Zilijan Jones is a 23 year old 175cm point guard that is playing his rookie season in Morocco. He played college basketball at St.Edward’s (NCAA2) for 3 years and in his last season there played 21 games: 7.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 33.1%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 63.8%. He then moved to Oklah. Panhandle St. (NCAA2) playing 28 games: 12.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 41.0%. As a professional rookie he played for Kenitra AC (Morocco-D1) and in Spain this season. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Zilijan thanks for talking to German Hoops  Where are you at the moment and how has your day been?

Currently I am playing in the 1st National Mens división (5th) here in Spain. My team, (FCR La Roda) is the favorite to promote to the EBA league (4th). We are currently in 2nd place with the 1st place team coming to our house before the playoffs start. We are in great position to get the regular season title. So far this season we won the Presidents Cup which is a mid season final four.

At the moment you are playing for Fundacion C Rural La Roda in Spain. Describe a bit how the team is doing and what kind of experience it is for you in the EBA league.

My role on this team is to be a playmaker for my teammates. I also am a huge energy that sparks the team when we are not playing with energy. There are good basketball players everywhere. I would say the biggest difference between european basketball and NCAA 2 college basketball is the level of athleticism.

What kind of role do you have and how is the talent level in this league to what you saw in the NCAA2?

The only goal for me here at FCR La Roda is to win a championship. Anything less than a championship would be failure. Our chances to move up to EBA are very good. We just have to continue to take each game one quarter at a time.

After a bad start in Morocco, what do you hope to achieve with Fundacion C Rural La Roda. How good are the chances that the club will move up a level?

As a rookie, everything is a learning experience. I was promised things that never came into existance. I will never hold a grudge against this club, thinngs didnt workout but i am blessed and thankful for the experiences and friendships i gained during my time in Morocco.

You started the season with Kenitra AC (Morocco-D1). You had some bad misfortune there. Please explain the dealings that you had with this club?

The biggest disappointment was the lack of concern for my children. KAC knew i was talking with other clubs in Spain before they sent me a contract. KAC promised all these things to get me to come to their club and none of it was true. This put my family in danger finacially. Again everything is a learning eperience and it made me realize that you must do your research before signing a contract.

How difficult was it as a rookie coming to a foreign land and possibly being a bit naïve and taking granted of by the organization? When looking back at your short stay in Morocco, what were you able to learn from this experience?

What I learned about Morocco is in this business no one cares about your personal life. There are two types of clubs. Clubs who care about you as an all around person and the clubs who only want you for your talent.

What dealings do you exactly have with Germany. You have many friends that have played in Germany.

Germany is a good basketball market. As a young player exposure is key. Im looking for an oppritunity to show that I can perform and compete at the highest level. Germany is a great platform to showcase my skills and God given gift to lead. I have friends who play there now in lower leagues. Kendre Talley, Micheal Harvey, and Harley Fuller are my friends who play in Germany. They all play in lower leagues there and are hungy and looking for better oppritunities like me.

Do you have aspirations of playing in Germany in the future? If you could describe your game and why you could help a team how would you describe your game?

Germany is a great country, ive interacted with people from Germany and the people were great to me. Germany is a great place for exposure. If i could describe my game i would have to say im a great teammate. I can score, i can pass, and i play defense. The only stat that matters to me is winning. If that requires me to score 25 points that night then thats what i do. If i have to only pass to get the win then thts what i do. Winning is the only thing that matters to me. Im all about the teams success.

You are a short point guard. Which NBA point guards were your role models growing up?

Chris Paul. He uses his mind and creativity against his opponents. At my size you have to really know how to command respect from your teammates and be a floor leader.

You played at St.Edward’s (NCAA2) and then transferred to Oklahoma. Panhandle St. (NCAA2. What were the main reasons for making this move?

Well after playing 3 seasons at St Edwards, the coach and I felt it was best that he develop his younger guards. He wasnt the original coach that recruited me. Going to OPSU i knew would give me the best oppritunity to further my career after college.

What was your most memorable experience playing college basketball in the States?
Playing against NCAA 1 University Incarnante Word as a sophmore I scored 29 points and 7 assist. I was 19 years old.

What goals do you still have as a professional basketball player?

My goal as a profesional is to win as many championships as possible. Also work with kids and use basketball as a tool to bring all cultures together.     

Derrick Rose got injured again. Do you see him ever being a healthy player for a longer period of time or will injuries haunt his whole career as it has now?

I think like all great players, D. Rose needs to adjust his game. Making his jump shot more consistant and also using his playmaking skills more.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Taken 3 was the last movie I seen.

Thanks Zilijan for the chat

Kenny Demouchet is a 24 year old 193 cm guard that is currently playing in Peru and is the cousin of MBC guard Patrick Richard. Before starting his professional career he played at Opelousas LA (Mountain Valley Community Coll) (Opelousas High School) Missouri Baptist UniversityMountain View College and Jackson St. (NCAA): 22 games: 0.8ppg, 1.2rpg. He started his professional career in 2013 and played in Italy, the Louisiana Soul (ABA) and now in Peru. He currently is playing in Peru and spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Kenny thanks for talking to German Hoops. Last season you played in Italy and currently in Peru. How do you like the globetrotter lifestyle?

I am truly loving the globetrotter lifestyle. It allows me to see the world, experience different lifestyles and most of all represent Opelousas, Louisiana and inspire kids all over the world to never give up on your vision and thoughts.

Currently you are playing in the first Peru division for Universitario. The team is in last place. What have been the name reasons for being in the cellar?

The reason being for our team being in last place is that the coach brought me and my big man Jeorge Parra, which is the other import in after the season has started. Every other team has had their imports since March and we are just getting here the beginning of April. We are learning to play with the Peruvians and build chemistry. We have showed glimpse of us being a great team by beating the #1 team (Inmacculada) in the league who has only 1 loss to us. There was a game in which I had 21 points, 7 assist, and 6 rebounds. I just think coach has to allow me to be free more and let the offense flow like we did when we beat Inmacculada, instead of running plays every possession. So we just working and we WILL put the pieces together!

What kind of experience has it been overall for you in Peru. What is it like playing in a country where soccer rules over all other sports?

The experience here has been great. Despite the fact that Futbol is the main sport here I have still signed autographs everywhere I go and the people here loves me. If you always remain positive in every situation and think positive. If you do and think positive, Positive things will happen for you.

Currently you are averaging 17ppg, six rebounds and six assists. How happy have you been with your game in Peru? What area´s do you still like to improve on?

