Jermaine Kirkland is a 22 year old American who is one of 1000´s that wants to live that basketball dream of playing overseas and with much hard work and some luck has signed a contract with German Oberliga team SC Lerchenberg and is that club´s first import player in 15 years. The American never went to college and only has high school basketball experience. Recently he took part with the Howard Hoops touring team and as a result signed a professional contract and now is ready to play his rookie season in Germany. He spoke to German Hoops about his experience in Germany and about basketball in general.

Jermaine thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. It was10:30 at night recently and after a 102-90 loss to TV Langen you had to walk 20 minutes to the train station to catch a short train back to Frankfurt and then take a bus to Offenbach. I guess it all comes with the territory when your trying to get a professional contract?

It definitely all comes with the territory. I was just thankful for the opportunity to play TV Langen I was upset about the loss although I knew we had to overcome some things none of my teammates were happy with the loss that’s when I knew I was on the right team seeing as in I hate losing also.

You were in Germany last week on a touring team called Howard Hoops that played every night in Langen, Kronberg, Gelnhausen, Schwelm and Olpe. On a team the goal is too win, but was your goal not more to put up the best numbers to help you get a contract?

My goal was to obviously showcase my talents but more to showcase the fact that I could also play fundamental basketball. All of us had the athletic ability but we had to adjust to the different game play it was a little tough but we came together to start winning and that was more important than self accolades

Howard Hoops lost to German Regionaliga team TV Langen 102-90 playing more street ball while TV Langen played more structured basketball. How tough was it playing on a team of strangers after having the first practice 5 hours earlier?

It was s little different but we all knew how to get the win and we played with passion and heart and nobody seemed to be bothered that we practiced because the best practice a lot so we accepted the challenge.

What was your first impression of German basketball? After being in Germany one week, is Germany a place where you could get used to playing this style of basketball?

The style of German basketball is different but I love it and I can see myself being a part of it and making my team better while using the same style but with a little flare a dn I also love Germany which is a great place where I can get used to and a great place to live.

How happy were you with your first game in Germany? Do you feel that you were able to heighten your game as the week progressed?

I was not to happy about my first game performance but I was very excited to get into the German game atmosphere and it felt like I was somewhere I belonged , I did heighten my game as the week progressed actually the next night I had a team high 30 and a put back dunk that really got me and my teammates going.

You never played college basketball. How tough has the road been for you pursuing your dream as a professional basketball player?

Without playing college basketball everybody told me it was impossible to make it and I knew my situation was different and I never listened to anybody that doubted me as they fueled me and put a passion in me that I Would never give up. I’m blessed to become a professional athlete and I hope my struggles motivate others to stay on the right track and never settle if you feel like you can´t do something you have to believe in yourself 100% and forget what the haters say.

How thankful are you that tour maker Ronald Howard chose you for his team?

I’m truely grateful for Ron on accepting me onto the tour and believing in me when nobody else did. This wouldn’t be possible without him and he motivated me and told me things that I believed but nobody ever saw with me.

Were you able to take some of his barking from the sidelines to heart when you were on the court?

I was able to take his barking quick because I never had a coach that said the right things to do and let his players play their game and the same time grade A coach I knew he was here before so I didn’t question anything.

Your dream has come true as you were signed by German Oberliga team SC Lerchenberg. How excited are you and how blessed do you feel?

I’m very blessed and truely honored to be the first American to play for them in the last 15 years and I’m ready to lead them to as many wins as possible and I’m grateful that they saw the potential in me to select me to be a part of their team!!

Besides winning games what is your biggest goal now as a professional rookie as you start your professional career in Germany?

I would love to lead the league in assists my first year but as far as personal accolades I’d like to average a double double points and assists as a Rookie

You were together with a bunch of guys the last week in Germany playing the game you love. Were you able to make some new friendships that will stay for the future?

I definitely was able to make some new friends for life and some I will be chilling with throughout the season getting workouts and what not we can help each other.

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

I’m not a Lebron fan so this question probably isn’t for me personally nobody will ever be better than Jordan but I don’t feel Lebron is the closest to being mentioned. Kobe is more likely in my eyes although nobody is Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Straight Outta Compton and I’ve been waiting to see that for a while glad I finally got to.

Thanks Jermaine for the chat.

Martin Hermannsson is a 20 year old 190cm guard from Reykjavik Iceland that is a member of the Iceland national team and will play at Euro 2015 and just completed his first season with LIU Brooklyn(NCAA) where he played 30 games averaging 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 86.4%. He played for KR Reykjavik from 2009-2014 before going to the States to play for LIU Brooklyn. He spoke to German Hoops before the first game against Germany.

Thanks Martin for talking to German Hoops You will be in Berlin soon to start playing at the Euro 2015 with Iceland. What dealings have you had with the German capital in the past in terms of basketball? Did you ever play in the O-2 arena or visit the city?

No this is my first time in Germany. But I’ve heard a lot good things about Berlin and it was always my plan to come here one day.

How vivid is the 78-70 loss to Bosnia last summer that etched the Iceland ticket for Euro 2015? Was that the most joyous loss of your life?

It was without a doubt the most joyous loss of my life. It was pretty funny seeing both teams celebrate at the end of the game. But the feeling of knowing that we had etched the ticket for Euro2015, first time in history of Icelandic basketball was amazing.

Iceland had an up and down pre- season usually beating weak teams, but losing to stronger teams. How happy were you with the last weeks in preparation for the Euro 2015?

All of those games were good for us. We saw what we had to change and do better and also what was working.

Iceland ended the 2015 summer pre -season with a tough 86-46 loss against Belgium. How can the team go into the Euro 2015 with confidence after suffering such a brutal loss?

