Eintracht Frankfurt stormed into the NBBL playoffs with the best record in the South West having a 15-1 record and went into the series against Team Basket Munchen Nord as the favorite, but were given a scare as they lost Niklas Kiel to the series. The 17 year old 2014 NBBL rookie of the year who is heralded as one of the top players form the year 1997. He was hit with a concussion in the Pro B series against the Rostock Sea Wolves and missed the whole series against Munchen Nord. His dominating inside out play that has given him 16 and 8 stats this season was missed in the series as Eintracht Frankfurt was forced to a do or die game three at home, but overall the team held together well and came through adversity and won the series. The club continued to show their defensive consistency as they held Munchen Nord to an average of only 64 points per game and surely gave them massive confidence going into the series with ratiopharm Academie Ulm. Eintracht Frankfurt knew that this series will need a strong defensive performance, team basketball and togetherness as the opponent averages 89 points a game and are simply a real genuine offensive powerhouse. After having missed the last 4 NBBL games, the 207 cm big man with the shade of red was back in the lineup to showcase his baby twin tower play, but received a defensive lesson along with his teammates from ratiopharm Akademie Ulm who played an amazing consistent game on defense for 40 minutes stifling Eintracht Frankfurt 54-42 and taking a 1-0 series lead. Eintracht Frankfurt had held their opponents under 50 points 12 times this season and got a taste of their own medicine as they had never witnessed an aggressive defense like that of Ulm who made offense a burden for Eintracht Frankfurt all afternoon long. Eintracht Frankfurt defended very well, but Ulm even better which was the difference in game one. “We came into the game knowing that Eintracht Frankfurt was a good team. We prepared well all week long and practiced hard and played as a team. We did a good job denying the lanes and didn´t let them move the ball well. We did a good job on one on one defense. We were lucky that they missed so many free throws”, expressed ratiopharm Akademie Ulm point guard Carlos Cerdan. Eintracht Frankfurt never found a consistent rhythm on offense and were limited to 42 points their lowest of the season. “We started well moving the ball, but they then got us out of rhythm and we never had any easy shots. They did a good job rebounding and were more physical then us. They also didn´t let us play transition”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Jules Akodo.

The first few minutes of the first quarter didn´t actually predict that the contest would be a low scoring affair as both teams got on the board on a consistent rate. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm got off on a 4-0 lead as Spanish point guard Carlos Cerdan hit a jumper and 17 year old German 206cm forward Bernhard Benke scored off the inbounds pass from Cerdan. Eintracht Frankfurt then got back to back buckets from Paderborn native Kiel with a step back shot and 17 year old 201cm center Armin Trtovac scored inside. 19 year old 201cm forward Joschka Ferner who played one Eurochallenge game with BBL team ratiopharm Ulm then nailed a floater and Kiel scored inside dead locking the game at 6-6. The lead then went back and forth as Jules Akodo made one free throw for the 7-6 advantage, but 18 year old 210 cm German Daniel Woltering made a hook shot for the Ulm 8-7 lead. Eintracht Frankfurt then found some daylight on offense going on a 5-0 run to retake the lead 12-8. In the run it was Akodo stifling Ulm with a slick cross over as he found the hole plus the free throw and then found big man 203cm Ivan Mihaljevic for the left handed lay in. However ratiopharm Akademie Ulm stepped up their energy on defense in the last minutes which led to good offense as Woltering scored inside and after a Ferner block, it was 16 year old Nikolas Moebus scoring inside tying the game at 12-12. Trtovac then got an offensive rebound and put back something he usually gets, but wouldn´t get as much against Ulm as that lane was clogged so often. Eintracht Frankfurt had the slim 14-13 lead after one quarter. “It was a very good defensive game. One could see that both teams had scouted well”, added Fraport Skyliner assistant coach Eric Detlev. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 43% from the field and 0% from outside while ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was shooting 38% from the field and 17% from outside. Ulm had the 11-10 rebound edge, but five turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had three turnovers.

The game became even more defensive as ratiopharm Akademie Ulm held Eintracht Frankfurt to five points and sped out to a 29-19 lead at the break. In the first five minutes both teams were putting up a brick clinic as nothing was falling for either team. It was then 2015 Beko BBL Allstar slam dunk contestant Marvin Omuvwie who brought his team some energy which got ratiopharm Akademie Ulm going and really never looked back as their defense stayed very consistent, but offense had its ups and downs. Cerdon found Omuvwie with an ally op pass that the German couldn´t dunk home in spectacular fashion, but did just enough to get the ball to fall through. The 17 year old Omuvwie who played at the u-16 European championships in 2013 in the Ukraine then made a coast to coast sprint finishing with a dunk as Ulm led 17-14. Armin Musovic then got his bread and butter the pull up jumper to fall even if the back rim helped as Eintracht Frankfurt trailed 17-16. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm then went on a 5-0 run to lead 22-16 as 16 year old Christoph Phillipps hit free throws and Cerdan then used his big strength the penetration scoring with his left hand. Lennart Okeke then stopped the Ulm run with a huge three pointer cutting the Ulm lead to 22-19. However ratiopharm Akademie Ulm finished the second quarter strong going on a 7-0 run to go into halftime with the comfortable 29-19 lead. In the run it was Ferner dropping a timely three pointer and then scored inside as well as Cerdan as Eintracht Frankfurt had immense problems on one on one defense. “Eintracht Frankfurt wasn´t playing as a team and didn´t have good ball movement. Ulm kept them out of the paint and Omuvwie gave them the needed energy with his play. Frankfurt didn´t come to terms with the Ulm aggressive defense”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was shooting 36% from the field and 15% from the three point line while Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 29% from the field and 9% from the three point line. Ulm had the 24-19 rebound advantage and both teams had nine turnovers a piece.

Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm remained to have the comfortable lead in the third quarter until Eintracht Frankfurt were able to cut it down and trail only 38-31 after 30 minutes. Cerdan continued to be the best player on the court as he dropped another jumper which was matched by a Kiel lay in who made some Ulm players dizzy with his nonstop moves. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm then missed 8 straight shots, but Eintracht Frankfurt were unable to capitalize as their offense continued to fizzle. It couldn´t continue to be unproductive so in time they got production again from Benke with a lay in and a coast to coast run and lay in from 18 year old 193cm point guard Michael Dorsch as Ulm led 35-23. Eintracht Frankfurt then closed out the third quarter going on a 8-3 run to trail only 38-31. Musovic got going making a lay in and step back jumper. Eintracht Frankfurt also got free throws from Kiel and Can Akbayir, but only one from two as the free throws haunted them all afternoon long. “Coach told us at halftime to be aggressive, move the ball better and rebound better. We did it sometimes in the third, but not consistently”, added Jules Akodo. “We played good defense and moved the ball well. If we do this then we usually have success”, stressed Carlos Cerdan. ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was shooting 31% from the field and 11% from the parking lot while Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 28% from the field and 7% from the parking lot. Ulm had the big 41-26 rebound edge, but 15 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, ratiopharm Akademie Ulm stayed strong and despite some resistance from Eintracht Frankfurt were able to consistently score while the home team didn´t. Akodo got Eintracht Frankfurt going with a huge three pointer and after three quarters where his three pointer was as flat as Paris Hilton´s chest, he finally got one to fall and it was a relief as he looked up at the ceiling as to signalize a thank you to the lord. Eintracht Frankfurt cut the Ulm lead to 38-34, but would never get closer. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm then slowly closed the door on Eintracht Frankfurt breaking their back going on a 16-7 run to win game one. In the run it was Cerdan who got his team going scoring five points with a pull up jumper and three pointer. Eintracht Frankfurt then got a rare easy bucket as the two big men Kiel and Mihaljevic harmonized nicely as the latter made a lay in. However the guests continued to score at leisure while Eintracht Frankfurt continued to be forced too tough shots with the shot clock very low. On offense Ulm got further production from Dorsch who made back to back shots with a runner and floater. Every time Eintracht Frankfurt made a bucket which was rare there was hope as Akodo cut the Ulm lead to 47-38 with a pull up jumper, but Ulm then gave them a slap in the face as Phillipps hit a three and Benke a turn around shot to decide the game and extend the Ulm lead to 52-38 with a few minutes remaining. Eintracht Frankfurt continued to miss free throws as on the day they shot a miserable 40% 10/25. “Sometimes a team needs somebody to spark the team and I did at the start with my shots. We played tough defense. I don´t think they ever faced a defense like ours this season and they got tight in the fourth quarter and tired”, stressed Carlos Cerdan. “Ulm had a good rhythm at the end and we just took bad shots. We weren´t to this aggressive type of defense which made it so much harder having to come back. They masde everything tough for us on offense”, added Jules Akodo. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm were led by Carlos Cerdan with 14 points. Joschka Ferner added 10 points. Eintracht Frankfurt was led by Jules Akodo with 10 points. Both teams shot miserably as Ulm shot 35% form the field and 16% from outside while Eintracht Frankfurt shot 28% from the field and 10% from outside. Ulm easily won the rebound battle 52-37, but had 20 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had 15 turnovers. Next weekend Eintracht Frankfurt faces a do or die game in Ulm. “We have to be more physical, keep them out of the paint, rebound better and play team basketball”, warned Jules Akodo. “If we stop one on one and guys like Kiel and Akodo and play team basketball, then we have good chances to win”, warned Carlos Cerdan.

Diante Watkins is a 24 year old 174cm point guard that is playing his third professional season and second with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career in 2009 with Daley CC (JUCO): 28 games: 26.5ppg, 5.8apg, 2.7rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 86%. He then played two seasons with Robert Morris (NAIA) and as a senior played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. Last season for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) he played 30 games: 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 91-61 win against Iserlohn.

Congrats Diante on reaching the 2015 German Pro B final. SC Rist Wedel reached the final with a 6-1 playoff record. How do explain the strong post season record? Did the three game winning streak at the end of the season get the team in the right frame of mind?

Yea the 3 game win streak was huge for us going into the playoffs and we just continued to strive and focus!

SC Rist Wedel jumped off to a big start in the first quarter and that momentum pretty much carried the team to the win. At halftime, you led comfortably 43-28. What did head coach Michael Claxton tell the team to be most focused on in the last 20 minutes?

The first quarter was huge for us! And after we just focused on the defense because we knew they were going to leave it all on the floor so we had to match it and stay aggressive!

How proud are you of the team that it was able to play a 40 minute game pretty much consistently on offense. If you had to give the scouting report a grade what would give it and how the team was able to follow it?

I’m very proud of this team we are some fighters, they tried a lot of defenses and we just stuck to the game plan the coach gave us and we trusted each other!