My stats are good for a point guard but they can be greater. I have been passing up on shots that I would usually take because I am trying to trust my teammates and have faith in them. I will definitely start shooting more because I am originally a scorer and I made that transition to playing point guard. I want to improve on using the pick n roll because I have to use it to just being a 1 on 1 type player and I want to be at 22 points and 8 assist a game guy by the time the season is over and be shooting 42% from 3 point line. Right now I only shooting 38% from 3 point line and like 44% overall.

How much fun is it playing with Venezuelen big man Jorge Parra who is averaging 16ppg and 20rpg? I would imagine that he likes your feeds inside.

Playing with my big man is awesome. He is very smart, mature and knows the game. He has a very high IQ. I love to pass up shots and feed him the ball or penetrate and dump it down to him. I don’t care if he takes 30 shots a game I know that once he starts getting double teamed I will have open 3 pointers that I will make majority of the time because I am a catch and shoot type player.

You are a combo guard. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away on the court?

My hidden strength would be my defense and my ability to be a lights out shooter. I absolutely love to guard the best player and pick up 94ft. I don’t think my defense is unnoticed because I am averaging almost 3 steals a game and I always guard the other Americans here but never guard me. I think they might be scared of me. Lol.

Your cousin is MBC guard Patrick Richard who was an allstar this season and had a great season. What things have you picked up from his game over the years?

The things I have learned from Richard over my 25 years of living is his ability to create space to get a good shot off the dribble because I’m more of a catch and shoot guy and I love to attack and dunk while Richard doesn’t. He is more of just a shooter and he always been that way since High School.

Would Germany be an option for you if you had the chance? I am sure that your cousin has talked about how nice Germany is on and off the court?

Yes Richard has talked about how beautiful Germany is and yes my plan is to play in Germany for the 15-16 season. No doubt.

Last summer you played in Trieste,Italy- Italian Summer League-Playing in the championship game and winning the MVP. You averaged 14 points, 8 assist, 7 rebounds, 3 steals a game! Were you surprised how well you played despite it being your first time in Europe?

No I wasn’t surprised how well I played but it was a learning experience because the game is so different from America. It’s less 1 on 1 and more about team. Pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, shoot or lay up.

You obviously showed that you could keep up with the competition and win MVP. Is the European style one that you would prefer to the one in the States and other countries?

I would rather play the European style over the US or other countries any day. It’s so much spacing and everybody can score. It also makes the game so much easier.

You played one game for the Louisiana Soul (ABA). How cool was it playing in your home state? I guess that the next upgrade which would be nice would be the NBA Pelicans. The ABA is a semi pro league. I can imagine you don´t want to return and stay in Europe. Would you say you were above the ABA level?

The ABA was a good experience but I only did it for my home fans, friends and family. It’s not good competition and no defense being played. Yes, I’m way above ABA level.

Right after you finished at Jackson State(NCAA) you played at the in the NBA D-League draft/training camp in 2013. Did you not get any D-league offers and would the D-League be an option if a team came calling?

I got offers from Santa Cruz Warriors and Bakersfield Jam but didn’t make the cut. I don’t think it had anything to do with my game, it’s more political than anything. If a team in the D-League called right now I would drop everything and definitely go.

You played at Missouri Baptist University and Mountain View College before finishing at Jackson State(NCAA). Was it a tough adjustment for you changing so many colleges in a short time?

No it wasn’t a tough adjustment I feel that basketball is the same on every level except for mental aspect. On each level basketball is the same but mentally you have to grow(IQ).

Do you think your career might be somewhere else now had head coach Tavester Anderson have given you good minutes at Jackson State(NCAA)?

If Coach Tevester Anderson gave me minutes at JSU, I would be in the NBA right now. It was a selfish thing he done and I didn’t do anything or get in trouble. I was a 3.2 student(the only player on the team with a GPA over a 2). I don’t smoke nor drink and everybody in Jackson,Mississippi loved me, except him. Look at all I accomplished with only averaging 0.8 points and 2 minutes a game. So just think where I would be. I could have won an NBA championship by now. We would never know.

You season ends in July in Peru. Will you then attack the European market or possibly go back to the States to try D-League or return to South America?

After this season over here I’m going to go play in Europe in a top division. No doubt. If a D-League calls, cool. If not, it’s still cool. Nobody can stop me but ME, I will get there

Who will reach the 2015 NBA final and who will win it?

The Bulls and the Warriors. The Warriors will win it all.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I seen was, Coach Carter.

Thanks Kenny for the chat.

With the minutes leading up to the jump ball in game two between the Fraport Skyliners and FC Bayern Munich one could sense a loose atmosphere in the arena among fans and players in the do or die game before the do or die game as it was evident with a loss the 2004 BBL champion Skyliners would have their backs ultimately to the wall and with their key offensive player Johannes Voigtmann out for the season their fortunes didn´t seem to be any better. However almost two hours later all was well in the Fraport arena as the Fraport Skyliners had handed Germany´s most famous name their worst smacking since they entered the Beko BBL in 2010 in BBL play as they were crushed by 24 points and most likely had a worse taste than being swept by 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen. However even if the fans and players could celebrate the last minutes with pride, it was Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi that still had to bear the burden of being challenged mentally and physically as mentally he was involved in heated trash talk with Svetislav Pesic and Heiko Schaffartzik. “Pesic was getting on Doornekamp and I came over and told him to stop and sit down and Schaffartzik then told me to sit down. They better know I have Air Force moves so they better not mess with me”, joked ex Air Force player Jacob Burtschi. And physically during stretching he was blindsided from behind by Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs who had his own way of celebrating as he tackled Burtschi like a boy actually hit the American in an awkward position in that he was stuck with a cramp. Cobbs survived that and the club had little time to really enjoy the big win and were back on the floor 48 hours later in game three in Munich. FC Bayern Munich was focused to make amends for their embarrassing and lackluster performance in Frankfurt and needed a win again not to go back to Frankfurt with their backs to the wall. FC Bayern Munich made a vice versa to their game two performance by crushing the Fraport Skyliners at home 82-64 as they took a 2-1 game lead in the best of five series. FC Bayern Munich came out aggressive and never let up while the Fraport Skyliners had a bad shooting day and once again had difficulty controlling the board. “They kicked our butts and we had to dig ourselves out of a hole the rest of the way and that is tough to do against the defending champions. Munich thought that their name would carry them through game two and tonight they had more energy and just wanted it more than we did. It was a vice versa tonight”, stressed Jacob Burtschi. “Our aggression was very strong tonight, shot the ball well and played tough defense. We finally played up to the quality of our level”, stressed Bryce Taylor. In game two ex Oregon(NCAA) forward Bryce Taylor had a black day scoring  with only one field goal which occurred late in the fourth quarter in the 38^th minute, but in game three it was like day and night as Frankfurt saw a new side of Taylor, the mad side. ”I was angry tonight. I felt that we didn´t show who we are in game two. We had to step it up and I led by example. There are some games where you hit shots and miss shots, but I always bring the same energy”, Bryce Taylor. “Taylor is a veteran and didn´t have a good game two. He brought much energy with put back dunks and transition dunks and hit big shots. There is a reason why he has been around for such a long time in this league”, added Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. “Taylor gave Munich a good spark and that is what good players do after a bad game. He got into an easy flow early with three pointers and transition baskets”, stated ex Auburn forward Quantez Robertson.

