It really doesn´t matter which Fraport Skyliner one choses, but one could easily dream up a scenario how they would have entertained themselves on Easter Sunday looking for those chocolate easter eggs like a Sean Armand playing a special game where he stands blindfolded in the corner and has to hit as many shots in order to be rewarded with that caramel treat, Justin Cobbs sitting in front of 10 Los Angeles Dodgers MLB caps and getting only three chances to chose under which head attire three gourmet easter eggs are hiding, Danilo Barthel having the chance to grab into five mail boxes and having one chance to find the candy peeps or that nasty spider or Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi calling up his buddy Dunking Kong and having a egg juggling contest and the winner who can keep juggling longest gets a basket of Lindt chocolate bunnies. How exactly the Fraport Skyliners celebrated Easter is unknown, but 24 hours later they were back at work in the Fraport arena against standings and playoff potential team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners came into the contest well rested having last played 10 days ago where they defeated the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 88-79 and having won six of their last nine games and had been on the resort Spanish island of Mallorca for five days getting that last needed energy for the stretch run of the season. Ludwigsburg on the other hand had played two games in the last nine days beating the best team in the BBL with the Brose Baskets Bamberg 83-73, but four days earlier lost to the worst team in the league Crailsheim 89-81 and have had difficulty defending giving up an average 86 points in the last four games. With the playoff picture remaining as exciting for both teams like it is observing how a roster fluctuates with the 2008 BBL cup finalist, both teams arrived in the game with their two aces ex NBA player DJ Kennedy and future NBA player Justin Cobbs looking to battle for the next important win, but both were kept well under wraps as they couldn´t reach their combined 51 points from the first meeting and combined only for 15 points while Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp stole the show hammering home 28 Easter egg points. “For the most part we did a good job as a team being able to keep the distance for the most part of the game. Our defense was huge tonight and Aaron Doornekamp did everything shooting, rebounding well and getting loose balls. Justin Cobbs is also human. We all stepped up as a team. We aren´t a one man team. Dunking Kong would win a juggling contest, because I would eat all the chocolate”, smiled ex Bremerhaven forward Jacob Burtschi. One can´t criticize the Ludwigsburg come back effort and fighting spirit, but they just didn´t have a consistent offensive game. “Inconsistency cost us the game tonight. We had good spurts where we were moving the ball well, hitting shots and getting offensive rebounds and then spurts where we weren´t on the same page. Teams tend to key in on the top players. That is professional basketball. We did a good job on Cobbs, but Doornekamp and Robertson stepped it up for them which was big”, warned ex Florida State forward Adam Waleskowski. The fans saw an entertaining first quarter as there were nine lead changes, but the Fraport Skyliners closed out the first quarter strong with a 10-2 run to lead 20-13. Ex NBA player Jon Brockman who played 150 NBA games for the Kings and Bucks got going early as Ludwigsburg were banging the ball inside and he scored twice, but Frankfurt recaptured the lead twice with Burtschi and Doornekamp three point bombs. Both teams were playing with a high intensity and Frankfurt did a good job keeping Kennedy out of the Ludwigsburg offense. The lead changes now continued to change hands quickly as Finnish national player Shawn Huff connected on a trey, Justin Cobbs spun around Kerron Johnson for a basket, 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little made a floater, Doornekamp hit free throws and Michael Stockton hit a floater for the 11-10 Ludwigsburg advantage. Frankfurt then stopped the game of lead changes and closed out the first quarter with a 10-2 run to lead 20-13. In the run, the club got a massive three pointer from Brooklyn, New York native Sean Armand and a dunk from German national player Johannes Voigtmann. German Konstantin Klein hit four free throws in a row. “Both teams started off sloppy, but played with high intensity as you could feel that the game had much importance. Ludwigsburg were doing good trap defense, but Frankfurt still got their share of points”, stressed Licher Basket Baehren guard Jermale Jones. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 50% from outside while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg shot 36% from the field and 33% from outside. Ludwigsburg had the 9-8 rebound edge, but seven turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers. In the second quarter the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg went on an early run to get back close to Frankfurt, but the 2000 cup winner thrilled the home crowd getting a big lead again in the last minutes to have the comfortable 47-36 lead at the break. Ludwigsburg came out in the second quarter with a bang going on a 8-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 23-21. Adam Waleskowski started the run with a quick lay in and Armand hit a huge three pointer over Kennedy. Ludwigsburg then got three buckets in a row from their inside game as Flomo made a second chance attempt good with a tip in, Waleskowski made like a guard and stole the ball at center court and went coast to coast for the lay in, Little then made a steal and fed ex Telekom Baskets Bonn American Patrick Flomo for the one hand dunk. Armand then hit another three pointer which was matched by Huff with a trey as Frankfurt still led 26-25. Then came a phase where Alabama native and ex Belmont(NCAA) guard Kerron Johnson got aggressive getting to the free throw line and hitting a jumper, but Frankfuurt kept the lead with the continued strong offensive play of Doornekamp who made a three pointer and lay in coming out of nowhere grabbing the offensive rebound and full ending the hustle play as Frankfurt led 32-29. Frankfurt then got points from Quantez Robertosn who snuck inside getting the dime from big man Voigtmann and then he made a hook shot for the 36-31 advantage. Kennedy then made his first field goal as he connected from outside as Ludwigsburg trailed 36-34. Frankfurt then closed out the second quarter with a 11-2 run as Doornekamp was a one man wrecking crew and continued his one man show as he made nine of the 11 points in the run. Despite missing consecutive free throws, Doornekmap quickly shock that negativity away and dropped a three pointer, jumper, lay in and free throws. On the last lay in, the Canadian was served on a platter a beautiful behind the back bounce pass from Voigtmann. “I was well prepared on that play as Ludwigsburg trapped. I thought I had a good chance to try the pass and it worked. I have the chance to try this kind of pass in practice, but it doesn´t happen so often”, commented Johannes Voigtmann. “Doornekamp was a big factor in the second quarter hitting big shots and always being in the right place. Sean Armand also hit big shots. Frankfurt showed that they could play as a team even when a Cobbs wasn´t having his best game. The team picked up the pieces”, stated Lich guard Jermale Jones. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 54% from the field and 64% from the three point line while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were shooting 42% from the field and 38% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 18-14 rebound edge, but 11 turnovers while Ludwigsburg had 10 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners kept the comfortable lead in the third quarter as they were able to score on a consistent rate and kept Ludwigsburg at bay. Ludwigsburg came out with a spirited attitude in the third quarter and scored on their first possession as Kennedy slipped around Voigtmann for the lay in and they stopped Frankfurt on their first two possessions. However Frankfurt found a way to make tough shots over out stretched hands as Armand and Doornekamp hit three pointers as Frankfurt led 53-40. Ludwigsburg stayed in the game getting buckets inside from Little and Brockman getting fed by Stockton. Doornekamp kept his hot shooting going dropping another three pointer for the 56-44 advantage. Little and Robertson then traded buckets as Frankfurt still led 58-46. After Johnson and Cobbs traded free throws, it was German Tim Koch who made a tip in off the Kennedy miss as Ludwigsburg trailed 59-49. Voigtmann then hit a mid distance rainbow over Brockmann from the corner and Doornekmap made a free throw as Frankfurt led 62-49 after 30 minutes. “Doornekmap continued to hit shots and we did a good job keeping the lead”, addedJacob Burtschi. “Doornekamp did a good job stepping up for the hurt Burtschi which kept their lead up”, added Adam Waleskowski. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 56% from the parking lot while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were shooting 35% from the field and 23% from the parking lot. Ludwigsburg had the 28-26 rebound edge and had 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had 14 turnovers. In the fourth quarter the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg would make one last run, but the Fraport Skyliners were able to hold on to the lead and win their second game in a row. Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson had the hot hand in the first few minutes connecting on two three pointers and a jumper giving Frankfurt the 70-55 advantage. Ludwigsburg got quality buckets from Stockton who snuck inside in traffic and fished himself an offensive rebound and made the put back and Johnson hit a tough lay in. Ludwigsburg then made their last run going on a 12-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 73-67 with 2.15 to play. In the run Ludwigsburg capitalized on weak Frankfurt decisions as they produced some air balls and Ludwigsburg played their most consistent offense making shots and getting to the free throw line. Ludwigsburg got timely production from Stockton who split the defense and scored inside, Flomo scored inside, Johnson found Kennedy for the fast dunk and Little made a step back shot. “Ludwigsburg made shots and us milking the clock instead of scoring hurt us”, stressed Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. “We made some shots and picked up our full court press and forced them to tough shots”, added ex Duesseldorf forward Adam Waleskowski. However the Fraport Skyliners kept their nerves at the end closing out the game with a 6-1 run as Doornekamp and Cobbs sealed the win with free throws. In the last seconds Robertson made an ally-op lay in off the feed from Cobbs. “We got nervous at the end and made some bad decisions, but we were able to luckily pull out the win”, warned Johannes Voigtmann. “Robertson made big shots in the fourth quarter. You have to give team a lot of credit. They made shots when they needed to”, added Adam Waleskowski. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Aaron Doornekamp with 28 points. Quantez Robertson chipped in with 17 points and Sean Armand with 12 points. The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were led by Jon Brockman and John Little with 11 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 48% from outside while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg shotv34% from the field and 21% from outside. Ludwigsburg won the rebounding duel 43-32 and had 15 turnovers while Frankfurt had 17 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners next play in 48 hours in Crailsheim. “We won´t take Crailsheim on the easy shoulder. They have fought hard recently and we respect it. We have enough power on the team to be able to beat them”, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