We saw it in the preseason games that we can play all those teams. This loss against Belgium hopefully gives us a good image of what can happen if we don’t show up ready for each and every game.

How important will it be for Iceland to remember beating England twice last summer not to lose self confidence when you go against tough teams like Germany, Italy and Turkey?

If you don’t have self confidence you are not going to win. We just need to play our game and work together as a team. It doesn’t matter who you are going up against, you just have to come out focused and ready to play. Those wins against England last year and Holland this year hopefully gives us a confidence boost and shows us what we are capable of.

Iceland has nothing to lose. No one outside Iceland is giving you any chance to win any game. What will be key on a normal basis for 40 minutes to be able to keep up with teams like Germany, Italy, and Turkey?

We just need to play our game. Play with good tempo for the whole 40 minutes, box out and stick to our game plan.

The biggest strength of Iceland is the outside shooting. Does the team believe that with a good shooting day that you can beat almost any team?

Of course. We have to believe it.

Iceland opens up against Germany. How excited are you about playing against Dirk Nowitzki? Is this like a childhood basketball dream for you that you be on the court one time before the big German retires?

Every game in this group is going to be tough. We just need to take one game at a time. Going up against Dirk is going to be fun. He has been one of my favorite players since I started watching the NBA.

Did teammate Jon Stefannson tell the team any stories about Dirk Nowitzki or at least give some tips on how to stop him even if it has been 11 years since he was teammates with the then much younger German.

Not really. I’m 10 years old at the time when they were teammates. But I know that they are good friends.

The biggest weakness of Iceland is inside play and athleticism. How will Iceland want to compensate this against Germany ?

We just need to be physical and mentally tough.

Do you think teams might underestimate Iceland and their team basketball? How big is the extra pass in the game plan of head coach Craig Pedersen?

Some teams are probably going to underestimate us. But I think that we have shown that we can play and we have good players. We play different style of Basketball then most teams do. We don’t have the same inside game but instead we have to be unselfish and keep the ball moving.

You, Elvar Fridriksson and Kris Acox are the future of Iceland basketball. How does the future look like? Do you have young talent coming up in the 95-98 years?

The future is bright. The youth teams have been doing really good. We have a lot of good prospects, and more and more guys are started to go the States and Europe.

How has Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson helped you with your game in the last years with the national team? What do you appreciate most about his game?

Hordur has helped me a lot. Especially how to use the pick and roll and seeing different options out of it. He also helped me a lot outside the basketball court.

You just finished your freshman year at LIU Brooklyn (NCAA) and played 30 games averaging 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 86.4%. What kind of experience was your first season in the NCAA?

It was great. The basketball is way different there then it is in Europe. More athleticism and better defense’s. It was also fun playing in Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden.

You were the second leading scorer on the team. Do you feel that a successful career in the NCAA could be your ticket to a long career outside Iceland in higher leagues in Europe?

Yeah definitely.

What do you remember from your first NCAA game against St Johns where you lost 66-53 and played against future NBA Draft Pick Sir Dominic Pointer?

It was fun and a good experience. St Johns had a really good team and Sir Dominic Pointer had a really good game. I think he had like 7 or 8 blocks following 6 or 7 dunks.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Gerrell Martin?

That is a tough one. Lets just say that I would beat him in 1 on 1 but he would beat me in 3 point contest.

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

Yeah I think so. Lebron is without a doubt one of the best players of all time. We have never had any player similar to Lebron, that can do all of those things that he does. I still think that Jordan was better but I think Lebron will at the end of his career be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Kingsman: The secret service.

Thanks Martin for the chat.

Chris Davis is a 191cm guard from North Little Rock, Arkansas that recently was in Germany on a touring team called Howard Hoops. He played against five teams and they posted a 4-1 record. He played college ball at S.Arkansas (NCAA2) and as a senior played 19 games averaging 10.7ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 63.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about his experience in Germany.

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. It was10:30 at night recently and after a 102-90 loss to TV Langen you had to walk 20 minutes to the train station to catch a short train back to Frankfurt and then take a bus to Offenbach. I guess it all comes with the territory when your trying to get a professional contract?

Yes it does.I learned a lot from our loss but grew from it as well as my teammates. I come from a place where you learn to do what you have to do and those experiences have prepared me for the process of becoming a professional. I’ve learned to love it. The process and the sacrifices the game demands that is.

You were in Germany last week on a touring team called Howard Hoops that played every night in Langen, Kronberg, Gelnhausen, Schwelm and Olpe. On a team the goal is too win, but was your goal not more to put up the best numbers to help you get a contract?

With me in any competition, winning is the most important. The game we love is so situational that you never know what aspect can get you over the hump in a game to win. I believe a great part of my game is my ability to realize what my team lacks and provide it in stints throughout a game. I am great at scoring, but what is better 40 points and a Loss or 20 with a win? Here on the tour I was more so focused on winning as a team over my own personal statistics. Effort is the only statistic I paid attention to personally. If it can be measured.

Howard Hoops lost to German Regionaliga team TV Langen 102-90 playing more street ball while TV Langen played more structured basketball. How tough was it playing on a team of strangers after having the first practice 5 hours earlier?

It was tough I can say that, but I loved the challenge and experience it presented for me and my team. In this business you will have situations where you have to adapt to new surroundings quickly. That game opened our eyes and brought us closer in the end setting the tone for how we played the rest of the tour. It was a beneficial loss for the greater good. Sometimes you need that to grow as a team.

What was your first impression of German basketball? After being in Germany one week, is Germany a place where you could get used to playing this style of basketball?

My first impression on the German style of play was more so a high speed skill oriented game. They say their not athletic here but I beg to differ. Over all I love the style and feel like I can grow quickly playing here.

