Brandon Shingles is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Albany, Georgia playing his third season in Germany and first with the Uni-Riesen Leipzig (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Morehead St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg. In 2010 he started his professional basketball career at Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 15 games: 14.5ppg. He led the team to the Regionaliga 2 title. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Guildford Heat (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 6 games: 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.3%; left in Nov.’11, then moved to BBC Febro Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 7 games: 16.1ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 63.0%. He then played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) and two years ago for GBP Badajoz (Spain-EBA) playing 15 games: 15.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 6.3%, FT: 57.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 76-69 win against the Dresden Titans.

Brandon congrats on the 76-69 win against the Dresden Titans. Leipzig has a 5 game winning streak. How good is basketball life for you now?

Thanks Miles. Basketball for me is really good now. I’m very proud of our team effort these past weeks but we still have a lot of work to do.

Was the big Sachsen derby all what is was hyped for? What college rivarlies do you remember from your college career?

It was a big win for our team beating them since we were 0-8 I think all-time against them. So happy we could break that streak. In college we had some big rivalries against Murray State and EKU and Austin Peay. I miss those days.

The Uni Riesen Leipzig won 3 of the 4 quarters. How many minutes did the team play the kind of good basketball that Tuna Isler wants from the team?

Overall I think coach was very pleased about our defense in this game. We worked really hard on it all week.

You hit six big free throws of the last seven points. Were you feeling extra pressure just due to the importance and history of the game?

To be honest I’ve had no pressure at all. I knew what my team expected of me and delievered .

How vital was the home court and basketball IQ in the last two minutes for Leipzig getting the win?

Most of our victories came down to the wire so far. I know this sounds bad but we play our best basketball when our back is against the wall.

This was the second least number of points that Leipzig gave up with 61 points against Speyer being the first. Leipzig had seven possession more in terms of having eight turnovers less. Was the defensive effort in key situations the biggest strength on the day?

The coaching staff did a good job of preaching defense all week. We all knew that was going to be a huge factor against a good Dresden team .

One doesn´t want to put a damper on the great win but you, Julian Scott, Sascha Leutloff and Sascha Ahnsel combined for 71 of the 76 points. Could too much reliability on a few players have a negative effect when one of the guys has an off night?

I feel we have a good team chemistry. If one of us has an off night I fell that any of our teammates can carry some of the load as well.

After two loses the Uni Riesen Leipzig have a 5 game winning streak. What keeps improving with this team in this current winning streak?

I think we become to gel better as a team. And showing the we can close games at the end.

The trust with American Julian Scott continues to grow with every win. How much can your growing bond off the court spark this duo further on the court?

What I like about our friendship is that we can talk about other things other than basketball because sometimes you need to take your minds away from the game.

How good is your friendship with Julian Scott on NFL Sunday? Which teams do you support and how big is the competition in this sport for the both of you?

Sundays are mostly relax days for us. He likes the Dallas Cowboys and my team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We really don’t talk much football because my team isn’t very good so I stay out of the conversation lol.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Shutter Island.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

