Lakeem Jackson is a 24 year old 196cm forward from Charlotte, North Carolina that will play his third professional season and first in Germany with German Pro A team RheinStars. He played his first two professional seasons with BK Iskra Svit (Slovakia-SBL). He started his basketball career in 2009 with South Carolina(NCAA) where he played a total of 120 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games averaging 7.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 33.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 74-68 win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen.

Lakeem thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 74-68 win against Essen at home. You had been in the Lanxess arena before seeing the German national team battle France. What kind of a feeling is it lacing it up in this huge arena

A Great feeling! Just being able to have fans and supporters come out and fill up a venue like the Lanxess Arena was a great experience.

After two loses in a row how much urgency did you feel was present within the team to get this win?

Obviously after two wins, as a team you have to go back and see what went wrong. But we act silly learned something new about ourselves as a team in those two losses and it helped us get back on track.

It was another very tight game where Cologne came up big at the end as the winner. Is the team still getting used to winning these type of games or do you feel that it is slowly becoming a Positive habit?

Not really sure. Each game that we’ve won starts and ends with us a whole. Once we learn how to finish games the way we want, we will not be in those situations

Essen stayed very feisty in the fourth never allowing you to fully get away. They cut it down to two points with a minute to play. What was giving the team the biggest difficulty at that point not to be in a more comfortable setting score wise?

It was partly our fault. We went a couple minutes where we couldn’t make a shot, then they got s couple and 1 shots.

In the last minute free throws and a technical foul and Aaron Jones bucket sealed the win. One never really talks about it but honestly how vital is it to never forget to get in some extra time after practice working on free throws?

Definitely something all players should do. Building muscle memory and getting extra reps in is a must

Do you feel a little lucky with getting the win because the team shot only 52% from the free throw line?

I think it just means we did a lot of other things well.

I know I have stressed this over and over about how needed the scoring input is from the four Americans, but tonight German Tim Van Der Velde stepped up and scored 10 points. Do you sense that the young Germans are becoming more comfortable from game to game with their roles and scoring punch ability?

Yes each player on the team knows what they bring to the team and they all have confidence in themselves to go out and play hard for the team every night.

How more valuable is German Jonathan Malu becoming who supplied big man versatility with seven points, seven boards and two assists?

Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be going up against him in an opposite jersey. He’s a guy that comes off the bench and gives us a spark on the boards and offensively as well.

Before the two loses you had a three game winning streak where you won each game by a close margin. What did the team get away from in that two game losing streak?

Just mental mistakes. Every game we lost, it was nothing the opponents did, we did it to ourselves. But I think we are making the right steps as a team.

You led the team in rebounds, but had an off shooting night scoring only four points. Will you do extra film of this game and watch what you did on the floor or just go back to the gym and work hard on your game and get up extra shots?

Honestly I’ll just get back in the gym and work on my games. Whenever I perform like that, I try to forget it and focus on the next game

How did you experience your first Halloween in Germany? What will always remain your Halloween highlight as a kid?

Halloween was cool. Everyone in the city of Cologne was dressed up and I saw some funny costumes. My highlight from Halloween that I’ll never forget would probably be going house to house getting candy with my friends

What was the last movie that you saw?

The gift.

Thanks Lakeem for the chat.

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 74-68 win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen.

Alex thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 74-68 win against Essen at home. You had been in the Lanxess arena before seeing the German national team battle France. What kind of a feeling is it lacing it up in this huge arena?

Its definitely a special feeling. I think our organization does a good job converting the giant arena into a space that fits us well. It’s the perfect venue to get people interested in basketball again in Cologne. I’m really looking forward to playing there again.

After two loses in a row how much urgency did you feel was present within the team to get this win?

There was no panicking, but we all agreed that we could be and needed to be better in order to win. Even after yesterday’s win, we still feel like we can get better. I know we’re going to get there and I’m glad we were able to bounce back from those two losses.

It was another very tight game where Cologne came up big at the end as the winner. Is the team still getting used to winning these type of games or do you feel that it is slowly becoming a positive habit?

We have confidence in making winning plays at the end of the game, but we definitely don’t want to make a habit of keeping the game so close. In all of our wins, we should have sealed up the win earlier. Good teams don’t let their opponent back in the game after they’re ahead. We’re still working towards that.

Essen stayed very feisty in the fourth never allowing you to fully get away. They cut it down to two points with a minute to play. What was giving the team the biggest difficulty at that point not to be in a more comfortable setting score wise?

I think we stopped executing our offense well and starting trying to make plays on our own. The game got pretty sloppy in the fourth and they were able to take advantage of that. We need to be more detailed throughout the stretch.

In the last minute free throws, a technical foul and Aaron Jones bucket sealed the win. One never really talks about it but honestly how vital is it to never forget to get in some extra time after practice working on free throws?

Coach Woltmann has us shoot a lot of free throws during practice, so he definitely understands how important it is. Lots of games are won or lost at the free throw line, so its an aspect of the game that deserves extra attention.

Do you feel a little lucky with getting the win because the team shot only 52% from the free throw line?

We earned the win, but we also left some points on the table by shooting poorly from the line. I think it goes back to being more detailed. Making free throws puts teams away and we didn’t do that last night.

I know I have stressed this over and over about how needed the scoring input is from the four Americans, but tonight German Tim Van Der Velde stepped up and scored 10 points. Do you sense that the young Germans are becoming more comfortable from game to game with their roles and scoring punch ability?

Tim was huge for us last night. He’s played a starting role in past seasons so I wasn’t surprised that he stepped up when we needed him. Leon Baeck and Lenny Steffen have also been contributing off the bench. We also had two of our youngest players, Leon Okapara and Antonio Pilipovic, make plays. They’re all good players and I think their confidence will continue to grow as the season continues.

How more valuable is German Jonathan Malu becoming who supplied big man versatility with seven points, seven boards and two assists?

Jonny has been playing great and really helps our team. He’s super strong and nightmare for me in practice, so I imagine opposing bigs aren’t very excited when he checks in.

Before the two loses you had a three game winning streak where you won each game by a close margin. What did the team get away from in that two game losing streak?

Those losses exposed our weaknesses as a team that we need to improve. I really hate losing, but also think that it can make you better if you learn from it.

You had a solid offensive game, but I am sure your still not happy with your overall shooting percentage, but you had three steals. Personally how much can a good defensive performance outweigh an average offense game for you?

I want to be a complete player and that means being good on both ends of the floor. I won’t make every shot, but there’s no excuse for playing bad defense. Plus no matter how many points you score, you won’t help your team win if you give them back up on defense.

How did you experience your first Halloween in Germany? What will always remain your Halloween highlight as a kid?

