Brandon Jefferson is a 23 year old 175cm point guard from Flower Mound, Texas that is playing second professional season and first in Germany with Phoenix Hagen and currently averaging 10,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 4,0apg. Last season as a rookie he played for KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 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%. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Metro State(NCAA2) where he played a total of 129 NCAA games. In college he was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 21.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.4apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 92.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 86-83 victory against the Giesen 46ers.

Thanks Brandon for talking to German Hoops A big 86-83 win against the Giessen 46ers. Would you have won this game without the services of David Bell?

DB is our captain and a great player. He had a great game and really led us the whole way. It was a must win in our eyes and he took it to them. Ivan Elliot also made some big plays in the end for us!

Giessen closed out the game with a 14-6 run, but lost 86-83. Did Phoenix Hagen lose some focus at the end which allowed Giessen to get very close again?

They were a team trying to win the game. We were playing not to lose. We had a 18 point lead going into the fourth and we had some mental lapses and they got back into the game. We stopped being aggressive and they got us back on our heals.

Phoenix Hagen had 50 rebounds and 23 assists in the game. Does the fact that the team can share the ball well get underestimated?

We are a very unselfish team and whoever has it going, we look feed that person.

Talk a little about David Bell. He was outstanding and has been doing this for years for Phoenix Hagen. He hit 6 three´s and had 9 assists. Does he seem to amaze you every new day in some form on and off the court?

DB is someone I look up to and ask for advice on and off the court. He has taken me under his wing and taught me a lot already in this very young season. What he does on the court doesn’t amaze me because he’s a great player. He works hard behind the scenes, so what he does doesn’t amaze me at all. I see the work he puts in and it transpires to the game.

Tommy Lee Smith came recently and has been a spark off the bench. How valuable is just having his character shine through each day on the court and off?

Tommy has been great! He brings experience to our team and really helps break down things. He has a high basketball IQ.

At the moment Phoenix Hagen is 2-2 and have lost to higher teams and beat the teams in their talent range. How much potential does Phoenix Hagen have?

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.

Phoenix Hagen has averaged giving up 90 points in the last three games. Where do you see the biggest area that needs improvement?

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.

You are averaging 10,5ppg and 4,0apg which is solid. How pleased have you been with your play in the first four games?

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.

You averaged only 2,4apg last season in Finland and 4,0apg in the BBL. Do you see yourself being able to heighten your assist average through time and when you gain more experience in the BBL?

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.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming from the Finish league? Is the size factor in the lane a big factor?

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.

You got to take 19 free throws in the first two games and only two in the last two games. Also your scoring is down a bit from the first two games. Is balancing your scoring and playmaking each game a huge challenge?

Teams have done a good job, but it’s really all on me. Have to stay in tune each play and not take plays off. That’s the mental part of the game that I need to improve on.

The next game is against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg where you will battle experienced Dru Joyce who played high school basketball with Lebron James. Do you spend time scouting the opponents point guard? How vigorous is your own pre game scouting?

Have seen the movie “More Than A Game” with Dru Joyce and I know he’s a great player. Going to approach this game like all the other games so far.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Do you ever see him playing a full NBA season?

People forget how great of a player D Rose is. He will return healthy and have a outstanding year.

What German food have you enjoyed the most or is the local Hagen Mcdonalds still your favorite place to get food?

Vapianos is my favorite place to eat here in Hagen!

What was the last movie that you saw?

“Beasts Of No Nation” Great movie with Idris Elba.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Great opportunity for a USA D1 basketball program to play in promotional tour in Germany in summer 2016

The question will be: “Who will be the first US-College in this unique project”? The BASKETBALL AID International Tour offers a very interesting opportunity to a US-College basketball team in the summer of 2016. Playing games all over Germany against BBL and Pro A/B Professional teams, be the international ambassador for their sports program and university curriculum, and contribute actively to German-American friendship. One main focus as well is to support the children´s cancer charity organization „BASKETBALL AID e.V.“ BASKETBALL AID was established in 2005 in Berlin and started operating in 2009. It is a German Non-profit organization that has been supporting multiple projects benefiting kids with cancer and the scientific research concerning the disease. By hosting funding events and events in the context of basketball the organization contributes to the development of the sport as well.