In the German basketball world, there have been many special guys to play the game and still are where one could plaster a special name to their name as Rickey Paulding deservingly is known as Mr Oldenburg as he has been in the north German city since 2007 and helped the club win the Beko BBL league title in 2009 and cup in 2015 and most likely will finish his career there, then there was Mr rebound Chris Ensminger who played 16 professional seasons and 14 in Germany and was known for being a physical player that backed down to nobody and owned the paint as he led the Beko BBL in rebounding from 2001-2005 and from 2008-2011 from the ripe age of 35-38 was the second leading rebounder in the league as his body didn´t age or Bernd Kruel like Ensminger must be eating the right food and doing some magic on the side as he is Mr longevity as he is playing his 23^rd season and came into the league in 1993 when Dennis Schroeder was born. Kruel can´t seem to stop wanting to play and turns 40 next year while Ricky Easterling has built a name for himself as mr Regionaliga. The 31 year old 188cm guard from Baltimore, Maryland has been playing in Germany his whole career and his ninth with Saarlouis. He played six seasons of Regionaliga where he tore up the league like there was no tomorrow averaging 28ppg, 32ppg, 23ppg, 34ppg, 29ppg and 26ppg. He finally moved up to the Pro B last season and prompt led the league in scoring averaging 22.9ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 86.1%. Last season, he had his second best scoring game with 36 points in a loss in Frankfurt. This season Saarlouis is struggling with a 1-5 record and Easterling is averaging 22,7ppg, 4,orpg and 3,7apg and as always just annoying every opponent with his lethal mid distance shot that just can´t be stopped. Back home he is called pretty Ricky and one could also call his game that as he is a scoring machine and returned back to battle in the BCM in Frankfurt and didn´t disappoint anyone netting 31 points and leading a furious come back attempt with authority in the fourth quarter as Saarlouis outscored the Fraport Skyliners 28-7 to win 94-87. “We were searching for our rhythm in the first half as Frankfurt shot well and put us in a hole. We fought back in the second half and in the past played well for 37 minutes and then had a blackout, but not today. This was a big moral win for us. I like the netting here. It makes the rim look big and I just feel comfortable shooting in this gym”, stressed Baltimore native Ricky Easterling. His teammate Brennan Mcelroy was all smiles after the win and gave a lot o credit to Easterling. “There should be a patent on his mid distance shot. That shot is automatic and he loves the nets here. This win was an early birthday present for him”, added ex Indianapolis(NCAA2) forward Brennan Mcelroy. The Fraport Skyliners led for 38 minutes and then lost the game in a manner that will surely keep Eric Detlev thinking very long about this game. “This was the most preventable loss of my career. I can´t really pinpoint how we lost this. The game felt won at half time and after that we were too sure that we would win. We didn´t play concentrated for 40 minutes the way we should. We didn´t play concentrated the last 10 minutes and our transition defense was pathetic. We gave up too many turnovers in the fourth. Once they got some easy points they got rolling. Easterling´s mid distance shot is one of best I have ever seen. He has weaknesses, but we let him use too much of his strength tonight. To score 31 points against us is very good, but it felt like 40 points”, added ex Bamberg forward Johannes Richter.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got rolling early as they cruised out on a quick 7-2 lead as 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel drilled home a trey and Alaska native Travis Thompson who was only playing his second game dropped a three pointer. Saarlouis got some instant offense from ex Heidelberg guard Danny Rodriguez who scored back to back buckets as Saarlouis trailed only 7-6. Both teams had their offenses going as it was going back and forth as Richter and Mcelroy traded baskets and then it was ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb that scored with a nifty lay in via the cross over and Easterling dumped home his favorite baby and most lethal shot the mid distance, but Frankfurt still led 12-11. Then came five lead changes as Easterling connected on a step back shot, Thompson nailed his second three, Vilius Sermokas who averaged 20ppg in the second Regionaliga last season with Baskets 98 Volklingen hit a trey, 10 year Saarlouis veteran Mukarem Mujkanovic made a tip in off his own miss and Zeeb made a pull up jumper as Frankfurt led 18-17. Frankfurt then stepped up their defense and closed out the first quarter with a 9-1 run to lead 27-18 after 10 minutes. In the run they got massive support inside as Richter scored, Tim Oldenburg scored and Marius Nolte scored. Richter also dropped a three pointer for insurance. Frankfurt did a good job banging the ball inside and just taking advantage of their height and physicality and both teams were shooting very well except for Saarlouis who was at 20% from outside. Frankfurt was shooting 55% from the field and 80% from outside while Saarlouis was shooting 42% from the field. Frankfurt had the 12-9 rebound edge and two turnovers while Saarlouis had three turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors instant offense and massive shooting clinic continued as they led as much as by 21 points and went into half time leading 56-42. The Fraport Skyliners went out on a 6-2 run to lead 33-20 as they continued to make the paint their own living room as Zeeb hit a tear drop, Richter made an offensive rebound and put back and Nolte scored inside as Richter fed him nicely after faking a three pointer. Saarlouis then went to a zone momentarily stifling the Frankfurt offense and going on a mini 4-0 run as Mujkanovic made a pull up jumper and Easterling a tough under hand lay up as they trailed Frankfurt 33-24. However Frankfurt quickly adjusted and went back to their offensive consistency going on a potent 15-3 run to lead 48-27. It was Zeeb and Thompson with the instant offense as the German scored the first 5 points of the run with a runner and then countered with a trey of the fast break. Thompson then closed out the massive run with two three pointers and a jumper. Thompson finished with 18 points and had mixed feelings about his performance, but the bitter loss was still eating at him so close after the siren sounded. “I struggled in the second half, but this is only my second game since April so I am still getting off the rust and hope I had perform better down the stretch”, warned Travis Thompson. This run didn´t rattle Saarlouis in any way as they clawed their way back into the game going into halftime with a 15-8 run to trail only 56-42. Easterling was big in the run as he scored three times with his mid distance shot and German Kelvin Okundaye who played for teams like Heidelberg and Speyer scored a lay in and three pointer. Zeeb closed out the second quarter with a three pointer. “Frankfurt was doing a good job rebounding, hitting open shots and making second chances. I think that Fossman and Thompson are the same player as both can shoot and play aggressive defense”, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 57% from the field and 80% from the three point line while Saarlouis was shooting 51% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 24-14 rebound edge and both teams had 8 turnovers a piece.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to lead by as much as 21 points, but couldn´t totally run away with the contest as Saarlouis continued to tread water and find their way back to the ship. The Fraport Skyliners came into the third quarter prepared as they commenced going on a fast 9-2 run to extend their league to 65-44 as they continued to play beautiful inside out basketball as German Michael Fuss dropped a three pointer, but they stuck to their biggest strength getting buckets inside as Kiel made a tip in, Thompson found Richter for the two hand dunk and the German then scored inside easily over Mujkanovic. Basketball remains a game of runs and it never disappoints as Saarlouis found some instant offense going on a 12-4 run to cut the Frankfurt advantage to 69-56. In the run, Frankfurt coughed up the ball and missed easy shots allowing the opponent to share the scoring as Easterling scored, Mujkanovic played old school making a hook shot, Sermokas finished off the fast break with a lay in, Mcelroy hit a one hand hook shot and Rodriguez made a steal and went coast to coast for the easy bucket and then released a pull up jumper that saw nothing but net. Frankfurt quickly put a damper in this run getting consecutive three pointers from Richter and Zeeb as they led 75-58. Frankfurt kept the comfortable lead continuing to rebound very well and getting added production from Zeeb with a trey and a Thompson lay in while Saarlouis got needed offense from Rodriguez and Mcelroy and Frankfurt still led 80-66. “We got a bit lazy. They made good defensive adjustments and we didn´t slow down and take good shots and didn´t read their plays well”, added Travis Thompson. “Easterling gave a little speech at half time telling us to take man up, get tough and show pride in our defense. We picked up our defense and switch up zone and man defense and did a good job switching guard to guard and big to big”, stressed Illinois native Brennan Mcelroy. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 54% from the field and 71% from the parking lot while Saarlouis was shooting 60% from the field and 22% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 32-18 rebound edge and both teams had 13 turnovers a piece.

