Marco Buljevic is a 27 year old 196cm guard that was born in Sindelfingen and is playing his fifth season for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career in 2003 with SG Urspringschule. He then played two seasons for TSG Ehingen (2.Bundesliga). He then moved to the Giessen 46ers in 2006 where he played until 2008. He then played two seasons for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 24 Beko BBL games and winning the BBL title in 2009. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

 

Essen recently played against Wurzburg and lost. Do you see any chance of Wurzburg not moving back to the Beko BBL next season?

 

They’re the favorites to win the title and probably tough to beat in a playoff series. But I see a couple of teams that can give them some problems.

 

 

 

The German Pro A playoff race is very exciting. Why has the Pro A gotten so strong in the last 3-4 years?

 

First of all I think Germany has become more an more popular with import players because of economic reasons. In most cases you’re likely to get all the money you’re owed right on time every month which can’t be said about a lot of clubs in other countries all over the world. Then you have the level of German players improving from year to year and last but not least the playoff system which was inducted a couple years ago. It makes every game more competitive especially towards the end of the season.

 

 

 

 

The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen are currently in sixth place with a record of 14-12. You guys had an exceptional start going 8-2 but since then are 7-9. What were the main reason for the good start and since then the up and down play?

 

The reasons for our good start in my opinion were having players with experience in our league and playing tough defense.

 

 

 

 

In four of the last eight games Essen held opponents to 70 points or less, but you still lost. Why does the team have a problem being consistent on offense and scoring more?

 

Usually we don’t push the pace too much during a game which leads us to rarely having high scoring games. However we’ve definitely had a handful of ugly games on the offensive end where we’ve had a hard time executing what we’re trying to do. We let the opponent force us into one on one situations that leads to a lack of ball movement and spacing. As a result of standing still and nobody moving, field goal percentages go down and we’re also in bad positions to get offensive rebounds.
 

 

Logan Stutz came back recently, but hasn´t regained his old form from the 2012-2103 season. What has been missing in his game and do you see him finding his old game again?

 

It’s not realistic to have him come here this late in the season and expect him to average twenty and ten right away. We don’t have the same team as back then. His role is a little different now. Logan has really been helping us. Also by being very communicative and having a positive attitude with everyone on the team.

 

 

Last season the ETB Wohnbau Baskets lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. What does the team have to do better this time that they could have a longer playoff run?

 

I hope that the experience we gained last year helps us this time around. Having a healthy team would be helpful as well.

 

 

It seems like a lot of the scoring load falls on the shoulder of American Chris Alexander who has scored in double figures in 23 of 24 games. Is that consistent second scorer missing on the team this season?

 

On one hand Chris is the only player on our team right now who if he wants to get 30 points, he can go out and get 30 points.On the other hand I think we can be very successful with putting our players in the right positions to score. We’ve got enough players who know how to score but are better having their opportunities being created in the flow of the offense than in one on one situations.
 

 

 

You are averaging 12,4ppg and are a guy that can score. What exactly is your role on the team this season? You could be that second scorer that scores 15-18 points a game.

 

My main role on offense has always been being a shooter who spreads the defense. Usually defenders don’t leave me around the three point line which is the biggest compliment you can get as a shooter. In that case my teammates have more space to operate. So I basically helpmy team without doing anything. I could definitely be more aggressive at times though. Or just shoot 80% from three.

 

 

You are playing your fifth season in Essen. After playing Beko BBL in Giessen and Oldenburg, you have developed into a solid German pro A player. Did you not have any more ambition to play in the BBL?

 

 

 

I did but the right situation has not come around for me. I’ve also enjoyed playing in Essen and developed into a better and smarter player than I was before.

 

 

What makes the ETB Wohnbau Baskets the perfect fit for you? It isn´t always usual to stay with one team for such a long time.

 

My Coach Igor Krizanovic has been showing me a lot of trust from day one. Although he can be very tough on you because he demands your highest level of energy and concentration every single day, I’ll always appreciate that. The city of Essen has become my home. I love living here. My fiancee’s from here and we’re getting married here this summer. The people in the organization and playing in front of our great fans „Am Hallo“ plays a big role too.

 

 

 

 

You are turning 28 on March 26^th. Are you heading into your best basketball years now? What do you still want to achieve as a professional basketball player?

 

 

 

My goal is to be the best player that I can be so that I will have no regrets when I end my career. Me not depending much on my athletic ability, I think I could be playing for another decade.