A number of very well known basketball ambassadors are supporting this fine cause that benefits professional and college teams. In the past years, basketball mastermind and consultant Hans Beth has been busy with several sport projects. Long time ago as a student, he organized a big basketball game for wheelchair users. A German All Star Team played against an US All Star Team at the famous Johannes Gutenberg University at Mainz in front of a huge crowd. He also managed a big international tournament under the flag of the German-American friendship. Just two successful examples from the past.

The actual concept of BASKETBALL AID International Summer tour is explanatory, as it is there to benefit the players, teams and sick cancer kids. The 2016 project is aimed to bring American colleges to Europe to get young players experience playing against professional teams as well as getting a feel for the European culture. It is also focusing greatly on raising money for kids with cancer as well as having camps and getting kids more involved with basketball. Off the court the project is concerned with having cultural events to raise further awareness of BASKETBALL AID and the cause behind it. Chairman of the BASKETBALL AID International Tour Hans Beth has been able to get many well known German professional teams on board like BBL teams Fraport Skyliners, Telekom Baskets Bonn, Walter Tigers Tuebingen, Crailsheim Merlins and Giessen 46ers as well as Pro A teams MLP Academics Heidelberg, Gladiators Trier, Hebeisen White Wings and Dragons Rhöndorf. Beth also has brought on basketball ambassadors like 1993 NCAA champion Henrik Rodel, Fraport Skyliners legend Pascal Roller, well known Ex-pro player Rick Stafford and German national team coach Chris Fleming. With less than a year to go before the BASKETBALL AID International Summer Tour commences, there is still a lot of organizing and preparing to be done, but one thing is for sure: This project will be there too benefit many sides as well as keeping the German-American friendship intact and growing.

Talks with already interested colleges will be intensified the next couple of weeks and it will be interesting to see, which university will be the selected by the International Tour Committee to be part of this unique project in 2016.
Selected Testimonials

Chris Fleming, Head Coach German Basketball National Team / Assistent Coach Denver Nuggets

“For me as head coach of the national team, it is very important to bring basketball to the public’s attention as much as possible. For that matter, the BASKETBALL AID Tour 2016 is a very good opportunity and I am happy to support it. It would be an excellent event to see an American college team play here in Germany against professional teams and raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

 

Henrik Roedl, Assistant Coach German Basketball National Team /Ex-Player for the North Carolina Tar Heels/ NCAA Champion 1993

“I have played at the University of North Carolina myself from 1989 til 1993 and know exactly, how big the passion for basketball is at american colleges. Therefore, I support the BASKETBALL AID International Tour 2016 because I think it is a unique chance to show German fans the fascination basketball produces at universities. Furthermore, there is an even greater reason for this tour in the support of a good cause, which is why this tour deserves our support.”

 

Pascal Roller, Ex-Player German Basketball National Team and FRAPORT SKLINERS
“As a former professional player, I know how important it is for young players to present themselves in a professional framework such as the BASKETBALL AID Tour 2016. However, benefit even more will the children and facilities that receive donations from the BASKETBALL AID charity. Therefore, I hope the tour will be a success in 2016 – both for the players and the children that will benefit from the raised money by BASKETBALL AID.”

Former professional basketball player Rick Stafford (Seawolves / Brose Baskets Bamberg) has granted his support as well: „The goals of this tour are excellent and deserve our support.“

Bernd Kater, Board Member BASKETBALL AID e.V.