Iserlohn´s two import player Orlan Jackman and Matt Cavanaugh combined for 30 points. How key was it keeping the rest of the German players in check?

We knew if we just played team defense and kept guys from being comfortable we would be successful today!

Every guy of SC Rist Wedel produced in some way, but how key was having a focused German Christoph Roquette who had a team high 6 assists from the center position?

It was huge we knew they were going to try to stop me and Brandon tonight so our plan was to get the ball inside and Roq and Denzell made all the right plays tonight

Was it a big surprise, or just a part of basketball that both top regular season teams Rostock and Iserlohn got swept by Oldenburg and SC Rist Wedel?

It wasn’t a surprise they were top teams but that didn’t mean much the pro B has a lot of good teams no one team was just out right better than the other anybody could lose on any night!

SC Rist Wedel now face Oldenburg in the final who are looking to defend their title. How excited are you about the two game final competition? How big is the revenge factor after losing to them last season after having won game one?

I’m very excited, I think they are the team we wanted from day 1 because they are so competitive and because how they beat us last year! It will be a great hard fought series, that I will enjoy!

You averaged 28ppg in the two games against Oldenburg this season. Is it possible for you to even heighten your game more in this series?

I will definitely raise my game to a new level against Oldenburg because it’s the CHAMPIONSHIP! It doesn’t matter about points but my effort will be unmatched!

Both teams split the season series and won their respective games at home. What kind of series can we await and what will be key to winning the title?

I just think it will be a hard fought series between two really good teams! And whoever dominates the style of play will win the title!

Do you see any upsets happening in the first round of the NBA playoffs?

No I don’t see none not in the first round but the clippers vs Spurs series will be interesting but Chris Paul is my favorite player so I want them to win

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched above the rim!

Thanks Diante for the chat.

Yannick Anzuluni is a 27 year old 205cm forward from Ottawa, Canada that also has the Congo citizenship. He is playing his fifth professional season and second in Germany and first with Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProB). He played at Houghton(NAIA) from 2006-2010. He played his first two seasons as a professional with Quebec Kebs (Canada-PBL). In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Solarto Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga)21 games: 17.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 4.2apg, 3.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.2%, 3Pts: 27.4%, FT: 80.2%. Last season he played for Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga): 1 game: 15pts, 5reb, 1ast, 5steals; Baltic League: 20 games: 8.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 63.2%, played mostly at Pyrinto Tampere II (Finland-1st Division): 28 games: Score-1(24.4ppg), Reb-3(13.9rpg), Assists-5(3.4apg), Steals-1(2.6spg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before game two against Oldenburg.

Yannick thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 83-74 loss to Oldenburg in game one. It was the second loss in a row to them after you beat them easily in the first game. How has Oldenburg improved from the first game of the season?

They have improved and have been playing a lot better lately because of their cohesion on the court. They really complement one another very well.

Oldenburg hit eight three pointers more, but you had nine possessions more on account of their 19 turnovers. Rostock did a great job on the boards. After watching video of the first loss what did the team learn from this loss?

We learned that they have at least four good shooters on the court at all times so we need to run them out off the three point line and make them drive to get them get out of their comfort zone.

You had another big game with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but how much did your 1/6 shooting annoy from outside? With two more made tree pointers, Rostock may have been able to pull out a win. Was the poor shooting more about you or more about their tough defense?

I just missed a couple shots I usually make but it wasn’t the main factor of why we lost, two or three more shots from me wouldn’t of changed the result, we shot a terrible 30% as a team during the game which will always result as a lost, we’re going to have to shoot a much better percentage than that if we want to win the next game.

In your opinion what makes Oldenburg such a good team? They have only one import player who is a 28 year old rookie, but their Mr everything and the rest mostly Germans?

They are a good team because they have great chemistry together, you can see they all have been playing together for a long time and have a great feel for each others game.

What has been your impression of Jan Niklas Wimberg? He has that flowing inside out game like you do. What has it been like dueling against him this season and how has he improved?

Jan is a very good young player with a bright future ahead of him, he’s been playing a lot more aggressive and physical that he did earlier in the season which makes him a much better threat on the floor.

On Saturday you have your third straight do or die game this season which is becoming a regular occurrence for you. How will this do or die game be different than the others?

It won’t be any different really, we’ve been in this situation before so we know what we need to do to come away with the victory.

Two of the do or die games were on home court while this will be on the road in Oldenburg. Do you feel added pressure having to overcome a hostile enviroment. What kind of game can we await and what will be key in getting the win?

We were in the same situation last series, on the road with a very big hostile crowd so we know what to expect in that regard, as far as winning the game, we just need to play how we have been doing all season long, with high energy and definitely shoot a much better percentage than we did in the first game and we will be in a great position to win the game.

Steph Curry nailed 77 three pointers in one practice. How amazing is that and what were the most three pointers that you have hit in a row in practice?

That’s pretty amazing, even though he is the best shooter in the world right now 77 threes in a row is still out of this world. My personal record has been 34 threes in a row so far.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Wedding ringer.

Thanks Yannick for the chat.

Jermale Jones is a 28 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama that is playing his third season for German pro B club TV Lich. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  Lawson State CC (JUCO) where he played until 2007. He then played two more years at Tuskegee (NCAA2). In 2011-2012 he came to Germany and played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 79.2%. Last season for Lich he played 24 games averaging 18.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the last agme of the season against TV Langen.