I was excited to see that Germany has embraced Halloween, because its one of my favorite holidays. My best Halloween memory was when I dressed up as Luke Skywalker and ran into Darth Vader while trick-or-treating. We had a full-on lightsaber battle and it was awesome.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Me Earl and the Dying Girl.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

When you watch Limburg Baskets head coach Danny Stallbohm on the sidelines during a hard fought game he is usually very focused on each play like a lovable wild boar is on its next prey on a barren field not far away from the Tilemann school in Limburg, but at times he can also be very verbal and in an aroused state when his team isn´t playing the way he should. His son Justin is a 22 year old 182cm point guard that started his career with the Eintracht Frankfurt u-18 team in 2009 and is playing his fifth season with Limburg. He is a high energy guard that stays on his man like an agitated pit bull who hasn´t had enough dinner and likes to shoot long bombs from the parking lot. When looking at both guys and keeping in mind that it was October 31^st Halloween and also the 30^th anniversary of the cult American movie Back to the Future, one could of taken a moment from thinking about basketball and their next fierce opponent the 6-0 Conlog Baskets Koblenz and wondered how amazing father and son could of looked like in the perfect Halloween costume. Wrap coach Danny into a white like drape and put on a wig and he could be the perfect double for Doc Brown who was portrayed by legendary actor Christopher Lloyd while encircle son Justin with the classic faded 1985 Levi jeans, button down shirt, jean jacket, a two-tone puffer vest and a pair of John Mayer-endorsed Nike Bruins and he would be the perfect Marty Mcfly character. Of course Justin would also have to get the typical haircut parted in the middle. Maybe the father and son duo being outfitted like 1985 as Doc Brown and Marty Mcfly could of scared and irritated their opponent Conlog Baskets Limburg, but instead the father and son duo as the cult Back To The Future characters didn´t arrive in the time machine flying Delorean, but were dressed like they always were and were ready for battle. However Koblenz came ready to play and the Stallbohm father and son act of Danny and Justin didn´t have their Back to the future disguises of Doc Brown and Marty Mcfly to scare away Conlog Koblenz as the guests trounced the Baskets Limburg 118-81. “We didn´t play good defense, but overall if we play like this against the other teams we will do well. Koblenz had a lot of experience and should win. We were only down 12 points at half and we missed easy shots in the first half. In the second half our defense fell apart and they capitalized on our misses and got more into transition. They also killed us inside. Koblenz is on a mission to move up, but I think that they will get some problems from other teams. We have to focus on the other teams”, added Baskets Limburg head coach Danny Stallbohm. “We gave it our all, but we need to play better as a team. We got killed inside. Our guards have to help out more. We played too much 1-1 in the second half which hurt us. They scored too many fast break baskets. We were the smaller team and should of ran more instead of vice versa. I missed seeing the costumes here, but Halloween isn´t as big here as carnival. Those Back to the future costumes would have been funny though”, stressed Justin Stallbohm. Conlog Koblenz had a few rough first minutes, but then coasted to victory easily. “We were a bit shell shocked at the start as we weren´t used to their press and trap. But after that we settled and played good basketball. We have been together since August 1 and trust the process and each other. The coach gives me confidence and leadership and the team roles with me. I will do anything for them and vice versa”, warned American Harry Boyce who last season played for Al Ittisalat (Egypt-Superleague).

Fraport Skyliners assistant coach Eric Detlev was at the game scouting a big German prospect and the Baskets Limburg raced out to the quick 4-0 lead as the atmosphere was humming in the Limburg gym as 50 Koblenz fans had added to the loud yelling already present as Lithuanian Deividas Baika who played for Nordlingen last season scored two quick buckets inside. However Conlog Koblenz somehow weren´t amazed by the guests and took the lead scoring three unanswered baskets as ex Elchlingen forward Milan Kolovrat and Latvian and ex APS Filippos Veroias (Greece-A2)Martins Abele scored as the guests showed their big man presence early. Conlog Koblenz would never look back as they slowly would build their lead. Both teams were playing a fast style which surprisingly fit Conlog Koblenz more than the smaller team Baskets Limburg. Conlog Koblenz continued to do heavy damage inside as they ended the first quarter on a 10-4 run to lead 22-14. Ex SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf forward Dominique Tholey and Norman Klein got easy buckets inside. 195cm guard from Missouri City, Texas and Georgia St. (NCAA) Joshua Micheaux closed out the scoring for the Baskets Limburg with a power lay in.

In the second quarter Conlog Limburg continued to remain in control as they went on a 6-0 run to lead big 30-18 as Milan Kolovrat and Harry Boyce put pressure inside and were rewarded with easy buckets. Conlog Koblent continued to supply enormous pressure inside as they knew that was the sore spot of the Baskets Limburg as their big men Abele and Kolovrat did what they wanted got rebounds and made put backs at regularity. Here and there the Baskets Limburg would have some fine moments on offense where the ball was popping around and a Justin Stallbohm finished off with a three cutting the Conlog Koblenz lead to 39-28, but overall their biggest problem was defensive consistency and keeping the opponents bigs out of the paint. Even when Conlog didn´t score they were getting to the free throw line and being consistent while the Baskets Limburg had their difficulty sinking free throws on this Halloween night. Conlog Koblenz also was defending very well and doing a good job getting into the passing lanes of the Baskets Limburg which almost always led to steals and easy fast break baskets. Justin Stallbohm closed out the second quarter with a big buzzer beater three pointer cutting the Conlog Koblenz lead to 47-35 which was respectable considering the huge roster and experience advantage that Conlog Koblenz had to work with.

Even the most staunch Limburg supporter must of known deep down that with more minutes played the more tired the team would get which would give the risk of caving in and that is exactly what happened as fatigue started to already appear in the third quarter as Conlog Koblenz broke the game wide open outscoring the Baskets Limburg 32-14 to lead 79-49 after three quarters. Conlog Koblenz jumped on Limburg going on a 8-2 run to quickly extend their lead to 55-39 as Tholey did more damage inside with a lay in and dunk, Kolovrat scored on the third try as there was zero resistance inside from Limburg and Boyce made a lay in. 27 year old German Konstantin Schneider also got into the scoring mode scoring back to back buckets on the fast break as it seemed like that was where all the Conlog production was coming from. Boyce made a pretty running one hand dunk which was followed by a Tholey dunk as the Baskets Limburg were hit with a 19-6 run and were trailing 66-41. In the last four minutes the Baskets Limburg stayed with Conlog Koblenz, but just couldn´t gain any sufficient ground as they were behind 79-51 after 30 minutes as the game was more than decided. Conlog Koblenz continued to dominate inside doing what they wanted to as Kolovrat was a one man wrecking crew getting two buckets and big 15 year old German talent Isaac Bonga scored inside. Ex Eintracht Frankfurt guard Justin Stallbohm closed out the third quarter with freethrows.”We pushed the ball more in the third quarter. We didn´t play as fast in the first half. We upped our defensive intensity which helped our transition game”, stressed Harry Boyce. “We ran out of gas in the third. We just don´t have a deep bench”, added Danny Stallbohm.

In the fourth quarter the Baskets Limburg finally got some offense going scoring 32 points, but that still wasn´t good enough to help any in a comeback as Conlog Koblenz powered home 37 points as now it was just the moment for the players to add the finer tuning to their stats. Conlog Koblenz continued to hit the Baskets Limburg in the two spots where it bled the most and that was on transition and banging the ball inside whenever they could. A bright spot for the Baskets Limburg was ex VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers guard Henry Volkert who played 31 Pro B games for the BSW Sixers (ProB) as he scored 9 points in a span of three minutes. Defense had been put on the back burner by both teams in the second half and with the game decided one could witness more one on one play and some pretty dunks were also seen. Justin Stallbohm ended the game with what he does best which is shooting nailing a three pointer for good measure as the Baskets Limburg fell to 3-4 and were able to go home relived as despite it being Halloween, their 35 point loss wasn´t scary enough for any fans to leave the gym early as everyone stayed until the end. Conlog Koblenz had six players in double figures led by Milan Kolovrat with 23 points. Dominique Tholey and Harry Boyce added 18 points a piece and Martins Abele contributed 15 points. The Baskets Limburg were led by Joshua Micheaux with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists. Deividas Baika had 18 points while Henry Volkert and Justin Stallbohm chipped in with 17 points a piece. Conlog Koblenz finished the game shooting 54% from the field and 27% from outside while the Baskets Limburg shot 41% from the field and 25% from outside. Conlog Koblenz dominated the boards 54-28 and had 19 turnovers while the Baskets Limburg had 16 turnovers.