 

 

 

Can you imagine continuing to play for Essen in the future or is the Beko BBL, other Pro A teams or a stay outside Germany what is on your mind this summer?

 

I’d love to stay in Essen. However I have to look at my options and make a well-thought-out decision.

 

 

 

Except for a season in Kirchheim, your teammate Chris Alexander has played in Essen since 2010 with you. Is he like you a bit in that he just has felt comfortable and didn´t pursue a chance for the Beko BBL? Do you see him having the ability to play in the BBL?

 

I don’t know exactly what his options looked like in the past years. The BBL is probably one of the most fitting 1st divisions in Europe for him though. First of all there are a lot of Americans in the BBL. Second there are a handful of teams that rely heavily on their Americans pushing the pace and looking to score.

 

 

 

You played two seasons with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What were your fondest memories on the court concerning your play?

 

Knocking down a three pointer from about 9 meters at OAKA Arena against the defending champs Panathinaikos Athens in a Euroleague game. Don’t ask me about the end result though.

 

 

 

 

Where do you rank Rickey Paulding in your all time best teammates in your career?

 

Definitely cracks my „Top 3“. Probably the best one. Even a better person than a player as well.

 

 

 

 

In Giessen you played together with Florian Hartenstein in the 2007-2008 season. Would you ever have thought then that a nine year old Isiah Hartenstein would become Germany´s best talent from the year 1998?

 

 

I just remember him having huge feet for his age. I haven’t seen him play yet but from what I hear he could be playing at a very high level someday. I wish him nothing but the best and hope his dad is not his shooting coach.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

I haven’t watched a DVD movie in a long time. I did watch a few episodes of „Californication“ though.

 

Thanks Marco for the chat.

 

The next time Justin Cobbs will see a Beko BBL opponent Phoenix Hagen will be more than two weeks after their disappointing choke loss in Bonn where they were leading by 15 points and just caved in the last quarter. In this time the 2004 Beko BBL champion has been occupied with pursuing the team´s third title in Eurochallenge play as combined both teams have been on the road for more than a week trying to reach the final four. In the last nine days the Fraport Skyliners and Russian team Enisey Krasnoyarsk have only played against each other twice, but combined traveled around 32,255 kilometers. If this best of three series actually had one game more back in Krasnoyarsk, then both teams would have combined traveled around the world once in the last nine days. The Fraport Skyliners won game one in Frankfurt a week ago 77-74 as they were playing catch up basketball all night long, but in the fourth quarter put their heads together and let the general Justin Cobbs play heroics and do what he does best in crunch time which is win games. In game two Enisey Krasnoyarsk defended their home court winning 78-68 as despite 23 points by Skyliner rookie Sean Armand were unable to put the series to record as they were without the heart and soul of the team Justin Cobbs as he had knee problems. Frankfurt was unable to stop the Enisey 14 three pointers and coughed up the ball 19 times. In game three the whole travel fatigue was put aside as the only thing on the menu for both teams was 40 minutes of basketball in a do or die situation. Justin Cobbs was back in action despite having hurt his knee in game one and on Monday was seen as a 50/50 chance of playing, but the importance of the game didn´t leave the Los Angeles native sitting, but he dressed up and led a furious comeback in the second half after being down by 19 points leading the Fraport Skyliners to a 85-80 victory and invitation to the Eurochallenge Final Four and keeping his record spotless at 10-0 in the competition. After a slow first half where he had eight points, but was unable to guide a sputtering offense, the American stepped it up in the second half combing with German national player Johannes Voigtmann for 45 points, but foremost got his team going in the third quarter leading a 33-15 run where his scoring was put on the back burner and he got his playmaking to function like a well oiled bicycle. “I thought my game was ok. I thought that I made a few too many turnovers and missed some critical shots in the fourth quarter. I didn´t feel pressure in this game at all. Our pick and roll worked very well in the second half. Joe Voigtmann and I have a great feel for the pick and roll. Joe sets the screen, I make the decision and he did the rest. Joe has good hands and I know that all I have to do is put it close to him and he will pull it down and do the rest. Reaching the Eurochallenge Final four is in my top achievements. I only reached the NCAA Sweet 16. This is a great step for us to be seen at a big stage and we can show what we can do”, stressed Fraport Skyliners point guard Justin Cobbs. “Cobbs did a great job. He is a tough cover and he will get his assists or basket one way or the other. He is a big time player and is 10-0 in Eurochallenge play. We can compete without him, but it is like day and night when he is playing with us. He took the game to another level in the second half. He is such a great floor general and the best point guard that I have ever played with”, stressed Fraport Skyliners forward Jacob Burtschi. Cobbs made the job so easy for teammate Johannes Voigtmann who is delighted to have a super point guard like Cobbs feeding him the ball. “He reads the pick and role so well and it is all so easy with him. He is a stone cold dog and deserves the nickname Mr Eurochallenge”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the do or die game averaging 80,0points per game and were giving up 74points per game in the Eurochallenge and in the two game series The Club averaged only 72points per game in the two game series and knew that if they didn´t defend Fraport Skyliners basketball that they would have a very difficult time beating the high scoring Russian team. After scoring only 25 points in the first half, the Fraport Skyliners came out of their funk scoring 60 points in the second half as they put on an NBA like scoring explosion. “We played a lot better in the second half. We had three assists in the first half and 15 in the second half. Coach got loud at halftime and told us that we weren´t moving the ball and were giving up easy baskets. After a while when you keep getting scored against, it starts to paralyze you after a while where you can´t react. Halftime was a good time to come for us. In the second half, we went inside more and did a better job on the pick and role. We played with a lot more energy in the second half. We are very happy about reaching the Eurochallenge Final Four, but need to remain focused on everything else”, stressed Fraport Skyliners center Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk entered the game averaging 84 points per game and had given up 79ppg in the Eurochallenge. In the two game series they averaged only 76 points per game and averaged giving up 72 points per game. But for the Russian team who is second to last in the VTB league with a record of 6-16, it was the old story which has hampered them all season, the difficulty of conserving leads. “We have been up by 20 points so much this season and tonight we were unable to hold the lead again. You have to be able to make adjustments, but we were unable to do that in the second half. We weren´t aggressive anymore on the pick and role and lost intensity on defense”, added Chicago native DJ Cooper.

