hardaway is holding his own and has been a consistent supporter this season scoring in double figures six times in the Beko BBL and five times in Eurocup. He was a big factor in the two Eurocup wins against Alba Berlin and Enei Brindisi netting 16 points in each game. He is fourth in scoring, second in rebounds and first in assists and steals in the Beko BBL. Especially his defense continues to be his bread and butter. He led the German Pro A in steals with Cuxhaven as a rookie in 2008 and then led the Beko BBL in steals with BG Goettingen and ratiopharm Ulm in 2009 and 2010. Everything is clicking for Ludwigsburg at the moment and on Sunday it will be the battle of Rockey Vs Tez to see who digested their Christmas dinner best, but don´t tell Tez that he will be Mr T in this classic showdown in Frankfurt.
Ken Horton (medi Bayreuth) We Have To Go To Bamberg And Play Our Hearts Out And If We Don’t Then They’ll Roll Over Us
Ken Horton is a 25 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with medi Bayreuth which will be his sixth team. Last season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games: 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playingb 18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Bavarian derby against the Brose Baskets Bamberg
Congrats on the big 82-69 win against the Fraport Skyliners. Do you think that you could be getting an even better Christmas present on the 25th than getting this win against Frankfurt?
As a team, it is definitely a good way to go in to the holiday. It was a big win and much needed for the medi organization.
After having lost the last three games in a row and giving respect to the wins against Giessen and Bonn, is this win against Frankfurt which was recently the hottest team in the league the biggest win of the season?
Every win is a big in for us. Now we just have to work on being consistent as a team and getting win after win.
Orlan Jackman(Worcester Wolves) All You Can Do Is Perform On The Court But Don’t Give Them Any Reason To Complain
Orlan Jackman is a 27 year old 201cm forward that started the season with CAB Madeira (Portugal-LPB) playing 6 games and averaging 11.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 47.6%, in Dec.’15 moved to Worcester Wolves (BBL). Last season he played with the NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB)playing 28 games averaging 16.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.1% He started his basketball career at Seminole State (JUCO).He then played two years at Oklahoma City University (NAIA): 27 games: 13.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 69.6%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with the London Lions (BBL) playing 30 games: 16.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 60.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Today it´s Christmas. Have you got all your Christmas gifts for 2015?
I wish I got all my gifts! My gf gave be mine early but that’s it.
When it comes to the Christmas season are you totally able to stay away from giving that basketball gift or is there always something that you give that is basketball related?
All the people I give gifts to don’t really like basketball apart from when I’m playing so that’s not a problem
It was a long summer for you in that it took you a little longer than usual to get signed. Did you get a bit nervous as the summer wore on and you still hadn´t been signed?
Nah, I didn’t get nervous because I had confidence in my ability to play for the fans of basketball
Last season for the NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) you were one of the top players in that league playing 28 games: 16.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.1%. Why wasn´t there more interest from teams in Germany? You should have deserved a chance from a Pro A team or at least stayed in Pro B moving to an ambitious team looking to move up?
I wanted to play in Pro A or the BBL, I still do but I took what I had and now I’m here & I have a job to do so I’ve have to win as much as possible so I can get a championship!
You finally got signed by CAB Madeira (Portugal-LPB). With what kind of expectations did you to that team? Was it difficult focusing at first on basketball considering the island is like paradise?
I had high expectations but it wasn’t like I thought it would be. The island is extremely nice and it is a distraction but I was hired as a professional so I had to focus and that’s what I did.
When you got there, you won the first game against Electricio FC, but then lost the next 5 games. Was it a total shock after that first win that the team didn´t win anymore games?
Losing always sucks. When you’re a competitor, all you want do is win! So losing is always hard to take
Would you classify the Portugal LPB league somewhere in between German Pro A and Pro B or different?
That’s just where I will put it. I would of put it in the Pro B category but they’ve got Euro Cup teams so they have to be better.