Ever since Phoenix Hagen entered the Beko BBL in 2009, head coach Ingo Freyer has had as an exciting regular season as summer off season putting together the best possible roster despite having as tight a budget as the trousers on FC Bayern Munich head coach Pep Gaurdiola on the sidelines. Of course it is as exciting challenge for Freyer to pick that perfect missing piece to the puzzle who will steer the playmaking at the point guard position as it is predicting how many goals a Robert Lewondowski will make in the next match for FC Bayern Munich football club. Freyer has had a pretty good feel for hauling in the right point guard over the last years as he reeled in Mr fantastic Mark Dorris from Pro A team Cuxhaven and he was able to become a vital fixture in the success of the team especially in their playoff season 2012-2013. He biggest coup was Davin White who brought much experience to Hagen after having already played 7 professional seasons, but had never played at as high a level as the BBL as he had torn apart the leagues in Mexico once averaging 28ppg and he didn´t disappoint in the BBL as he led the league in scoring and prompt was rewarded with a contract with La Bruixa d’Or Manresa (Spain-Liga Endesa) and this season will play with Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (Spain-Liga Endesa). Phoenix Hagen has also been a place for guards who came from lower leagues and were able to perform at a solid standard in the BBL and then remain at a high level as Henry Dugat moved on to France to Le Havre and Zamal Nixon is balling in the first Greek division this season. So who will be the next point guard to keep the reputation of the Phoenix Hagen point guard standing tall? Freyer decided on Brandon Jefferson who is a 23 year old 175cm guard from Flower Mound, Texas playing his second professional season after being a rookie last season with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) 48 games: Score-4(18.5ppg), 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-2(2.2spg), FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 88.0%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 88.5%. What really stood out in Finland was his consistency as he scored in double figures in 46 of 48 games. “My whole life, my coaches and parents have spoke to me about consistency. Always take that very seriously and want to bring my A game every time I step on the court. Can still develop it more though. Still have a long way to go though”, stressed Brandon Jefferson played at Metro State(NCAA2) and who looks up to Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas. So far through four games the diminutive guard is averaging 10,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 4,0apg which is very solid considering he came from the weaker Finish league, but his assist rate is as high as it has ever been in his career matching last season in the Eurochallenge. The American has a good head on his shoulders and like any professional knows there is room for improvement, but is on the right way to keep that Phoenix Hagen point guard legacy at a high standard. “To be honest, I’m not very pleased at all. Knowing what I’m capable of doing. I’m not going to make a big deal out of these first four games though. Need to move forward and go back to having fun out there on the court. Be myself. Don’t go into games thinking I need to get my assist up. Just do what the defense gives me. The more experience I gain, the better off I’ll be and my comfort level will be higher. The big men are bigger here in the BBL, but it’s nothing that I haven’t seen before. The biggest adjustment is really is inside my head. The mental focus on the game. Really developing the mental part of my game moving forward”, warned Brandon Jefferson. Phoenix Hagen have some very talented players and guys that can score, but a thin bench and it will be interesting to see how Jefferson can develop through the season with Phoenix Hagen as he balances scoring and playmaking with as many wins as possible.

Last season Phoenix Hagen finished in 13^th place in the Beko BBL. They were unable to beat any of the big three with Bamberg, Munich or Berlin, but had nice win against teams like Ulm, Ludwigsburg, Bonn and Artland. There biggest problem continues to be keeping their opponent from scoring many points as they relinquished 80 points or more 21 times and lost most shoot outs, but won a memorable one with 105-104 in Frankfurt in the opener. They did defend better near the end of the season as they kept teams to under 80 points in six straight games, but lost five of the six as for some strange reason they couldn´t get any offense going. Their offense as always was lethal, but then again unable to find a healthy balance with their defense when they were on the same page in a game.

They lost key offense players Larry Gordon and Todd Brown and defensive minded big men Dino Gregory and Keith Ramsey. They kept only one import player David Bell who should he continue to play in Hagen until he retired should have his number retired, because he has without doubt been the identity figure of the club for years and their most consistent offensive players. Other than that Ingo Freyer kept their young Germans with Niklas Geske, Moritz Krume and Jonas Grof with the hopes that they will develop further and aguy like Geske with more trust from the coach have his break out season. Freyer once again brought in interesting players with Adam Hess who returns for a second tour of duty as well as young and talented Americans Brandon Jefferson, DJ Covington and JJ Mann as well as Canadian Owen Klassen. He also brought back BBL veteran Ivan Elliot and basketball globetrotter Tommy Lee Smith. This season the club will continue to play their aggressive out of control defense and hope to force their opponent too as much turnovers as possible. After the first four games Phoenix Hagen is 2-2 and have beaten teams that they should of with Giessen and MBC, but lost to teams like FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm Ulm. They are averaging 80 points per game and giving up 86 per game. “We have a lot of potential. It’s still really early and we are working day in and day out to improve. Don’t really like how people say “higher teams” and that it’s okay if we lose to them. If you look at the box score or the games, we were in both of those games we lost. We had bad stretches in the third quarter in both games which cost us. That’s the slim margin of error that we can’t have against those teams. A lot of people look at this league and say there are the top 4 teams and everyone else in the league have the same talent level. I look at every game as an opportunity to get better and show how good Phoenix Hagen is. In my mind, when we lose to those so called “higher level” teams, it’s the same hurt that I would have if we lost to the other teams”, warned Brandon Jefferson. Defense also continues to be a lingering theme of improvement and the etam knows that as it has averaged giving up 90 points in a three game margin. “That definitely needs to come down and the biggest improvement we need to make is keeping the ball in front of us. One on one is critical. Take the challenge and keep your man in front of you”, added Brandon Jefferson.

Phoenix Hagen kept baby Shaq David Bell who is a 34 year old 187cm guard from Oakland, California playing his 13^th professional season and fifth with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Montana(NCAA) and in countries like Switzerland, France and Holland. He has been top 5 in scoring in the BBL every season and last season played 28 games: Score-2(17.7ppg), 3.7rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 86.5%. His leadership and scoring is his biggest strength. The club also held on to Germans Niklas Geske, Moritz Krume and Jonas Grof. Geske is a 21 year old 188cm guard playing his third season with Phoenix Hagen and played 52 BBL games in his first two seasons and last season played 33 games: 4.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.6apg. His speed, athleticism and game intelligence is what should help in his break through. Krume is a 21 year old 202cm forward that is playing his third season with the club and played 31 BBL games in the last two seasons. His inside out game is his biggest strength. Grof is a 19 year old 201cm guard that is playing his second season there and also for farm team Iserlohn and last season played 6 BBL games: 3.3ppg, 1.0rpg.

The club brought back Adam Hess who is a 34 year old 201cm forward from Michigan that got the German citizenship in 2012. He is playing his 12^th professional season and eighth in Germany playing four years with Artland and two with ratiopharm Ulm after also playing in the Czech Republic(3 titles with Nymburk), France and Spain. Last season for Ulm he played 36 games: 2.2ppg, 1.2rpg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 9.7ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 30.0%, 3PT: 55.6%, FT: 77.8%. He has been hurting opponents his whole career with his basketball IQ and three point shooting. The club also added Ivan Elliot who is a 28 year old 203cm forward from San Francisco that played at UCSB (NCAA) and has BBL experience with MBC, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. He played also in Latvia and Italy. Last season he played for Fileni BPA Jesi (Italy-A2 Gold) playing 28 games: 14.4ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 87.9%. He can hurt you from all over the court and never underestimate his defense. The club also added JJ Mann who is a 24 year old 198cm swing man from Smyrna,Georgia playing his second professional season. As a rookie he played for Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games: 13.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, Steals-1(2.0spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 82.1%. He played at Belmont(NCAA) from 2010-2014 reaching the NIT Elite 8 and is a player that can shoot out the lights, but also play at the shooting guard position.