There was an amazing atmosphere as the game commenced and one knew right away this was playoff time. FC Bayern Munich got on the board quickly as Vasilije Micic caught Frankfurt snoring as he was all open in front of the bucket and Nihad Djedovic dished him the ball of the inbounds pass. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t hesitate long to get on the board themselves as Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel twisted and weaved around John Bryant using his quickness for the 2-2 game The first few minutes was a back and forth where Frankfurt was able to keep up with a few lead changes. California native Bryant made a put back and Jacob Burtschi got Frankfurt their first lead 5-4 with a three pointer. FC Bayern Munich then took the 6-5 lead with Bryce Taylor free three´s and never looked back in the game. Serb Dusko Savanovic then hit a step back jumper for the 8-7 advantage. FC Bayern Munich continued to get into their offensive groove going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 15-7. In the run, it was American Taylor who continued to keep the team energy up with an aggressive two hand dunk, a lay in from Bryant as he was fed by big man Savanovic and Taylor found his tough early with a three pointer which he didn´t in game two. FC Bayern Munich had the leverage with the high intensity, were very focused from the jump ball and pushed their defensive intensity and aggressiveness from game two. Frankfurt then went on a mini 4-0 run to scratch their ways back to 15-11 as they got back to back buckets inside as Quantez Robertson made a tip in off an Aaron Doornekamp back door pass and ex George Mason(NCAA) center Mike Morrison made a massive dunk. However the Frankfurt defense wasn´t on the same page as in game two as they just could get consecutive stops or limit easy shots in this phase. In the Munich run as Djedovic dropped a three pointer, Bryant a free throw and ex Bamberg guard Anton Gavel hit a one hand floater as FC Bayern Munich led 21-11. Frankfurt battled back in the last minutes closing out the first quarter with a 7-4 run to trail 25-18. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners got massive support from Sean Armand who came off the bench with a three pointer and free throws and a Barthel runner. FC Bayern Munich got added production from Taylor with a two hand dunk and Micic free throws. “We weren´t making shots, had turnovers and didn´t rebound well which hurt us in our start”, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. FC Bayern Munich was shooting 50% from the field and 40% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 46% from the field and 40% from outside. Munich had the 11-5 rebound edge and had one turnover while Frankfurt had three turnovers.

FC Bayern Munich kept up their high intensity and well- oiled offensive machine as they won the second quarter 21-7. FC Bayern stormed out on a 8-1 run to extend their lead to 33-19 as the 2014 BBL champion got back to back three point shots from ex Alba Berlin guard Heiko Schaffartzik and Anton Gavel and Savaovic caught Frankfurt napping on transition defense making a lay in. After a Barthel lay in where ex Vanderbilt(NCAA) guard Kevin Bright fed him for the back door lay in, it was time for FC Bayern Munich to go on another run of 8-2 to extend their lead to 41-23 as Munich got much support inside with the athletic energy of Taylor as he made a tip in dunk, Djedovic made a lay in after catching a back door pass from Gavel, Bryant made a lay in and then came the pass of the game as Gavel unleased a bullet inside to Djedovic who finished all alone. Cobbs scored the lone Frankfurt points with a pull up jumper. A big difference in both runs was that FC Bayern Munich was hitting tough shots while Frankfurt wasn´t hitting anything. In the last few minutes of the second quarter Frankfurt had difficulty hitting free throws and Djedovic made free throws and went into half time making a buzzer beater trey as FC Bayern Munich had the comfortable 46-25 advantage at half time. “ Munich got easy baskets and transition buckets and we missed many shots”, added Quantez Robertson. FC Bayern Munich was shooting 50% from the field and 50% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 30% from the field and 20% from the three point line. FC Bayern Munich led the rebound battle 26-12 and both teams had five turnovers a piece.

In the third quarter, FC Bayern Munich continued their offensive domination, but had their worst phase of the game as the Fraport Skyliners went on a run and stepped up their defense, but FC Bayern Munich were able to up their lead a bit at the end to a big lead. FC Bayern Munich got off to a quick 5-0 run as Frankfurt coughed up the ball twice on their first two possessions and Munich got a three pointer from Djedovic and lay in for the 51-28 lead. FC Bayern Munich continued to have the comfortable lead as Bryant hit a turnaround jumper and Taylor scored inside. For Frankfurt Armand made free throws and Morrison who was playing extended minutes for the injured Johannes Voigtmann made a jumper just as the shot clock went off as FC Bayern Munich still led huge 56-32. Then came the best span of the Fraport Skyliners as they played their best defense of the game going to a full court press as aggressive defense fueled their offense leading to a timely 10-0 run to cut the FC Bayern Munich lead to 56-41. Frankfurt got to the free throw line with Robertson, Cobbs, and Morrison. Robertson and Cobbs also made field goals inside. In the last few minutes the Fraport Skyliners held their own and were trailing 61-48. FC Bayern Munich did a good job getting Frankfurt into further foul trouble getting to the line with free throws from Gavel and Micic and Robertson scored another bucket inside and Barthel made a scorching dunk cutting into the lane. “We anticipated their passes and got them out of rhythm on offense”, stressed Quantez Robertson. FC Bayern Munich was shooting48% from the field and 50% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners 32% from the field and 14% from the parking lot. FC Bayern Munich was still dominating the boards 34-24 and had 11 turnovers and Frankfurt nine turnovers.