You held your own averaging 11,0ppg, 4,2rpg and 1,5spg in 6 games. What were the main reasons that you had to go so early?
It was a mutual decision.
What lesson did you learn in Portugal that will help you in the future should you come across adversary within an organization?
All you can do is perform on the court! Everything else is out of your hands but don’t give them any reason to complain!
It didn´t take you long to land a new job and you are back in your home country the UK joining the Worcester Wolves. How happy are you to be back playing in the BBL?
I’m so happy about playing back in the BBL! Playing in front of family and friends is a blessing!
You have stepped in having no problems adjusting and led the team to a big 108-92 win against Surrey where you netted 27 points. Is this the perfect situation for you?
The perfect situation will be playing in the best league in the world!
The team is in third place and the race is tight at the top of the standings. Is winning the league title something that you have felt is in the thoughts of your teammates?
Yes! We want to win and that’s what I’ve brought in to do.
The team is stacked with many experienced guys especially Spaniard Javier Mugica and Pavol Lonsonsky. How vital will these guys be in your development as the season progresses?
Guys with experience always have valuable information to pass on, I’m always trying to learn as that’ll make me become the best player that I can be!
They have many scoring options, but do you see yourself possibly being the defensive stopper as you have quickly demonstrated your worth at the defensive end?
Defense wins games! I’m trying to help my team win games as much as possible! If that means stopping the other teams best player then that’s what I’m going to try and do.
You played two seasons in Germany. What do you miss most from the country and it´s basketball?
My teammates and the family community in Iserlohn.
If Matthias Grothe knocked on your door in Worcester wearing a Santa Claus costume and had a sack of gifts what do you think he would give to you as a special present?
Some ball handling drills and a poker table so we can play like when we were in Iserlohn.
What was the last movie that you saw?
Paid In Full.
Thanks Orlan for the chat.
The Ken Horton Career Scoring Double Figures Consistency Is A Way Of Life For Him As He Gives Support For Future medi Bayreuth Success
When checking out who has been named to the illustrious who´s who crowd of the for American standards small 37,000 populated Ossining which lies on the beautiful Hudson river a tad south of Croton Bay is about 35 kilometers from Manhatten in New York one stumbles across people like author John Cheever, guitarist Sonny Sharrock or more known names at least in the sports and entertainment world like American marathon record holder Khalid Khannouchi or the wonderful talented late actor Peter Falk who will always be remembered as the nosy, but hard working detective Columbo who never met a case he couldn´t solve. However when all is said and done one day, the name Ken Horton could be added to that list as he is a professional basketball player that has had a very successful basketball career until now having played in countries like France, Cyprus, Mexico, Australia and Finland in only his first three years and now in his fourth season is playing in the German Beko BBL for medi Bayreuth. He won his first title last season with the Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) and has the amazing and most respected distinction of having had career scoring double figures consistency since starting at Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007. That is a phenomenal achievement in that he did it 4 years in college, at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 10.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP-1(100%: 5-5), 1.0spg and the list goes on and on. As a rookie in 2012 he started with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg, Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP): 16 games: 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0%, Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL, starting five): 18 games: 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%, and Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 55 games: 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. Just reading these stats makes one get goose bumps as the American has really proven that wherever he has been he has been able to adapt to any obstacles and been able to get a hang of the team´s system, style and level in that country as if it had always been second nature to him. His unbelievable streak of double figure scoring average is continuing this season in Germany with medi Bayreuth where he is currently averaging 12,7ppg and 5,1rpg and is second in scoring and first in rebounds on a team stocked with much talent like ex NBA player Travis Leslie, experienced American veteran Jeff Xavier who made a name in Spain and talented American point guard Jake Odum. It takes a lot of work to be so consistent, but he gets help form his teammates. “It’s really simple. Putting yourself in the right position at the right times. I’m a quick thinker and I think I see things very well on the court. I. Can’t