The club also brought in 24 year old 208cm forward Owen Klassen from Kingston, Ontario, Canada who played at Acadia(CIS) in college and now is playing his second professional season and as a rookie played for KK MZT Skopje Aerodrom (FYR Macedonia-Prva Liga): 8 games: 6.6ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 76.7%, FT: 70.0%; Adriatic League: 18 games: 5.3ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%. He can play both big man positions and can make the mid range on a consistent rate. DJ Covington is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Virgina Beach playing his second professional season. As a rookie he played for Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Scooore League): 8 games: 4.8ppg, 3.9rpg, Alaska Aces (Philippines-PBA): 4 games: 22.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3bpg, and AE Nea Kifisia Dimoulas Athens (Greece-A1): 5 games: 1.2ppg, 1.6rpg. His quickness is perfect for the transition hagen game and he can get physical inside. The team also added Tommy Lee Smith who is a 34 year old 207cm forward from Phoenix, Arizona playing his 10^th professional season and third in Germany after playing with the Artland Dragons from 2005-2007. He played at Arizona St. (NCAA) from 1999-2003 and as a senior played 32 games: 11.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.7apg, BlockPac-10-1(2.2bpg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 57.4%: Finished his career with 1,123 points, 20th on the Sun Devil career scoring list and second leading shot blocker with 167. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2004, but never played in the NBA, but was close with the Milwauke Bucks. He has had experience playing in Croatia, Dominican Republic, China, Syria and Qatar as well as playing in the D-league. He is still a solid player at 34, but biggest strength is his experience and character that will help the young guys.

The Frankfurt Skyliners swept the season series in 2009-2010 with Phoenix Hagen stomping all over them in Hagen 93-64 as Derrick Allen led all scorers with 22 points, Aubrey Resse chipped in with 18 points and Grayson Moyer had one of his best games as a Skyliner with 15 points and five assists. In the return game in Frankfurt, Phoenix Hagen lost 89-76. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller led Frankfurt with 18 points and five assists and Derrick Allen produced 17 points. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners outrebounded Phoenix Hagen 66-49 in both games. In 2010-2011, the Skyliners also won the season series with a 90-85 win as Jermaine Bucknor led the team with 19 points and six rebounds and 92-53 romp at home getting 24 points and eight rebounds from Roger Powell and only six points and seven assists from Dashaun Wood. In the first game in the 2011-2012 season, the Fraport Skyliners romped Phoenix Hagen 83-65 as fans saw the last Beko BBL game of Jon Leuer who erupted for 27 points and Jimmy Mckinney had 21 points. In the return game, the Fraport Skyliners stomped all over Phoenix Hagen 92-47. Five players scored in double figures as the team was led by Devin Gibson with 16 points. In the 2012-2013 season the Fraport Skyliners lost the first game against Phoenix Hagen in their own living room in embarrassing fashion 107-102 as they their opponent gave them a display of how to play run and gun basketball. Phoenix Hagen shot an amazing 51% from the field and 60% from the three point line. In the return game in Hagen, the Fraport Skyliners had their nerves under control in crunch time slipping by Phoenix Hagen on the road 81-78 as Frankfurt was led by Dawan Robinson with 25 points and ex Giessen players Ryan Brooks chipped in with 14 points and Laquan Prowell with 13 points. In the first game of the 2013-2014 season, the Fraport Skyliners squeezed out a 82-79 win at home as Aziz Ndiaye had his best game of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Frankfurt had consistent production from many as Jarred Dubois had 15 points, Andrew Rautins chipped in with 13 points and Germans Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein had 12 points a piece. Frankfurt had no remedy for Mark Dorris who poured in 24 points for Phoenix Hagen. David Bell had 17 points and Larry Gordon had 16 points. In the return game in Hagen, Frankfurt once again had their crunch time blues losing 66-63. Phoenix Hagen was led by David Bell with 17 points while Larry Gordon had 15 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Ramon Galloway with 15 points and Jacob Burtschi with 12 points. Last season the clubs split the season series as Phoenix Hagen won on the road in a shoot out 105-104 as David Bell poured in 25 points and Zamal Nixon had 22 while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Sean Armand with 27 points and Mike Morrison with 23 points. Frankfurt won in Hagen 79-70 as Johannes Voigtman scored 26 points and had 11 boards while Sean Armand contributed 14 points while Phoenix Hagen was led by Larry Gordon with 18 points and Keith Ramsey with 14 points.

Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert won´t publically talk about it, but his team could easily be 5-0 now instead of 3-2 after losing against Oldenburg and Wurzburg on the last possession. Instead the team continued to work hard and have been rewarded the past two games beating Tuebingen and BG Goettingen, teams they need to beat to be a playoff team this season. IN the last two wins, the team buckled down more on defense averaging giving up only 67 points per game. They will have to do the same against Phoenix Hagen who might only be averaging 80 points on offense, but can explode at any time for 90 plus points. Phoenix Hagen have lost three of the last four games and need to get on the winning road again. If Frankfurt can continue to defend the way they do as if they had had gotten a glimpse of the play book as their scouting continues to be a big reason for their success, then they will win. Phoenix Hagen isn´t as deep offensively as in other years and need to rely more on their imports where some are still getting a feel for the style of the BBL with Owen Klassen and JJ Mann. Frankfurt have Germans Konstantin Klein and Danilo Barthel back from injuries and are deeper than ever. Jordan Theodore had his real break out game in the BBL and hungrier than ever. The Fraport Skyliners need this win to have a three game winning streak into the big games at home against FC Bayern Munich and Bamberg. On a very good day Phoenix Hagen have good chances to win, but not against the current accurate scouting of Gordon Herbert and Klaus Perwas.

Shawn James is a 32 year old 208cm center from Brooklyn, New York playing his eighth professional season and first for Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa). He started his basketball career in 2004 with Northeastern and moved to Duquesne (NCAA) and as a senior played 28 games averaged 12.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1apg, BlocksNCAA-5(4.0bpg), FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.0%: Set career blocked shot record at Northeastern in only 29 games, finishing with 332 blocks in 55 games over two years. In 2008 he started his professional basketball career with Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon (Premier League) where he played until 2011. He then played the next three years with top European team Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) winning the 2014 Euroleague. He was the top blocker in the Israel league in five of six years and played 68 Euroleague games. Last season he played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-Serie A): 22 games: 3.7ppg, 3.4rpg; Euroleague: 18 games: 3.4ppg, 3.2rpg. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Shawn thanks for talking to German Hoops You been all over Europe, but what does it feel like when you visit Germany on one of your journeys?

Germany is one of my favorite places to play. I really like the country because it is so Americanized compared to other places in Europe. I have played in Bamberg, Munich, Berlin and Bonn.

Do you ever get a chance to actually explore the cities when you are in Germany?

 

Playing Euroleague we would get here a day before and have time, but with Eurocup we have less time. We play Sunday, travel Monday, get in late and have a practice and the next day we play the game.

When you think of Germany what comes to mind when one asks you about its basketball?

What I really like about the German basketball is the set up of the arena´s. You see very nice arena´s with the top teams, but I was impressed in Oldenburg. When I stepped on the court in the practice tonight, I was surprised how nice it was being very state of the art. I wouldn´t have expected seeing that with a mid of the pack team.

What memories do you have playing against German teams over the past?

I play a lot of games. I don´t have any vivid memories of one particular team.

You have won your share of titles and what goals do you still have at the age of 32?

For me now it is all about going out and competing. Last season with Milan was one of my toughest seasons in my professional career. Not being able to play as much really was tough and this season I want to be able to get back to the level that I am accustomed to. I am very blessed to still be playing at this age and I credit it to always being focused and putting in the work.