With 30 minutes played the Fraport Skyliners were still in range of FC Bayern Munich trailing by 13 points, but in the fourth quarter FC Bayern Munich were able to wear down the Fraport Skyliners with their physicality and continued consistency on offense. FC Bayern Munich made a statement in the first four minutes to finally close the door on Frankfurt as they went on a 12-6 run to extend their lead to 75-54. It was the Bryce Taylor show who was never really satisfied and now just completely crushed Frankfurt as he scored 10 points of the 12 Munich. Taylor was a one man wrecking crew and just kept hitting shots as he hit a pull up jumper, step back, three pointer, free throws and a lay in. Frankfurt got some good production from Burtschi with a finger tip roll, Robertson lay in and Cobbs pull up jumper, but all in all not enough offense to compete with FC Bayern Munich. Frankfurt then got double production from Danilo Barthel with a strong lay in over Yassin Idbihi and a crushing two handed dunk as Doornekamp found him cutting to the rim as Frankfurt trailed only 75-58, but time was running out for Frankfurt. Frankfurt got some production from Johannes Richter with a lay in and Kevin Bright free throws. After Barthel dropped a one hand floater, it was Robin Benzing that ended the game with a three pointer. “Our biggest strength tonight was our ball movement against their traps. We found the open guys a lot forcing them to close out or take the shots. Our ball movement was simply very quick. We also set the tone with our agression”, warned Bryce Taylor. FC Bayern Munich was led by Bryce Taylor with 23 points and Nihad Djedovic contributed 19 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Danilo Barthel with 17 points. Justin Cobbs chipped in with 13 points and Quantez Robertson contributed 11 points. FC Bayern Munich shot 45% from the field and 42% from outside and the Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 12% from outside. FC Bayern Munich won the rebound duel 40-32 and had 12 turnovers and 14 turnovers. “We have to come out aggressive in game four, execute, rebound and just play our game”, warned Quantez Robertson. Game four is May 17^th in Frankfurt.

Despite playing inspired and strong basketball for 30 minutes in game one against FC Bayern Munich, the Fraport Skyliners fell victim for 40 minutes to the aggressive crashing of the offensive boards and overall better individual qualities of FC Bayern Munich and with fatigue being a factor in the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were unable to close out the game in a fashion they would have liked. However despite the loss, the biggest blow for the Fraport Skyliners was losing German national player Johannes Voigtmann who got a serious injury late in the second quarter ending his third season with Frankfurt in a most untimely manner. Game two in Frankfurt was technically not a do or die game, but in reality was because with a loss and being down 2-0 against Germany´s most famous sports team would most likely seal the semi-finals with game three being in Munich. With Voigtmann out with an injury and done for the season all he could do now was support his team as best possible from the bench, it now was the golden opportunity for baby twin tower Johannes Richter to give stellar inside basketball support something he has shown this season already in Eurochallenge play. Earlier in the season he scored in double figures twice against Danish team Baaken Bears and scored 15 points and six rebounds as Voigtmann was in foul trouble as he led the charge in the 74-64 victory. Richter disallowed any honey for the Baaken Bears as his play helped propel Frankfurt to the win, but now Richter had the biggest challenge of his career where he had to go head to head against American center john Bryant where the salaries between both players is as diverse as between a Lionel Messi and Felix Widwald of Eintracht Frankfurt. Richter was playing in his biggest game of his early career and the Fraport Skyliners didn´t want to go back to Munich with their backs to the wall, but they didn´t need Voigtmann as they crushed FC Bayern Munich 93-69 evening the series at 1-1. Fraport Skyliners head coach used the winning formula of small ball as the other big men had foul trouble while Johannes Richter wasn´t a factor and he took it in stride. “Every goal of a young player is too play, but we have very good players at the big positions. I just try to be ready and do what I need to be successful”, stressed ex Bamberg center Johannes Richter. In the first three games this season, the Fraport Skyliners played well for 6 of 12 quarters, but tonight they finally played a complete game and that showed with the result. “The team didn´t need me tonight. It was clear to see tonight that FC Bayern Munich didn´t play their best basketball. We played well for 40 minutes except for a short spurt of not being concentrated, but played with steam most of the game. Munich has the best players in the league, but they didn´t play as a team. We fought for one another and took advantage of their unfocused play”, said Fraport Skyliner Johannes Voigtmann. FC Bayern Munich seemed to never be fully in the game and just couldn´t get their offense going as Frankfurt demonstrated first class basketball. “Frankfurt played hard and brought energy and we could match it. We knew it would be a tough game, but we couldn´t do anything against them taking us out of our game”, stressed ex Alba Berlin forward Jan Jagla. “We missed a golden opportunity in game and now it is a best of three. We might have won 24 points, but that means nothing”, warned Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi.

4,710 people were in the Fraport arena as Johannes Voigtmann could only watch from the sidelines as well as Konstantin Klein and head coach Gordon Herbert was back behind the bench after his virus infection. Georg Voigtman from Science City Jena was also in the arena supporting the team of his brother. FC Bayern Munich didn´t hesitate getting their offense running as they stormed out on a 11-3 run and lead. FC Bayern Munich wanted to take advantage with the void of the injured Voigtmann as ex ratiopharm Ulm center John Bryant was a beast in the paint getting a lay in, fade away jumper and offensive rebound and put back. Nihad Djedovic nailed free throws and Vasilije Micic full ended a coast to coast lay in Justin Cobbs made the only field goal in this run with a floater. FC Bayern Munich was defending at their best limiting Frankfurt to hard shots and made the pick and roll non-existent. However as often is the case in basketball, fortunes can turn for the better for a team out of nothing as the Fraport Skyliners finished the first half with a 14-3 run to lead 17-14. The Fraport Skyliners got that three pointer from Quantez Robertson which sparked their game. After that they kept consistency in their game inside out as Brooklyn native Sean Armand fed Florida native Mike Morrison for the crushing two handed dunk, California native Justin Cobbs scored transition points, Canadian Aaron Doornekamp buried a three pointer and Armand closed out the first quarter in fine fashion waiting in the corner getting the ball and waiting for Anton Gavel to fly by him and then positioning his feet for the buzzer beater three pointer as the arena erupted. “Frankfurt made the best of the absence of Johannes Voigtmann. Barthel and Morrison did a good job for Voigtmann, Frankfurt also played good small ball and got out on the transition”, stressed Science City Jena center Georg Voigtmann. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 33% from outside while FC Bayern Munich was shooting 42% from the field and 0% from outside. FC Bayern Munich had the 10-6 rebound edge, but four turnovers and Frankfurt had three turnovers.