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 three against Hanau.

Yannick congrats to the amazing 75-70 do or die win in Hanau. Do do or die games get more fun through experience and success?

Yes, it definitely does, those types of games become so intense for players and nerve wrecking for the fans which makes it that much more fun to play.

How mad was the team after the game one loss at home against Hanau? Was it difficult waiting a whole week for game two?

We were a little mad for losing an important game like that at home and waiting a whole week to play again really increased our fire.

You lost game one 78-74 in crunch time. What lessons did the club learn from that first game?

We learned that to beat this team we will need to play extremely physical and were going to have to do all the dirty work like boxing out and getting on the floor for loose balls. In game two the ending was exciting and close again.

Describe the last minute where Rostock ended the game on a 4-0 run.

We finished the game like our life depended on it, we kept our poise and wanted it a little more than they did. How key was American Jarrell Crayton in the last 30 seconds.

One would have thought that you would make the points, but it was Crayton. How important is it always having that surprise effect?

Rell was great for us late in the game, he made some big plays down the stretch which led us to the win. That’s the type of team we are, we have a lot of good players and on any given nights someone has the ability to step up and make big plays.

You had another huge game and team basketball is always key, but how much do you love the moment of being the go to guy and having all this responsibility in every game?

I love it very much, being that go to guy and having all that responsibility is great for someone with my competitive spirit but the fact that it also lessen the pressure for my teammates is good for us.

You had your second game in a row with 22 points, but had 5 turnovers. Without 3-4 turnovers Rostock surely would have won by more. Against Frankfurt you also had five and four turnovers in separate games. How much has this stat annoyed you and what kind of Yannick Anzuluni will we see in game three?

I had much less turnovers in the first game and we lost so I don’t think any of those turnovers were decisive plays that would of made us won by more points but I still hate having them, but I play a lot of minutes and relied on to make a lot of plays so as long as I have more assists and steals than turnovers I feel like I made up for the lost possessions, I will play like I have been all season long, hard with a lot of energy and passion and with a big smile on my face.

How excited are you for another do or die game? Rostock easily beat Frankfurt in game three, but will we see another tight game in game three?

The first two game came down to the last minute so I assume that the next one won’t be any different but I’m very excited for it, a high pressure do or die game in front of our home crowd, couldn’t ask for a better game.

Will rebounding and doing the little things be key for moving on to the next round?

Matching their physicality, rebounding and doing all the little dirty work will be the things that will put us on top.

Duke vs Wisconsin. What is your final prediction and if Wisconsin can pull it out, where will it rack up as biggest Final 4 wins in the history of the NCAA tournament?

I think Duke will win it all but if Wisconsin pull yet another upset it with definitely be one of the most surprising NCAA champions in recent memory.

How did you enjoy your first Easter in Germany?

Was there anything special you experienced here that you had never seen elsewhere? I really enjoy the Easter Market, we don’t have anything like this back home so its pretty cool.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Annie.

Thanks Yannick for the chat.