Bilbao is playing Eurocup and in the Endesa league in Spain. With the roster so far is there more possible besides making the playoffs?

I feel that we can. The coaching staff at Bilbao is stressing giving 100%. We aren´t close to be the team that we want to yet, but we are on a good way. We won´t blow away any of the top teams, but to be successful we need to pay attention to the fine details that the coaching staff give us and just execute.

Will the team be strong enough with its three Americans and other imports and Spaniards to make a run in the Endesa league?

I think that we are deep enough to make a run with this roster. The two most important factors is how well we play and can we stay healthy. I feel that if we stay healthy and gel that we can do very good things.

Often when players get older their skill level diminishes and they tend to go to weaker leagues, but you are still consistent at the top. What is your secret to still being a very strong player at your age?

I think the most important thing now at this stage of my career is too have the will to compete. As I get older I will come across guys that can run and jump higher and it is harder to keep up. No matter how good you still are or how old, you always have to compete.

After having a more limited role with Milan last season do you see yourself having a bigger role with Bilbao this season?

I absolutely see myself having a bigger role. I didn´t have a limited role with Milan, but moreover it was nonexistent. It was such a tough situation there and one I had never had before in my career. It really didn´t matter how hard I worked on and off the court, I wasn´t going to play.

You are a very athletic player who can play above the rim all game long. Blocked shots and rebounds are the best of his game, but you also added some more scoring skills, court vision and a solid inside presence at top European level. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

This year my coach is trying to get me out of my shell. This season on offense I want to get away from being only on the rim, but hit shots like I did early in my career. This is what I did on smaller teams and was successful. When I was on big teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv I always had one role, but now I want to play free

You played with Maccabi Tel Aviv from 2011-2014. How close was this for you playing with a NBA type team?

 

Maccabi was family for me and still is today. It was like a brotherhood and I still talk daily with some of the guys. When you play for Maccabi you are not only accustomed to winning, but also expected to win every game. I took that mind set with me and I call it Maccabi pride.

What still remains your most vivid memory winning the 2014 Euroleague against Real Madrid?

The whole experience was amazing. Being in the Final 4 and winning the two games will always be with me. We were down a lot, but guys stepped up and made plays and just all came together. If we would have played against Barca, Real Madrid or CSKA in a series we wouldn´t have won, because they would have overpowered us. But we played for all the marbles in one game and took it.

Did you and Devin Smith have one last talk before the Euroleague final 2014 against Real Madrid remembering the loss a few years earlier or did you just know together that it was time to take care of business?

Beating Real Madrid was a collective team effort. We had lost too them a few times including in the 2013-2014 season and we felt that they thought that they had the lucky draw with CSKA. We played the underdog role to our favor.

How vital was the guard duo of Tyrese Rice and Ricky Hickmann that season for the success?

It was amazing. We had 2 dogs. The opponent couldn´t do much against those dogs. They were so important for our success and came ready to play each game.

You have seen Sylven Landesberg develop the last 5 years. Why isn´t he in the NBA?

(Shawn laughs) He is like a little brother for me. To be honest he has all talent and potential in the world, but once you leave college and come to Europe and are out of the NBA circle, it is hard to get back into it. You can´t say that Maccabi is a bad place for him to be at. He is making great money abroad and he doesn´t have the chase to go back over and play NBA Summer league and go to a vet camp with no guaranteed contract. After being in Europe 5-6 years you just don´t have the drive to go back which I can understand.

You played your first three professional seasons with Bnei Hasharon (Israel-Premier League) What was your wake up call to Europe where you knew that you were far away from Brooklyn New York?

 

My wake up call as a rookie was coming from the States and being in the Middle East. It hit me remembering what I saw on the news at home and then coming over and seeing that Israel was nothing like that. I quickly learned that Israel was a great place to live in.

You found a home in Israel your first six years? What kept you there so long?

Israel will always be like a second or third home for me. So many people became family. If I could I would go back. It wouldn´t be because of the basketball, but the friendships I have there. I had three wonderful years there and that was the reason why I stayed three more with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

How important was Ousmane Cisse your rookie season for getting you used to life and basketball overseas?

 

How do you know him?

I don´t, but in order to prepare a good interview I need to research your career and I figured an older guy like him was beneficial to you there as a rookie.

He was one of the most athletic guys that I ever played with. We had many of the same characheristics on the court. He was a defensive guy like me and we bonded right away. He showed me the ropes as a rookie and on top of that he is a very good guy.

You played two seasons at Northeastern, but then left for Duquesne. Were the annoying Boston sports fans too much for you?

Boston is a very important place for me because it is where I met my wife. I am a New York guy and I have to be honest I don’t care for the city, but I enjoyed the university Northeastern. The Boston sports fans were annoying though. When I was there it was the year that the Boston Red Sox finally broke the curse and won the World Series and beat my New York Yankees. I didn´t enjoy that, but I survived.

How present was the soul of Reggie Lewis your two years at Northeastern?

To be honest it wasn´t. Every one knew there what he had done and how he died, but you didn´t feel it on campus. There really wasn´t much memory for him and I really don´t know why.

What was your fondest memory of future NBA player J J Barea?

He was such a competitor and left it on the floor each day. It didn´t matter if it was a big game or an unimportant shooting game in practice, he just hated to lose. We had great times. At one point I was leading the nation in blocks and he in assists. That said it all for the type of team we had.

Do you believe not playing for a more well-known NCAA team hurt your NBA chances?

I would say no. Back then I was so blind to the NBA talk. I always doubted my NBA dream and potential. I started to play very late at age 18 and when I was 21, I was predicted to be a top 15 guy in the NBA draft. My knock was that I needed to put on weight. After my second season at Northeastern, I followed my coach to Duquesne (NCAA) and sat out my third year to work on my body. I wanted to come more of a complete player there. If I would have stayed at Northeastern and gone into the draft then with JJ Barea, I would have made the NBA

Who has been your most special teammate since you turned professional?

That is very hard to answer. I think it would have to be the 2014 Maccabi Tel Aviv team that won the Euroleague. Devin Smith, Joe Ingles, Tyrese Rice, Ricky Hickman and Sylven Landesberg and I have a group chat each day. We ask what is happening in Utah, Moscow or in Turkey. These are my special guys because they are like family.

You played against German national player and current NBA player Tibor Pleiss. Can he stick in the NBA?

I played against Tibor when he played for FC Barcelona and Laboral in Spain. I also had a chance to get to know him as we did some things for NBA live. He is a very talented player and just needs the chance. All guys in the NBA deserve to be there. He isn´t a slow big, but a center that has so many tools. He is agile and has a nice soft touch. I think that he can do well with the Utah Jazz. They have a young front court and many guys that have played in Europe which will help make the transition easier.

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

I am a big Lebron fans as well as a big Jordan fan. I remember I had great memories of Jordan as a kid, but now as an adult I don’t pay as much attention to basketball like then. Jordan shaped my childhood and was like a super hero for me. Jordan won three titles in a row and then took a year and a half off and then won three straight titles while winning scoring titles and being defensive player of the year. I don´t think that you will see another player like Jordan ever again. However there is not a more complete player like Lebron. He does what he wants on the court and is successful. However we are living in the age of the media. Lebron gets picked a part while Jordan wasn´t picked apart in his prime because the media age then wasn´t like today. Lebron has to be flawless now as he is always under the microscope while Jordan wasn´t back then.

What was the last movie that you saw?