How happy were you with your first game in Germany? Do you feel that you were able to heighten your game as the week progressed?

I was ecstatic about my first official game here in Germany. I had been working so hard with my long time trainer Ronald Talley giving all of myself on and off the court every day to be ready for the time the opportunity came to play here. Over the week, my game definitely crescended to higher levels over the course of games.

How good did it feel putting up 36 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds against German Pro B team Schwelm? Where would you rank up that game in your career in all time best games?

First I would like to give respect to Schwelm’s club. They showed nothing but class and are a great team. It was an honor playing them. Performing like I did that night left no doubt in my mind I belonged here. You know how it is everywhere when you are up and coming trying to find a club and start your career in this business. Everyone thinks you are not worthy of playing here until you prove yourself. Just proving that I belonged on the court here was the biggest thing for me. My performance proved me worthy in my eyes. That game is most definitely to 3 all-time for me just because of the stage.

How good did you feel in general on the court going up against a guy like Domonique Crawford who was a star in Luxemburg for years. How coonfident are that you could make an impact in the German Pro B?

Dominique Crawford is a tremendous talent. I would be lucky to do half the things he has done by the time I finish playing. It felt great being matched up against him. The challenge excited me because I could test my level of play against one of the best. In the end ,me and my team pulled out a close one and I performed extremely well. I believe I can make an impact in the Pro B on any club in some way. The Pro B is a league of great sportsmanship, skill, and class and I would love to align myself with it in the future.

How thankful are you that tour maker Ronald Howard chose you for his team?

Words wouldn’t do justice to how thankful I am for the selection to be here by Ronald. He’s a guy who looks out for the greater good of players he works with. This opportunity has done so much for my career already and is showing promise to open more doors for me from my performance over the week. None of this would be possible without his lead and the once in a lifetime chance given. Overall Ronald is just a great guy.

Were you able to take some of his barking from the sidelines to heart when you were on the court?

Yes the “barking” was easy to handle and deal with because I understood me and him shared the same common goal and end game. This was to win games so it never bothered me for a second. His aggression and tenacity on the sideline rubbed off on me and my teammates on the court. Kind of a boost to our play if you will. I loved it.

You played at a few Eurobasket Summer league tournaments but really have no professional experience. How hungry are you to show the world what you can do?

I have given all of myself to the game of basketball now with this past week I am raising eyebrows. One thing about me is that I may not be the most experienced or the best right now or even tomorrow but My unwaivered work ethic , determination, and will to succeed will get me there in due time. I have prepared myself extensively and this past week of play shows I am ready. I will give the club I play with this year everything I have to build to a championship team.

You were together with a bunch of guys the last week in Germany playing the game you love. Were you able to make some new friendships that will stay for the future?

We as a group jelled together pretty nicely. I have not been around a better group of guys as this one before. We made a lot of memories many that can’t be told but they have led to a lifetime bond between us all.

If you could describe your game in a few sentences and to why you could help any professional team now what words would you chose?

I am a guy who goes out and lays it all on the line for my team every single night. My will to win itself trickles down through out my team. What ever my teams needs I adapt to provide it.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Darrin Johnson?

We didn’t get to play but I believe I would have been victorious if we had. Maybe in the future huh???

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

That’s a question I don’t think anyone can answer because of so many other aspects. I personally just take them both as great players from what they’re era presented. My favorite team is the bulls so I would give the edge to Jordan but it will be a great debate when Lebron is finally done playing.

What was the last movie that you saw ?

Fantastic 4 I’m a big kid I guess.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Michael Fakuade is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Chicago, Illinois that also has the NIgerian citizenship and is starting his fourth professional season and second in Spain and first with Quesos Cerrato de Palencia (Spain-LEB Gold). As a rookie he played for UBC Hannover playing 15 games: 15.2ppg, Reb-5(10.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1(2.8bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 67.6%. In his second season he played for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA) playing 33 games averaging 8.3ppg, Reb-5(7.3rpg), Blocks-1(1.8bpg), FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 56.5%. Last season he played for Forca Lleida CE (Spain-LEB Gold)playing 32 games: 7.2ppg, 5.2rpg, Blocks-5(1.0bpg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 66.0%. He started his basketball career in 2007 for  N.Illinois (NCAA) where he played until 2010 playing 54 NCAA games. He then changed to play for  Ill.-Springfield (NCAA2). He played a total of 45 NCAA 2 games and as a senior played  24 games: 14.5ppg, RebNCAA2-6(11.0rpg), BlocksNCAA2-2(3.5bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 3-6, FT: 56.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Hi Michael, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

Summer has been great! just spending time with family and friend as well as working out preparing for the upcoming season.

You played your first two professional seasons in Germany and now will be playing your second in Spain. What have you missed most about Germany basketball wise?

Playing in both countries has been a fantastic experience.The thing that I missed the most about playing in Germany is the fast past play. Spain is more half court with a lot of sets.

Last season you played for Forca Lleida CE (Spain-LEB Gold) and your stats weren´t to different from to your season in Essen. What are the main differences in the two leagues Pro A and Leb Gold?

The biggest difference between Pro A and Leb gold would be the tactical part of the game. You really have to focus on the small details and focus on defense. Scoring is not as important as it is in pro A.

You reached the Leb Gold semi finals losing to Ourense in three games. What kind of experience was it playing the playoffsin Spain?

Losing in the semi finals was tough because we were really close to the finals and I really wanted to put my stamp in the league by making the finals.

You had no problem adjusting to the Spanish Leb Gold last season and you played 32 games averaging 7.2ppg, 5.2rpg, Blocks-5(1.0bpg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 66.0%. What part of your game do you feel can you use best to your abilities in the Leb Gold?