With April first and fools behind us and New England Patriot fans still overcoming the smart April Fools joke from Tom Brady who´s hospital photo went around the social media world where he supposedly had been put there by a cross over from the Michael Jordan tangling up his feet so badly, it now was time to concentrate again on basketball in Germany. It is April and with the days getting longer, more sunlight bringing more happy faces and the weather slowly getting warmer, it also brings the second season of the German Pro A as playoff fever started. Last season the Giessen 46ers won both regular season games against Science City Jena, but had to withstand a very exciting and nail biting five game series as fans saw a one point game, four point game and overtime contest. This season the Giessen 46ers meet the MLP Academics Heidelberg and also won both season games with ease holding their opponent to an average of 58 games in both games. Giessen came into the series having closed out the season up and down with a 5-5 record and shone during the season on defense which is their staple having given up 70 points or less 14 times. The MLP Academics Heidelberg on the other hand came into the playoffs having ended the season with a four game winning streak after having lost seven games in a row. The big strength of Heidelberg is their offense as they have scored 80 points or more 16 times, but once again were stifled by the pesky nonstop Giessen disturbance defense over 40 minutes as they were unable to score the way they know how losing 77-64 in game one. On offense Giessen was there solid self having five guys scoring in double figures led by 33 year old 213cm big man Bjoern Schoo who played a total of 36 BBL games with Koln and Hagen with 18 points on 8/8 shooting from the field who still has much energy left in his gas tank even after 13 teams. The big men hit big shots in the fourth quarter and made blocks helping Giessen slow down the Heidelberg comeback which was hampered by their slow start in the first quarter being down 20-4. “The first quarter was the turning point as it gave us the foundation for the win. We lost every other quarter, but we held on for the win. Schoo had a good game something we have been waiting a long time for. We need a lot of support from our big men in the playoffs. Benni Lischka also played well”, explained 28 year old Giessen guard Achmadschah Zazai. “We weren´t ready to play tonight. We need to do a better job starting the game and knowing the importance of this kind of game. Giessen was ready for us”, stressed Georgia and Heidelberg forward Kelvin Martin. “Lischka and I played well together and found our rhythm. I had a good night and hit all my shots. Usually the guy that has a good night gets the ball”, added Bjoern Schoo. “Heidelberg center Wavery Austin who chipped in with six points and five boards returned to the bench long after he had dressed and was reconstructing the game in his mind and annoyed how the veteran Schoo had torn apart his team. “I didn´t get matched up as much with him in the zone, but we gave him too many open shots and we didn´t do a good job on the picks. I missed some easy lay ups. We need to play better as a team in game two”, added ex Oregon(NCAA) center Waverly Austin.

The Giessen 46ers stormed out in the first quarter as if they had already had their dose of extra Easter energy having received early chocolate Easter bunnies as their intensity was high and the MLP Academics Heidelberg seemed like they were still trying to get out of bed. Giessen stormed out to a quick 10-0 lead as ex Temple(NCAA) guard Tj DiLeo hit a three pointer and pull up jumper on the fast break while Bjoern Schoo made a catch and pop jumper and Texas native Cameron Wells connected on a three pointer. Heidelberg took a timeout as Giessen had found their flow on offense quickly as their ball movement and shot selection had their opponent one two steps behind and the Giessen unselfishness was extraordinary. Heidelberg had problems getting way down on the shot clock on offense and it didn´t get better after the time out as Giessen continued to be in the zone as they extended their lead to 16-0 as Schoo was aggressive on the offense glass making a tip in, ex Crailsheim forward Benjamin Lischka hitting a step back jumper and DiLeo using his amazing quick foot work finding day light and sneaking to the hole and scoring with his left hand. Heidelberg finally got on the board as Oregon native Brad Tinsley made free throws to cut the Giessen lead to 16-3. Wells then blocked John Eggleston and found Zazai on the fast break with a dippsy doodle move as strong defense led to better offense. Zazai and North Carolina native Andre Marhold hit free throws as did Kelvin Martin. Heidelberg were unable to make a field goal in the first quarter as the Giessen 46ers led 20-4. “We had intensity from the first minute. We put them under pressure from the start and were able to keep the lead until the end, “ stressed Achmadschah Zazai. The Giesen 46ers were shooting 67% from the field and 100% from outside while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were shooting 0% from the field and 0% from outside. Giessen had the 11-9 rebound edge and both teams had three turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter the Giessen 46ers continued to be on fire keeping their big lead and going into halftime with the huge 42-27 advantage. The MLP Academics Heidelberg finally made their first field goal of the game as ex Duesseldorf guard Nico Adamczak buried a three pointer, but Giessen quickly out matched that start by getting back to back three pointers from American Eric Palm extending the Giessen lead to 26-7. Giessen continued to score at a consistent rate on offense as Lischka scored on the pick and role after getting fed from Wells for the 28-9 lead. Heidelberg slowly started to find their rhythm on offense going as ex TV Langen guard Kai Barth hit a pull up jumper, John Eggleston scored inside on the back door pass from Barth and Austin made a put back as Giessen still led 32-15. With five minutes remaining both team scored 10 points a piece as Giessen held their big lead and Heidelberg continued to exert much energy without being able to make any ground. Giessen got solid offensive support from Cuban Yorman Polas who nailed a three pointer, Schoo made a lay in after getting a quick pass from Aaron Hawley and the ex Drake forward then tested his 40% three point shooting percentage hitting a trey. The MLP Academics Heidelberg got solid offensive support from Eggleston getting a put back, ex BG Goettingen point guard who played 242 games for them hit a floater and Martin connected inside after spinning free. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 58% from the field and 83% from the three point line while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were shooting 28% from the field and 22% from the three point line. Giessen had the 19-16 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Heidelberg had six turnovers.