It is the 30^th anniversary of Back to the future. I am watching Back to the future the first movie and will watch the second half after this interview.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Clevin Hannah is a 27 year old 179cm guard from Holly Springs playing his sixth professional season and second in Spain and first season with Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa). He started his basketball career at Paris JC (NJCAA) and Chipola JC (NJCAA). He then played his last two college years at Wichita St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 12.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 90.4%. He started his professional basketball career in 2010 with BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc (Romania-Div.A) playing 23 games: Score-2(21.2ppg), 3.1rpg, Assists-3(6.2apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT-3(47.6%), FT: 86.3%. In the 2011-2012 season he played with Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 44 games: 18.3ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-4(4.5apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT-1(46.8%), FT: 89.0%. KIN the 2012-2013 season he played for ALM Evreux Basket (France-ProB) playing 39 games: 16.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 47.2%, FT: 88.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA): 38 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 82.5%. Last season he played for FIATC Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga Endesa): 35 games: 10.2ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after a team practice in Bilbao last weekend

Clevin thanks for talking to German HoopsWelcome to Germany. Is this your first time in Germany? What do you know about the basketball in Germany? Some of your friends have played here like Josh Young, Kelly Beidler or Anthony Hillard.

This was the first time I was in Germany playing a game that counted. I had been in German ybefore in pre-season. I really like Germany because it is very Americanized. I liked the atmosphere in the Bonn gym and the level of play is great in Germany.

How excited are you to be playing your first season of international club basketball. This is your sixth professional season so I guess it is better late than never that you are getting the chance now?

It feels great because this is a new opportunity to expand my game. I will continue to work hard and make the best of this opportunity of playing against the best teams in Europe.

Congrats on the 90-81 win against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. They stayed feisty and cut it down to four points in the fourth, but what was key for preserving the win?

I think the fact that we started out so well and we had many guys that played well helped us get the win. We also stayed aggressive throughout the game.

How challenging was it competing against Bonn guard Eugene Lawrence?
He is one of the best guards that I have played against in Europe. He is so shifty and explosive. I saw what he can do and I know what I have to do to reach his level.

You have had a very interesting professional basketball career. After a stellar career and strong senior year at Wichita State, it took you a while to get taken by teams in higher leagues as you played in Romania, Finland and France pro B before playing in France Pro A with Nancy, FIATC Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga Endesa) and this season Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa) Why do you feel that it took you some years before being fully noticed and accepted in Europe as a player?

There were many factors like just having to learn the style in Europe as well as just improving. But I think it mostly had to do with my size that was overlooked because I am so small. I am a player that continuously has to prove himself each night and season.

Do you feel your ability to shoot the three and averaging over 40% in your first three seasons in three different leagues opened up some eyes?

I think my ability to shoot the ball well has brought me to where I am today.

You are still searching or your first professional title. How much hungrier do you get each season of just touching that trophy?

I think I have often had good opportunities to win titles, but it remains very difficult each season. I think that this season we have a very good chance to win something with this team and its experience. I think that if we can learn each other out then we will have a good chance.

What chances do you believe does Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa) have in the always tough and competitive Spanish league and Eurocup?
You need to have a good team and also have luck to be successful. I think that we match up well with the other big teams and we just have to know to play very well in the right moments and also at the end of the season.

Is having only three Americans enough for success? What do the elite Spanish players bring to the table?

We have a great core of Spanish players as well as from Latvia and Belgium. I think it is up for grabs.

How challenging is it having Raul Lopez each day in practice. How do your games compliment each other?

He is a great player and even greater person. He really has helped me understand the game better at a high level. I feel that playing with him will make me go further. He also tells me the important little things that will make me successful.

Alex Ruoff has made the next step from Germany to the best league in Europe. He has an amazing game and is just an allrounder. What do you appreciate most about his game?

I appreciate his hard work the most. He gives his all to wanting to win each day. He is always ready to work and is a great teammate.

You’re a 179cm guard that can do much with your height, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed and gotten credit for?

I think a hidden strength in my game is that I make my teammates more comfortable on the court. I also feel that I make them better on the court and give them confidence.

As a smaller player what NBA guard did you enjoy growing up and was it the smaller guards that stood out for you?

When I was a kid I really like Allen Iverson and Sam Cassell a player that not many would expect. Now I really like Steph Curry.

Last season you played with 37 year old Demond Mallet. Even if it was your fifth professional season how could you still learn from the cousin of Shaq?

I learned how to compete from Demond. He played so hard at 37 and just made me want to work each day.
Two seasons ago you played your first season with a top team with Nancy. You were the youngest American. How important were guys like Nicholas Pope, Austin Nichols and Marcus Banks who were the older guys on the block?

All three game me confidence to keep playing and shooting. They also helped me play better when I had a bad game keeping me focused for the next game.
In the 2011-2012 season you played with Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga) and Kelly Beidler. He had a great season as he averaged 19,2ppg and was fourth best scorer in Finland and paved his way to Germany. How much fun was it playing with him that season?
Beidler is a great all around player that can score, rebound and pass the ball. He just made my job a lot easier.

As a rookie you played with BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc (Romania-Div.A,) playing 23 games: Score-2(21.2ppg), 3.1rpg, Assists-3(6.2apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT-3(47.6%), FT: 86.3%. What was your wake up call to be a rookie where you knew that you were very far away from home Holly Springs.

My wake up call was when I got out of the car in Romania, I felt extremely cold. A type of cold that I had never felt before. It was freezing.
You played two seasons at Paris and Chipola junior colleges before making the jump to Wichita State in 2008. How sure were you that you could always make the jump to the NCAA?

As soon as I started to really play there and score and coaches told me NCAA teams were looking at me, then I knew I could play at the next level.

When you were playing your last two seasons at Wichita State Toure Murry was playing his first two seasons there and would later play in the NBA. Did you ever think that he could make that next step?

I always thought he could. He was my roommate and was always a hard worker. I saw an 18 year old turn into a man. He wanted to always get to the NBA and now is living out his dream.

How did Gregg Murray prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career those last two years?

He told me that I had to come to practice each day willing to work. He stressed having no days off and always be focused.

Garret Stutz was your teammate at Wichita State as well and has had a nice professional career and developed well in college and had a great Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 14 and 11 stats. What story do you still have with him in your college days?

He is an unbelievable person. I remember when Obama was elected president he was against it and we were giving him a hard time about it. WE messed with him and it was funny.

Who was the toughest player that you battled on the court in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

Landry Fields and Luke Babbit.

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

I saw Michael Jordan play. Lebron is on the right path to pass him and he can do it all on the court, but for me Michael will always be the best.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Straight Out of Compton.

Thanks Clevin for the chat.