In the fourth quarter Saarlouis had 10 minutes left and used every second making a memorable comeback, buckling down on defense allowing only seven points while taking a chapter from the first half offense of Frankfurt and scoring 28 points. Saarlouis went on a 12-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 82-79. In the run Saarlouis got production from many players like 32 year old German Ronny Weihmann who had been signed only a few days ago and last played in the Regionaliga with Kaiserslautern and also had two years of experience in the States with Emmanuel (GA) (NAIA) hit a big three after not playing in the first 30 minutes, Easterling made two clutch mid distance shots and Okundaye scored inside off a Mcelroy steal. Saarlouis had the momentum were in the game again and threatening while the Frankfurt offense was nonexistent as the once potent inside game was also nonexistent and the club couldn´t consistently hit free throws. Weihmann stepped up again hitting a big three to cut the Frankfurt lead to 84-82. After one Kiel free throw, it was the Easterling and Mcelroy show as Mr Regionaliga Easterling beat Zeeb again with a mid distance shot and then he stepped in the passing lane between Richter and Kiel making the steal and finding Mcelroy for the bucket and 86-85 lead which they would never relinquish again in the game. Mcelroy had 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but it was his four steals and one at the end that made the difference. “Mcelroy had a defensive role in college, but has more things to do here. In college he did the little things well and here he continues to do so, but in many more areas. He is such a smart player and it is a joy to play with him”, added Ricky Easterling. Frankfurt seemed shocked and just played hectic and the coolness of the first half had been blown away as they coughed up the ball for a 21^st time as Sermokas made the lay in for the 88-85 advantage. Saarlouis closed out the game hitting their free throws. “Frankfurt executed well on pick and roll in the first, but we made adjustments in the second half. We have had problems closing out games this season and it was team effort, but those Weihmann shots were big in the fourth. Every player played their role and took care of business”, stressed Ricky Easterling. “We got too comfortable in the second half and didn´t shoot well. Easterling had a good game and really hurt us”, added Travis Thompson. “They had 21 turnovers and most were forced. We did a great job communicating on defense and getting in the passing lanes”, added Brennan Mcelroy. Saarlouis was led by Ricky Easterling with 31 points. Muharem Mujkanovic had 16 points, Brennan Mcelroy had 13 and Danny Rodriguez had 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Richter with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Garai Zeeb had 20 points and eight assists. Travis Thompson had 18 points and Niklas Kiel had 11 points. Saarlouis shot 58% from the field and 29% from outside while Frankfurt shot 45% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 45-30, but had 21 turnovers while Saarlouis had 16 turnovers.

Quentin Pryor is a 32 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi that is an experienced professional basketball player that wants to find his way back to Europe with a team. The last team he played for was the GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 41 games averaging 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 66.1%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games: 10.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 75.4%. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. He played for Phoenix Hagen from 2008-2011 and in the 2008-2009 season, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. In 2009-2010 he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011, he played 33 games averaging 11,3ppg, 3,5rpg, 2,2apg and 1,5spg. In the 2011-2012 season he played for WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 31 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4(1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%. Quentin topped off his last professional season in Holland winning the league title and cup with GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie). He is hungry to return back to Europe especially Germany where he played with team Phoenix Hagen years ago. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball

Quentin thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how was your Halloween this year with your kids?

Thanks Miles. I am Louisville, KY grinding every day. Halloween was great for me. It was the first time I got to go trick or treating with my family (My son is 8). Its been a long time coming.

Where are you at the moment and how have you been keeping busy the last year being out of basketball?

I’ve gotten involved in coaching at the high school level and also I am playing in men’s leagues around the area.

You last played for GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) 41 games: 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 66.1%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg. You won the Dutch title. I guess that could have been a perfect way to end career and retire, but that wasn´t your intention. Were you surprised you weren´t signed by a professional team in 2014?

That was never my intention to be done at that time. I was a little shocked that I didn’t have much interest but that comes with the territory. I actually had signed with a team in Cyprus in September of 2014. I played one preseason game and had a pretty solid game with 11, 5, and 6. A week later I was released without any reason.

Your agent didn´t find a team and then the 2014-2015 season started without you? How difficult was that season not playing for a team?

I had never been released or told I wasn’t wanted so it was difficult for me. Especially how everything happened there. Its something that I hope no one ever has to experience. But it happened for a reason and its all apart of God’s plan.

How did you stay in shape last year? Did you have a normal routine?

I would hit the treadmill and lift weights 3 times a week.

Did you play any semi pro ball or play pick up games to keep that basketball feeling physically and mentally?

I participated in practice and played open gym at the school I coached at to keep me sharp.

You are 32 years old now. How fit are you? What do you believe is your best basketball attribute at your age?

I am in great shape. My weight is right were I want it as well. My best attribute is the same as it has always been. I’m still going fill up a stat sheet. Points, rebounds, assist, and steals. I always want to have an impact on the game.

Do you think that you can give a team something different now at age 32 that you couldn´t at age 25 besides experience?

My jump shot has developed with time and my leadership. Coaching let me see the game from a different view and I see why a lot of coaches are the way they are now. I’ve always had a great knowledge of the game but it has sharpened even more.

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team now how would you do it?

A proven winner that does whatever it takes to win every night. Whether its scoring 20 or locking up on D

How badly would you like to play in Germany? Would you be willing to play Pro A or Pro B?

I would love to get back to Germany. My family loved it there and my son grew up there basically. But I would be willing to go anywhere to prove myself. If playing in the Pro A or B is what I have to do, then so be it.

When looking back on your career would you liked to have stayed longer with Phoenix Hagen had you had had the chance?

I certainly would have loved to stay there. I spent half of my career there and made lifelong friends there. It was a 2nd home for us.

Quantez Robertson is still going strong with the Fraport Skyliners in his seventh season. Where did he rank up with the toughest guys that you went head to head on the floor?

He gets a lot of respect from me. He competes every single night and never takes a play off. I love to play against guys like that because it makes you want to perform that much more.

Where does a David Bell rank in the best shooters that you have ever played with?

Dave is in the top 2. He put on some shows in Hagen. Him and Thomas Dreesen. It is unreal at how easy they make it seem.

Your ex teammate Michael Hakim Jordan is an assistant at Colgate university. Could you imagine getting into coaching one day?

I am in coaching now at the high school level. College is my ultimate goal though. Mike has a sharp mind for the game as well so it didn’t surprise me at all.

Who said this famous quote from a great documentary “We are the doormat of the league”? How many times have you seen the movie Phoenix in der Asche?

That was Mike at half time of the Frankfurt game. It was a true statement. No one respected us. I have only seen it one time. Still waiting on the DVD we were supposed to receive!!!

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you ever see him being mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

I am a big Jordan fan. There will never be another MJ. LBJ is the cream of the crop for his generation but he has some dudes beating on the door.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Woodlawn. It was a great film and really opened my eyes about faith and sports.

Thanks Quentin for the chat.