take ally the credit though every year I play I have guards that are able to find me and get me the looks. It’s a real mixture of both just having a great feel of where you are and getting the easiest basket possible, and also having guards to help put you in those situations to score. It’s worked for me since before I went to central all the way until now”, expressed Ken Horton. So far the American has been a very important piece for the team as it still is trying to find themselves after a lackluster4-8 start that has them resting in no mans land at position 13. Horton can play the positions 3-5 and is a player that can do a bit of everything. “I see myself as a very versatile player. I’d say my biggest strength on the court is shooting and running the floor, but I’m willing to do whatever the team needs to win games. So far this season the New York native has scored in double figures eight times and most valuable with his 20/14 masterpiece in the 82-77 win against MBC or his 25 point game in the big 77-64 win against the Telekom Baskets Bonn where his 4 steals were also instrumental in the win. Even if being able to score on a consistent rate is as normal for him as it is for Jared Jordan to average double figure assists, there is nothing better or more soothing than winning that first title. “Winning the championship in Finland this past season is the best feeling that I’ve had on the basketball court. I’ve been playing all my life and I have won many individual awards but never had the opportunity to win a championship which is the ultimate goal every season. I know how hard it is to win one especially at the pro level so I am extremely blessed to have won one in just my third season”, stressed Ken Horton. Even if the chances are very slim for medi Bayreuth to win a title this season, just reaching the playoffs would be like winning a title in the Bavarian city, but for that to happen the club will need to get even more from all players and perhaps even an increase in stats from the American from Ossining, NewYork who could start a new consistency trend with simply getting more of a green light and reaching the 20,0ppg something he has never achieved yet in his basketball career.
Brandon Lockhart(Giants Nordlingen) Our Team Goals In The Second Half Are To Get Better Each Day So We Can Continue To Make A Push At A Playoff Spot
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 73-69 win against the Licher Basket Baeren.
Congrats Brandon on the 73-69 win in Lich. How important was it setting the tone right from the start scoring 25 points in the first quarter. Was there already a small mental advantage early for Nordlingen on the Lich home court?
Getting off to a good start was really important because Lich is a very good offensive team and can cause problems for teams if they come out hitting shots. A good start allowed us to gain confidence and keep their crowd out of it for most of the beginning.
The game was very tight in the fourth quarter. Lich forward Elijah Allen kept Lich in the game. What made it so hard to stop him tonight?
When a really good player sees a couple shots go in, they become really tough to stop because they play with supreme confidence then. We allowed Elijah to see 1 or 2 shots go in and then it seemed like every thing he shot in the 2nd half found the net. He is a talented player that gained confidence as the game went on, so all we could try and do is make each shot he took challenging and live with the result.
Nordlingen kept Lich scoreless for three minutes in the fourth down the stretch while you scored 8 points to secure the win. What was key in the last minutes to seal the win on offense and defense?
Our defense down the stretch was definitely key. We got off to a really good start on defense that allowed us to build a big lead and then allowed them to hit a bunch of 3s in the 2nd half to make the game interesting. Finding our defensive again in the final minutes of the fourth quarter was the key to the victory more so than our offense.
Janek Schmidkunz shot 9/18 in the last two big wins against Team Ehingen and Lich. How much has he matured on the court with his game since the loss in Frankfurt?
Janek has been a key player for us all year even when he is not hitting shots because we know he is going to give us everything he has each game. He is one of our captains and has taken on more of a vocal leadership role for us as the season has progressed. He has been really important to the success we have been experiencing as of late.
Schmidkunz has scored in double figures in every game this season. Where would the team be now without his timely shooting?
We would not be the team we are because when he makes shots, the game becomes easier for everyone around him. Other players are able to find easier openings because teams are focused on not letting him beat them.
Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a 4 game winning streak. Has the more consistent defense been the most impressive thing in this winning streak?
I think so because we have had some games that we did not produce our best offensive numbers. So being able to play good defense and not let games get away from us when have rough offensive nights has been the key to this winning streak.
Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a record of 7-5. What is your team summary after 12 games?
That there is still a lot of room for improvement. We may have a record above .500 but there are still a bunch of things that we can clean up on both sides of the ball. We know what these areas are and will be looking to correct them as the season continues.
How proud are you of the team that they have turned the season around despite losing captain Fabian Brutting after the third game?
Really proud because when you lose a player and leader the likes of Fabian, it can really hurt your season if the team doesn’t rally together. Not one individual can provide what Fabian brings to the team, it takes a group effort which I believe we have done and is something we all should be proud of.
At the beginning of the season Nordlingen had problems in crunch time losing to Frankfurt, Leipzig and Elchingen, but now have won close games in the last weeks against Weissenhorn and now Lich. Is there more trust within each other in tight times on the court?
I think those games that we lost early in the season really prepared us for the close games we have had and the possible ones in the future. We were able to learn from some of the mistakes we made during those games and not allow them to happen again. Trust within each other has always been there. I just believe that we now know what to do when the game gets closer towards the end.
Your averaging 15,6ppg, 2,9rpg and 4,3apg. How happy have you been with your play? You have scored in double figures in every game. Is there anything too complain about?
I’m happy but not satisfied because there are definitely things to complain about. There is always room for improvement in the game of basketball. I know for sure that I need to cut down on unforced turnovers after the break. I’m sure I have allowed my man to beat me 1v1 a few times too many which hurts our team defense. But I’m just going to go out there each game and be the best I can be on that night and give everything I have for my teammates and coaches.
In what other areas can you focus on in your game in the second half of the season? Your averaging 1,9spg. Do you measure your defense on your success from last season in Slovakia where you led the league with 3,0spg. Can you still get even more aggressive on defense while staying out of foul trouble?
I do not really measure my defense on stats such as steals. It’s more about the things that do not show up on the stat sheet such as stopping your man 1v1, being in good help position, and helping finish defensive possessions with a rebound. Things like that are much more important I feel than steal stats. There may be more chances for me to be aggressive for more steals here and there but those will come from having good defensive fundamentals. I take care of those and the steal stats will come.
What are your team and individual goals in the second half of the season?
My goals are in line with the goals of the team which are to get better each day so we can continue to make a push at a playoff spot.
What was your fondest childhood memory of Christmas?
Baking Christmas treats with the family for Santa (Mom & Dad) to eat while my brother and I were sleeping. It’s something we always would do as a family and is something that I will always cherish!
What was the last movie that you saw?
How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Thanks Brandon for the chat.
Janek Schmidkunz(Giants Nordlingen) You Have To Earn Every Single Win In This League But There Is No Team That We Can´t Compete With
Janek Schmidkunz is a 24 year old 183cm point guard that is playing his first season for the Giants Nordlingen 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%. Last season he played for the MLP Academics Heidelberg (ProA) playing 21 games averaging 1.4ppg He spoke to German Hoops after the 73-69 win against the Licher Basket Baeren.
Congrats Janek on the 73-69 win in Lich. How important was it setting the tone right from the start scoring 25 points in the first quarter
. Thanks. I think that we have profited all year long from setting the tone early on and putting ourselves in a good position to win those games. So yes, it was extremely important, but as the game showed we struggled again with keeping the distance and not letting the opponent back in the game. We can be more relentless and finish games off earlier. But then, we won this game and that’s what mattered.
Was there already a small mental advantage early for Nordlingen on the Lich home court?
Yes and no. I think we have played extremely well in our last 6 to 7 games and we are confident that we can win games as long as we play our style. Lich on the other hand, had a game which they needed to win to not fall behind in the standings. We knew we had to come out strong and not allow them to gain confidence early on. That we did well.
The game was very tight in the fourth quarter. Lich forward Elijah Allen kept Lich in the game. What made it so hard to stop him tonight?