I think my defense and my energy is one ability that I can really use to be successful in Leb gold, As well as any other league I plan to play in.

I watched some tapes on you and you seem to have become more of a complete player in Spain. Do you feel that playing on a team that had no real superstar, but moreover players that played for each other helped your game more?

Yes, I definitely think playing on a real team with no real superstar helped me develop. I knew every night whatever role I was playing, that the team would need me to contribute and help the team win.

You played five minutes less than in Essen, but were still very efficient on the court. What part of your game do you feel developed the most last season?

I think my IQ of the game has developed the most. I really learned how to think the game and know when to be aggressive on offense and defense.

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Javier Mugica?

Good question, but of course as a competitor I would say myself, but Javi is a very skilled player that has a lot of experience in Leb gold.

This season you will continue to remain in the Spanish Leb Gold with Quesos Cerrato de Palencia (Spain-LEB Gold). What will be your personal goals this season? In what areas do you want to make the next step?

My personal goal is to get to the Championship. Last year I had a little taste of the semifinals, so this time around I want to be in the finals. I also want to just keep developing as player to help my team win as many games as possible.

Were you able to watch any Spanish first division games last season? It is the best league in Europe. Is there still worlds between the Leb Gold and first division or not so much?

Yes, The spanish ACB league is one the best leagues in the world. I think Leb is not too far away from the ACB, because you have a lot of veteran guys that come down from the ACB to play in Leb as well as some stars in the ACB that started their career in Leb.

A big goal of yours is to reach the German Beko BBL one day. Do you feel with a strong season in the Leb Gold, you might be able to fulfill that dream?

Yes, I believe if I continue my growth as player that I can can not only play in the BBL but any league in Europe.

Two seasons ago you played with Anthony Young with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen who has played in South America the last two seasons. What do you remember most about his game in practice where you are happy that he was actually on your team and wasn´t an opponent?

It was always fun to match up with Anthony. His hesitation pull up was a go to move of his. It was really fun to play with him in Essen. I feel as if him and I gave opponents a different mix whenever we were out there.

What memories do you have of Ashanti Cook? He came out of Georgetown in 2006 and it seemed like he have a promising career, but instead had to battle many obstacles. Did it surprise you that he didn´t have more of a long lasting career?

Yes, I am very surprised Ashanti does not have offers to play in Europe. He is one of the most talented players I ever played with. He is a super skilled guard that still has a lot of game left. I believe he will still get an opportunity to continue you his career.

How does a summer work out day look like for you in the summer of 2015?

Every day I wake up around 9 and head to the gym. I spend about two half hours in the gym. One hour and half on the court and another hour in the weight room. Throughout the week I like to play no more than two to three games a week.

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

Yes, as of right now people mention Lebron in the same breath as Jordan. He still has a long way to go, but he will be in the conversation when his career is over.

What do you see the Chicago Bulls achieving this season?

I believe the Bulls will make it to the NBA finals. They have a really good team. They just need to stay healthy.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Jurassic World.

Thanks Michael for the chat.

48 hours after experiencing an annoying and embarrassing 76-52 loss in Strasburg to France where Germany suffered an inacceptable 31-0 run from France where they were unable to score for 13 minutes, both teams were back at it in Cologne Germany for the last test before the begin of Euro 2015 next weekend. Team Germany lost consecutive games against Croatia two weeks ago while last weekend Germany won the Super Cup in Hamburg beating teams Latvia, Poland and Turkey and after being crushed in Strasburg 48 hours ago, team Germany seem to be in no mans land not knowing exactly where the road to consistent success is as they are as up and down as the weight of American actress Delta Burke has been over the last years. It was the battle of Germany with its three NBA players with Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder and Tibor Pleiss against France and its six NBA players with Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Boris Diaw, Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert and Joffrey Lauvergne and a sold out house the Lanxess arena as German fans were hoping for revenge and possibly a victory dance from Dirk Nowitzki similar to what he did 17 hours earlier as he won the goal shooting contest on a German sports program, but France had the better nerves in crunch time as they closed out the game with a 7-2 run sparked by five points from ex San Antonio Spur Nando De Colo. Germany had had the number of France throughout the game holding the lead even if it wasn´t easy at times, but France got stronger in the second half and in the fourth quarter had that Allez Lez Bleus attitude and heart and showed again why they belong to the favorites to win the 2015 European championships as their mental toughness was there even if Tony Parker wasn´t his usual work horse self. “It was really cool to see Cologne stand behind their national team in the Lanxess arena. It was an intense environment for a preparation game and both teams played to win. I think the German team was most successful when they were able to establish themselves on offense. Germany has the talent to play against the best, they just need play to their strengths in order to come out on top. If they can continue to get stops on defense and assert their style of play, I think they can contend for the Eurobasket championship”, stressed RheinStars forward Alex Foster.