„The goals within the constitution of BASKETBALL AID e.V. are the support for disadvantaged children and the development of the sport basketball in Germany. We are always looking for projects that fit both aspects. The BASKETBALL AID International Tour 2016 is a perfect example! We and in the name of the supported children want to warmly thank Hans Beth and all supporters of the tour.“

 

“Our project truly represents German-American friendship as both nationalities work closely together to organize and promote the tour. It reflects the great synergies between sport and social responsibilty „ mentioned Hans Beth Chairman of BASKETBALL AID International Tour

„This is a great Opportunity for a Top D1 program to play against BBL & Pro-A teams while receiving great media exposure for their team/program/SCHOOL. This can promote your program and your curriculum in Europe/Germany and bring international students and athletes to your college“ said Thomas Schaarschmidt, Director PR/Media of BASKETBALL AID International Tour

Eric Kibi is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that recently played for the the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-ProB). Last season he completed his second season in Germany and first with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20,5ppg and 15,0rpg. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Jacksonville College (NJCAA) where he played until 2010. He then played a season with UALR (NCAA) playing 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg. He finished his college career in 2012 with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0% He then played with Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada): 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Eric thanks for talking to German Hoops. You came with such big hopes to Herten and showing the Pro B what you got. How disappointed are you that your stay in Herten ended after only 3 games?

It is very disappointing a little drastic after 3 games but it’s part of the business.

How surprised were you with the release, after having a great pre-season where you put up some big stats of 20 points and 10 rebounds against Pro A team Finke Baskets and being such a dominant player at Rendsburg last season?

I don’t take it personal but it’s more about what have you done for me lately. I was surprised because I thought I had shown enough to earn more time to adjust. Nevertheless I respect my head coach because he was always honest and fought to keep me there but I lost a lot of respect for other people in that organization or associated with them because of things that have nothing to do with basketball. Regardless I still wish them the best.

Do you feel like you have been put a bit as an escape goat on account of the 0-3 record?

A little bit but I appreciate the opportunity regardless.

The team was only averaging 64 points and giving up 83 points. You were averaging only 4,7ppg. How responsible do you feel about the sputtering offense?

I didn’t perform how I wanted but I don’t think one person can be blamed. I feel like I just got cold at the wrong time.

You averaged only 4,7ppg, but 8,0rpg. If you were averaging 15,0ppg do you feel that you would still be on the team?

Most likely yes, but everything happens for a reason. I feel like eventually I would of got it going, it was just an adjustment thing.

Lets talk about your shooting. You shot only 17,6% from the field and 0% from outside not attempting a shot. In the past you shot 47% at Pinneberg and 48% at Rendsburg and now 17%. It has to be more than just shots aren´t falling?

Yeah I think I’ve proven in the past and even in the pre season that I can score, but these past 3 games felt like a nightmare it was frustrating to not perform to my capabilities, I have no excuses I just didn’t perform.

Did your first game 1/12 shooting against the Artland Dragons get in your head?

Not really, it’s basketball these things happen. I was back in the gym that next day trying to get better.

Have you looked at film? Maybe its on mechanics?

Yeah I looked, it was some technical things that I could improve on as a player.

Are you longer in the gym? How are you correcting the problem?

I watched film as much as possible to find the problem and then try to apply the corrections in practices and extra sessions.

You are such a talented player and deserve to play in the Pro B. What is the next step for Eric Kibi? What do you feel that you could give any professional team now? Would you be willing to play for a Regionaliga team?

The 3 bad scoring games doesn’t erase the kind of player I am and what I’m capable of doing. I’m going to stay in Germany for a few weeks and keep working out trying to wait for a new team. I would love To stay in the Pro B but I’m also willing to play in the ReG1 if that’s what I have to do, willing to try another country as well.

What did you learn in your short stay in Herten?

I learned a lot about myself as a person because my character was tested a lot especially off the court. For me this was probably the lowest of lows in my career but I was able to still be an everyday guy and not let negative things affect my character and my faith.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Do you ever see him playing a full NBA season again?

I think he will eventually he’s too good of a player not too.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I watched a movie called million dollar arm.