We lost our rhythm after the first quarter and took the foot off the gas. Lich sensed that and once they saw a chance to get back in the game, their confidence level increased. A player like Allen used that confidence and really played big for them. He is a physical strong player that when hot can hit tough shots and really hurt you, because it forces you to guard him on the perimeter and the post.
Nordlingen kept Lich scoreless for three minutes in the fourth down the stretch while Brandon Lockhart scored 8 points to secure the win. What was key in the last minutes to seal the win on offense and defense?
Well simple, stop them on defense and put points on the board. We stopped them every time when they had a chance to take the lead and used the momentum to score ourselves. Brandon did great attacking the rim out of high pick and rolls which they didn’t really have an answer for.
You have shot 9/18 in the last two big wins against Team Ehingen and Lich. How much have you matured on the court since the loss in Frankfurt?
I think I matured as much as I expected to mature throughout a season. Losses and bad performances can help you if you figure out what you have to do better. I also think that my confidence in my abilities has gotten bigger and I adjusted what needed to be adjusted.
You have scored in double figures in every game this season. How good does it feel to be the leading scorer as a German before the two talented Americans Talbert and Lockhart?
To be honest, it feels much better to look back on winning 6 out of the last 7 games knowing that I played my part in the team’s success. Who ends up scoring the most points doesn’t really affect the way we feel about it. I think what makes me more happy is the fact that I have been able to be consistent with my contribution.
Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a 4 game winning streak. Has the more consistent defense been the most impressive thing in this winning streak?
After early losses, we as a team made a commitment to the defensive end. It wasn’t necessarily the defending part we struggled with, but more the rebounding aspect. We just didn’t put enough stops together due to our lack of defensive rebounding. The improvement on that part has made us a much better defensive team.
Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a record of 7-5. What is your team summary after 12 games?
Got to correct you, it’s actually 8-5. I think our summary is that there is no team that we cannot compete with. We are also aware that you have to earn every single win in this league. If we keep approaching games the way we have of late, we are going be where we want to be at the end of the year. We still have a long way to go.
How proud are you of the team that they have turned the season around despite losing captain Fabian Brutting after the third game?
Extremely proud, we were in a really rough situation after losing Fabi. He gives you so much on and off the court and plays basketball the right way. We play a small rotation and losing a key player is extremely hard to compensate. Players stepped up and adding Leo Vrkas increased our rotation again. Fabi has been with us and we can’t wait to have him back out there.
At the beginning of the season Nordlingen had problems in crunch time losing to Frankfurt, Leipzig and Elchingen, but now have won close games in the last weeks against Weissenhorn and now Lich. Is there more trust within each other in tight times on the court?
I think for one, we learned from those losses and wanted to make sure that they don’t happen again. Then, saying that is one part, the other is doing it. I think the trust plays a huge part and even more important, we stick together on the court. I had the feeling that early on in the year that chemistry wasn’t as advanced as it has been lately.
How happy have you been with your play? You have scored in double figures in every game. Is there anything too complain about?
Sure, there is always something that I can and must do better. Last game, I fouled out when the team needed me. I was glad we won, but I was somewhat disappointed about leaving my team hanging. If we can continue to pull together wins, the complaining will be not as much though regardless of the amount of points I score.
In what other areas can you focus on in your game in the second half of the season?
I want to make sure that I play my part in leading the team. We started something, where I have the feeling all of us want to be part of this team and give it their all. Improving my leadership is something I want to focus on.
What are your team and individual goals in the second half of the season?
Our goal as a team is still to play in the playoffs. Individually, do what the team needs me to do to reach that goal. I really don’t need to set myself any specific goals other than to continue to improve and contribute to our success.
What was your fondest childhood memory of Christmas?
There have been many. The most important is probably the quality time I got to spend with the family. I started to cherish those moments even more once I started to live further away from home.
What was the last movie that you saw?
I believe it was St. Vincent starring Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy.
Thanks Janek for the chat.