Brennan Mcelroy is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Decatur, Illinois playing his first professional season with TV 1872 Saarlouis (Germany-ProB. He played at Indianapolis (NCAA2) from 2010-2015 and as a senior played 19 games averaging 10.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 73.9%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 62.7%. He spoke to German Hoopsbefore the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

Brennan thanks for talking to German Hoops A tough 83-76 loss against the Uni Riesen Leipzig. The opponent closed out the game with a 8-0 run. How tough and why did Saarlouis fall in crunch time?

It was and is very tough. We played a good 35 minutes but that isn’t enough. We just weren’t able to hang on to the lead and that’s something we need to improve on.

Were you able to grab anything positive form the loss besides winning the rebound battle and dishing out a team 20 assists?

Hopefully we can keep winning the rebounding battle and sharing the ball, other than that we did some good things but the loss overlooks those things.

Saarlouis is now 1-5 and in their second season having come from a level down the Regionaliga. It will be hard to win games on a consistent level when the team gives up more points than what it makes. What do you believe are the biggest factors on the defensive end that need to be fixed?

There is always room for improvement. We need to take pride on defense and guard individually. Of course breakdowns will happen and that is when we need to trust our teammates to be there to help.

The three Americans of Ricky Easterling, Frank Snow and you average together more than half of the teams points. Is that German player that averages double figures missing on offense?

Its not that we need 1 top scorer, we as a team need to score more. Or if you look at it the other way, we need to not allow the other team to score as much and our offense will come.

Despite the 1-5 start, how positive are you that Saarlouis will be able to turn around their season and get on a winning streak?

I am still positive. We should be 4-2 right now. We let 2 slip at home and one on the road. We had the lead in all of these games. So we know we can play with the teams in this league but we just cant crack under pressure or hang our heads.

How has it been as a rookie playing with Ricky Easterling. How has his leadership and basketball knowledge helped you in the first two months?

Rick is not only a great teammate but a great friend. He has helped me on and off the court. He has been playing basketball for a long time and knows a lot about the game and how to adjust to what the opponent is doing. Off the court he has helped me get adjusted. As you know he has been here for 8 years and learned to speak German. I am very graateful for his help getting around town, meeting new friends, helping me at the store, and all that he has helped me with.

Does Saarlouis have to depend on Ricky Easterling for success? If he scores only 15 points then that is 10 less than what he usually makes. Does the team feel pressure to have to step it up on those occasions?

Rick is our go to guy. We know this and every team knows it as well. He is a great scorer but we can not only rely on him to win the games. We as a team need to be help accountable to score and defend. When teams are keyed in on him that gives the other 4 on the court more room to create for themselves.

Easterling lives off his unstoppable mid distance off balance game. Have you ever seen a player more dangerous than him in your career when he gets in the lane?

He is one of the best mid range shooters I have played with. I was fortunate enough in college to also play with some great shooters, but he is definitely up there at the top of the list.

What has been the most amazing shot he has made so far in a game or practice this season?

Its amazing when he misses. I am not used to seeing it. One shot I can remember is in a game he shot a running hook falling out of bounce and I remember thinking when he shot it “what was that” and sure enough it went in.

You are averaging 12,2ppg and 8,4rpg after five games. How happy have you been with your rookie performance so far?

I am happy I have stayed healthy and for the opportunity. I know I can do better and need to do so. I don´t worry about my offensive numbers and never have. I do take pride in stopping my man from scoring and being a selfish rebounder.

What exactly is your role on the team? What more does coach want from you besides scoring, rebounding and being a presence inside?

I do the “dirty work” I will dive for any ball, take a charge, guard any player on the court or do whatever we need me to do to be successful. I think coach knows that.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I think it’s the dirty work I talked about above. Everyone likes the scorers and so do I, without them basketball wouldn’t be basketball. But I take pride in my defense and would much rather stop my man from scoring than scoring myself.

How has the adjustment been for you coming from the NCAA2 from Indianapolis to the German Pro B? What has been the most difficult thing to get used to and where would you stack the Pro B in comparison with the NCAA2?

The rules are obviously different. Goaltending is one rule that is different but I like it. The 24 second clock is the hardest to get used to. I was on a very good college team and I know we could of kept up.

You were averaging 79,2% from the two point range and pretty much make all your shots. Easterling obviously takes many shots, but are you content with your shot selection or could you be taking more shots?

I hate missing, and shots around the basketball are the easiest. I have been working on my perimeter shot and will be taking more shots.

You played at Indianapolis and reached the NCAA 2 Sweet 16 in 2015. What will always be your most vivid memory of this run?

The friendships. I made some of my best friends on the team. I still talk to them 3-4 times a week. We had so much fun on that run. Practices were hard but winning made it all worth it.

You were known for growing your hair so you could take that hair and make it into a wig for a cancer patient. Other fans from schools didn´t catch on and made fun of you, but later apologized. What did you learn from this experience that made it long lasting?

I will donate it when I get back to America. I didn’t do it for the attention but I know I’m going to miss the hair when it is gone. I’ve gotten used to it.

How did Stan Gouard prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

I can not thank coach G enough for all he did for me in my career at UINDY. He was a great coach and still is. He was a professional basketball player himself and I think that experience has helped him become the great coach he is.

How important was teammate Joe Lawson last season for your game with the battles in practice? He plays in the German Pro A this season for Gotha.

Joe is a great player and I hope he has a great season. We had some battles in practice and it made us better players.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Joe Lawson?

We would go back and fourth. He would have his days and I would have mine. I am looking forward to playing him again.

Where will the journey of the Chicago Bulls go this season? Will they make noise in the playoffs?

I hope not! I am a huge LeBron James fan and I hope the Cavs will win it all. Bulls are always a tough match up for the Cavs and I hope they can get passed them in the playoffs.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

I hope so. I was to young to watch and understand basketball when MJ was playing. I know he was great, but so is LeBron James.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I am not a huge movie watcher. I am stuck watching a lot of Netflix. Just finished breaking bad and currently watching house of cards and the blacklist.

Thanks Brennan for the chat.