The second quarter was very tight and exciting as there were four lead changes and no team could break away for the bigger lead. FC Bayern Munich broke out on a quick 5-0 run to take the lead again21-17 as ex Penn State forward Jan Jagla dropped a three pointer Vladimir Stimac made a lay in and free throw. Then it was the time for Morrison to make big energy points as Cobbs couldn´t break free from the double team well, but found the big men and he skipped to the hoop with the two hand dunk finishing like a point guard. Jagla then made an offensive rebound and put back something which has haunted Frankfurt the whole series. Robertson then dropped another three pointer to tie the game at 22-22. Schaffartzik and Robertson then traded three pointers to tie the score at 25-25. FC Bayern Munich then recaptured the lead again as Bryant made free throws and then went over the double team of Doornekamp and Richter and finishing very high off the glass as Frankfurt trailed 29-25. Frankfurt continued not to allow FC Bayern Munich to break away as they remained consistent on offense as Cobbs made his bread and butter the step back and Armand connected on a floater to tie the game at 29-29. Frankfurt was an annoying menace on defense as their help defense was spot on and they were strongest getting into the passing lanes. Robertson then hit another trey ending the 7-0 run leading 32-29. Frankfurt ended the second quarter with a 6-3 run as Armand hit a runner, made free throws and Richter closed out the quarter with an offensive rebound and put-back as the Fraport Skyliners led 37-32. “There were many crucial referee calls in the second quarter. Tez sparked the team with many three´s and Armand was also a spark plug”, stressed Georg Voigtmann. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 45% from the three point line while FC Bayern Munich was shooting 40% from the field and 17% from the three point line. FC Bayern Munich had the 18-14 rebound edge, but had eight turnovers and Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners really opened up the game giving a shooting clinic hitting for 27 points and leading by 12 points after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners got going fast going out on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 44-32. Doornekamp hit a runner and Armand dropped a three pointer while Danilo Barthel and Cobbs only made one of two free throws. Then both teams went on little runs, but FC Bayern Munich couldn´t make any ground. FC Bayern Munich started the first run with ex Alba Berlin center Yassin Idbihi with an offensive rebound and put back and then Djedovic showed why his first step is deadly as he made an easy lay up to cut the Frankfurt lead to 44-36. However Frankfurt struck back with an Armand runner and Barthel lay in to extend their lead to 48-36. The 12 point lead for Frankfurt didn´t really stop as both teams executed well on offense as both teams were firing away. Djedovic, Armand and Micic hit three pointers, but Frankfurt still led 53-42. Down the stretch Doornekamp hit from outside as did Jan Jagla, but Frankfurt still led 61-48. An Armand floater and another Djedovic three pointer closed out the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners led 64-51. “We as a team were able to find the open guys and got transition points as well”, added Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 43% from the parking lot while FC Bayern Munich was shooting 43% from the field and 35% from the parking lot. FC Bayern Munich kept the rebound advantage at 27-25, but had 13 turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners out did themselves closing out the game in style banging home 29 points to get the series at 1-1. The Fraport Skyliners continued their offensive firing away going out on a 8-2 run to extend their lead to 71-53. Frankfurt head coach Gordon Herbert still had room for new plays out of his trick basket as he unraveled a touch down pass from the inbounds play as Doornekamp snuck behind the Munich defense getting back and Robertson found him for the slam dunk. Cobbs hit a three pointer and Barthel made free throws. Sometimes FC Bayern Munich can come back in a flash in which they give the ball to Bryant and he finished twice in a row with a finger tip role looking like an unbelievable agle and quick big man and three pointer as the Bavarian team crept back to 72-58. This may have been the strongest run by Munich in the game as they continued their run making it a 9-2 as German Paul Zipser made a runner and ex Bamberg guard Anton Gavel making a left hand lay in cutting the Frankfurt lead to 74-62. However Frankfurt didn´t have any bad moments at the end as they kept producing on offense as especially Justin Cobbs was on fire as he made free throws, a three pointer and a perfect ally-op pass to Mike Morrison extending the Frankfurt lead to 80-64. “My job as a point guard is too pick my spots when I get the opportunity I need to take it and just continue to learn with the flow. I have to know who is hot and get him the ball and that was possible with Armand and Robertson”, warned Justin Cobbs. Frankfurt was able to extend their lead to 86-66 as Morrison and Robertson made the arena cook with back to back two handed dunks. Bryce Taylor scored his first two points and only in the game in the 38^th minute and something nobody in Skyliner nation will remember except for the California native on the bus ride home. With 1,36 minutes to play and the game decided, Gordon Herbert inserted the German kids with Johannes Richter, Stefan Ilzhoefer, Kevin Bright and Max Merz. They mastered FC Bayern Munich closing out the game with a 5-1 run as Richter hit a mid-distance jumper and ex Vaderbilt guard Kevin Bright set a harsh explanation point with a three pointer as the 93-69 crushing was the first win of Black Tuesday as two hours later FC Bayern Munich beat FC Barcelona 3-2, but didn´t qualify for the Euroleague final. There was also some heated trash talk between Jacob Burtschi and Svetislav Pesic and Heiko Schaffartzik. “Pesic was getting on Doornekamp and I came over and told him to stop and sit down and Schaffartzik then told me to sit down. They better know I have Air Force moves so they better not mess with me”, joked ex Air Force player Jacob Burtschi. “We stayed with Frankfurt in the first half, but in the second half we didn´t play the way we wanted to. They simply played better than we did and we have to change it in game three”, warned Anton Gavel. “We knew that they would try to make a run. We made shots, free throws and easy lay ups. We rebounded better than in Game one. We watched much film and boxed out better in game two not letting the long rebounds up”, added Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Cobbs with 18 points and six assists and Sean Armand with 18 points. Quantez Robertson added 16 points and Mike Morrison 14 points. FC Bayern Munich was led by John Bryant with 16 points. Nihad Djedovic contributed 14 points and Jan Jagla 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished shooting 52% from the field and 43% from outside while FC Bayern Munich finished shooting43% from the field and 35% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 34-31 and had 10 turnovers while FC Bayern Munich had 17 turnovers. This was the most perfect game that the Fraport Skyliners played against Fc Bayern Munich and was always flowing on both ends of the court. “We wanted to get open shots tonight as Gavel and Djedovic do a good job getting out on the wings. We wanted it more on the boards than they did. We knew that without Voigtmann and Klein we had two play two levels higher and we did that. It makes it a lot easier to continue hitting shots when your doing that. On defense we did a better job taking away what they are good at. We also were lucky to get Savanovic into foul trouble. We played aggressive and took away their option”, stated Jacob Burtschi. Game three is in 48 hours and this is the early do or die game for the Fraport Skyliners. “We need rest now because we have a short rotation. The key   will be to execute better and get stops better than them”, warned Justin Cobbs.