Before the game even started Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi was the last player to exit the court in pregame shooting and took one last shot from halfway from the court to the runway door and nailed it. If that wasn´t a good omen for things to come with hot shooting, it didn´t occur in the first half as Frankfurt couldn´t hit the side of a barn even if they were standing in front of it. That hot Burtschi 14 meter shot before the game started to rub off on Frankfurt in the second half. The first quarter was one of those quarters where one could feel the tenseness of both teams as effort and nerves seemed to take something off their shooting. Enisey Krasnoyarsk took the early 4-1 lead as Serb forward Sava Lesic scored inside and 25 year old 191cm guard Vyacheslov Zaytsev scored inside. It took the Fraport Skyliners a few minutes before they found their groove as they went on a 7-0 run to take the 8-4 lead. The run was started by a Quantez Robertson jumper which was followed by Aaaron Doornekamp three pointer and Voigtmann lay in. The first quarter seemed to remain a fight as no team could really go on a run as Frankfurt had their nose forward as Cobbs nailed a pull up jumper and Sean Armand scored a lay up on the fast break to lead 12-7 as Frankfurt caught the Russian team napping on transition defense. Frankfurt lost some intensity at the end of the first quarter as Enisey Krasnoyarsk snuck in a mini 4-0 run to trail only 14-13 after ten minutes. On the run it was Elmedin Kikanovic hitting a jumper and White showing his athletic ability scoring on a drive to the bucket. “Both teams got off to slow shots and neither team shot well”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Andrew Bock. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 20% from outside while Enisey Krasnoyarsk were shooting 36% from the field and 20% from outside. Frankfurt had the slight 9-7 rebound edge and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners totally fell apart as Enisey Krasnoyarsk put on a scoring clinic winning the second quarter 31-11 leading 44-25 at the break. The second quarter actually started off on the right foot for the 2004 Beko BBL champion as Justin Cobbs connected on a step back jumper for the 16-13 advantage, but then everything went downhill. Enisey Krasnoyarsk then went on a 11-0 run to lead 24-16 as their back up point guard Pavel Sergeev who played in the Fraport arena 6 years ago with Triumph Lyubertsy tested his 37% three point shooting percentage nailing three in a row and showing that they had their own type of Sean Armand who can hit buckets. Frankfurt then had a little daylight going on a mini 4-0 run as Cobbs and Voigtmann hit free throws as Frankfurt trailed 24-20. However Enisey was just getting started in their previous 11-0 run and ended the second quarter with an annoying 20-5 run. The Russian team was displaying accurate inside out play as Memphis native Terrico White hit back to back three pointer and Sava Lesic continued to be aggressive inside getting two lay ins and free throws. Kikanovic also did damage inside as he nailed his bread and butter the 15-20 footer and Evgeny Kolesnikov dropped a three pointer for the last points of the second quarter. “Sergeev had the hot hand and they made many in your face shots. Frankfurt couldn´t get any offense going and didn´t have good one on one defense”, stressed Rialto California native Andrew Bock. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 53% from the field and 50% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 33% from the field and 11% from the three point line. Enisey had the 18-14 rebound edge and only six turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