Germany started the game with their usual starting lineup of the last games with the NBA trio of Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder and Tibor Pleiss, new shooting star Paul Zipser and ex Bamberg guard Anton Gavel while France started with four NBA players with Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, Nicolas Batum of the Charlotte Hornets, Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, Evan Fournier of the Orlando Magic and Nando De Colo of CSKA Moscow. Despite having played 44 hours earlier in Strasburg and both teams knowing the scouting report, both teams came out lackadaisical and seemed somewhat effected by the high temperatures of the late summer day in Cologne Germany. On the first play fans saw Rudy Gobert swat away a Dennis Schroeder shot on the penetration. Of course getting into the lane is as simple for Schroeder as it is for a basketball fan with bad eye sight to mix up an Antoine Diot with Bastian Doreth concerning the face hair, but then again the ex Braunschweig player can´t underestimate the wing span of Gobert. Germany got the quick 3-0 lead as ex Heidelberg forward Paul Zipser made an off balance shot with one second on the shot clock and dropped the free throw. France then finished up their first good play with superb ball movement and patience as ex Phoenix Suns forward Boris Diaw made a lay in and Parker tied the score at 3-3 with a free throw. Germany then regained the lead 5-3 as Dennis Schroeder hit a pull up jumper on the transition. However then it was ex Valencia shooting guard De Colo that displayed his shooting talent hitting a trey for the 7-5 France advantage. The Lanxess arena then had its first game time splurge of roaring sound after Nowitzki tied up the game with his routine step back jumper which he will probably still make when he is 70, but then without a man against him. Germany then regained the lead 12-9 as Tibor Pleiss who was back home again in Cologne where he started his career made a hook shot off the extra pass from Nowitzki and then it was Paul Zipser taking something from the game of Nowitzki making a pretty step back over Gobert who was a few steps to late. German head coach Chris Fleming was doing a splendid job working his bench as Fraport Skyliner center Johannes Voigtmann once again showed his effectiveness in few minutes scoring in bunches as he made a step back and then found the open daylight and made a massive two handed dunk as ex Seattle Supersonic Mickael Gelabale was a step too late. After one quarter Germany had the nice 16-10 lead.

The second quarter was the strongest quarter of Germany as they were able to build their biggest lead of the game of 10 points, but France was never totally out of the game as they continued to scrap back and trailed only 38-32 after 20 minutes. France confronted the annoying 9-1 run of Germany to end the first quarter as Denver Nugget Joffrey Lauvergne made a hard dunk and connected on the free throw as France trailed only by 16-13. However Germany was able to thwrat the France zone defense as two time NCAA champion Nils Giffey hit a three pointer getting the quick kick out pass from Bamberg guard Karsten Tadda as Germany led 18-13. However back up point guard Antoine Diot who reached the France Pro A final the last two years with Strasburg and will play in Valencia this season made a quick steal at center court catching Heiko Schaffartzik off guard bringing France closer to 18-15. Germany then went on a 13-6 run to get their biggest lead of the game at 31-21 as it was the NBA stars Nowitzki and Schroeder that took care of most of the damage. Schroeder drew two fouls making four free throws with his typical clever penetration that can mostly only be stopped by fouling him and then connected on a three pointer. Nowitzki made two step back jumpers which is his bread and butter in his shot repitore. Paul Zipser rounded out the scoring with an amazing spin move. Zipser has had the big breakthrough this summer with the national team and deserved his starting position as he continues to shine on the court. “He had a long injury and it wasn´t easy cracking the FC Munich roster. However he came back top fit this summer to the national team and everyone sees the talent he has and it is all deserved”, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen center Bernd Kruel. France was playing without Tony Parker who was being rested in the second quarter and they got support from Gelabale with a jumper and ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket small forward Charles Kahudi nailed a three pointer. France then retaliated with a stunning 8-2 run to cut the Germany lead to 33-29. In the run it was the hot and timely shooting of Diot that got France closer as he buried two three pointers. Alexis Ajinca replacement Jaiteh made a tip inin the run as well. Schroeder and Nowitzki scored to close out the first half for Germany while Diot made his third three pointer of the game as Germany still led 38-32 at halftime. “Germany has a good mix of players and played a good first half. It isn´t always easy not to give the ball to Dirk Nowitzki”, stressed RheinStars center Bernd Kruel.

In the third quarter France continued to stay on the heels of Germany, but still were unable to get the lead back. Ex Le Mans forward Nicolas Batum got France on the board first with an ally op dunk as France trailed 38-34. Anton Gavel then hit a runner and it was Lauvergne again using his physicality to score inside and get the and one free throw as France trailed only 40-37. The game continued to be very close and exciting as Tibor Pleiss hit a mini hook shot, but De Colo led a mini France 4-0 run with a jumper as Germany led only 42-40. Pleiss and Batum then traded buckets, but Germany still led 44-43. Voigtmann then made two free throws and one could see the twinkle of enjoyment in the eyes of Bernd Kruel watching the Frankfurt center. “He is a good player. I have enjoyed watching him the last years. He is a modern center that has a good eye and is very clever. I think that he will continue to develop well and have a good future in the national team”, stressed ex Telekom Baskets Bonn center Bernd Kruel. Schroeder then made a lay for the 48-44 advantage. However with 1,5 seconds to play France had one last opportunity and Chales Kahudi made an incredible shot from his own end ¾ from the rim cutting the Germany lead to 48-47 after three quarters. “That shot showed that anything is possible. That was a good example for young players to see that it isn´t over until you take that last shot”, added Bernd Kruel. “France played a lot better in the third quarter. It was tough for Germany that Nowitzki had three fouls. Germany is strongest when Nowitzki is on the court and play off him. Schroeder plays well, but there is no clear leader on the team when Nowitzki is out”, stressed ex Emory forward Alex Foster.