In my basketball relationship with Fraport Skyliners assistant coach Klaus Perwas, there is only one predicable thing where I always know what will happen when he approaches me in the Catacombs of the Fraport arena after a game and that is the standard phrase “servus” and after I have said congratulations on the win, he mutters thanks. Other than that he could easily form a Blues Brothers 2 combination with Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert not in necessarily having a gag show act at the local comedy club, but in their constant same mode during games in that they both display an expressionless demeanor off the court in which you mostly don´t know really what the outcome of the game was at first glance. The only difference between both men is that Herbert will most likely wear something black, while Perwas doesn´t and Herbert will most likely answer back during the standard tough loss or nice win, while Perwas might not answer back during a loss as he is most likely still somewhere in that deciding crunch time play in his thoughts that was the difference costing Frankfurt the win. In game one in Munich, it was Perwass having that seldom opportunity to coach the team while Gordon Herbert stayed in the hotel in Munich nursing a virus having to watch the Fraport Skyliners consistency phobia once again exhibit it´s ugly presence while his virus illness might have been temporally replaced with a splitting headache in the fourth quarter. For Perwas, he also showed a moment of weakness in the fourth quarter as it was obvious in which the game had gone as he showed one of those expressions where his cheeks and lips came together with a slight nod of the head that it seemed apparent that after a good fight, Frankfurt wasn´t caving in with a lack of effort or fight, but that the game was going it´s normal course as Frankfurt just couldn´t keep up with the first three quarters as fatigue was setting in, the inside presence of Johannes Voigtmann was absent as he had been injured shortly before halftime and German national player Heiko Schaffartzik did was he does best hitting ridiculous bombs from anywhere from downtown and FC Bayern Munich just had an offensive answer for every Frankfurt connected shot thus slowing down the opponents come back.