The third quarter belonged to the Fraport Skyliners as they started a massive comeback outscoring Enisey Krasnoyarsk 33-15 to trail only 59-58 after 30 minutes. The first few minutes went back and forth as both teams traded buckets and Enisey Krasnoyarsk was able to keep the comfortable 20 point lead. Kikanovic got the Russian team on the board first with a runner in the lane, but Frankfurt responded with a 5-0 run as Doornekamp hit a three pointer and Robertson made free throws to cut the Enisey lead to 46-30. Enisey responded with a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 52-32 as that 20 point cushion seemed to haunt the Fraport Skyliners. In the run for Enisey, it was Kikanovic again who continued hurting Frankfurt with his mid distance shot, White made a pull up jumper off the fast break and Zaytsev hit from the corner. The Fraport Skyliners desperately needed a spark and then all of a sudden the Frankfurt offense started to shine as they went on a 20-4 run to cut the Enisey lead to only 56-54. As is so often the case good aggressive defense sparked the offense as the Fraport Skyliners starting hitting shots, getting their pick and role game going, got on the break and got to the free throw line. The run was started by a two handed dunk from Robertson after getting the no look pass from Voigtmann. Robertson and Cobbs then scored in the paint on the transition and Burtschi nailed a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed only 54-41. Some more costly Enisey turnovers were fueled by Skyliner points as Doornekamp cut the Enisey lead to ten points and Voigtmann then scored seven points in a row as he was wearing down Kikanovic inside with a lay in and free throws as Frankfurt trailed 54-51. Frankfurt continued to be on the comeback trail and continued to cause havoc inside as the two big men Voigtmann barreled into the zone splitting the defense and ramming home and one handed dunk and ST Petersburg Florida native Mike Morrison ended the pick and role pass from Cobbs with the monster two handed dunk. Cobbs closed out the third quarter with a coast to coast drive as Frankfurt trailed only 59-58 after 30 minutes. “We finally made shots and we stepped up on defense as Tez and Armand got in the lane and guys made plays”, stressed Justin Cobbs. “Frankfurt made shots and keyed in on me better not letting me do my strength with the pick and role”, added Chicago native DJ Cooper. “We ran more and played better and showed that a game has 40 minutes”, added Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. Enisey Krasnoyarsk were shooting 51% from the field and 42% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 31% from the parking lot. Enisey had the 22-18 rebound edge, but 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter remained very exciting and had that do or die flair as there were four lead changes, but in the end Frankfurt hit the more timely wins to squeeze out the win. The Fraport Skyliners regained the lead on their first bucket as Morrison made a dunk off a Cobbs feed as Frankfurt led 60-59. However Enisey Krasnoyarsk struck back nailing consecutive three pointers as the two Americans Cooper and White hit for the Enisey 65-60 advantage. However Frankfurt didn´t allow the Russian team to go on another huge run and struck back with a 5-0 run as Burtschi made a big tip in and Sean Armand drilled home a three pointer to deadlock the game at 65-65. Then it was time for an Enisey 4-0 run as Lesic hit free throws and White scored on the fast break for the Enisey 69-65 lead. The Fraport Skyliners then went on a 11-2 run to regain the lead 76-71 and would never look back. In the run it was the wrecking crew of Voigtmann and Cobbs that preserved the points. Voigtmann scored inside as did Cobbs and then the American may have made his finest play on the night as on the fast break he faked to his right to Armand, but passed to his left finding a flying Voigtmann who powered home the big dunk. This huge play led to a Robertson steal and coast to coast score and Cobbs free throws. Enisey didn´t hang their heads as they fought back getting a fade away jumper from Kikanovic to trail 76-74. However Frankfurt had no flaws now as Cobbs and Voigtmann continued to do their own show as the American found the German big man for a lay in and then hit free throws as Frankfurt led 80-74. Cooper hit some big baskets late including a three pointer with a minute to go to cut the Frankfurt lead to 82-79, but Armand and Cobbs secured the win with free throws. “When a game is tight at the end it is all about execution and we did that. Our pick and role worked and we stepped it up on defense securing the win”, stressed Justin Cobbs. “Cobbs continued to get into the paint and we failed to make any adjustments on defense. We haven´t been able to correct this problem all season long with letting guys do what they want in the paint”, stressed DJ Cooper. “We got many 50/50 balls, got tough rebounds, hit shots and got to the free throw line”, expressed Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Justin Cobbs added 19 points and eight assists. Quantez Robertson chipped in with 13 points. Enisey Krasnoyarsk were led by Elmedin Kikanovic with 21 points. Terrico White added 17 points and six rebounds while Sava Lesic added 11 points. The Fraport Skyloiners shot 51% from the field and 25% from outside while Enisey Krasnoyarsk shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside. Enisey Krasnoyarsk won the rebound battle 30-26, but had 17 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners will go for the 2015 Eurochallenge title on the last weekend in April. “Reaching the Eurochallenge Final 4 is big and we will have a tough opponent with Nanterre. Now we can show what we are capable of doing and build of this momentum for the next BBL games”, added Jacob Burtschi. “I wish Frankfurt all the best. I think they have a good chance to win it”, added DJ Cooper.