Thanks Eric and all the best in the future.

Jeremy Black is a 29 year old 203cm forward from Tampa, Florida that is playing his fifth season for BG Karlsruhe. He played at Tampa (NCAA2) from 2004-2008 and in his senior year played 30 games: 18.7ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, 1.5spg, FG: 49.3%, 3Pts: 30.8%, FT: 72.1%. He turned professional in 2008 and since then has always played in Germany except last season. He has only played for four teams with Science City Jena and last season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) 4 games: 12.8ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.8apg, in Nov.’14 moved to BCKE Wallabies (Switzerland-LNB). He spoke to German Hoops after the 74-59 win against the Giants Nordlingen.

Jeremy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 74-59 win against the Giants Nordlingen. The team is 4-0 now. Does one thinking more about the potential of how far one can take that undefeated record with each new win?

Thanks. We focused on the next opponent and of course we would love to extend our winning streak.

It was a tale of two halves. Nordlingen was the better team in the first half leading 39-32 at the half, but BG Karlsruhe buckled down on defense giving up only 20 points in the second half. Was adjustments did the team make?

We pride ourselves on defense and in the first half we didn’t play defense like were capable of! We played with more energy and got really aggressive in our defense schemes in the second half!

How vital was it for BG Karlsruhe taking advantage of the height and winning the rebound battle?

Limiting our opponents to one shot is our goal for every game.

You have been a professional for 8 seasons now and is it still exciting to go up against a player like a Jordan Talbert that you have never played against before?

I love the game; I’m excited just to be on the court still playing.

You had 17 points and 13 rebounds and before the game was averaging 19ppg and 10,3rpg and 2,7apg. After six years in the German pro A, you now are playing your first season in the Pro B. Do you have high expectations at almost 30 years of age on yourself of having to put up even bigger stats because you are playing in a lower league?

I have high expectations for our team but not me personally! I feel like I have a lot of experience and my stats are a reflection of team ball. The league is an adjustment but I feel like we have a team where on any given night someone else can step up and lead the team.

Are you in your best basketball age? Despite averaging double double stats what do you feel can you still improve on your game at almost age 30?

I do feel like I’m in my prime but I’m averaging way too many turnovers! Taking care of the ball and raising my free throw percentage is areas where I feel I can improve.

Your teammate Marcus Smallwood was for many years a top rebound monster in the Pro A. How content are you that in time you guys could be the most lethal 4-5 punch in the Pro B?

Marcus is a great rebounder! We both pride ourselves on rebounding well for the team. Over time I feel like we can, with our experience, dominate the Pro B in the paint!

BG Karlsruhe is 4-0 now and very talented. How much better can this team still get?

We still haven’t played our best basketball yet. The season is very young and we have still a lot of room for improvement.

Can the team average more than 90 points or is it more likely to be able to give up less than the current 71 points per game?

Giving up less than 71 points a game for sure! Our Defense creates our offense. Averaging 90 points a game is also possible but not important as long as we play defense like we can.

This is your fifth season with German Rouven Roessler. What do you continue to appreciate about his game with each new season?

He’s our leader. Its been a lot of ups and downs throughout the years but what I appreciate the most about Rouven is his experience! He is a great at knowing what the team needs! He can play multiple positions and can play inside and out!

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you feel that he will ever be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

Lebron is the Michael Jordan of this generation. He may not have the rings that MJ has but he will be remembered as one the greatest to play the game! The east as always is not as strong as the west but I can see lebron back in the finals next season against the spurs or clippers.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Will he ever be able to play a full NBA season again?

I really feel bad for him because he’s a really great player! I don’t think its a curse more so bad luck in my opinion! I think eventually he’ll complete a full season.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Southpaw.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Richard Williams is a 28 year old 178cm guard that is playing his first season with the Kirchheim Knights averaging 18,3ppg, 8,5apga and 4,0rpg at the moment. He recently played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): EuroChallenge: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg; German BBL: 9 games: 8.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 40.6%, 3FGP: 48.0%, FT: 70.6%, in Jan.’15 moved to SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 4.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played  36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for  UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB) 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for SC Rasta Vechta playing 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. In the 2013-2014 season for Vechta he played 34 games: 14.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau.