If one looks back at the first two games against FC Bayern Munich, this was the best played game of the Fraport Skyliners in terms of consistency as they played with FC Bayern Munich for 30 minutes while in the first game it was 20 minutes and in their only win this season in Frankfurt where they staged an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter as it was only a very potent 10 minutes where Frankfurt played well. If there was a cheeky journalist who might have asked Perwas after the loss in Munich in game one if he would of perfered to rather have had a similar game in performance from Frankfurt like in the massive comeback in Frankfurt a few weeks ago, the ex German national player Perwas most definitely would have answered with “I only prefer 40 minutes of consistent basketball”. When looking back at the game, there were many factors that cost Frankfurt the victory and if one really listed all these factors, one probably would have been surprised that the Fraport Skyliners were trailing only 54-53 after three quarters instead of 15 points where the game most likely have been in the books. In the first 30 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners defended well not great, but still very commendable as FC Bayern Munich is the best scoring team in the Beko BBL. Offensively they also played sound basketball as it was many guys that led the charge as their ball movement was sound and Frankfurt was able to bounce back during runs from FC Bayern Munich then making importnan buckets. Guys like Sean Armand showed his typical scoring in bunches ability while Canadian Aaron Doornekamp hit big three pointers and Mike Morrison was the only real bright spot on the boards. FC Bayern Munich on the other hand weren´t at their best on offense as they missed many easy shots especially a John Bryant who wasn´t necessarily defended that hard, but he still left shots close to the rim and 15 footers on the rim as they didn´t want to roll in. The biggest blow to the Fraport Skyliners was in the last minute of the second quarter as German national player Johannes Voigtmann stepped on a Munich player and most possibly tore his anterior cruciate ligament and never returned back into the game. In the second half his expression said it all on the sidelines as he was expressionless as he most likely was thinking why me? Whyan injury now in this crucial time of the season. Despite no Voigtmann and FC Bayern Munich controlling the offensive glass in the first half as if they owned a patent on it, the Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball of the game in the third quarter limiting FC Bayern Munich to their fewest quarter points with 15. The game was close as there were seven lead changes and Frankfurt was believing they could win this game. However the game of basketball has four quarters and not three as in the last quarter, the Fraport Skyliners had to accept reality as FC Bayern Munich shifted into high gear and just played the way they know how scoring 29 points and making the 83-72 result at the end not really explain the closeness of how the game was for the most part. Some of the key factors in the fourth quarter as to why FC Bayern Munich came to life again was simple. They disallowed Frankfurt to get off on a good start which they despertately needed and went on a 8-0 run to motor their self confidence. Heiko Schaffartzik stepped up making back to back three pointers and later on John Bryant also nailed a three pointer which has been a mainstay in his game for years. This put a damper in their self confidence of the Fraport Skyliners, but they never gave up as they continued to fight and claw back making shots, but just couldn´t get under an eight point deficit down the stretch. In the post game summary the absence of Johannes Voigtman really hurt Frankurt and their biggest menace on the night was their inability to clear the paint being able to secure the rebounds as FC Bayern Munich seemed to have the height and position on almost every missed shot. FC Bayern Munich ended the game shooting 42% from outside as that was only determined with a strong fourth quarter shooting wise as they did a heck of a job making key decisions from the parking lot where no one better to give the ball to than Heko Schaffartzik when one needs the big shots. Frankfurt shot a dismal 29% from outside as consistency was a big factor there. All in all FC Bayern Munich made better use of their individual qualities as their budget is four times greater than the Fraport Skyliners and that becomes a big factor in any game. Another huge factor was the continued downward curve in the play of Justin Cobbs in the last two months. It is no secret that his gas tank is running on empty after a long rookie season where in the last four years in the NCAA his season had ended pretty much when this inconsistent period started in Bonn at the beginning of March. Teams also seem to have his number as they know what he will do. The Frankfurt pick and role game has become nonexistent with Cobbs at the helm which limits his opportunities and more than not gives him the option to finish more himself which also isn´t working as well anymore. His outside shooting also has faltered as he is 7/32 in the last 11 games and his usual masterpiece pull jump up balance jumper also hasn´t fallen as he has been 32/77 in the last 11 games. For the Fraport Skyliners to have any chance to win this series, they need a potent Cobbs and that wasn´t the case in game one in Munich. Cobbs had an average day in the offensive stats with 11 points and seven assists, but when you add his five turnovers, that will change the grade from a C to a D. Taking care of the ball is the most important duty of a point guard, but in this 11 game span, the Los Angeles native has coughed up the ball five times in six of the 11 games. Cobbs needs to have consistent games for the Fraport Skyliners to have any chance of playing at least close to consistent ball over the 40 minutes. Game two now is only 72 hours away and even though this isn´t technically a do or die game, it is because if Frankfurt loses, FC Bayern Munich will most likely close out the series in Munich on Thursday. Hopefully Gordon Herbert will be healthy again for game two and maybe the best medicine for his team is to edit together the first three quarters of game one and the last quarter of the miraculous come back in the 76-73 win a few weeks ago in Frankfurt and keep showing his team nonstop until Tuesday what his team is capable of. If Frankfurt loses Tuesday and the series soon after, then Gordon Herbert and Klaus Perwas could really perform a Blues Brothers basketball act, because they then will have the time for it and could try their hand at basketball comedy even if though it won´t work, because that expressionless demeanor will be too depressing for anyone wanting to laugh.In my basketball relationship with Fraport Skyliners assistant coach Klaus Perwas, there is only one predicable thing where I always know what will happen when he approaches me in the Catacombs of the Fraport arena after a game and that is the standard phrase “servus” and after I have said congratulations on the win, he mutters thanks. Other than that he could easily form a Blues Brothers 2 combination with Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert not in necessarily having a gag show act at the local comedy club, but in their constant same mode during games in that they both display an expressionless demeanor off the court in which you mostly don´t know really what the outcome of the game was at first glance. The only difference between both men is that Herbert will most likely wear something black, while Perwas doesn´t and Herbert will most likely answer back during the standard tough loss or nice win, while Perwas might not answer back during a loss as he is most likely still somewhere in that deciding crunch time play in his thoughts that was the difference costing Frankfurt the win. In game one in Munich, it was Perwass having that seldom opportunity to coach the team while Gordon Herbert stayed in the hotel in Munich nursing a virus having to watch the Fraport Skyliners consistency phobia once again exhibit it´s ugly presence while his virus illness might have been temporally replaced with a splitting headache in the fourth quarter. For Perwas, he also showed a moment of weakness in the fourth quarter as it was obvious in which the game had gone as he showed one of those expressions where his cheeks and lips came together with a slight nod of the head that it seemed apparent that after a good fight, Frankfurt wasn´t caving in with a lack of effort or fight, but that the game was going it´s normal course as Frankfurt just couldn´t keep up with the first three quarters as fatigue was setting in, the inside presence of Johannes Voigtmann was absent as he had been injured shortly before halftime and German national player Heiko Schaffartzik did was he does best hitting ridiculous bombs from anywhere from downtown and FC Bayern Munich just had an offensive answer for every Frankfurt connected shot thus slowing down the opponents come back. If one looks back at the first two games against FC Bayern Munich, this was the best played game of the Fraport Skyliners in terms of consistency as they played with FC Bayern Munich for 30 minutes while in the first game it was 20 minutes and in their only win this season in Frankfurt where they staged an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter as it was only a very potent 10 minutes where Frankfurt played well. If there was a cheeky journalist who might have asked Perwas after the loss in Munich in game one if he would of perfered to rather have had a similar game in performance from Frankfurt like in the massive comeback in Frankfurt a few weeks ago, the ex German national player Perwas most definitely would have answered with “I only prefer 40 minutes of consistent basketball”. When looking back at the game, there were many factors that cost Frankfurt the victory and if one really listed all these factors, one probably would have been surprised that the Fraport Skyliners were trailing only 54-53 after three quarters instead of 15 points where the game most likely have been in the books. In the first 30 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners defended well not great, but still very commendable as FC Bayern Munich is the best scoring team in the Beko BBL. Offensively they also played sound basketball as it was many guys that led the charge as their ball movement was sound and Frankfurt was able to bounce back during runs from FC Bayern Munich then making importnan buckets. Guys like Sean Armand showed his typical scoring in bunches ability while Canadian Aaron Doornekamp hit big three pointers and Mike Morrison was the only real bright spot on the boards. FC Bayern Munich on the other hand weren´t at their best on offense as they missed many easy shots especially a John Bryant who wasn´t necessarily defended that hard, but he still left shots close to the rim and 15 footers on the rim as they didn´t want to roll in. The biggest blow to the Fraport Skyliners was in the last minute of the second quarter as German national player Johannes Voigtmann stepped on a Munich player and most possibly tore his anterior cruciate ligament and never returned back into the game. In the second half his expression said it all on the sidelines as he was expressionless as he most likely was thinking why me? Whyan injury now in this crucial time of the season. Despite no Voigtmann and FC Bayern Munich controlling the offensive glass in the first half as if they owned a patent on it, the Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball of the game in the third quarter limiting FC Bayern Munich to their fewest quarter points with 15. The game was close as there were seven lead changes and Frankfurt was believing they could win this game. However the game of basketball has four quarters and not three as in the last quarter, the Fraport Skyliners had to accept reality as FC Bayern Munich shifted into high gear and just played the way they know how scoring 29 points and making the 83-72 result at the end not really explain the closeness of how the game was for the most part. Some of the key factors in the fourth quarter as to why FC Bayern Munich came to life again was simple. They disallowed Frankfurt to get off on a good start which they despertately needed and went on a 8-0 run to motor their self confidence. Heiko Schaffartzik stepped up making back to back three pointers and later on John Bryant also nailed a three pointer which has been a mainstay in his game for years. This put a damper in their self confidence of the Fraport Skyliners, but they never gave up as they continued to fight and claw back making shots, but just couldn´t get under an eight point deficit down the stretch. In the post game summary the absence of Johannes Voigtman really hurt Frankurt and their biggest menace on the night was their inability to clear the paint being able to secure the rebounds as FC Bayern Munich seemed to have the height and position on almost every missed shot. FC Bayern Munich ended the game shooting 42% from outside as that was only determined with a strong fourth quarter shooting wise as they did a heck of a job making key decisions from the parking lot where no one better to give the ball to than Heko Schaffartzik when one needs the big shots. Frankfurt shot a dismal 29% from outside as consistency was a big factor there. All in all FC Bayern Munich made better use of their individual qualities as their budget is four times greater than the Fraport Skyliners and that becomes a big factor in any game. Another huge factor was the continued downward curve in the play of Justin Cobbs in the last two months. It is no secret that his gas tank is running on empty after a long rookie season where in the last four years in the NCAA his season had ended pretty much when this inconsistent period started in Bonn at the beginning of March. Teams also seem to have his number as they know what he will do. The Frankfurt pick and role game has become nonexistent with Cobbs at the helm which limits his opportunities and more than not gives him the option to finish more himself which also isn´t working as well anymore. His outside shooting also has faltered as he is 7/32 in the last 11 games and his usual masterpiece pull jump up balance jumper also hasn´t fallen as he has been 32/77 in the last 11 games. For the Fraport Skyliners to have any chance to win this series, they need a potent Cobbs and that wasn´t the case in game one in Munich. Cobbs had an average day in the offensive stats with 11 points and seven assists, but when you add his five turnovers, that will change the grade from a C to a D. Taking care of the ball is the most important duty of a point guard, but in this 11 game span, the Los Angeles native has coughed up the ball five times in six of the 11 games. Cobbs needs to have consistent games for the Fraport Skyliners to have any chance of playing at least close to consistent ball over the 40 minutes. Game two now is only 72 hours away and even though this isn´t technically a do or die game, it is because if Frankfurt loses, FC Bayern Munich will most likely close out the series in Munich on Thursday. Hopefully Gordon Herbert will be healthy again for game two and maybe the best medicine for his team is to edit together the first three quarters of game one and the last quarter of the miraculous come back in the 76-73 win a few weeks ago in Frankfurt and keep showing his team nonstop until Tuesday what his team is capable of. If Frankfurt loses Tuesday and the series soon after, then Gordon Herbert and Klaus Perwas could really perform a Blues Brothers basketball act, because they then will have the time for it and could try their hand at basketball comedy even if though it won´t work, because that expressionless demeanor will be too depressing for anyone wanting to laugh.