 

Craig Blackmon is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing this season for  Forex Time Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-Division A) He started his basketball career in 2006 for  Howard Payne (NCAA) where he played until 2008. He then played at Texas-Tyler (NCAA3). Before coming to Europe last year, he got experience playing with the  Texas Legends (D-League) training camp; Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League). In 2011, he was drafted by the drafted by Houston Express (UBA,2rd(19). In 2011-2012, he played for the Houston Express (UBA) playing 10 games: 15.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 60.0%. In 2012-2013 he played for he played for the  KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging 20.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.5 spg, FGP: 58%, 3PFG: 43%, FT: 83%. Last season he played for Barmer TV (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 24 games: 19.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 71.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball when he played in Germany last season.

 

 

Craig thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing for Barmer TV (Germany-Regionalliga) this season in Germany and living in Wuppertal. Has it been a big culture shock coming from Houston, Texas or are you one of those people that has little problem getting adjusted to new surroundings?

Hey thanks for having me, umm yeah it is a totally different vibe coming from Houston but I love the small town feel as well and I’m an explorer so it was no trouble getting settled here.

It has been a tough season for Barmer as the club sits in last place of the German Regionaliga division. When you came to the team did you ever think that the season would go as it has?

I knew it would be a challenge but I never would think we would give up, and I still don’t. I am always looking to prove people wrong and many doubted us so Its tough in that aspect but to answer your question, No.

What have been the biggest problems with the team not being able to win more games this season?

Many teams here have 2-3 pro players and a few experienced players which played in higher leagues, our club just had myself, and now with the recent acquisition of Patrick Nyeko we have 2, so that plays a major factor in tough games.

You are the only international player on the team. Is there just too much pressure on you to have to get the win for the team or is the talent level around you just not as strong as would be beneficial for getting more wins?

I love the pressure, it makes me perform and give everything I have. The guys around me are all great guys and we get along very well, which you would think is hard due to the situation of being in last place but we always keep a fight with us. Talent wise they may not be as strong as most teams but they give everything they have and I love them for that.

After playing in the States since childhood, you played in Kosovo last season and now in Germany. Was it a big adjustment having to play for non American coaches? How has it been getting guidance from Abdelhadi Saou?

I am a big student of the game, I evaluate myself in every aspect, and the great thing about Eli (Coach Saou) he is the same. We always pick each other brain about basketball, from things I can do to help the team and things to improve my game in general. We spend a lot of time in the gym getting shots up, working on footwork, and making sure we stay on the same page. This season is the hardest on him, but he keeps a positive atmosphere in practice and reminds me to always remain professional despite the situation.

I have to ask you about coming to Germany. Last season you played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging 20.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.5 spg, FGP: 58%, 3PFG: 43%, FT: 83%. It is hard to believe that after a strong season like that you would land in the German Regionaliga. Did you not have better offers?

You have no idea how many times I have been asked that question lol, I did have some other offers in other countries but the reason I took this one is simple, stability and growth. I will tell you my secret, in my career I would like only one thing, thats to find a club grow with and win a championship and I feel Germany is the place to do it, the economy is strong the culture is great and not to mention the food is pretty tasty! So I took the offer to get my foot in Germany and introduce myself.

Do you see yourself as a type of role model for young German players on your team? What has been your nicest memory on the court with a German teammate where you could really see that he appreciated your help?