In the fourth quarter there were seven lead changes, but that last lead change was most vital and key because it paved the road to victory for France. It started going back and forth right from the start of the fourth quarter as Diot made a jumper giving France the lead back after a long wait 49-48. Voigtmann then displayed his versatility and no hesitation shooting when he is open making a jumper from the wing as Germany snatched the lead back 50-49. Then it was Gelabale dropping a three pointer as France grabbed the lead back 52-50. Gorbat then ended a mini 4-0 run of France with a lay in as France led 54-50. “France had the momentum at this point. One shot can really turn the tide as that buzzer beater of Kahudi seemed to do. France knew they had the momentum and took advantage of it”, expressed Alex Foster. However Germany stayed tough mentally and weren´t scared away by the sudden France momentum and returned going on a 5-0 run to win the lead back at 55-54 as Heiko Schaffartzik nailed one of his typical from the parking lot jumpers as one quick cross over and it´s bombs away and Schroeder hit a rare floater that he didn´t use much in the game. The game continued to have surprises as after Diot made a lay in to give France the 56-55 lead it was extra bench power as ex Frankfurt Skyliner Alex King nailed a three pointer and Schaffartzik connected on another three pointer as now it seemed as once again the game tide was turning in favor of Germany as they led 61-56 with four minutes to play. However France somehow stood up again and whipped a 5-0 run to dead lock the game at 61-61 as Gelabale nailed another three pointer and Diaw hit a turn around jumper. However with three minutes to go and everyone in the arena expecting heroics from Dirk Nowitzki, it was actually France that pulled away going on a 7-2 run to close out the game and win. De Colo was razor sharp in the crunch time as he made a jumper and connected on free throws while France knew the ball was coming to Nowitzki and shut him down. “France was able to keep Dirk in check during the fourth quarter and came out on top. After France bricked 4 straight free throws, Germany went to Dirk for the win, but Diaw played solid defense and forced him into a tough shot. There’s nobody better than Dirk in that situation, but the ball took a bounce in France’s favor. After that, France sealed the win by finally knocking down some free throws”, stressed Portland, Oregon native Alex Foster. France was led by Nando De Colo with 14 points. Antoine Diot took over the load from NBA superstar Tony Parker hitting big shots finishing with 13 points and seven assists while Mickale Gelabale rounded out the scoring with 12 points. Germany was led by Dennis Schroeder with 16 points while Dirk Nowitzki added 10 points and seven rebounds. France shot 43% from the field while Germany shot 39%. France shot 42% from outside and Germany 26%. Both teams had 38 rebounds a piece while Germany had nine and France 11. Both teams have ended their game preparation for Euro 2015 and will head to Berlin on Wednesday as they will see action this upcoming weekend as the Euro 2015 commences.

Vincent Collet is the head coach of the France national team since 2009 as well as being head coach of French team Strasburg. He led France at the European championships to the silver in Lithuania in 2011, the gold in 2013 in Slovenia and a bronze at the World Championships in Spain in 2014. German Hoops spoke to Vincent Collet in Cologne before the exhibition game against Germany.

Vincent thanks for talking to German Hoops. France will play Germany in the Laxness arena Sunday. What memories do you have of the German city Cologne as a player and head coach?

A very short memory. I remember playing Euroleague in 2006 against the Cologne team. However we didn´t play in the Laxness arena, but in another one that was in a tent

You led France to a silver medal in Lithuania in 2011, a gold in Slovenia in 2013 and a bronze last year at the world championships. Do you have a special place for all your awards as a coach at a home?

I have a special place at home for all the awards, but I must be honest that I want to continue more medals to my collection. We want to win the 2015 European championships, but our main goal is the 2016 Olympics. We want a medal there and the loss to Spain in 2012 didn´t leave a good memory for us.

France basketball in the national team has been very successful in the last years, but lets be honest you continuously have amazing rosters with much NBA talent. Does it sometimes feel like you are a head coach like Phil Jackson where you kind of sit back and let the players play?

For sure sometimes I really don´t need to say much. We have great players and most important is to always keep the players focused and together.

How much of a challenge is it being a coach and coaching so much talent? What is the most difficult thing of coaching the France national team?

The most difficult thing is getting each player on the same page and having each guy know their role well. We had problems in the past where substitutes didn´t accept the hierarchy. Something like this can always come back, but it is my job to keep harmony in the team.

Congrats on the 76-52 win against Germany on Friday in Strasburg. How high can you rank a win like this against the pesky German team so close to the start of Euro 2015?

Well it was a good win yes and no. If you see the result then it is a good win. The first six minutes were close, but we then had a 31-0 run something that usually doesn´t happen. We played excellent in this phase, but Germany missed many open shots that they usually would make. We had such a high lead then that the game was over. This game didn´t have much meaning. It is already forgotten. The game Sunday in Cologne will be a lot different.

Where do you rate the 31-0 run of France against Germany? Was that the best 13 minutes of basketball you have seen your team play or just very bad German play?

It was a little of both. We played great aggressive defense and made tough shots. Germany played very bad in this moment.

What is your impression of Germany? They have three NBA players with Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder and Tibor Pleiss. What is still missing in their game ?

That is difficult to say as I can only comment about this game. Germany has very good and reliable shooters with Gavel, Giffey and Schaffartzik, but they weren´t hitting anything. They definitely are a better team than what they showed in Strasburg. I am still waiting for Germany to play better. They didn´t move the ball well and were static. I saw other games from the last weeks where Germany was better.

Germany is in a tough group where they most likely will battle Italy and Turkey for the third spot to advance. Do you think that Germany will be able to do this task?

 

I think that Germany will advance. They have a big advantage that they play at home. I believe that Germany will get better during Euro 2015 day by day. It will be an emotional return for Dirk Nowitzki who last played a big tournament in 2011. Spain and Serbia are the favorites. I think that Italy could be the surprise team in that group. They have a good team and the young guys have matured over the last years and they have had the same coach since 2011. Be ready for Italy making a surprise.

France has had a very solid pre season. How ready is France for Euro 2015?

I don´t think were quite ready now, but we will be by Friday. It will be a process from game to game and we want to reach the final

France have a very interesting group with Poland, Israel, Russia, Bosnia and Finland. What country do you see making biggest surprise?