Chris Randolph is a 27 year old 191cm guard that just finished his first professional season in Germany with the Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-2.Regionalliga), in Jan.’15 signed at Marler BC (Germany-Oberliga). He played college ball in the States with Washington Adventist University (USCAA) and S.Virginia (NAIA). He started his professional career with the Georgia Gwizzlies (ABA): 15games: 8.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.1apg, 2.2spg. He also played with the Chihuahua Vive League Tour (Chihuahua,Mexico). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you now and what are you looking most forward to doing this summer?

Thank you for interviewing me really appreciate it, currently I am back home in Virginia and I am looking forward to working out. This is offseason so this is the time to get better and get ready for next season. Getting a lot of shots up, conditioning, and plenty of drills. Want to focus on getting faster and athleticism the most this offseason.

You played last season in Germany with two teams Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-2.Regionalliga), in Jan.’15 signed at Marler BC (Germany-Oberliga). How would you summarize your first season in Europe?

Yes and things just didn’t work out with the Mustangs so we parted ways but I appreciate them giving me the opportunity.

You started the season with Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-2.Regionalliga), in Jan.’15 signed at Marler BC (Germany-Oberliga). What were the main reasons for having to change teams?

Yes absolutely I think the toughest part on the court was the style of play there, also getting used to the high expectations that European teams have for imports they don’t want any excuses just wins you are expected to be the man and set the example. Off the court adjusting to being places and nobody speaking English was challenging at first especially since German is such a tough language to learn. Also to it getting dark very fast in the winter time can be kind of depressing lol but it was a great experience.

You had played in Mexico before coming to Germany. You stated that your game is smoother in Germany. Is Europe a place you will concentrate on prolonging your professional career in the future?

Yes it’s a lot smoother I’ve learned to have more of an overall game and not just be known as a shooter and also my footwork has gotten a lot better since I have gotten a chance to work one on one with a few European teammates. Yes I think Europe will be a place I stay for the long run but I also wouldn’t mind going back and playing in Latin America again at some point. I actually would like to come back and play again in Germany in Regionaliga 1 or 2 if possible

Marler was on a good way of making the playoffs, but failed in the last month? What were the main reasons for the team not making the playoffs?

Yes we were I believe we just didn’t stay as hungry as we were at the beginning of the second half of the season. We had a very young team outside of us 3 imports so we had a lot of growing pains.

How much fun was it playing together with Kai King? What was the most important thing that you learned from the veteran?

It was a joy he is a hell of player one of the best guards I have ever played with and seen and an even better person. He is one of my best friends now. I consider him a brother we hung out every day while we were in Germany. I learned so much from him on and off the court just on how to be a better professional and change my game up. We battled every day in practice we were like Jordan and Pippen both of us hate to lose and we both talk a lot of trash so practices used to be really competitive when we would play against each other. I think the most important thing I learned from him was how this business is and how to stay consistent on the court and how to better take care of my body. We are hoping we will get to be a package deal somewhere and play with each other again for the upcoming season.

Your season stats at Marler were 7.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.2apg, 2.2spg. Were you content with your stats? What steps did you make as a player in Germany this season on the court?

I was content in the sense that the goal was to win a championship and we were winning and 1st place so that’s all that matters to me I’m a team player and love to win so coach asked me to be more of an overall player and do a little bit of everything which was a struggle at first but got easier as the season went on. I’m use to scoring a lot more but playing this way has really helped my game. So now I am able to effect the game in so many ways now.

You played college ball your last two seasons at S.Virginia (NAIA). How did head coach Bryan Pendelton get you prepared best for a professional basketball career?

He prepared me in the sense of the workouts we did in the pre season I have never worked that hard in my life even at my division 2 school prior to coming there so he prepared me to be able to go through any workouts and also how to appreciate the game.

As a rookie in 2012-2013 you stayed in the States and played for the Georgia Gwizzlies. What kind of experience in general was it playing semi pro ball? What positives did you take from this season?

I was so young at that point and used to getting spoiled in college with team stuff shoes, sweatsuits and it’s just not like that in the ABA. You are playing with grown men some guys go to work every day and have families. That’s where I first learned what it meant to be a professional and the ins and outs to the business with teams and agents. I had a great experience.

The best known teammate you had in your ABA season was ex Tennesse guard Ramar Smith. What things could you pick up form his game that season?

I didn’t get to play a lot of games with him but I learned just how to know when to let the game come to me and when to take over if need be.

In your second season you played for the Chihuahua Vive League Tour (Chihuahua,Mexico). How were you able to cope with the language barrier and style of play in general?

Yes I loved it in Mexico the fans were great and showed us a lot of love daily. I know some Spanish so it was a smooth transition for me as far as how they play they get up and down very fast pace.

What are your future plans? How excited are to get involved with the summer transfer process where finding a team is always an experience?

Future plans is to find a team between August and October. It’s always exciting and I love the recruiting process always have even when I was in high school with colleges. I have gotten 3 offers so far one in Germany,Spain, and in talks with Peru. More should come as the seasons are over and teams start recruiting between now and July. I’m excited though I’m hungry for a championship so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next season.

How does a normal summer day workout look like for you on and off the court?

A normal workout day for me is getting shots up mid-day and lifting and then if my good friend Glen Dandrige who is a pro overseas also is back home then we get in the gym at nights and run and do drills. Other than that I work and I love to sleep lol.

Who will reach the NBA final this season and win it all?

Haha Cleveland no question I’m a big LeBron fan.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Goodfellas.

Thanks Chris for the chat.