Jermale thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have one game remaining this season and Lich has secured a place for next season in the Pro B. What has been your overall impression of playing a play downs this season?

Our starting situation into the playdowns has been best for us because we went in at 9th place and with an average against the other three teams. Even though at this time it’s a lot of pressure and everyone working hard trying to do whats needed to keep their team safe in the league.

Lich has a 2-3 record in the play downs and seemed like they just did enough to return next season. Were these play downs tougher than regular season games simply because there was so much on the line for all the teams involved?

Yes I can say they were a little bit tougher because every night you come out to play it’s a dog fight because everyone is battling for something that means a lot to them and the team they are playing for.

Lich beat Speyer which was the ticket for staying in the Pro B holding them to 59 points. Was this the best played game of the season or did the two big wins against Frankfurt where you held them combined to 57 points per game challenge the Speyer game?

I think the game against Speyer was the best game. We went out and executed and did everything the right way that was planned in the scouting report and what we needed to do as a team to come out victorious.

Except for three points in one game, you had the number of Speyer scoring 28 and 29 points. Was Speyer a team that just fit into your comfort zone better than other teams?

Every game I go out I’m in my comfort zone it was just those nights we played Speyer everything was clicking and I had a hot hand.

The last game of the season is against TV Langen which is a meaningless game. Could this be a game where coach will give guys more minutes that usually don´t and overall see some experiments?

Yes I think this last game will be played with mostly guys that didn’t play a lot during the season just to get a little more experience and see what it takes to compete.

How much do you feel for your friend Martinis Woody who´s club TV Langen will have to play in the German Regionaliga next season. The club had many problems during the season.

I feel bad for the team and for Woody personally because he`s been a part of Langen for a long time. It`s his second home as well as Lich is mine. I don`t worry too much about him because he`s a great player, he´s shown that constantly and he`ll be able to show that in the next season as well.

If TV Langen would have had Filmore Beck, less injuries and Martinis Woody not getting double and tripled teamed then they most likely would have not moved down. Manager Jogi Barth said that there were too many guys not playing for the team. How much team did you see in Woody on the court?

I think personally with Filmore they are a better team and with him I don’t think they would be I. The situation they are in now. To me I see Woody being a team player because he does a lot of the dirty work. When you are getting doubled and tripled team it’s not much you can do. That’s when other players have to step up and take charge.

You are a guy that likes to take three pointers. Steph Curry recently hit 77 three pointers in a row. What were the most three pointers that you made in a row in practice?

The most I have made in a row at practice was 28.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Fruitvale Station.

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl has had an illustrious basketball playing career that not many from Germany can master besides a Dirk Nowitzki and new Alba Berlin forward Nils Giffey can compare which NCAA ring is more pretty. In German basketball circles he will be best remembered for helping Germany win the 1993 European title or in Berlin his 11 titles while on the hallow basketball grounds of Chapel Hill in North Carolina of his assistance in winning the school´s NCAA title in 1993 now one of surprisingly only 5 titles in their history. Even as a head coach The German has gained the ultimate respect having formed Alba Berlin youth teams where a guy like Giffey developed and made the next step to a role player with Uconn and since 2010 has been the man in charge with TBB Trier that last reached the playoffs in 2004 and won their last title of only two in 2001. At times it seems like Rodl has had to break out the food stamps to afford a player whereas a Marko Pesic can dabble with the Gold card with FC Bayern Munich. Rodl has had to scrape from the TBB Trier budget ever since 2010, but as always he has that rare talent of always bringing in the best possible players with the money that he has. As a result TBB Trier has always been somewhere in no mans land the last years and even were near the Beko BBL playoffs in 2011 at #10 in his first season. Rodl has brought forward German big men Maik Zirbes and Andreas Seiferth and this season has another very young roster and Mathis Monninghoff seems like his next project for further stardom. He has a majority of players that were born in 1991 or later and a few guys in the 87-89 year zone and of course two veterans on the team that are as vital for Rodl as Big Macs might have been for ex Tar Heel Sean May that tipped the scale at 270 pounds once. Rodl was already introduced to Canadian basketball at North Carolina in his first two years as Rick Fox who later played for the Boston Celtics was pivotal for the Tar Heels run to the 1991 NCAA Final Four as he averaged 16,9ppg and 6,6rpg as a senior. Rodl has incorporated two fine Canadian players that not only hold the team together but also help put some points on the board and not let the club lose their nerves in crunch time. 31 year old Canadian Jermaine Bucknor is playing his third season with TBB and 31 year old Jermaine Anderson his second. They have two similarities in that both have been teammates with the Canadian national team and also have Jamaican roots. Bucknor who played many years in France, but also found a home in Frankfurt and Wurzburg has improved his scoring, rebounding, assists, field goal and three point shooting percentage each season in Trier while Anderson like Bucknor also has had ample experience in the BBL having played for Bamberg, Tuebingen and Braunschweig. Both guys are exceptional players, have the right attitude and that special heart for basketball. The two Canadians may not be the top scorers on the team as Vitalis Chicoko and Ricky Harris have carried that burden on their shoulders, but Anderson and Bucknor have kept the team positive as best that they could in the last months which have been hard with the TBB Trier financial crisis and their vast experience in good and bad times has been a plus even if finding positives this season in Trier has been as unlikely as finding a razor in Aggy Mock´s locker. Especially in the huge 79-74 home win against FC Bayern Munich which was the biggest win of the season, the call barking of Roedl and stellar play of the Canadian duo of Anderson and Bucknor who were one and two in scoring in the game at least saved one special moment for this summer when they are remembering this season in an otherwise forgettable season. A big miracle has to happen for TBB Trier to stay in the BBL, but strange things do happen in the sport of basketball.