The Giessen 46ers continued to keep the massive lead in the third quarter despite the MLP Academics Heidelberg continuing to fight back, but that evil first quarter continued to haunt them lowering their energy. The Giessen 46ers jumped out on a lightening 7-0 run to extend their lead to 49-27. Cameron Wells started the run being very annoying being a mismatch, but hitting clearly over the bigger Jonathan Malou, DiLeo flew by Eggleston on the fast break finishing with the one hand lay up and Schoo scored inside. Heidelberg countered against this outburst keeping their cool and coming back with a powerful 14-6 run to cut the Giessen lead to 55-41. In the Heidelberg run, it was American Kelvin Martin who got going making three buckets. Heidelberg top scorer Brad Tinsely hit two three pointers and Eggleston made a floater. Giessen continued to score at ease even breaking out the trick basket as Zazai made a beautiful no look back door pass to DiLeo who scored on the lay in. Palm also hit a three pointer and Lischka a runner. Heidelberg got valuable production from 32 year old German Nils Menck with a lay in and Tinsley scored a lay in cutting the Giessen lead to 62-48 with 10 minutes remaining. “Coach told us at halftime that our offense wasn´t our best and that we should key in on defense. We defended better on the pick and roll and helped better”, added Kelvin Martin. “We knew the first five minutes were vital for the outcome of the game and we were able to pull away again and keep our lead”, added Achmadschah Zazai. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 55% from the field and 55% from the parking lot while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were shooting 36% from the field and 24% from the parking lot. Both teams had 25 rebounds a piece and Giessen seven turnovers and Heidelberg eight turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the MLP Academics Heidelberg made one last push and cut the Giessen lead to 10 points, but then ran out of gas. Both teams jumped out on mini 4-0 runs as John Eggleston made back to back lay ins and Lischka made a lay in waiting for Eggleston to get in the air and Wells made a pull up jumper. Heidelberg then went on another mini 4-0 run to cut the Giessen lead to 66-56. Tinsley found Martin cutting in the lane for the quick bucket and Menck made an old school move basket making a finger tip roll in and almost having a laugh attack running back on defense as he thoroughly enjoyed that moment. However that was as close as Heidelberg would get in their comeback as Giessen broke the back of Heidelberg going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead 76-58 with a few minutes to play. Schoo really let out his beast scoring on a floater and mid distance shot while making a monster block on Menck. Wells also scored and Zazai put the nail on the coffin with a big three pointer. Heidelberg closed out the game with a 6-1 run, but a little too late. Austin who had had much misfortune missing easy shots earlier hit a step back shot and tip in while Adamczak hit a jumper. “Heidelberg continued to fight back, but the phase finally came where they simply had no more power to come back. We kept scoring and closed the door on them. There is always a point when you are up by 20 where you might lose some focus, but all in all we controlled the game on defense. Teams will have problems beating us three times in a series”, stressed Achmadschah Zazai. “We fought as best we could in the first five minutes, but we lost energy after having too comeback the whole game and couldn´t get over the hump. Giessen did a great job disrupting our offense and taking us out of our plays”, stressed Kelvin Martin. The Giessen 46ers were led by Bjoern Schoo with 18 points. TJ DiLeo and Eric Palm added 11 points a piece and Cameron Wells had 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Benjamin Lischka had 10 points and eight rebounds. The MLP Academics Heidelberg were led by John Eggleston and Brad Tinsley with 15 points a piece while Kelvin Martin had 13 points. Giessen shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside while the MLP Academics Heidelberg shot 37% from the field and 18% from outside. Giessen won the rebound battle 37-36, but had 12 turnovers while Heidelberg had 10 turnovers.

John Eggleston is a 27 year old 203cm power forward from Noblesville, Indiana that is playing his fourth year as a professional and first for the MLP Academics Heidelberg. He played at  Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2007-2011. He played a total of 125 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 28 games: 13.2ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 73.5%. As a rookie or Leverkusen he played  23 games: 14.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 71.2%. Two seasons ago for Leverkusen he played 33 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-2(11.1rpg), 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 74.7%. Last season in the German Pro A for Leverkusen he played 20 games: 16.3ppg, Reb-3(9.0rpg), 3.9apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game one against the Giessen 46ers

John thanks for talking to German Hoops. Heidelberg posted a big 97-76 victory against Kirchheim in the last regular season game. How important was it closing out the regular season and how perfect was the combination between good offense and defense in this game?

It was very important for us to close out the season on a positive note. We wanted to hold on to 6th place and keep the momentum we had going from the three previous games. After a slow start, our offense and defense both ran smoothly.

Heidelberg ended the season on a four game winning streak after having lost six in a row. What was key in the turnaround for the club to be able to end the season on a nice winning streak?

I think the key was just everybody staying positive and playing together. We knew we were capable of playing better, and we have showed it the last few weeks.

In the losing streak Heidelberg gave up 85 points or more in five of the six loses and in the four game winning streak averaged giving up 71 points in that span. What did the team change and do better on the defensive end?

We improved our effort and intensity over the last several games. Guys are demonstrating the level of focus necessary to be successful in the playoffs.

Heidelberg ended the season in sixth place with a record of 17-13. What is your summary of the regular season. Was the season goal reached and what was the regular season high?

The regular season was full of ups and downs for us. To follow a six game winning streak with a seven game losing streak was definitely tough. Making the playoffs was our original goal, and now that we’ve accomplished that, we’re looking forward to taking the next step.

Kelvin Martin and Waverly Austin fought until the end for the team rebound crown which Martin barely won. The club wouldn´t have made the playoffs without them. How big were these guys for the success of the team and are MVP and rookie of the year thoughts credible for these two guys?

Both Kelvin and Waverly are very valuable players for our team. I think Kelvin has a very strong case for MVP this season. With his offensive skill, rebounding ability, and lock down defending, he is one of the best all around players in the Pro A. Waverly has been a force in the middle for us all year, leading us in blocked shots and playing a big role in our offense.

You averaged 9,0ppg, 5,4ppg and 2,4apg. You closed out the season strong averaging 21ppg in the last three games. You had a different role this season as there wasn´t as much of a need for you to score much with all of the scoring support on the team.

This season was definitely an adjustment for me, but I’m just happy that we have been able to have success as a team. Although the numbers don’t show my contribution as much as last year, I’ve tried to help us win in any way I can.

Heidelberg meets the Giessen 46ers in a best of five series. Giessen swept the season series. What kind of series can we await?

I think it will be a hard fought series. The game in Heidelberg was a good preview in my opinion.

Heidelberg averaged only 58ppg in this series. What will be key on the offensive end for you to be successful?

Giessen is a very good defensive team. We will have to work for every basket we get in the series. On the other end, we need to make them work just as hard for their baskets.

Giessen has a very strong and deep roster. Do you fear that Heidelberg simply could have a match up problem in this series?

No I don’t think we have a match up problem. Obviously I’m biased, but I we have shown this season that we can compete with any team in the league.

The match up of the series could be the two athletic forwards Kelvin Martin against Yorman Polas who led Giessen in scoring in both games. How vital will it be containing Polas and having control of the boards?

Polas is a very athletic player, and we must be aware of where he is on the court at all times. He showed in our game in Giessen how disruptive he can be on both ends.

Who will reach the NCAA final and win it?

No sense in getting cute with the pick here: Kentucky is going to win it all.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was In Bruges.

Thanks John for the chat.

Cory Cooperwood is a 27 year old 200cm forward from Kensett, Arkansas that is playing his first season in Germany for the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. He played at Wright State and as a senior played Wright St. (NCAA) playing 32 games: 9.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 71.2%. He got brief basketball experience in Finland and in the American IBL playing for Dayton before moving to Australia in 2012. In his first season in Australia he played for the Sandringham Sabres (Australia-ABA, starting five): 27 games: 18.7ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 63.0%. He played the last two seasons for the Stirling Senators (Australia-SBL) and last season played 24 games averaging 18.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before game two against Rostock.