 

I think that in our group the surprise could be Finland. They have a team that has been together for a while and the chemistry is good. Their big men aren´t really big men as they play more away from the basket. Finland is a special team.

France are the favorite in this group. How difficult is it keeping the team grounded and getting self confident? Is the team chemistry that the club has had for many years half the rent to winning games?

Our goal isn´t necessarily being first in the group, but advancing. We have to look from game to game to get better as the tournament goes on. We will play against better teams so we will have to increase our level. Last year Spain was very strong in the early going, but lost to us in the quarterfinals. Important for us is to always get better as we get closer to the final.

Alexis Ajinca is injured and won´t play while you have added young talent Mouhammadou Jaiteh. Is he the future of French basketball and what does he bring to the table that Ajinca doesn´t?

Jaiteh is of the players of the future for us. He isn´t the same kind of player as Ajinca as he isn´t as tall, but he has very good skills especially around the basket and has soft hands.

The France team has many veterans and not getting younger. The youngest guys on the team other than Jaiteh are Rudy Gobert and Evan Fourner. How does the future of France basketball look like in the next years?

It won´t be easy to replace the Parker/Diaw era. This era has been so special and we have been lucky to have so many special players over the last years. It will be a real challenge to find new young talents. We have good young guys coming up. However there is a difference between good young guys and stars. We have many good young players but no one like Tony Parker. It is hard to replace a guy like Parker.

You have followed the career of Joffrey Lauvergne since his days with Chalon. He played last season for Denver and had a good 2015 NBA Summer League with the Denver Nuggets averaging 11,0ppg and 8,0rpg. Do you see him having a long career in the NBA?

Why not. Lauvergne is a young player that is physical and has a good mid range shot. He always plays with a lot of energy and I believe that he can keep a spot in the NBA for a long time.

Strasburg has been a finalist the last three years in the France Pro A. Do you sometimes wish some of the France national team success would carry over to the Strasburg team?

For sure that would be very nice. I like how much we have improved since I came in in 2011. The clock was at 12 when I came in as head coach and everything has been going well except for winning that league title. The final isn´t enough, but we want more. The last step is always the most difficult. We will keep going and try again this season.

You have coached many players in your life, but have you ever seen a better player at age 36 than Lou Campbell?

Now I need to think a minute. I have not coached a player at 36 that is in the same shape as Lou Campbell. He is in great shape and looks so young. He is very professional and a family guy. He doesn´t go out, but just takes care of himself. It also helps that he is a solid athlete still at 36.

You signed German Kostja Mushidi. Too what player does his game remind you of and what do you like most about his game?

He visited us in May for a try-out. His father in law is French which helps. He made a great effort when he was in Strasburg. He is a very interesting player for us. He has many fine qualities like being physical, quick and explosive. Of course he is still a young player and needs to learn, but we believe in him. He reminds me of ex NBA player Jamal Mashburn.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I don´t remember. I have had much basketball the last 2-3 months.

Thanks Vincent for the chat.

Damarkus Lipscomb is a 173cm point guard from North Little Rock, Arkansas that is currently in Germany playing with the Howard Hoops team. He helped the team to a 2-1 record beating Kronberg and Gelnhausen and they close out the tour tonight in Schwelm. He played college ball at Philander Smith (NAIA) and as a senior played 32 games: 7.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 7.7apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 22.8%, FT: 54.3%. As a professional he played with Team Dubai (Eurobasket Summer League in Houston, starting five): 5 games: 6.0ppg, 1.2rpg. Awards and achievements in his basketball career have been GCAC Regular Season Co-Champion -13, GCAC Tournament Winner -13, and GCAC All-Tournament MVP -13. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Damarkus thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. It was10:30 at night recently and after a 102-90 loss to TV Langen you had to walk 20 minutes to the train station to catch a short train back to Frankfurt and then take a bus to Offenbach. I guess it all comes with the territory when your trying to get a professional contract?

Yes it does come with the territory. If you want something you never had, you’ll have to do some things you have never done. I’ve never road a train to a game nor had to walk 20 minutes afterward. But I come to understand that things are different overseas than it is in America and willing to adapt.

You are in Germany this week on a touring team called Howard Hoops that play every night in Langen, Kronberg, Gelnhausen and Schwelm. On a team the goal is too win, but is your goal not more to put up the best numbers to help you get a contract?

Yes, my team goal is to win and play team basketball because I’m naturally unselfish and a team player. However, being the ultimate goal is to get a contract I’ll have to try to adjust my game to score more.

Howard Hoops lost to German Regionaliga team TV Langen 102-90 playing more street ball while TV Langen played more structured basketball. How tough was it playing on a team of strangers after having the first practice 5 hours earlier?

It wasn’t that tough on offense since Americans pretty much play the same style of ball. But it was tough for us defensively to adapt to the European style of play and the pace.

Howard Hoops had problems on one on one defense and are very small down low against TV Langen. What adjustments did the team need to do which helped in the wins against Kronberg and Gelnhausen?

We used our quickness on defense to speed up in the other team’s offense and pressure them into turnovers. Also, we pushed the tempo while on offense to get quick shots before their big man could get back to defend their basket.

What was your first impression of German basketball?

My first impression was that German teams run their offense with precision and they have a great basketball IQ. They seem to try to limit their mistakes and capitalize off of their opponents.

How happy were you with your first game overseas. What did you do well and what do you still want to do better in the upcoming games?

I was excited because it was my first overseas experience playing basketball, and that was a dream come true for me. I played defense well and handled the ball good with limited turnovers. I still want to transition my game in the upcoming games from a passive guard to a scoring guard.

Howard Hoops team won in Kronberg and Gelnhausen. Has the team began to get a better team chemistry in the last two games?