It is always a challenge for Henrik Rodl to lead TBB Trier each season with the limited budget, but once again his team had no business staying at the end of the standings. They finished last season in 13^th place and they were incapable of beating one of the top three teams, but beat ratiopharm Ulm and swept the season series from the Telekom Baskets Bonn, Ludwigsburg and MBC proving they are able to have a teams number for the course of a season. A big problem was there defense which for many seasons was their bread and butter that part of the game that was holy for team and coach. The club started out well into the season holding teams to under 70 points in two of the first three games, but then only did it three more times. Their defense was too erratic coupled with the fact that they couldn´t put points on the board on a consistent rate either hurt their overall chances to win games as well. And in those games where they mustered offensive punch, their defense was their Achilles heel. Rebounding was also a problem as they had no real classic big man that can scoop down rebounds with ease the way the eccentric Dennis Rodman did back in the game. Their number one center German national player Andreas Seiferth averaged only 4,9rpg which is definitely too little for a guy like him. Seeing the quality they had last season coupled with the experience, it is kind of scary to imagine where the team will land this season as they have lost key players.

TBB Trier lost two of their key figures from last season with top scorer TreVohn Hughes who has moved on to medi bayreuth and Andreas Seiferth who has taken his talent on to the Artland Dragons. Despite losing these two figures the club did a fine job despite not having the biggest budget to keep an identity within the team holding 8 players. Even if the combination of these 8 players may not be equal to most other clubs in the Beko BBL in talent, sometimes a healthy chemistry will do wonders for a team. The two biggest and most important players held were Canadians Jermaine Anderson and Jermaine Bucknor. The overall success of their play, fitness level and staying healthy will be vital for TBB Trier between finishing in the middle or fighting to stay in the league .Anderson who is a 31 year old 188cm guard got his first real basketball experience at FordhamNCAA) and has played much of his career in Germany for teams like Bamberg, Tuebingen and Braunschweig. He also played in countries like Poland, Canada, Croatia and Russia. Last season for Tuebingen he played 34 games: 10.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 38.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT-1(96.9%). Never foul him in crunch time, because he is one of top free throw shooters in the Beko BBL. Bucknor is also 31 201cm forward and played at Richmond(NCAA) and then for the first four seasons as a professional in France before coming to Germany in 2010 where he played for Frankfurt, Wurzburg and now his third season with TBB Trier. Last season he played 27 games: 9.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.8%. It was his best statistical season in Germany and is the glue guy of the team.

The club also held on to Vitalis Chikoko who is a 23 year old 207cm forward that is a talented, lanky forward/center who has a huge upside. Even standing almost at 6-10, he can spend yet time at the PF position, thanks to enormous athletic skills, versatility, and good feel for the game. He is playing his third season with TBB Trier after having Rodl notice him in the 2010-2011 season where he played for BG Goettingen. He has improved his scoring each season in Trier and last season played 34 games: 8.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 17.1%, FT: 52.0%. He raising his game to another level this season also will be beneficial for the teams success. Mathis Monninghoff is a 22 year old 200cm swing man that started his career with Leverkusen and played 52 NCAA games for Gonzaga having ex NBA player Elias Harris as a teammate. His shot is his big asset, but he isn´t one dimensional, but smart turns over the ball seldom and plays aggressive defense. Like Chikoko, he also improved his stats from his first season in Trier and last season played 30 games: 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg. Laurynas Samenas is a 26 year old 192cm guard from Lituvania that is playing his second season out of his native country and second for TBB Trier. Last season he played for  BC Siauliai (LKL) playing 22 games: Score-5(15.0ppg), 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 78.4%; Baltic League: 17 games: 14.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 50.7%, FT: 79.1%. He is known for his shooting and defense and can give the team energy from the bench. Last season for TBB trier he gave played 30 games averaging 8.9ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.7%.

After four seasons and 74 Beko BBL games with Bayreuth, Stefan Schmidt came to TBB Trier last season searching for a new challenge. Schmidt is a 25 year old 207cm center that was born in Schwandorf. He had the chance to play behind two ex NBA players with Jared Reiner and Brandon Hunter. Schmidt never was able to make his breakthrough in Bayreuth and in Trier will came from the bench last season to give Seifert rest. He always works hard and this could be his breakthrough season with Seiferth gone if he decides to use it. Last season the German played 34 games: 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg. Anthony Canty is a 23 year old 183cm guard that has had problems with injuries last season as he played 1 game: 0pts, played also at SG DJK/MJC Trier (Regionalliga)1 game: 25pts. He started his career in 2007 with  BSG Bremerhaven (Oberliga) and in 2009 to Beko BBl team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven where he played a total of 63 games in four seasons. He is another very big German talent that could shine in Trier this season if given the chance. His speed is his biggest asset and isn´t shy to take big shots if no one else wants to. . Andreas Wenzl is a 21 year old 201cm center that arrives to Trier as a big project and is playing his second season there. He started his career with ratiopharm Ulm and played at the 2011 and 2012 NBBL Allstar games. In the NBBL he has shown his scoring and rebounding ability, but knee problems have slowed him down. In Trier he will get a chance to get minutes with the Regionaliga team and Beko BBL club.