Cory thanks for talking to German Hoops A big 78-74 win against the Rostock Sea Wolves. Was one of the deciding factors in the last minute that Hanau just had the stronger nerves?

We came together as a team and made big plays to win against a very good Rostock team. We just believe in each other’s ability to make big plays when they matter.

Christian Von Fintel hit a big three pointer aided by your assist and you sealed the win with free throws. Was the fact that your assist and not a bucket or rebound helped secure the win uncharachteristic?

I will do anything for the team. I had faith in my teammate to make the shot when it mattered the most.

You led the team with Cardell Mcfarland with five assists a piece. How much pride do you take in finding your teammates?

I feel like that’s one of my strengths as a basketball player. I take pride in helping my teammates be the best players they can be. From finding the open shooter, setting good screens or help side defense on drive penetration. These are parts of the basketball game that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but I take pride in them.

Would Hanau have won the game without the services of Josef Eichler?

I don’t think we would have won the game if Josef did not play the way he did. He made 4 three pointers as well as a huge offensive rebound at the free throw line to make Rostock foul again to eventually give us a four point lead.

Top Pro B player Canadian Yannick Anzuluni was a pest as always scoring 22 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assists. Is he one of the more complete players that you have seen this season?

Yes he is. He can pretty much do it all. He size at the 3 position make him a match up problem almost every night that he plays. He does a really good job of finding the open man.

Hanau can close out the series in Hanau this weekend and reach the semi finals. What will be key in getting the win at home?

Playing hard, playing smart and playing together

The team won eight of their last nine games coming into the playoffs. What has been the biggest strength of head coach Steven Clauss that has made this huge turn around?

Coach Steven gives his players the freedom to play. He doesn’t hold any of us back on the basketball court. Which is the type of coach I love to play for.

The Bochum series was a tough one. What did the club learn from this season that helped them prepare for the tough opponent with Rostock?

I think the key factor has been the team knowing more about each other. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses which is key for any team trying to win a championship.

You have had a very solid season with Hanau averaging 14,6ppg, 6,9rpg and 1,8apg. Why do you think the adjustment period for you been so easy?

I think coming into the season five games and a preseason behind, forced me to learn about the league and the team at a fast rate. I didn’t have time to slowly adjust to everything. Which is okay because I adapted well to the situation.

Was your 24 points in 31 minutes in the do or die win against Bochum your best game this season?

I think it was because it was the deciding game and I came out really focused and played really well.

If Hanau wins the Pro B will the team treat the big man trio of Josef Eichler, Joleik Schaffarath and Tobias Jahn? Is there are a more solid core of big men in the Pro B?

Yes they should. In my opinion, I think we have the best core of big men in the league. All three guys do a good job playing there role on the team. All three guys also bring something different to the table.

Who will reach the 2015 NCAA final and win it?

DUKE!!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

FURY Brad Pitt is a great actor.

Thanks Cory for the chat.

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 ETB Wohnbau baskets.

Braydon congrats on the 22-8 finish and second place in the German Pro A. After the first few weeks of practice in last August would you have thought that Nurnberg could end the season very near the top?

After the first couple weeks in Germany, I had a feeling we were going to be pretty solid this year. I knew our goal was to be near the top as well. We have a talented basketball team and I could tell that we were going to be pretty good.

The club had a respectable record of 9-6 at the end of 2014, but then came the turning point as the team went on a 9 game winning streak. Was it something magical that Ralph Jung said or a new years resolution of the team to play even better?

I don’t think much has changed from 2014 to 2015. We have had injuries all year long and I think it took some time to gel. After the new year, things started clicking for us and we understood how we needed to play to win basketball games.

The club also has defended better in 2015 having kept teams to 70 points or less six times. Did the club make adjustment or did the trust just continue to grow?

I think we have emphasized defense a lot more in the second part of the season. We knew our weak spot was defense, so we started working harder and harder on defense. It has paid off so far. We have to just keep working on it and become more cohesive on that end of the floor.

How much credit does head coach Ralph Junge get for this success? He has been a guy in the past that has been known for shaping young players, but in Nurnberg has proven to be able to coach veterans.

Coach has done a great job this year with our team. He has managed to get a great group of guys together that play smart basketball. He has gotten us to gel together and we are getting better and better, as a team, because of what he is doing. He deserves a lot of credit because it is not always easy coming to a new team with new players and being successful.

How happy have you been with your play? You are averaging the most assists as a professional per game and have similar stats to what you did at Bellarmine (NCAA2). Is your role this season what you envisioned wanting to have again?

I’m definitely happy with how I have played this year. There is always room for improvement of course, but I think I’ve played solid. I envisioned being the point guard and making everyone around me better. I’m here to lead the team and I believe we have been successful with me doing that.

You are averaging 1,9 steals per game and in the last five games 2,5. What is your biggest strength on the defensive end?

I think my biggest strength is just anticipating what is going to happen. Reading the game is what I try to do. I’m definitely not the fastest guy, so I have to anticipate what I think is going to happen. Getting steals, away from the ball is a result of that.

How enjoyable has it been playing in a back court with the high energy player Josh Young? You guys compliment each other well.

It’s been extremely enjoyable playing with Josh. We have definitely complimented one another well. We both play smart basketball so we can make the team around us better. He can knock down a shot from anywhere on the court so that makes my job a lot easier haha.

Nurnberg open the playoff series against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets. You swept the season series, but the games were tight. Can we expect a tight series?

I think fans can definitely expect a tight series. Every team in this league can beat another team so anything can happen when it comes playoff time. Both teams are talented so anything can happen.

Chris Alexander makes that team go. Will it be half the rent if Nurnberg can be able to control his game? What else will be key to getting by this team?

Chris Alexander is definitely their motor. He makes them an extremely dangerous team. We will try to control him the best we can and play team defense. I think our defense is the key to the series. It’s been the key for us all year long so it’s not going to change now.

Who will reach the 2015 NCAA final and win it all?

I believe Kentucky and Duke will make the finals. I think Kentucky will win it all with a 40-0 record on the year. Anything can happen in March though lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie I watched was American Sniper.

Thanks Braydon for the chat.

Brandon Johnson is a 28 year old 183cm guard from Houston, Texas currently playing with the Cuxhaven Bascats of the German Pro A league. He started his basketball career at San Diego(NCAA) in 2005 and played there until 2010 playing a total of 134 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 14.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 35.4%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 77.9%. He turned professional in 2010 and played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League) playing 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 82.2%. Two seasons ago he played for Hoops Club (Lebanon-Division A) playing 5 games: 17.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 32.6%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 64.5%. Currently in the German Pro A he is tearing up the league averaging 21,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 5,6apg and is shooting 44% from outside. He spoke to German Hoops shortly after arriving in Cuxhaven in January 2015 and recently again combining his early experiences with Cuxhaven and now after 13 games where he has led the team to an impressive 8-5 record.