Richie thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are back in the Pro A. Was the Beko BBL a step to early or was your first opportunity in Frankfurt just a collection of bad luck with injuries?

Injuries. I couldn’t get rid of the injury bug. Everyone knows what I’m capable of doing when I’m healthy. If they don’t, there’s film they can watch.

You obviously have a new situation now, but you didn´t play bad with the Fraport Skyliners. In your two Eurochallenge games you averaged 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg. Do you ever think what could have been had you been 100% healthy?

No. I try not to think about “what could have been” but focus more on what I have going on right now.

You are playing with your second Pro A team after SC Rasta Vechta with the Kirchhein Knights. What kind of experience has this been for you in the first two months?

It has been a good experience thus far. I’m playing well, I’m healthy, the team is getting better. I can’t complain.

You obviously had great times with SC Rasta Vechta helping the team move up to the Beko BBL and then playing a strong first BBL season, but how good was it going into the always loud Rasta dome winning and dropping 26 points and dishing out 10 assists?

It’s always good for my self esteem with the individual performance but it was much sweeter to get the win. Vechta is a quality team so to get a win on their home court was very good for our team confidence.

Considering the circumstances and all where do you rank this single performance in your professional career?

I’ve had better performances but this one of my sweetest wins.

The Kirchheim Knights have been up and down through four games. What have been the main problems for the inconsistency? Is the team still developing the right team chemistry?

Injuries have been our issue. Because we can’t get everyone on the court together for practice, it affects our chemistry. Things are starting to come together for us.

Kirchheim is averaging 76 points while giving up 74 points a game. Can Kirchheim be a team that consistently scores 80 plus points?

We have a lot of weapons so 80 points a game is possible but we need to be more consistent defensively.

How much potential does Kirchheim have? With the return of American Dennis Tinnon, the team gets that extra presence under the basket. How happy are you to be his teammate?

Dennis is a work horse and unstoppable getting to the ball. Having him back is crucial if we want to be as successful as we plan to be.

The biggest surprise has been German Tim Koch who is averaging 14,3ppg and shooting 48% from downtown. He is only 26, but already played BBL in 2008 with Ludwigsburg. Do you see him making the full break through this season?

I hope so. He’s a very good shooter but hasn’t been able to see the court as much as he’d like, in the past seasons. It has been a pleasure playing with him.

The next game is against the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau that are 0-4. As a experienced point guard have you already stressed not to underestimate them this weekend?

Most definitely. Every opponent should be respected regardless of their record.

How nice is it to be reunited with head coach Michael Mai again? He gave your first job in Germany in 2011 with Hannover?

It’s a good feeling to be working with someone that I am familiar with. We have had success together as well, so the plan is to have that same success again.

How much credit do you give him for you having such a great start in the Pro A averaging 18,3ppg, 8,5apg and 4,0rpg? Do you get the ultimate freedom under him?

A lot of credit goes to him because he trusts my instincts and allows me to be a playmaker. I believe this trust comes from many nights after practice talking strategies and breakdowns to where we understand one another.

You have never averaged so many assists as you are. How much fun is it being a point guard at the moment? Has finding the right balance between scoring and passing come easier this season with these players?

The balance has always been there. I’ve always been able to get in gaps and finds guys, but I’ve never been surrounded by this many shooters. Shooters open up lanes for me and what I do best is create opportunities. There’s no lane without shooters and shooters can’t shoot without someone that can find them. They go together.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there an annoying curse on him. Do you ever see him playing through a season healthy?

I hope so. For fans he’s entertaining to watch and the NBA misses him, but for his sanity it would be nice to see him out there again at full strength.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Equalizer

Thanks Richie for the chat.