The club hauled in American Ricky Harris as he got a short term contract because the club has injury woes. Harris is a 27 year old guard 187cm guard from Baltimore that is playing his fifth professional season. He played at Massachusetts (NCAA) together with ex NBA player Tony Gaffney and turned professional in 2010. He played in countries like Lithuvania and the Ukraine and two seasons ago played for Biancoblu Basket Bologna (Italy-Lega2): 28 games: 13.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 77.3%. Last season he played for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg playing 20 games: 11.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 47.0%, FT: 84.1%. It takes a lot of courage to have only a few slots open to choose players and then pick young ones from other countries. That is exactly what Rodl did bringing in 22 year old 207cm forward Marko Lukovic from Serbia. It is his first destination out of his country. He played for Mega Vizura (A League) Adriatic League from 2009-2014 and last season played 24 games: 4.8ppg, 2.5rpg; Serbian League: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.0%. He has played for the Serbian U 18 and U 20 teams and is a player that plays the positions 3-4 and presents huge miss match problems there and is agile and can shoot well. The club also brought in another young player that is more or less expected to perform as soon as possible with Adin Vrbac who is a 20 year old 204cm shooting guard and huge talent from Bosnia. He started his basketball career at KK Spars Sarajevo (D3) in 2009. Last season he played for KK Spars Sarajevo (Division I, starting five): 30 games: 10.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 63.1%. Last summer he played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) -14 (Gold): 8 games: 11.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 46.2%. He is a very athletic player that likes to create for his players, but his shot has to improve. The club also brought in Dennis Kramer. Kramer is a 22 year old 211cm center and rookie. His mother is German, his father Arvid Kramer is a former pro player (spent several years overseas playing in e.g. Italy and Germany) and NBA draftee, who worked as a general manager of German Bundesliga team Telekom Baskets Bonn for six years after his playing career. Kramer grew up in the States and played at San Diego (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 123 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging11.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 71.2%. “Dennis is a young talented player that fits well into our concept.He can play both big man positions. I am happy that we could find

Six wins and 17^th place doesn´t seem like much, but Roedl still has done as good as a job as possible with the quality of the roster that he has compared to other teams. The club started the season very solid with a 2-2 record beating Braunschweig and Goettingen, but then lost six of seven games until the legendary home win against FC Bayern Munich. Then came another mini high point having a two game winning streak against Phoenix Hagen and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg where they held the two opponents combined to an average of 63 points a game as the Roedl defensive concept infected his team early on. However they then lost eight of nine games again including the down point of the season being the 84-44 massacre in Bamberg. The only other high point of the season besides the Munich win was sweeping 2015 BBL cup winner Oldenburg. Their biggest obstacle is their lack of being able to score points on a consistent rate as they have been held to under 70 points 12 times this season. TBB Trier have been playing pretty good basketball of late beating Oldenburg and losing a bitter crunch time game to Alba Berlin in OT by three points. The Fraport Skyliners come to Trier reeling off a tough loss in Braunschweig, but should make the playoffs. They play two games within 48 hours and could use a strong game in Trier to get their self confidence going for the showdown against FC Bayern Munich on Sunday. In the first meeting this season between Frankfurt and Trier, Frankfurt won the defensive battle as they were led by Richard Williams with 17 points and Quantez Robertson steered home 15 points. TBB Trier was led by Vitalis Chikoko with 15 points while Jermaine Anderson chipped in with 12 points. TBB Trier host the Fraport Skyliners April 17^th.

In the past, The Frankfurt Skyliners have had a positive record against TBB Trier. In 2009-2010, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost the first game on Trier 71-67 as Ex Skyliner Derrick Allen contributed 19 points and eight rebounds and Frankfurt won at home 71-69 winning the game with Pascal Roller free throws. Derrick Allen led Frankfurt with 17 points. In 2010-2011, Frankfurt swept the season series. They won at home 72-55 as Pascal Roller led the home team with 17 points. The return date in Trier was an exciting battle as Frankfurt clawed out a 69-61 win as they came from behind going on a 10-0 run in crunch time to prevail. Dashaun Wood led the charge with 18 points and Jimmy Mckinney added 11 points. In their first meeting in 2011-2012, TBB Trier came out with a 64-54 victory as defense played a key role. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jon Leuer and Jimmy Mckinney with 14 points a piece. In their second meeting that year, the Fraport Skyliners were riding the wave of a very strong second half of the season where they had beat top teams like FC Bayern Munich, ratiopharm Ulm, Bamberg, Artland Dragons and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and came to Trier with a lot of self confidence winning 72-52 displaying another trademark top defensive performance as ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson steered 19 points to the win and Jimmy Mckinney added 18 points. In the 2012-2013 season TBB Trier swept the season series won at home against Frankfurt 78-59. At halftime everything looked ok as Frankfurt trailed by only one point, but TBB trier exploded in the third quarter winning it 25-8 leading them on to the win. American Brian Harper proved too much for Frankfurt with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Skyliner Ted Scott gave his debut netting 20 points. In the return game in Frankfurt, TBB trier won 78-70 sending the Fraport Skyliners into a do or die game with Ludwigsburg as Jermaine Bucknor and Andreas Seiferth led the way with 14 points a piece. Frankfurt was led by Quantez Robertson with 14 points and Ryan Brooks added 13 points. In their first meeting last season, the Fraport Skyliners came out of Trier with a big 85-75 victory as Andrew Rautins smoked Trier for 30 points. Jacob Burtschi and Danilo Barthel added 15 points a piece in Trier. TBB Trier was led by Trevohn Hughes with 29 points and Vitalis Chikoko added 11 points. In the return game, The Fraport Skyliners won at home 67-56 as TBB Trier showed a good defensive effort, but Frankfurt buckled down a few gears better on defense. Frankfurt was led by Danilo Barthel with 15 points and American Jarred Dubois added 10 points. TBB Trier was led by Trevon Hughes with 18 points and Andreas Seiferth added 11 points.