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what do you know about the city Cuxhaven?

I am currently in the Haven hostel new hotel that they have recently built in Cuxhaven.I didn’t have much knowledge about Cuxhaven but now I have been here a couple weeks I truly love the city. The people are very supportive of the team and they have die hard love there. Bascat fans have truly showed me so much love since I’ve been here so it made the transition of leaving home a little bit easier

How blessed do you feel to get a second chance to play in Europe after your stint in Romania ended in pre season in 2012?

Words couldn’t describe how blessed I feel to get another chance to rebuild my professional career as a ball player. The journey that I have been through for the last 3-4 years was tough but all glory to God for giving me the strength and keeping my faith high to continue to stay focused believing that there’s still hope of playing pro ball even after prison. I actually never got a chance to play ball in Romania I signed with the team actually I had signed with a couple of teams but during my situation I was able to leave the country

Did you consult your ex teammate Chris Manresa about Cuxhaven where he spent a few months last season before being waived? Waht were the main reasons for coming to Cuxhaven?

I actually had no idea Chris played here aka c smooth until I reached Cuxhaven and one of the fans came up to me saying his mom reached out letting her know Chris and I had played college ball together. My main reason coming here was an opportunity to show case my talents in one of the top markets and obviously to try and help the Bascats win and stay in the league. I felt like they had a great group of guys just need a couple more pieces to the puzzle.

When you arrived in Cuxhaven the team was 2-14 and since then with you on board 8-5. Could one say that you were the savior the team dearly was looking for?

The team surely would have moved down without you being on the team I don’t think I was the savor. You believe on every team there’s pieces and that’s all I was I brought some unique characteristics to the team. I’ve been a captain or team leader on every team I’ve played on. With that being said I think that was missing. We have a lot of talented players on this team. I didn’t know the last coach but Coach Morris has been a huge reason why we have had success. He wears many hats for our team but great motivator and brings the most out of his players,

What changed with the team since your arrival? Was the club just missing that special spark plug? It seems like the whole team got on the same page since your arrival.

I think in those end of games moments are coming down to we believing in ourselves and playing with more confidence knowing we can win every game Cuxhaven had some close wins, but what is really amazing is that the team won four tight games by a combined point total of only seven points.

I remember Cuxhaven giving away the game in Giessen. How was the team able to become a better crunch time team with you on board?

I think I just added a sense of time management to the team understanding clock in possession in those clutch times and really coach Morris given me the ability to go out and use my individual ability to make the shot or create one

You are tearing up the league averaging 21,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 5,6apg and are shooting 44% from outside. You had absolute no problems adjusting. What has been your secret to being able to be a top player in the league in such a short time?

Thank you, but glory to God for all that I have accomplished in this short time I was here. I think my secret to having success is my struggle to get back to this point. Going through that adversity maybe it gave me just a little more passion to go all out and try to be the best every night

You played last season for Hoops Club (Lebanon-Division A) playing 5 games: 17.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 32.6%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 64.5%. What kind of experience was that for you? I am sure you have some stories to tell about that stay?

Lebanon was actually great especially immediately out of prison it really challenged me mentally and physically. I don’t think the Middle East gets as much credit as they should. You have to have unique talents to play In that league because you have to be able to do everything as a player rebound pass score defend so it was good to see where I was as a ball player. I don’t think I had to many crazy experiences wasn’t there that long to really get a feel in that sense of the city but I did love downtown Beirut

You will be sharing the guard duties with experienced American Aaron Cook. How excited are you with this new challenge as you will be playing with experienced and solid Americans?

I’m super excited heard a lot of good things about Aaron one of the best shooters in Germany with my game as a creator I think we will play well off each other. I’m truly just thankful to get the opportunity to play the game I love again with everything behind me moving forward with my life Change is good for me

With some years of professional ball under your belt how do you see that your game has developed since your days at San Diego?

I think the main thing that has developed since college is my maturity as a point guard and leader. Controlling the games and just understanding how to motivate, finding players, running offense, knowing I can get mine anytime just way more poised and confident running a team. I think the plus of going through everything I went through far as my case I truly feel like it’s made me stronger mentally and I’m even more passionate about the game of basketball

After a stellar college career at San Diego where you were the only men’s basketball player in West Coast Conference history to leave as school’s all-time leader in both scoring and assists, you played as a rookie in the D-League and then kind of bounced around for years even playing in a lower league the ABA. Why weren´t you able to move on after that D-League season? Was it like it often is for players, not getting the right opportunity and not getting that once of luck that other players may have had?

My situation is completely different I never been told I wasn’t good enough for the NBA or that I wasn’t ready. Going towards the end of the season in the NBA D league I was picked up by the FBI which snow balled into me losing my agent and my NBA opportunities in the moment. It was understandable of the charges that was against me. So they had to take a step back from a business standpoint. I actually was given plenty of opportunities overseas and NBA teams but with my stipulations during the time of my case I wasn’t able to leave the country and the NBA decided that I won’t be able to do anything until my case was resolved. So ABA teams Abl was kind of how I stayed grounded in my love for the game but God kept my faith high I just kept telling myself one day it will all be over.

You talk about the FBI, your case and prison. Some years ago you were sentenced to a six month prison sentence on account of a game-fixing scheme while you were at San Diego(NCAA). On account of the case, you couldn´t play professionally and lost contracts to teams in countries like China, Romania, Poland, Finland, two in Germany and Venezuela. How difficult was this time and how did it make you stronger as a player and person?

I think when I thought more so like a child I only saw how it effected my life from a material stand point but the closer I grew to God I could see what he had done for me from a more mature standpoint. Some of the things that was important to me shouldn’t have been a priority in my life so the case itself impacted my career but it also gave me a different insight on life outside of basketball. But being out that long without playing ball just really made me appreciate it more So when I came back to the game of basketball I embraced my struggle, the people that gave up on me, people who turned me down, said it was over revenge is in my heart. I am on a mission ultimately my faith in God though he has shown me that I am here for a reason

What memories do you have from your NBA Summer League experience in Las Vegas with the Phoenix Suns? What will you never forget from those few weeks?