Karl Moore is a 203cm forward born in 1987 and is playing his second professional season with Telstar Hesperange (Luxembourg-N2). Last season as a rookie season for TV 1872 Saarlouis (Germany-ProB) he played 28 games averaging 16.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.7%, FT: 73.5%. He scored in double figures in 25 of 28 games including three double doubles. He scored 20 points or more eight times. His best scoring games was 28 points against Hanau and 27 points against BG Karlsruhe. He played college ball at Schoolcraft Community College (JUCO), Rio Grande(NAIA), and Culver Stockton (NAIA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and his next experience in Luxemburg.

Karl thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your second professional season in Luxemburg for Telstar Hesperange (Luxembourg-N2). You aren´t too far away from Saarlouis, but are in a different country. Is the fact that your in Luxemburg and not Germany noticeable?

Thank you once again for writing another article about me Miles. It’s always a pleasure expressing myself on the largest website in Europe. I am aware that thousands of people will read this article. I don’t expect for it to motivate each individual that may read this, but I do hope that it will inspire a group of people who may know about the grind and the long road that it takes for hidden talent to be successful in this market. Back to the question that you asked, as we know Germany is a much bigger country then Luxembourg. When comparing the two countries the game of basketball in Germany is respected more over Luxembourg. One of the best things about being noticed in Luxembourg is by word of mouth. Everyone talks to everyone here because the country is not all that big. That can be an advantage on getting recognized for any player here that is dominating in their conference.

You signed very late in the summer and are playing second division in Luxemburg. Besides winning games what is your main goal of accomplishing for your personal game this season?

To continue to outwork my opponents so that I can be granted an opportunity to play in a top league somewhere. Even if it’s a workout or try out. When I get at that level of competition, I will be sure to change the mindset of those who care more about a player background rather than their work ethic. I believe that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

You are tearing up the league averaging 37 points, but the team is struggling with a record of 2-5. Can one enjoy personal great games despite the team losing?

No, it is difficult for me at the time to enjoy seeing how much hard work that I put in over the summer is paying off this season. Nothing is fun at all when you lose close games. My family and friends back at home see my stats and become happy to see how well that I am playing at the top of my game right now. But they don’t see the other side. Not the side when you win a game and everyone is excited, cheering you on, and making sure that you are taken good care of. But the side when you hit a losing streak and things around you start to slowly fall apart and nobody really wants to speak to you after the game.

What have been the main reasons for the club´s bad start at 2-5?

Our team only practice three times a week for an hour and half. The majority of the players can only show up to practice once a week because of school and the jobs that they work. Not having a full team during weekly practice don’t improve our team chemistry. None of our Luxembourg players are getting paid to play so for most of them they have to focus on bettering their future off the court.

How vital is it in this league to have a second strong import player?

It is very vital to have a second American to relieve pressure from off the other American. Luxembourg like to try and find very good American because they are able to pay much more then what an American will make playing in Germany (pro b).

How have you been meshing with American Robert Carpenter? Can you guys rise your game as a duo?

Robert and I connect well on and off the court. I love the fact that he loves to praise God as much as I do. We both understand the situation that we are currently in. We are fully aware that this is a dog eat dog business and sometimes politics get the best out of it. We talk about basketball all the time. Sometimes we talk about random basketball players playing across seas in top leagues and getting paid triple the amount that we are making and are only averaging eight points or less a game. We sit and wonder was it a division one college that got those type of players making that type of money, was it really hard work, or was it who that person knew. We can most definitely turn it up another notch in rising our game as a duo because of the most important goal that we have in common. Which is to move this team from division two to division one.

You are averaging 37 points per game. Does it feel like you are a man among boys on the court?

I am averaging 37 points per game because of the mentality that I now have. Which is much stronger then the way that I thought last season while playing in Germany. I am getting no younger. I can´t afford to take no more small offers after this job, I am fed up with seeing my family back at home struggle, and I am tired of going back home working summer jobs to earn some extra cash. Regardless of what league that I play in, I am going to treat any opponent as if they are taking food off my family plate. I have family that’s depending on me. I told myself before I found out that there was an opening position in Luxembourg that my second year as a professional player was going to be my break out year. Last season, I averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds in 21 minutes, due to the fact that the team had three Americans. At the pro b level, only two Americans is allowed to be on the court at one time. Regardless of how people may look at the competition here in Luxembourg. I am averaging 37 points so far because I am playing almost 40 minutes a game. The only thing that stopped me from averaging more points in Germany (pro b) was the lack of minutes. Don’t just take my word for it. Soon people who have been following my career will see that my God given talent can dominate when I am playing on any level.

What is the main difference between this league and the German Pro B where you played last season?

The German players are much better then Luxembourg players but there is no difference with the Americans. German Pro B also update their stats on eurobasket every game. Out here we are seven games into the season and nothing has been updated on eurobasket. The only proof for now that I have is if I take a picture of the score board or upload game film to my facebook page.

When you dominate and play so well does one tend to only to utilize one´s strength´s or does this also give you an opportunity to work on other parts of your game?

Every game I find myself working on something new because of the scouting report on me. Everyone knows that I am a left handed crafty player. Not to sound cocky but I am stating facts, until this day, I haven’t run into a player that can stop me from going left. I find myself working on going strong to the right at times to make the game much easier, since everyone knows that I like to go left. I am used to being double teamed because of my ability to take anyone to the rim or shoot over an opponent when being guarded one on one. Luxembourg is the first place where I have to get used to being tripled teamed. During the times they send three players at me, I try to work on my court vision by trying to figure out where my teammates are open at on the floor when I am surrounded by three players inside of the three point line.

Do you help some of the younger Luxemburg players on their game? You may only be in your second season, but I am sure the players listen to what you say?

Yes, I help as much as possible. They all are a good group of young players. I find myself talking a lot more on the court during games more than I do in practice. Because of the respect that I showed them, they show it in return. Whenever I have something to say I have their undivided attention.

You scored 54 points in your first game. Did it scare you a little that you were able to score so much in your debut?