Braydon Hobbs is a 24 year old 196cm point guard that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany with rent4office Nuernberg (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career in 2008 with : Bellarmine (NCAA2) playing a total of 133 games. He turned professional in 2012 and played for Caceres Basket (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 35 games: 7.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.9%. Last season he played for Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division, starting five): Eurocup: 10 games: 11.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 52.3%; Hungarian League: 32 games: 9.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 72.7%. He also palyed two summers professionally in Australia. He spoke to German Hoops before game one against the Giessen 46ers.

Braydon congrats on the big 83-63 playoff win at home against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets. You have played in Spain, Australia and Hungary before coming to Germany. In how many of these type of games had you been involved in in your career being down in a 2-1 like situation and how often did you win?

I have been fortunate to play in the playoffs in every country I have played in. I have only been in one situation like that before though. We were down 2-1 in the semifinals in Spain and we ended up losing that series. I’m glad our team was able to battle back and win the series.

After an even first quarter, Nurnberg held Essen to 18 points in the second and third quarters. What adjustments did the team make on defense to stifle Essen in their offensive sets?

I think we managed to play better team defense after the first quarter. We were struggling with 1 on 1 defense and help side defense, I think we took better care of those two things in the 2nd quarter.

You led your team in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Did you make yourself an extra promise before the game the way you wanted to play or was this very important game just another game for you where your confidence was high enough for you to perform the way you know how without putting unneeded extra pressure on yourself before the game?

I think this was a very important game 5. I told myself to leave everything I had out on the court. Our team was extremely focused because it was a do or die game for us. There was no added pressure but we just needed to do what we have did all year.

The Golden State Warriors have the splash brothers and Nurnberg have the Young and Hobbs brothers. How blind is your understanding with him on the court? How has it grown during the season where you can easily pick the moments when who does what to bring success to the team?

I think we are a much better team when both of us are on the court together. We understand each other’s strengths and that helps us feed off each other. We try to do anything we can to help the team be successful.

How important was German Robert Ohle? He only had four points and three rebounds, but was big on defense with four blocks. The big men match ups will be interesting against Giessen especially with Ohle playing against his old team

Robert was huge for us in the win. He has been that way all year. He can really mix things up in the paint and that helps our team defense big time.

How proud are you of your team? What was the atmosphere like when the team was down 2-1? Was this we believe feeling always there in the minds of your teammates?

I’m really proud of the team because we never gave up. We never counted ourselves out of the series. We have been a competitive team all year so we never believed we were going to lose. We had confidence and were able to pull through.

Nurnberg held Essen to 66 points in the four game series. What was the biggest strength on the defensive end that led the team to being so consistent?

I think our biggest strength was that we played solid team defense the entire series. We obviously had a couple minutes here and there that weren’t the greatest, but overall we really worked together on that aspect of the game. We had to focus on 1 on 1 defense as well.

Nurnberg now faces Giessen. Giessen is one of the top defensive teams in the German Pro A. Can we expect a defensive series?

Giessen is definitely a great defensive team. They can shoot the ball well also so it’s not only their defense that can hurt you. I don’t think it will be strictly a defensive series because both teams can be really good offensively as well.

Nurnberg lost both games against Giessen by a combined point total of only nine points, but you averaged 79 points which is extremely high considering how well Giessen defends. Does the confidence level of your team rise knowing that you have had success against them this season be able to score consistently?

I’m not sure if the confidence level rises because of that. I think if we execute and take care of the basketball then the offense will take care of itself.

Giessen has a very solid roster that plays amazing team basketball. Nurnberg saw them twice this season and you can´t key in on 1-2-3 players because each guy can go off at any time. What will be key in getting to the final of the Pro A?

They are a very deep team with multiple options. They are one of the deepest teams in the league. I think our defense will be key against them. It’s been the key for us all season long. They can play a lot of different players but hopefully we can manage to play solid team defense to help limit them.

The other semi final pits Wurzburg against Gotha. You can never underestimate them with Chris Ensminger as head coach. How do you see this series? Could Gotha make an upset?

You can never underestimate any team at this level. Anything could happen in the playoffs as well. It will definitely be a competitive series because that’s how Gotha plays. They compete every game so it will be interesting to see what happens.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD movie I watched was American Sniper.

Thanks Braydon for the chat.

Preston Wynne is a 28 year old 184cm guard from Wellpinit, Washington that is a rookie playing for the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Spokane Community College. He then finished his college career at Vanguard (NAIA) and as a senior played 36 games averaging 20.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.9spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: NAIA1-1(90.7%). He spoke to German Hoops before game two against Rostock.

Preston thanks for talking to German Hoops. You celebrated a huge 83-74 win against Rostock in game one. How important was that 32 point outburst in the first quarter? Did that pave the way for Oldenburg and carry them to the win?