Aw man summer league was amazing I won’t forget anything just the knowing of how far I had come from a life standpoint I couldn’t imagine even going to college to play basketball I wasn’t highly recruited I wasn’t talented as a young player so to just to be blessed to be in the company and the conversation of the NBA was a blessing. You would have to truly understand my story to understand how I feel about everything that God blessed me with and the doors he has open I never thought I’ll be here so I’m thankful for everything

As a rookie you played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League) playing 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 82.2%. What was your wake up call to your rookie season where you knew ok I am in the D-League now, but still so far away from the NBA?

I actually started off averaging very solid talked to a couple of teams then I was injured had to rehab for 2 months so when I came back I only was cleared for 5-10 min from the doctor to get my body back in shape and find my rhythm then my case had taken place. I have never doubted myself or ability to play in the NBA I think my Achilles injury had taken more time to recover but I was one of the top Players in the country and I had completed against the best so I know I was ready just was a matter or work and maturity

Your teammate then Darren Cooper was in the same boat like you in that he had fewer minutes than other basketball players and bounced around leagues the last few years and now is out of basketball. How true is that the D-League really does concentrate on the top players that could have a chance to play in the NBA while the other guys there are there just to fill some minutes and the roster?

I truly can’t say because I’ve never was turned down or bounced around because of basketball reasons far as not good enough or talent. I think there’s politics in every sport certain coaches have their guys I always believed though that basketball in professionals is more than just talent it’s about getting lucky finding at least one coach that believes in you or maybe finding the right place that will highlight or cater to your specific gifts

Who kept you positive most from 2011-2013 where you didn´t have a stable basketball job? Were you close to hanging up your sneakers and how often did you think “I can still find a job”?

3 letters GOD. God has gotten me through every struggle I have been through in my life from my childhood to adult hood I’ve never been a quitter because my faith in God has always been high he has proven no matter what he has the final decision. Finding a job was never a problem it was the stipulations I had from my case that kept me from being able to leave the country to go play. I did have moments when I thought about not playing because of my family I needed to provide but I worked plenty of regular jobs while still working out. I was able to graduate college with two degrees so I wasn’t too worried I just used it to prepare me for the day I won’t be able to play ball so I started building my life outside of ball

You had your best scoring year as a junior for San Diego in the 2007-2008 season. What memories do you have of your 28 point outburst against Kentucky and playing against future NBA player Jodie Meeks who actually averaged half of what you did that season, but broke out his next season to average 23ppg and has been in the NBA since 6 years?

The Kentucky game was one of the top highlights of my career in college was kind of the country introduction to Brandon Johnson and USD Toreros I had a great group of guys that year gyno pomare who is now playing in Japan, Rob Jones, Trumaine Johnson , Dejuan Jackson seeing what that win did to those guys and the school knowing during that era I was the leader of something great words couldn’t describe the feeling from long nights in the gym long practices all the hard work to see it pay off on one of the most historical places to play was truly amazing

You suffered an achilles tendon tear in the 2008-2009 season. How important was it for your development as a player getting that fifth year of eligibility

It was my number 1 priority getting back healthy so I could get back on the court and help my team get back to being contenders in the conference. Didn’t go how I planned due to my second surgery right before the season started bone spurs in my foot so it took more time on returning to full strength. Was so frustrating not being able to be the same player I was in 07-08 but adversity builds character I had to just keep pushing through it.

How did head coach Bill Grier prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Bill Grier was an amazing coach getting the most out of his players he had and giving them the right amount of confidence to go perform. He always preached leadership took me time to understand it because I was young not understanding the amount of power I had as a role model to the younger guys. Just helped me grow in so many areas as a person and basketball player taught me what team truly means and what really matters after the game of basketball

What do you remember of the San Diego-San Diegio State duels against point guard  Richard Williams who has built a solid professional career in Germany?

It was always a great atmosphere between usd and San Diego state Richie I think he’s one of the fastest players I’ve played against I respect his competitiveness approach to the game. I believe it was more of team battles than a 1 on 1 my game was more of the go to guy on my college team and he had a lot of guys that could put the ball in the hole so his role was different that’s why I say it was literally team battles when we met up

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

Jeremy Pargo from Gonzaga and he’s actually been back and forth NBA and overseas but I think we have the same build far as body structures strong aggressive guards who can create and score but with a relentless tenacity to help our teams win

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets end this season?

I think the Rockets will go deep into the playoffs and James Harden is playing like an MVP candidate, but we need to get better at the point guard position but overall I think we have a solid foundation of players that can get the job done

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Think like a man 2 is such a funny movie with an amazing cast one with my favorite actor and comedian Kevin Hart.

Thanks Brandon 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 before game two against Leipzig.

Diante thanks for talking to German Hoops SC Rist Wedel has the 1-0 lead against Leipzig. You celebrated a big 76-63 win. How motivated is the team to ending the series this weekend in Leipzig and not wanting a do or die game like you did against Schwelm?

Everything is going good, we are really motivated right now because we have a chance to end the series and get some extra rest instead of playing a tough game 3. This late in the season the fresher we can stay is the best so we are definitely going into this game 2 with a must win mentality.

It seems like some key facts is that SC Rist Wedel match up very well against Leipzig and have a deeper roster. It seems like You were given a tougher first round opponent with Schwelm for a good warmup and now you have had an easier time with Leipzig?

I think Leipzig is tougher than Schwelm, because they play more physical, they just aren’t that deep so we have a chance to tire them out! Schwelm was a good opponent as well.

SC Rist Wedel have stepped up their defense in the first four playoff games giving up an average of only 68 points per game. What has been the secret on the defensive end that has allowed the team to defend so well?

We are really taking pride in the defense, we understand this late in the season, it’s not going to be the offense that’s going to win the game. With the coach, and the group of guys we have we are just accepting the challenge as a team & working as a unit!

Did the Schwelm Johnson duo pose greater problems for SC Rist Wedel than what you expected as a team?

Johnson posed a lot of problems for us because we didn’t expect him to shoot so well from the field. We have a great scouting report on him, but throughout the series he made some really tough, contested shots!

You poured in 30 points in a do or die game against Schwelm. How many of these do or die games have you had in your career and have you always came out as the victor?

I played so bad in Schwelm I just wanted to help the team in a do or die. I think that was my 3rd do or die game in my pro career! I’m 2-1 right now, I lost in the semis last season to Oldenburg!

How valuable has the pickup of Brandon Spearman been? What has been his most asset that he has given to the club?

It’s been huge for our team, he gives us a huge lift at the wing position that we were missing on both defense and offense! I think his energy and his activity on the floor had been the best asset for us!