Yes, it did scare me. It wasn’t like it was an easy 54 points. I was being guarded by an almost seven foot experienced player who enjoys blocking shots. I didn’t know that I had 54 points until the game was over. I then began to think about how I could easily had 60+ points if I would have made this shot or didn’t miss that shot. At the same time, I knew that I was going to have a good start over here. A great prophet (Amere May) had spoken a word from God into my life. He had said that two sponsors going to want to sponsor me and that I will be walking into a six figure contract. I believe that God word don’t return to Him void so until that day approaches, I will continue to work hard on and off the court.

With what kind of mind set do you go into every game knowing that you can score many points. Do you get hungrier with every game to score even more?

I go into every game with the mindset of how can I make my teammates better. I know that I will be double teamed which will leave someone open on the floor. I believe that I will soon beat my own scoring record of 54 points. I never put up these type of numbers constantly the way that I am now. First game I had first 54pts, second game 26pts, third game 37pts, fourth game 31pts, fifth game 33pts, and sixth game 38pts.

You recently had an offer from a German pro B team, but their offer was too little. How badly do you want to return to Germany to show what you have?

Yes, it was my agent (Sevag Keucheyan) decision on not accepting the offer. Germany is a great place but I would like to play in a top league somewhere else to explore the world being that there are a lot of countries across the world.

Your ex team Saarlouis is struggling but as always your ex teammate Ricky Easterling is doing his thing and nobody still hasn´t figured out how to contain his deadly mid range shot. How much do you miss playing with him?

I miss playing with Ricky a lot. We was like the Germany pro b version Westbrook and Durant. One of the best things about staying an hour away from Saarlouis is that I go work out with Ricky. Me and Robert work out with him every Monday and Wednesday morning. We shoot in the gym for an hour and a half then go lift weights afterwards.

How did you celebrate Halloween in Luxemburg? What was your fondest Halloween memory as a kid?

I hung out with two friends in K-Town. My fondest Halloween memory as a kid was when I went treat-or-treating for the first time with a couple of friends. I had two big garbage bags filled with candy. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to go trick-or-treating. My mother made it a priority to go to church on that night.

Steph Curry recently dropped 53 points. Do you see him breaking 70 or 80 points in the future?

One of the best things that I like about Steph Curry is that he acknowledged God a lot on national television. Seeing the way that he praise God and play reminds me of the bible scripture “in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (proverbs 3:6)

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie that I saw was the perfect guy.

Thanks Karl.

Gerald Robinson is a 26 year old 189cm guard from Nashville, Tennessee playing his fourth professional season and first with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA). He started his basketball career in 2007 with Tennessee St. (NCAA) where he played two years and played 62 NCAA games. He then moved to Georgia (NCAA) playing a total of 65 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games: 14.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.7%. He Started his professional basketball career in 2012 with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 28 games: 14.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he played with Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League): 28 games: 12.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 76.8%; Balkan League: 14 games: 13.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 84.1%. Last season he played with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL, starting five): VTB United League: 25 games: Score-3(17.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 85.7%; Latvian LBL: 17 games: Score-1(17.2ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-5(4.2apg), Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 88.2%; Eurocup: 10 games: 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-4(2.0spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 69.6%; Euroleague: 1 game: 14pts, 2reb, 1ast, 1steal. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup clash against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in Vechta.

Gerald thanks for talking to German Hoops. You will be facing off against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg on wednesday in Vechta. Will this be your first visit to Germany? What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball?

I don’t know much about German basketball, but one of my good friends Alex Renfroe who I grew up with plays in Munich. I have been to places like Duesseldorf and Cologne when I was playing in Belgium

You are playing your fourth professional season and first with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA). This is your fourth country after Belgium, Israel and Latvia. Does living the nomadic basketball life still go hand in hand with your youth?

Yes it does. I am a versatile guy and have no other variables at the moment from keeping me from moving around.

You are playing your first season with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA) and currently the team is 3-2 having won the first two, but currently have suffered a three game losing streak. What hasn´t the team been doing right anymore during the last three games?

We haven´t playing our brand of basketball that we know how. We haven´t been shooting well and just not clicking and being efficient. We continue to defend well, but we have to bring our offense to another notch if we want to win on a consistent rate.

In Eurocup play JSF Nanterre (France-ProA) has a 2-1 record. There are still some guys there from last seasons Eurochallenge win with Mykal Riley and TJ Campbell. How hungry are these guys as well as the team to make the next step and be successful in Eurocup play?

Everyone from the top to the bottom of the organization is hungry to win. The organization has won many titles and are excited and motivated to add another one. Our goal is to compete to win.

You have played with many talented guards in your career, but how trilling has it been playing with 175cm guard TJ Campbell this season. How much better does the creativity of both make the team?

We compliment each other well. We both have different styles, but we both like to get up and down the court and help each other out. It is really nice to play with a player like TJ who can create.

Last season you played for VEF Riga (Latvia) VTB United League: 25 games: Score-3(17.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 85.7%; Latvian LBL: 17 games: Score-1(17.2ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-5(4.2apg), Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 88.2%; Eurocup: 10 games: 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-4(2.0spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 69.6%;. It was your best season as a professional. Do you feel pressure this season to put up numbers or does the deeper Nanterre team give you some breathing room?

I don´t think about it. I go out perform to the best of my ability and hope will add wins to the win column.

You put up big numbers in the VTB league last season as well as the Eurocup. How do you feel were you able to improve your game last season best?

Last season it was the first time in my career that I was the go to guy and a guy where the defense focused on me. I think that being consistent is what I improved most. I don´t go out to play one great game and then five bad games. I want to always be consistent.

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

I can´t think of one off the top of my head.

In your second professional season you played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League). You had solid stats but won no hardware playing for head coach Sharon Drucker. Many Americans like Israel. What was your fondest memory from your year there?

I enjoyed the whole experience on and off the court. Off the court the weather was always nice. There is so much history there that I could go and see many sites. On the court we played in two competitions so I played many games and was able to learn a lot as the coach gave me time to gain experience.

As a rookie you played for Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Ethias League) playing 28 games: 14.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.5%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in europe where you knew you were far from home?