Definitely, I think leadership is my strongest quality and the guys seem to respect that, it just comes natural to me. The one moment that stands out for me is before a game Sascha Bornschien, the captain of our team came and told me “We are led by you, you must lead us well” That meant so much to me! I also coach our U18 team and those guys really give there all for me, I’m hard some days which they hate lol but they are a great group and will be amazing players

You have a lot of time between games and practice. I know you are busy working on your game. How does a private individual training day look like for Craig Blackmon?

Yeah I call it “Lab Time”. When I step in I usually find a good playlist to put on in the gym something up beat. Get a good sweat going with ball handling for 15- 20 min then some off the dribble shots from spots I get in the game and lastly spot shooting for 200 makes then I’m out till practice. I usually go hour and half maybe 2.

I notice that you have very high rebound totals for a point guard. Has rebounding always been easy for you?

Yeah, I am a bigger guard and I have really long arms so rebounding has been my thing, my high school coach Larry Brown use to challenge me so I would always have to step up when needed.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I think its my defense, this year not as much as I’m in the top 5 in the league in steals but I would say defense is always over looked when you are a scorer.

Let us go back a bit to when you were growing up in Houston. Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Wow being from Houston, Hakeem was the man when I was younger and didn’t know much about the game I just knew the Dream Shake! Then as I got older and started playing Kobe Bryant became the guy I wanted to be! From coming out with the glasses on to make his decision to go pro he was my guy. So if I could do a Mt. Rushmore it would be, Hakeem, Kobe, MJ, Bill Russell…can’t beat 11 rings!

When did you know that you wanted to become a professional basketball player? What drove you most to follow this dream?

The most driving force to become a professional was my mother. She sacrificed so much for me and my sister. She would come to all my games in HS and make as many as she could in college. I loved the game of basketball and figured this is my way to make her proud.

You started your NCAA career at Howard Payne where you played two seasons. You then transferred to Texas-Tyler (NCAA3). What were the main reasons for going back two steps to the NCAA3?

I was very confused at that time in my life, I didn’t have much guidance and I wasn’t focused on what I wanted to do with it all. College really was the time I had to transition from a boy to a man.

In 2010, you signed to play at the University of Houston but NCAA 5-year eligibility clock ended. How bitter was that for you? How would you summarize your time in the college ranks? What did you learn from this experience?

That was a tough blow at the moment, I was a bit depressed because me and my roommate had prepared so much for it but to be turned down at the last moment was tough. I became friends with many guys that was playing and they helped me through it, Maurice McNeil, Adam Brown and Aubrey Coleman much thanks to them.

Do you still get annoyed with yourself, that you didn´t get better grades in high school, which might have made your basketball journey easier now?

All the time!! I go back to my high school and talk to many of the kids so they won’t follow the same mistakes I did. It bothers me till this day

In 2010, you had work outs with the Atlanta Hawks and individual training sessions with 1977 NBA champion with the Washington Bullets Greg Ballard. Did he give you some extra pointers on how to rebound?

Yeah! He is actually my cousin, we would speak often when I was coming overseas and he was working for the Hawks. He would give his insight on my game, its great to have him as a resource. Haven’t spoken in a while but I’ll be sure to contact him when I get back to the states

In 2011, you spent some time with teams Texas Legends (D-League) training camp; Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League), only pre-season. You never played in the D-league. Would the D-league still be an option for you now?

Yeah I enjoyed working with those D-League teams, I wished more would have come out of it. I still do some drills we did and playing with those players made me a better player. So the D-League could be an option, in the right situation.

With the Rio Grande Vipers, you spent time with head coach Paul Finch/Nick Nurse. What important things did they give you which has helped you with your professional career now?

After I had an on court session with at the time assistant coach Jai Steadman, I went in Nick Nurse office and he had my resume in hand. He told me, you are a good shooter and possess a lot of things we could use but the biggest thing that kills you is your resume. He said u have a lot of short and unfinished seasons. That has stuck with me, from then on, no matter where I played all I cared about was longevity.

You also had experience in the minor leagues of the UBA and the Houston Express. How valuable was this time being able to play at home?

Great, I enjoyed the UBA its a nice up and coming minor league to allow players to stay in shape and play against some competition, not like a local YMCA league.

Explain how you got to Kosovo. I think if you had been off that day at the restaurant, you may never have come to Europe and living your basketball dream now?