Just exactly how Gordon Herbert was tipped or got the idea that a Dashaun Wood or Justin Cobbs could be those monumental vital players that could get the team to two playoffs and a Eurochallenge final 4 will always remain a secret, but he was very fortunate in those two seasons to have those players. This season it seems like waiting so long to find Jordan Theodore is now starting to really pay off after his BBL break through game with 28 points, 10 assists, five steals and no turnovers against a bewildered BG Goettingen team. But once in a while, Gordon Herbert doesn´t need to pull that magical slip from his blazer pocket with the right info to getting a player, but even more soothing is getting that timely medical document from the team doctor clearing not one, but two players to play again. Against BG Goettingen the Fraport Skyliners had German national players Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein back in the line up and just in time as the club has been playing very solid ball despite having serious injury woes. Especially now with the double game weeks, the Fraport Skyliners will need a deeper bench and finally had it going into their first ever Fiba Europe cup game which is a new event this season replacing the Eurochallenge. The 2004 Beko BBL winner went into the new competition riding a two game winning streak after disposing of Tuebingen and BG Goettingen and having their defensive scheme on the right track allowing an average of only 67 points. They met 3 time Dutch champion Leiden who came into the game with a 2-1 record and had suffered a bitter 73-58 loss against Zwolle and also had their defense ready as they were giving up 64 points per game in the Dutch league and both clubs gave the fans an ugly defensive game as the Fraport Skyliners grinded out an ugly 63-58 win. The themes of the game was defense, the uncanny non strenuous like play of Worthy De Jong who looked like he was playing on his own magical cloud on the court as his play left one dreaming of his amazing game and the ripped shoe sole of Jordan Theodore. But from these three themes the most peculiar was the ripped shoe sole of ex Seton Hall guard Theodore. In the first half the American was closed down nicely by the ZZ Leiden defense, but in the third quarter one of Theodore´s shoe soles was ripped which prevented him from being mobile at all, but for some reason it was the third quarter where the club came out of their funk and the offense started to flow despite the American not being able to move the way he wanted to. Even if the game was ugly and Theodore had a ripped show sole, the club was able to grind out the win. “It doesn´t get any uglier than tonight. Even if we didn´t play well, we fought until the end. The positive thing is even when we aren´t playing well on offense, we continue to get stops on defense and pull out the win”, stressed Jordan Theodore. Minutes after the siren sounded ZZ Leiden head coach Eddy Casteels who coached Antwerpen for 10 years and the Belgium national team at the last three European championships was pacing around back and forth in the catacombs of the Fraport arena and kept playing the last few minutes in his head as his team was so close, but then again got too hectic and produced bitter turnovers. “We did all we could on defense. We played an amazing game and this shows why we decided to play Europe cup. We want to compete well at this level and put our heart on the floor. I have to give credit to Frankfurt who defended very well and made it tough for us to create a good open shot. I think we could of won at the end if we would have been more patient and done more on offense”, stressed ZZ Leiden head coach Eddy Casteels.

The Fraport Skyliners started their first ever Europe Cup with Jordan Theodore, John Little, Quantez Robertson, Aaron Doornekamp and Mike Morrison in the starting line up while ZZ Leiden started without their two import players Eric Stutz and Deronn Scott. The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as Mike Morrison made a bucket inside after making two Leiden defenders dizzy and dropping the and one free throw. ZZ Leiden showed that their big men have outside shooting ability as ex Den Bosch 25 year old 213cm center Jeroen Van Der List nailed a three pointer. Ex BG Goettinge guard John Little then hit a three pointer over Worthy De Jong giving Frankfurt the 6-3 lead. ZZ Leiden stayed close as Dutch/Moroccan Mohamed Kherrazi connected on a pull up jumper as Frankfurt still led 6-5. Both teams were defending well and forcing each other to tough shots. Then it was the two most athletic players on the court that went back and forth with Quantez Robertson and Worthy De Jong which caped off five lead changes until the end of the first quarter. Robertson started off the firing range with a lay in and then it was De Jong who is a 25 year old 194cm shooting guard that has won four Dutch titles, averaged 9,4ppg at the Euro 2015 for Holland and had numerous offers from Greek teams last summer, but somehow stayed in Holland to play hit a beautiful floater. He followed that up with a three pointer giving ZZ Leiden their first lead at 10-8. “De Jong attacked the rim nicely. He shoots well and does a good job getting in the passing lanes. I am sure he will get more looks from top teams in Europe”, warned Quantez Robertson. Konstantin Klein then made a nice kick out pass to Robertson who hit a trey from the corner as Frankfurt snatched lead back 11-10, but it was De Jong again securing the lead for the Dutch team 12-11 with a runner. After Klein free throws, it was big man Van Der List who closed out the first quarter with free throws as ZZ Leiden led 16-13. “We were not very consistent on offense and just not moving well. ZZ Leiden did a good job closing out Theodore. He lives by his quickness and couldn´t show it in the first quarter”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward Tim Oldenburg. ZZ Leiden was shooting 38% from the field and 40% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 28% from the field and 50% from outside. ZZ Leiden had the 10-7 rebound edge and both teams produced four turnovers a piece.

The second quarter was even tighter than the first quarter as it remained a defensive battle having nine lead changes. Just when one thought one had seen enough of the scoring clinic of De Jong in the first quarter, the Dutch national player caught Frankfurt sleeping in their own end as he came out of nowhere getting in a passing lane stealing the ball in mid air and picking off the play as if one was watching an ESPN Sportscenter play of the day from the NBA and making an easy lay up as ZZ Leiden led 18-13. However in basketball the tide can change as quickly as Eric Stutz does a head band as he has 30 in his collection as German national player Konstantin Klein got some noise going in the Fraport arena grabbing the lead back with back to back three pointers as Frankfurt led 19-18. Then both teams recaptured the lead back as Van Der List and Mike Morrison made tip ins as Frankfurt led 22-20. Then it was De Jong getting the lead back for ZZ Leiden with a sweet fade away trey as at times it looked like he really was all alone on the court as anything he touched turned to gold. Both teams kept retaining the lead as Theodore made free throws and Van der List hit a pull up jumper for the ZZ Leiden 25-24 lead. Theodore wasn´t getting shots so he decided to draw fouls getting to the free throw line and giving Frankfurt the 26-25 advantage. Then it was Roger Jansen who made a step back shot for the ZZ Leiden 28-26 lead. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter with a big timely 5-0 run to go into halftime with the 31-28 lead. Max Merz hit a three pointer and German national player Danilo Barthel made a perfect dish off to Theodore for the easy lay in. “We weren´t playing well, but had the ability to stay with them. Merz and Barthel made big plays at the end to give us the lead”, added Tim Oldenburg. “They played very good team defense. They slowed down the pace and we didn´t execute well. This all fell on my shoulders. I have to be able to get our team better into the offense. I was dribbling too much”, stressed Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 31% from the field and 45% from the three point line while ZZ Leiden was shooting 38% from the field and 28% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 19-16 rebound advantage and eight turnovers while ZZ Leiden had nine turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners were finally to able to break the contest wide open and despite ZZ Leiden cutting their lead down to two later in the fourth quarter, they would never relinquish the lead again in the last 20 minutes. ZZ Leiden came out prepared out of halftime going on a 5-2 run to tie the game 33-33. 25 year old 201cm center Thomas Koenis got the Dutch squad going with a hook shot and then it was De Jong who used his wit and intelligence drawing a foul behind the parking lot and dropping all three free throws. Morrison then got Frankfurt on track again with a lay in off the pick and roll with Klein and made a free throw. Robertson also scored inside, but both times ZZ Leiden countered with Van Der List who made a step back shot and alley oop dunk after getting the perfect feed from Jansen as Frankfurt led only 38-37. However Frankfurt finally broke free getting some offensive going on a 8-0 run to lead 46-37. In the run Klein made a lay in, Doornekamp got the no look pass from Theodore for lay in and then after the best ball movement of the night the Canadian nailed a three after not getting too dazzled by the passing wizardry of Little and Theodore. Frankfurt was playing smarter now, Theodore was playing his fast game of penetration and transition as the offense was gelling and on defense they were doing a good job keeping their man in front. ZZ Leiden then went on a lightening 4-0 run as Eric Stutz found Kherrazi for the lay in and vice versa Stutz scored as Frankfurt still led 46-41. Morrison then pounded home a dunk while De Jong made a tip in alley oop to cut the Frankfurt lead to 50-43. After a Scott reverse lay up, it was Klein closing out the third quarter with free throws as Frankfurt led 53-45. “We did a good job rebounding and getting out on transition and got easy buckets. We are at our best when we get out on transition. We did all that despite me having a ripped shoe and I couldn´t move”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “We executed better, attacked the rim and got easy buckets and Theodore had a torn sneaker”, said Quantez Robertson. “The game remained close, but our offense was clicking the way it should”, stated ex Eastern Kentucky forward Eric Stutz. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 37% from the parking lot while ZZ Leiden was hooting 40% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 27-23 rebound edge and 10 turnovers while ZZ Leiden had 12 turnovers.