I didn´t have a wake up call. I never got homesick. We had 5 Americans on the team and three were rookies. With being so close to Holland, Germany and France, I could visit many places and be in a new country after a one hour drive. In the states it can take up to three hours to go from city to city. Being able to be in other places so quickly made the transition easier for me.

You played your first two college years with Tennessee St. (NCAA) and in your second season played 30 games: 17.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3Pts: 27.8%, FT: 77.2%. What were the main reasons for moving on to Georgia for your last two seasons?

I had many good offers from high major schools coming from high school, but chose Tennessee State. I did well in those two years against top major teams and decided that I wanted to challenge myself more so I went to Georgia. I was also still close to home.

Georgia had some good players, but didn´t make any noise at March Madness. When you look back at those two seasons what do you think was missing for more success?

The reason is March Madness as anything can happen in this time. We had great players like Trey Thompkins who plays for Real Madrid or Travis Leslie who plays for medi Bayreuth. We lost to a good Washington team.

How did Mark Fox prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career at Georgia?

I learned so much from Mark Fox. He taught me not to choose a day to be great, but you need to compete every day and even on the days where your feeling bad. He helped me to become a man on and off the court.

You played a season with current Detroit Pistons guard Kentavicious Pope-Caldwell. Were you sure then he would be a future NBA player or a player that would go overseas?

I always knew that he would go to the NBA. He is a very talented kid. His energy and motivation to work hard stood out. He has the frame and skill to be a good defender and scorer. The NBA game fits his style.

What memories do you have of Marcus Thornton who is starting his professional career this season with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A)?

He is like my little brother. I am close to all guys I have played with. He isn´t undersized, but a physical four man. Once he understands the European game, I think that he will have long career there.

Who was the best player that you battled against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

I can´t choose one as I played against so many.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

I don´t want to be a prisoner of the moment. I didn´t watch Michael Jordan when he was doing greatness.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Usual Suspects.

Thanks Gerald for the chat.

Halloween may be three nights old and usually the theme lingers on in the States for days after with broken pumpkins or egg remains rotting away on window targets of poor residents who never knew what hit their house, but in Germany Halloween isn´t as popular or domineering as in Cincinnati where Fraport Skyliners seven year veteran Quantez Robertson hails from like in any other city there are numerous traditions dating back as far as to the late 1880s when these pranks started there with boys taking to the streets and doing mischief like removing signs and knocking over outhouses, and building bonfires or thugs stealing pushcarts and running wagons into the canal where the Central Parkway is located today. In the 1920s, communities began supplying a treat of candy and doughnuts as an alternative to pranks and vandalism. Trick-or-treating did attract the youngest, but older kids continued making mischief. When one observes Quantez Robertson off the court, he is a low key guy that watches a lot, but can joke around like any other 30 year old, but when he is on the court he is definitely a player that creates mischief not only in Halloween terms but also in terms of his defense as he has been one of the top defenders in the Beko BBL since entering the league in 2009 and has never averaged less than 1,3spg as a professional. This season new point guard Jordan Theodore has stolen his show a bit as he currently is averaging 1,8spg while Robertson is 1,0spg. Possibly Robertson could even raise his steal average if he would be outfitted each game with a special costume to totally scare his opponents and bring them to cough up the ball more, but at the moment Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert doesn´t need to rely on these Halloween tactics as he can be very pleased with the defense of Frankfurt as it is helping them win games the most at the moment as well as his roster getting totally healthy again. In their current 4 game winning streak the team has given up an average of only 65 games as their keen and accurate scouting report of their opponent is becoming more and more despised, but is a big reason for their key to success. Halloween or no Halloween, the Fraport Skyliners were back at work again in Fiba Europe Cup looking for their fifth win in a row and were dressed in their normal uniform costumes and no Halloween theme anywhere to be seen as they met Slovenian team KK Novo Mesto and once again had to grind out a difficult win as last week Leiden gave them immense problems and this week they grinded out a tough 67-65 win as their offense was as desolate in the first half as Siberia, but in the second half it was Quantez Robertson and Jordan Theodore that supplied the fire power helping Frankfurt get back on track. After the game it didn´t take Robertson long to describe what mask could of scared away Novo Mesto early. “They weren´t afraid of us all game long. I think if we would have had five Leatherface masks from the Texas Chain Saw movie then that would of scared them away”, smiled Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson. Novo Mesto fell to 1-1 and played their hearts out and just came up a bit short at the end. “We knew that Frankfurt was a good team. We opened game up well defending well and Frankfurt didn´t hit shots. We wanted to continue to play like this in the second half, but Frankfurt found their rhythm and made shots. When you are down 10, it is tough to come back even if we had a chance at the end”, stressed Serb Dusan Katnic. The staple of Frankfurt´s success remains their defense, but their offense remains a problem. “We had problems executing in the first half and missing shots. We had problems getting through contact on the penetration. In the second half we found our rhythm and everybody got involved”, added Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as German national player Johannes Voigtmann who scored 14 points in 19 minutes in Hagen in his return back after an injury hit his first shot with a catch and pop. However Novo Mesto took the lead on a wild Mirko Mulaic desperation shot as the shot clock was down at two seconds and Katnic followed with free throws as Frankfurt trailed 5-2. Frankfurt couldn´t get much going on offense and when they did it was more one on one plays as Quantez Robertson found some daylight and made a two handed dunk to cut the lead to 5-4. Serb Stefan Sinovec and Johannes Voigtmann then traded buckets and Luka Lapornik made a lay in as Novo Mesto led 9-6. Novo Mesto continued to hold the lead as they simply were more under control and executing better as 26 year old Igor Tratnik who played for three teams in Iceland showed his 207cm range from outside drilling home a trey as Frankfurt trailed 11-8. Frankfurt stayed strong even if their offense was sputtering but cut the Novo Mesto lead to 13-10 as Jordan Theodore found Mike Morrison for the easy lay in and still trailed 13-10. Novo Mesto ended the first quarter carrying the momentum as Sinovec made a steal and went coast to coast for the lay in and then it was Mulalic again who dropped a prayer that somehow went in closing out the first quarter as Novo Mesto led 18-11. “We played ok defense but had no rhythm on offense and missed open looks”, stressed Florida native Mike Morrison. Novo Mesto was shooting 60% form the field and 100% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 0% from outside. Novo Mesto had the 6-5 rebound edge and five turnovers as Frankfurt had six turnovers.