It was sure a big part of the win thats for sure. If we could have more like it i’d be happy.

What did the team learn from that first loss that has helped them play better in the last two games?

Rostock is a very good team. The first time we played them we were not nearly ready for the speed in which they played.

Your ex head coach Mladen Drijenicic became head coach of the first team, but what was his biggest strength that has made the team so successful this season?

Mladen is a perfectionist. Even if we ran our plays nearly perfect, he would always remind us that there were things each one of us could do a little better. He would bring the most out of every player, and would have a big smile on his face every minute of it. He loves his job.

Rostock did a great on the boards. How key will rebounding be and what else will be most vital for the team to advance?

Rostock is a very aggressive rebounding team. If we can lower their rebounds and stop their drives to the basket, we will have a good chance to win.

What has been the secret to the success of Oldenburg?

I think its our trust we have for each other. From our coaches all the way to the last guy on the bench.

They have only one import and mostly young Germans. How special and important has this roster of Germans been for the success of the team this season?

They have been a huge part of the teams success. The younger players don’t have a slow down button, they only know one speed and thats as hard as they can go. It makes the older players play harder.

You seemed to have no problems adjusting to the German Pro B. Was it difficult having to be a leader as a rookie?

At first it was a little tough, but once I got the hang of German basketball it wasn’t to hard. I try to lead by example.

How challenging was it this season battling against the top guy of the other team and coming out on top?

It hasn’t been too tough. We have such a well rounded team that on any given night anyone can score 20+, if I´m around 10 points and we get the win I am 100% okay with that.

How much fun has it been playing side by side with German Dominik Lockhart? This may be the best 1-2 guard combo in the German Pro B. How do you guys make each other better?

Playing with Dominik has been wonderful this season. He is a very gifted player, very selfless player, who is always trying to make his team the best they can be.

How have you seen the play of Jan Niklas Wimberg develop this season? Even though you are a rookie do you sometimes shake your head that he is actually 9 years younger than you?

Niklas has improved a lot in all areas of his game in this short year. His on court IQ is very impressive for such a young player. Every day I go to practice I´m reminded by my age, The youngsters talking about their homework.

Steph Curry recently hit 77 three pointers in a row in practice. How amazing is that and what were the most three pointers that you hit in practice in a row?

It seems pretty good, i’ve never tried it personally. I have made 168 free throws in a row though.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

That was a while ago in august right before I left the states. It was The Lego Movie with my son and daughter.

Thanks Preston for the chat.

Diante Watkins is a 24 year old 174cm point guard that is playing his third professional season and second with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career in 2009 with Daley CC (JUCO): 28 games: 26.5ppg, 5.8apg, 2.7rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 86%. He then played two seasons with Robert Morris (NAIA) and as a senior played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. Last season for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) he played 30 games: 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 94-85 victory against Iserlohn

Congrats Diante on the 94-85 game one win against Iserlohn. You can wrap the series at home this weekend? How badly did SC Rist Wedel want to steal that first game on the road?

We wanted to win game 1 pretty bad, we wanted to give ourselves a chance to end it in Wedel and not have to play a game 3 on the road. Now we have a good chance to close the series at home!

The first half was very tight, but SC Rist Wedel came out in the third quarter limiting Iserlohn to 12 points which sparked the team to the win as they led by nine points after 30 minutes and never looked back. What kind of advice did head coach Michael Claxton give the team at halftime that especially helped on the defensive end?

That was the speech during halftime. Our defense wasn’t good in the first half so we just wanted to do better and we did in the 3rd quarter and we made some baskets to stretch the lead!

You and American Brandon Spearman combined for 56 points of the team 94 points. Do you guys ever feel pressure to having to perform as the team does rely on you to score much?

It’s a little pressure on us to score. But we understand that anybody on our team can have a big night and pick us up, we have a really balanced team so it’s not as much pressure we just have to play our game and stay aggressive which allows our offense to be better!

Without one or two of Fabian Straus´s three pointers and Wedel could have had problems winning. How key has his play been overall this season coming up with timely big plays?

Fabo made some clutch shots when we really needed them, he has played a huge role in making big shots for us. He is stretching the floor which makes it hard for the defense to help off of him which allows me and others to get easy baskets at the rim!

You had another typical big game filling the stats sheet. Was your three point effort the only category that annoyed you on that night?

Yes my 3 point effort annoyed me but they were tough shots as well as my turnovers I had a few that were unforced, I have to limit those mistakes!

What was your impression of English national player Orlan Jackman? He can go off at any time like you? He is the motor of the team and his energy can infect his teammates at anytime.

I think he is a good player, he can stretch the floor. We have to do a better job at guarding him in game 2. I think he is a small forward playing the power forward position so he has more speed than our bigs and we have to be ready for his perimeter game!

It seems like both teams match up pretty well. Will this series pretty much be decided by the little things?

I think this series will be decided by who wants it more, who can play the best defense, get stops and get out and play the fast break & execute!

The other series pits Oldenburg and Rostock two teams you played this season. Oldenburg leads 1-0. How do expect the rest of this series to go and what will be key for both teams to win?

I think Oldenburg may pull it off at home! I think both teams are really good so it’s a 50/50 game but I think the rebounding is key for that game Rostock gets after the glass and I think whoever controls the rebounds will get the victory! That series is very interesting! They are two hard nose clubs!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched Focus with Will Smith it was a really good movie!

Thanks Diante for the chat.