Yes the team chemistry is better. Were starting to be on the same page both offensively and defensively.

How thankful are you that tour maker Ronald Howard chose you for his team?

Very thankful. Not many people get a opportunity to travel abroad and to actively pursue a career in basketball while playing against professional teams.

Were you able to take some of his barking from the sidelines to heart when you were on the court?

Yes, Coach Ronald Howard is very experienced with overseas basketball and his insights are very helpful while in competition.

You will have a real big test Friday against German Pro B team Schwelm. This will be your last game on this tour. How confident are you that you will have a good game?

I am confident. I believe that my experience and that my training has prepared me for this level of competition.

You played at Philander Smith (NAIA) and as a senior played 32 games: 7.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 7.7apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 22.8%, FT: 54.3%. You finished there in 2013. Do you feel that your size has scared away teams from giving you a contract?

I honestly do believe it has. But I believe in my skill set and what I can bring to a club. I will just continue to work endlessly until I find one club to believe in me the way that I believe in myself.

If you could describe your game in a few sentences and to why you could help any professional team now what words would you chose?

I am a true-point guard that can lead a team. I can give high assist numbers and also can score well. I give good energy on defense and pressure opposing guards into turnovers. What I may lack in height I make up in heart and hard work. I’m very coachable.

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

Lebron’s state of mind is to return to the NBA Finals this upcoming season and win a championship. Anything less than that should be unacceptable. I think he will be discussed with the Greatest of All Time, Michael Jordan, because he is the greatest basketball player of today’s era. But final comparison can’t be made until Lebron’s NBA career is finished.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was “Madagascar 3”. I watched that on the flight from the U.S. to Germany.

Thanks Damarkus for the chat.

After a 10 year professional career John Turek (205-C-83, college: Nebraska, agency: ISM Hoops) has decided to hang it up. Turek is a 32 year old 205cm center that was a very consistent player that Banged well inside, could score from outside, defended hard and always knew what to do and where to stay in almost any moment of the game. Another reason for his long career was that an organization and coaching staff could always rely on him becuase he had a great attitude and team mentality. He wasn’t a guy that felt comfortable in only one country, but enjoyed to explore europe as he played two seasons in Germany with Phoenix Hagen and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, played three seasons in Holland, three in Poland, and one in Belgium and in France. Especially German fans will remmeber him as he was a key player in the first BBL season of Phoenix Hagen in the 2009-2010 season. It was in this season where he experienced the documentary filming of Phoenix in der Asche where the Phoenix Hagen season was well documented. The big man from Council Bluffs, Iowa made the announcement of his retiring over the social media. “I just wanted to let everyone know that I have decided to retire from the game of basketball. After 10 professional seasons overseas and practicing a game that I love from the age of nine I have decided to pursue other opportunities. Thanks to everyone and anyone that ever encouraged, coached or prayed for me in my endeavor to chase a dream that became a reality. I am excited to see what the future holds and will always cherish the memories that I made throughout my time on the court”, stressed John Turek (205-C-83, college: Nebraska, agency: ISM Hoops).

Turek started his basketball career in 2001 at Nebraska (NCAA) where he played until 2005 playing a total of 115 NCAA games. He played under head coach Barry Collier and then already learned the definition of team basketball as he would play with future players that would go overseas like Andrew Drevo, Jason Douresseau and Wes Wilkinson and even a future NBA player with Aleks Maric. He started his professional basketball career in 2005 with Omniworld Almere (Holland-Eredivisie): 26 games: 17.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg. In the 2006-2007 season he remained in Holland and played for Hanzevast Capitals Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie): 40 games: 7.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 52.1%, 3Pts: 16.7%. In the 2007-2008 season he had double double stats with the Gent Dragons (Belgium-D1) playing 33 games: 13.0ppg, Reb-2 (10.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), 2FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 56.0%. IN the 2008-2009 season he played for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 5.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0spg, 1.8bpg; Polish League: 40 games: 8.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 59.6%, FT: 61.2%. In the 2009-2010 season he played for Phoenix Hagen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 28 games: 12.4ppg, Reb-5 (6.6rpg), 1.0apg, Blocks-1 (1.4bpg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 61.8%. In the 2010-2011 season he went back to Holland to ball for GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-DBL): EuroCup: 6 games: 8.2ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 34.2%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.1%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 1 game: 7pts, 1reb, 1steal; Dutch League: 50 games: 9.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 54.4%. In the 2011-2012 season he returned back to Poland to Trefl Sopot (Poland-PLK, starting five): 48 games: 14.1ppg, 7.4rpg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 62.5%. In the 2012-2013 season he signed with Neckar RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games: 13.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 70.4%. In the 2013-2014 season he had a year of basketball experience in France with Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (France-ProB) playing 40 games avergaing 14.5ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 65.1%. Last season he played for Rosa Radom (Poland-TBL): 34 games: 11.0ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.5%.

Awards and achievements in his basketball career have been All-Big 12 Academic 1st Team -05, Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game -06, Dutch Cup Finalist -07
Polish Cup Semifinals -09, Polish League Regular Season Runner-Up -09, 12, Polish League Finalist -09, 12, Eurobasket.com Belgian League All-Imports 2nd Team -08, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -10, Dutch Eredivisie Regular Season Runner-Up -11, Dutch Eredivisie Finalist -11, Polish League All-Star Game -12
Polish Cup Winner -12, Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Center of the Year -12, Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 1st Team -12, Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Imports Team -12, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Honorable Mention -13, Eurobasket.com All-French ProB 2nd Team -14, Eurobasket.com French ProB All-Imports Team -14, French ProB Play-Offs Semifinals -14, Polish Cup Finalist -15, and Polish League Semifinals -15