Wow, its a long story but I can give you the short version lol. GOD!! It was in his plans, I was working at a steakhouse in Houston to save money for a camp in Europe, a guest came in and offered to pay my flight! Next thing you know I’m at the Europe Basketball Academy in Serbia ran by Srdjan Premovic, in a 1 months professional-program. Learned the European game there continue to network although Europe with many clubs and coaches and grow my talent. Training with many clubs, from BKK Radnicki to KK Vrsac in Serbian 1 league Also Ilysiakos and Nea Kiffisa in Greek A1, then got a call from KB Drita Gjilan and made my debut!

There are few players that have given up as much sacrifice to the game he loves as you? You have spent your last dollar to attend a work out? If you had to describe your love for the a game how would you do it?

Thats what you do when you truly believe in yourself and have faith. God had a plan for me, it took nights of sleeping on a friends floor in Belgrade, missing thanksgiving dinners and eating a cold turkey sandwich by myself in Athens, working out on and outside court in Novi Sad because the gyms were closed or even eating the same food everyday just because thats all that was available It takes so much but I wouldn’t say it was hard because I LOVE TO PLAY BASKETBALL!! Its not hard when I step on the court rather I’m in pain or not. My love for this game is to my soul!

I was very happy to hear some praise from your part about my work for German basketball. Your words felt so genuine. How important is good character and good basketball in your life?

I read all your interviews, watch your videos and see the work you put in for german basketball and you are truly what it needs! Good character and good basketball go hand-in-hand you can’t have one without the other to me. Because after I hang up my shoes I will always be rememberd for the type of person I was and that will matter the most to me. I’m a person first and a player second.

Last season you were the MVP of the Kosovo allstar game. What memories do you have of this and was that you biggest basketball achievement in your career?

That was a great achievement and big monument in my life, so many great players foreign and domestic so it meant a lot to be on the court and competing and having fun with the fans. We didn’t get the win but I enjoyed the game.

How great was it having a teammate like Brandon Shingles in Kosovo. You have two inches on him. Who won a one on one in practice?

Lol!! Brandon Shingles is like a brother to me, we met each other a few years back in Serbia and we have been close ever since. We are both southern guys so we got a fight in us, those one on one battles are legendary, I’d say the series is tied about 20-20! I would love to be on a team with him again soon! He is a fierce competitor a very smart player and great guy on and off the floor.

You have stated that your ultimate goal is to become the greatest player to ever play. Where do you get this knack of arrogance and self confidence?

The work I put in. I don’t work hard as a number 2 guy or a subpar player, I take my self to the limits so I can be number 1. If you aren’t striving to be the best then what are you truly working towards?

Who is the best player that you ever played against that is in the NBA now?

Well being from Houston a lot of guys in the NBA work out there in the offseason and we all usually end up in the same gyms, so the best I would say is Gerald Green or James Harden

What tips do you have for young American players that don´t have the best advantages of becoming a professional player, but have that desire and heart to always chase that dream?

Don’t give up and be willing to go through whatever to make it even a possibility! It will be Hard but the satisfaction of achieving a goal is worth it!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On a Euroleague team fighting for a championship, or a BBL team with the same goals and aspiration. Married with my wife and kids living a great life abroad! Thats the plan and goals I have set for myself. Unless I get a call from an NBA team lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Best Man Holiday.

 

Thanks Craig for the chat.

 

 

Scoring 48 points is all in a day´s work for Jules Adoko even if he didn´t score all those points in one game. On Saturday night Akodo who played the last three years for the Union Olimpija Ljubljana junior team was in action in Rostock in the Pro B playoffs with the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and hammered home 29 points in a 97-91 overtime loss to the Sea Wolves. He then traveled back the 669 kilometers to Frankfurt in the morning hours and 17 hours after the buzzer sounded in Rostock, Akodo was competing again in the NBBL playoffs and led Eintracht Frankfurt to a hard fought 72-63 victory in game one against Team Basket Munich North scoring 19 points. Eintracht Frankfurt entered the game the favorite having had a 15-1 regular season record while Team Basket Munich Nord had a 10-6 record. Eintracht Frankfurt had held teams to 50 points or less 12 times this season and didn´t do that against Team Basketball Munich Nord, but overall defended very consistently even if they could never totally shake off the pesky Bavarian team until the fourth quarter where they were able to lead by 10 points despite having to combat a last Munich comeback near the end. “Consistency was a factor today. This was our first playoff game as a group and I thought that we played well together. Their play on the boards kept them in the game. We didn´t rebound well as a group”, stressed Jules Akodo. Team Basket Munich North fought hard for 40 minutes, but just could never get over the hump and go on a huge run and get consistent stops. “I thought that we played a good game defensively, but their shooting killed us. They moved the ball very well and Jules Adodo was a big factor for them”, stated Team Basket Munich North guard Liam Carpenter. “This was a hard fought game. We knew what to expect with their unorthodox play. We didn´t have Niklas Kiel and had problems rebounding. The game was always tight, but we always led. We did make some bad mistakes in the game, but we need to correct them and learn from them”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt guard Armin Musovic.