In the second quarter, The Fraport Skyliners were able to cut the Novo Mesto lead to two points, but Novo Mesto was able to close out the second quarter on a 9-4 run and lead 30-23 at halftime as the Frankfurt offense continued to be in a nasty winter sleep that even had problems of melting with small glimpses of heat in their offense. However the Fraport Skyliners actually had a solid start into the second quarter going on a 8-3 run to trail Novo Mesto only 21-19. 21 year old Max Merz who was in Australia for the first six months of 2015 got the 2004 Beko BBL champion on the board first with a magnificent floater. Both teams attacked the paint with success as Morrison scored inside and Robertson scored with a nifty left handed lay in while Slovenian talent Ziga Dimec who led the Telemach league the last two seasons in field goal percentage scored. However the Fraport Skyliners were unable to hold that offensive power as Novo Mesto went on their run to go into halftime with the seven point lead. Frankfurt began to miss shot after shot and were coughing up the ball too many times which Novo Mesto used to their advantage to keep their lead. It was 29 year old 211cm work horse Jure Lalic who supplied seven of the nine Novo Mesto points doing damage inside and scoring at ease. Frankfurt got production from Robertson and Doornekamp. “We still couldn´t get going. They packed the lane well and forced us too tough shots”, expressed Mike Morrison. Novo Mesto was shooting35% from the field and 25% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 35% from the field and 0% from the three point line. Both teams had 17 rebounds a piece and Frankfurt had nine turnovers and Novo Mesto had six turnovers.

It is very hard to hold a team like the Fraport Skyliners offense less for 40 minutes and in the third quarter, the club finally broke out of their offensive funk going on a 14-3 run to recapture the lead back at 37-32. In the run the main figures were Americans Quantez Robertson and Jordan Theodore who combined for nine of the 14 Frankfurt unanswered points. Robertson nailed the teams first three pointer of the game after it had been 0/7. Theodore started finding more space and picking his spots better as he hit a mid distance shot and trey. Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp also made a running hook shot in the run. The Refs were calling the game close and both teams had suffered their fifth team foul with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Lalic, Matej Rojc and Sinnovec hit free throws and for Frankfurt it was Barthel. Doornekamp and Katnic traded three pointers as suddenly Frankfurt led only 42-40. Frankfurt had problems at the free throw line as Morrison and Doornekamp hit only one a piece allowing Novo Mesto to get closer again as Katnic continued to be hot from downtown nailing a trey cutting the Frankfurt lead to 44-43. However in the last two minutes, Frankfurt buckled down on defense getting big shots and extended their lead to 50-43 as 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little connected on a one hand floater and free throws and Morrison was successful twice from the free throw line. “Coach Herbert told us at halftime that we had to execute better and play more together. We stepped up our defensive pressure which got us going getting on fast break and getting to the free throw line”, stressed Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 37% from the field and 17% from the parking lot while Novo Mesto was shooting 32% from the field and 29% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 29-23 rebound edge and both teams had 11 turnovers a piece.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners kept the lead, but never fully escaped from Novo Mesto as they had one last shot on the final play for the win, but were unable to connect. Tratnik got Novo Mesto on the board first with a three pointer, but the Frankfurt offense was in better shape now in the second half and they were having more luck now as Quantez Robertson nailed a step back jumper against man to man coverage with two seconds on the shot clock and silver medalist at the 2015 University games Konstantin Klein hit a three point bank shot that wasn´t his intention after observing his look after hitting the shot, but at that point Frankfurt took any offense they could get success off of and were leading 55-47. Novo Mesto continued to fight staying in the game as Lapornik hit a pull up jumper cutting the Frankfurt lead to 55-51. Frankfurt then drifted away on a 7-1 run to have their biggest lead of the game at 62-52. Theodre had found his range nailing two off balance mid distance shots and Robertson hit another three pointer. After Lalic free throws, it was Theodore who scored with authority making a tough reverse lay up as Frankfurt led 64-54 and the first fans were leaving as there seemed like nothing could rattle Frankfurt from taking home the win, but Novo Mesto had different ideas. They closed out the game with a 11-3 run almost catching Frankfurt with their pants down and going home with a bitter 67-65 loss. Frankfurt went back to old habits again of the first quarter not being able to execute on offense and not taking care of the ball in crunch time. Novo Mesto got to the free throw line as Ivanov and Lapornik made free throws to cut the Frankfurt lead to 66-60. After another Frankfurt miss, it was Ivanov that made a key lay in cutting the Frankfurt lead to 66-62. Still with under a minute to play, much still had to go right for the Slovenian team to prevail, but they continued to do everything right and hit shots. Morrison could of sealed the win with two free throws, but made only one as Frankfurt led 66-62. With 20 seconds to play it was Sinovec hitting a clutch three pointer to cut the Frankfurt lead to 67-65. Frankfurt coughed up the ball with 3,2 seconds to play under their own basket and the ball fell into the hands of sharp shooter Dusan Katnic, but he quickly was double teamed and heaved up an air ball ending the game. “We defended very well at the end. However we needed to have been closer earlier instead of being able to win with three seconds. We need to play like the first half in each game in order to advance”, stressed Dusan Katnic. “It looked like Barthel was fouled at the end. Luckily Jordan Theodore and I were on their shooter and we put our hands up. The most positive thing was getting the win. We have much to work on. We have to get a better flow on offense. We can be a much better team”, stated John Little. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 17 points while Jordan Theodore had 13 points. Novo Mesto was led by Jure Lalic and Dusan Katnic with 13 points a piece. Frankfurt shot 40% from the field and 21% from outside while Novo Mesto shot 36% from the field and 31% from outside, Frankfurt won the rebound battle 34-29 and had 15 turnovers while Novo Mesto had 14 turnovers.