ZZ Leiden remained in the game in the fourth quarter fighting as if there was no cheese available in Leiden ever if they lost, but could never retain the lead as the Fraport Skyliners buckled down keeping a sound consistency on defense. ZZ Leiden started off the fourth quarter with a quick 4-0 run and brought some NBA show time to the Fraport arena. A week ago it was the Jordan Theodore to Tomas Dimsa double connection on the alley oop while in this instance it was two Dutch players that supplied the wow feeling with amazing athletic plays. 22 year old Kasper Averink who played in Slovakia for BC Prievidza in 2011-2012 for current BG Goettingen head coach Johan Roijakkers made a beautiful penetration blowing by Theodore and getting around the long dangling arms of Morrison with the scoop lay up. Then it was De Jong who seemed to be in the air longer than allowed getting a hand on a high loose ball and somehow steering it into the basket as ZZ Leiden trailed only 53-49. Robertson and De Jong then traded baskets as Frankfurt still led 56-52. Frankfurt then lost a little focus letting ZZ Leiden get too close as they coughed up the ball one to many times and veteran Koenis scored consecutive buckets once getting by Barthel and then standing just right picking off the De Jong air ball and lay it in as ZZ Leiden trailed only 58-56. Frankfurt then calmed down in their next offensive play as Morrison scored as Frankfurt led 60-56. The last minute was hectic as ZZ Leiden just couldn´t settle down allowing Theodore two steals, but Frankfurt couldn´t capitalize on the offensive end. Doornekamp then closed out the game with three free throws as Frankfurt shut out the ZZ Leiden offense at the end allowing not a single field goal. “We still made turnovers at the end, but we still wanted to win the game more than they did. Even if we didn´t play well on offense, we knew how to fight through adversity and get the win”, warned New York native Jordan Theodore. “We had our chances at the end, but didn´t execute. We played a good defensive game and we need to keep up this intensity up on defense which will lead to good offense. We competed with a very good team Frankfurt and know what we have to improve to be successful in this competition”, warned Eric Stutz. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Mike Morrison with 17 points and seven rebounds. Aaron Doornekamp added 14 points. ZZ Leiden was led by Worthy De Jong with 22 points while Jeroen Van Der List chipped in with 15 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished shooting 33% from the field and 30% from outside while ZZ Leiden shot 41% from the field and 21% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 35-32 and had 14 turnovers while ZZ Leiden had 19 turnovers.

Eric Stutz is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Newburgh, Indiana playing his rookie season with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-Eredivisie). He played at E.Kentucky (NCAA) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 127 NCAA games winning the OVC tournament in 2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 15.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 79.8%. He spoke to German Hoops last week before the Fiba Europe cup game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Eric thanks for talking to German Hoops You are a rookie playing your first season in Holland with Leiden. You said that you wanted to play for a team that was near the water. You got your wish. Was not having a big body of water in Indiana something that led you to this craving?

In regards to being by water I just love the peacefulness of it. I really wanted to be able to do yoga and meditate by the ocean so that was really the main reason why.

In your first two games you are averaging 13,0ppg and 5,0rpg. What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming from the NCAA to the European style of play?

The biggest adjustment has been the pace of the game. We were a team in college that took the whole 35 seconds most possessions so playing quicker was an adjustment.

A few years ago Leiden won 4 titles in a span of a few years. Is the urge to win hardware something that you are feeling this season?

I know Leiden has a strong fan base and reputation of being a top team so I think each year there is an urge to win the championship.

Leiden is 2-0 so far and have beaten Rotterdam and Leeuwarden. The team is averaging 85 points per game and is giving up 60 points. How quickly has the team chemistry developed so far?

The team chemistry has developed quickly which is somewhat of a surprise because out game against Rotterdam was the first time we had everyone plying together.

Do you feel that Leiden will be able to be a strong consistent defensive team this season?

I believe we can be a strong defensive team. Playing team defense is important to us so we just try and work as one on the defensive side

What is your role on the team?

Its early to know what my role will be so I will just continue playing hard and playing my game

Kansas head coach Bill Self said that you were one of the best big man passers in the NCAA last season. To what NBA forward have you enjoyed watching their passing excellence growing up?

I was never much of a fan of the NBA so I think my passing came from having my dad as my coach when I was young. He wanted me to get other players involved so I learned not to be selfish at a young age. In college there was another big man on our team named Jeff Johnson who was an outstanding passer so I learned a lot from him.

You are an unselfish player and team player but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

I think my speed on fast breaks is a hidden strength

There are some very experienced Dutch players on the team, but you are one of two Americans. Do you see yourself being a main team leader this season?

We have a couple of Dutch national team players and some older guys so I just want to learn everything I can from them

What kind of experience has it been playing for experienced Eddy Castells? How is his teaching different than Jeff Neubauer?

Both coaches pay great attention to detail but I’ve only been with coach Casteels a short time so it’s too early to know

Mohamed Kherrazi is one of the more flashy players on the team. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game and what is the most amazing thing that you have seen him do in practice?

Mohammed plays hard all the time and is always encouraging. He’s a great leader and someone I can learn a lot about basketball from

Deron Scott is only averaging 7,0ppg and 3,0rpg and 2,5apg. Do you see him heightening his game more as the season progresses?

Deron is very talented so I believe he will heighten his game. He showed what kind of player he can be in the preseason already.

How excited are you to playing international club basketball? What place would you really like to see in Europe most?

It’s always been a dream of mine to play professionally so being able to travel and play the game I love is perfect. Greece would be a great place to visit but I would love to see the 7 wonders of the world so the would take me out of europe

Your first game will be in Germany against the Fraport Skyliners. What do you know about Germany and its basketball? Ex E.Kentucky (NCAA) players like Alonzo Hird and Josh Taylor have played in Germany. And your teammate Timmy Knipp plays for The Bayer Giants Leverkusen

I really know nothing about basketball Germany. Me and Timmy have talked quite a bit but we dont discuss basketball all that much.

You played four years at E.Kentucky (NCAA) and was deemed the most interesting man in Kentucky college basketball. What will you have to do to up that a little and be called the most interesting man in Dutch professional basketball?

I dont think I need to do anything. Being the most interesting man in Kentucky college basketball was never something I planned on becoming so its up to the people here on what they think of me, but I an not going to change who I am.

You have 30 headbands from Christmas to Halloween themes. What is your favorite?

My favorite headband is a tie dye headband that says peace and love. I wore for some NCAA interviews so it has a special meaning to me

How did Jeff Neubauer prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

Well coach Neubauer left at the end of my senior year so I didnt really have a chance to discuss professional basketball with him much. During my time there he was always focused on the present so that never really came up

Who was the best player that you played at the college level that is in the NBA or Europe now?

The best player now is probably Andrew Wiggins. His athleticism was exceptional so seeing that first hand was an experience.

What was the most amazing thing that you saw Corey Walden do on the court? Do you think he will be able to stick with Boston?

Corey was a great all around player who could be everywhere on defense. The way Timmy Corey and me all played together was very special. I think he will be successful if he continues to work hard and it’s great to see a teammate and friend succeed at getting to the highest level.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Deverin Muff?

Muff and i never played a real one on one game. But if it was strictly on the post then he would win but if it was on the perimeter playing i have a better shot at winning

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

I’m not a big Lebron James fan but I also dont care too much about MJ. There will always be arguments about it so I would rather just stay out of it. They are both all time greats but no one will ever really know whose better. They played in two completely different eras so comparing them cant be done

What was the last movie that you saw?

T he last movie i saw was furious 7 on my way over to Holland from the states.

Thanks Eric for the chat.