German Christop Roquette has been the second most consistent scorer on the team after you and American Denzell Erves has had a solid first season in the German Pro averaging 11,2ppg and 7,3rpg. How much fun has it been playing with these somewhat undersized guys?

It’s been a lot of fun because they are somewhat undersized but they bring two totally different things to the team! Roq is just so tough and his leadership is huge! He plays physical and just his passion to win is almost unmatched I love playing with him. Denzel is good too he runs the floor maybe faster than me and it’s a lot of fun to throw alley opps to him as well as seeing him out run guys down the floor after he gets rebounds is cool!

How well has young 19 year old German Rene Kindzeka developed this season? He has played mostly for SC Rist Wedel, but also played for Pro A team Hamburg Towers.

He has gotten better, his jump shot, his defense, you can see the growth in him from last season! Once he really learns how to use his athleticism he has a chance to be a really good player. I love playing with Rene he gives it his all every time he is on the court!

You have improved your stats form last season in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Was it just having that first season under your belt in the Pro B the reason why you have improved more or your hard work in the gym last summer?

I think it was just given the opportunity to run the team! Last season we had a lot of good players with Lee Jeka & Davey Hopkins so we all shared minutes. This season it’s pretty much my show, my minutes have gone up so my stats have gotten better this season and I think with my hard work in the summer is one of the reasons of course!

You have scored in double figures in 25 of 26 games and 20 points or more 18 times. Your worst game of the season was 2 points against Stahnsdorf where you shot 1/8. Is this a game that you have already forgotten or do you tend to go back often to this game in your thoughts about what you could have done better?

Of course that game comes up in my head, that was my worst game of my pro career! I always ask myself what I can do better, even after I have a good game!

How do you explain your huge increase to assists over last season. Your scoring more this season than last season and dishing out three assists more. Has head coach Michael Claxton just given you more trust this season?

Yea I think coach has trusted me with my decisions, and it’s showing, but the guys are making the shots so they are the reason my assist are up haha.

You have had many great games this season but where do you rate your 25 point 16 assist effort against Leipzig in the regular season?

I think that was maybe my best game of the season as far as picking my spots when to score and when to get my teammates involved!

Who will reach the 2015 NCAA final and win it?

I think it will be Kentucky vs Michigan State. I have Kentucky winning it all like most people haha

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Paid In Full was my last DVD I watched.

Thanks Diante for the chat.

BJ Cutter is a 27 year old 182cm guard from Elizabethton, Tennessee that just completed his second professional season with German regionaliga team EVL Limburg. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Georgia Perimeter College (JUCO) where he played two seasons. He then moved to Jacksonville St. (NCAA) where he played 30 games: 6.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 36.6%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 71.0%. He spoke to German Hoops after the season ending 86-81 win against Kaiserslautern.

BJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. A big 86-81 win against Kaiserslautern. What were the main reasons for the loss?

Our defense helped to the win. If we would of stayed with a zone then we would of lost this game. We upped our intensity as man to man helped us get the win.

Limburg started the season with a 5-6 record and then at the start of December played their best basketball of the season winning seven of eight games. What was the turning point in the play of the team that got the team on this winning streak?

We started to gel together around that time, because we started to hang out together off the court. This made us come closer together which helped us trust each other on the court. We made each other better on the court.

Then came a four game losing streak near the end which kind of put a bad cloud on a seemingly strong second half of the season. Did fatigue set in at the end?

We had some fatigue, but some of the players also have regular jobs and we didn´t always have a full rotation at games. We often had to stay with a zone in order to minimize fouls.

The club only let up under 70 points five times this season. Why was the team never able to find that sound consistency on the defensive end?

As a team we gambled very much on defense and when it didn´t pay off the opponent had open shots or mismatches that they took advantage of.

EVL Limburg ended the season in fifth place. How would you summarize the season. Was the team able to fulfill expectations and reach their goals?

We didn´t have real goals, but somehow wanted to finish in the top 5. We made each other better throughout the season. I came late to the team last season and there was just one go to guy. This season we played team basketball and it was successful.

How much fun was it fighting for the team scoring title with Paul Dick? How did the games of you too develop throughout the season?

We had our ups and downs, but I really appreciated having Paul on the team. We made each other better and when we were on the court together no one could stop us. I had my problems at the start of the season and Paul was carrying the team. Paul always told me that I would get used to the speed of the Regionaliga. He did a great job keeping my confidence up.

How happy were you with your own personal season? What were the highs and lows for you as a team and in your individual play?

The team low was the loss against Mainz. At the time of that loss we had our three game winning streak snapped and then came a four game losing streak. Our team high was the win against Karlsruhe where we were down 25 at halftime and won by six points. I had some good and bad games. I am a defensive guy and am always trying to stop my guy. I had more highs than lows.

You scored 40 points against Schwenningen. Was that the most points that you had ever scored since college? What will you never forget from this game?

I had some other high scoring games like 36 against Heidelberg or 34 tonight against Kasierslautern. Whatever the team is lacking is what I try to give the team. I always want to win.

Lets see how good your memory is. In what game did you get seven steals? TBB Trier 2

That was a good defensive game for me. I wasn´t shooting well that game. I told Paul at halftime that I will take care of defense and you bring home win. We did this the whole season. When I was hot then he took the defensive role and vice versa. We didn´t get along at the start of the season as we both had that mentality of being the best, but as the season went along we became great friends and that carried over to the court bringing success.

Who was the teams unsung hero this season and what young gun developed the best?

Kwame Duku was my unsung hero. No matter if he has zero he is the most unselfish player around. He is a great scorer, but so unselfish. I get mad at him when he is open and doesn´t shoot. Norman Klima developed the most. He could barely walk at the start.

How often did you feel the 114 kilo´s of Kwame Duku in practice. What did you like most about his game?

I often felt his presence in the zone. He is the captain of the team and very wise and wide. He sets the best picks. He always bodied me in practice and coach Danny never called a foul in practice, but just said “get your weight up”. I was mad at him at practice, but laughed at home. We were roommates.

Who was the toughest player that you dueled against on the court this season?

Vladimir Raymonvil of Mainz and Desmond Johnson of Crailsheim.

Where will your journey go now? Is reaching the next level achievable?

Reaching the level is always the next plan. As a player you always want to progress. I don´t know where I will play, but I will take the best situation for me

What is your nicest story that you can share about the Stahllbom family?

We always laughed at Danny´s crap jokes. We seem to have a different sense of humor. Family Stahllbom were always loyal and dependable.

What are your 2015 NCAA Final 4 picks?

Duke, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Florida. Duke will win it all

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Fifty Shades of grey.

Thanks BJ for the chat.