Eintracht Frankfurt barreled out to the quick 4-0 lead as the two guards Musovic and Akodo scored. Team Basket Munich North got early big man presence from 201cm center Oliver Russ that connected twice inside and made a free throw as the Bavarian team led 5-4. However Eintracht Frankfurt responded well and went on a 7-2 run to regain the lead at 11-7 and would never trail again in the game. Musovic gave Eintracht Frankfurt the lead back 6-5 with his bread and butter the pull up jumper. 18 year old 203cm big man Ivan Mihaljevic battled underneath and made the put back on his third try and 18 year old Jamin Knothe dropped a three pointer. Eintracht Frankfurt did a good job spreading out the scoring as 18 year old shooting guard Lennart Okeke was successful on his first two shots extending the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 16-12. Team Basket Munich North guard Chris Wurmseher gave his team a boost at the end going coast to coast for a lay in, but at the end of the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt still had their nose ahead leading 17-14. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 33% from the field and 29% from outside while Team Basket Munich North were shooting 36% from the field and 0% from outside. Munich had the 11-10 rebound edge, but five turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had two turnovers.

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt held on to the lead, but Team Basket Munich North continued to live on their door step. Eintracht Frankfurt took that intensity from the first quarter directly into the second quarter jumping all over their opponent going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 24-16. Okeke continued to have the hot hand nailing a three pointer and Can Akbayir hit back to back buckets. However Team Basket Munich North took a page out of the Eintracht Frankfurt scoring book going on their own run of 6-0 to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 24-23. In the run the Bavarian team got production from three different players with a three pointer from Wurmseher, a beautiful hook shot from 18 year top scorer Salman Manzur and Carpenter jumper. Eintracht Frankfurt would hold the slim lead as the two Eintracht Frankfurt guards Musovic and Akodo continued to harmonize together on the floor. Musovic made a no look pass to Akodo for the easy lay up and Musovic then hit another pull up jumper for the 28-24 advantage. Wurmseher continued to be an important offensive force making free throws and dropping a three pointer as Eintracht Frankfurt led only 29-28. However Eintracht Frankfurt went into half time with a brutal 6-0 run as Akodo and Knothe connected on consecutive three pointer to lead 34-29. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 41% from the field and 31% from the three point line while Team Basket Munich North was shooting 37% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Munich had the 19-16 rebound lead, but six turnovers while Frankfurt had two turnovers.

The third quarter continued to remain very tight as Eintracht Frankfurt always had the lead and were able to lead by six points after 30 minutes. Manzur entered the game shooting 42% from outside and got Team Basket Munich North on the board first nailing from downtown as Team Basket Munich North trailed only 34-32. The game continued to be a contest of little runs as each team could always counter the other with coming back. Eintracht Frankfurt went on a 5-0 run to lead 39-32 as Akodo was instruemental penetrating for a lay up and finding Mihaljevic back door for the lay in. However Team Basket Munich North responded with their own 5-0 run to trail only 39-37 as 16 year old Oscar Leon Da Silva scored inside off the Justin Hedley shovel pass and Mansur made a runner. Eintracht Frankfurt big man Armin Trtovac then scored against the double team, but Liam Carpenter scored on the penetration as Eintracht Frankfurt led 41-39. Eintracht Frankfurt then again found some offensive daylight while getting consecutive stops going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 48-41. In the run it was Akodo and Okeke who scored inside and got points from the free throw line. After a Hedley three pointer, Eintracht Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a 5-0 run to lead 53-45 after three quarters. Okeke nailed a three pointer and Knothe then blocked Hedley which set up the last peculiar Eintracht Frankfurt play. Musovic took one last shot that was an air ball, but somehow landed in the hands of Akodo who put the ball home. An air ball turned into a mini ally-op. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 43% from the field and 27% from the parking lot while Team Basket Munich North was shooting 38% from the field and 29% from the parking lot. Team Basket Munich North had the 28-27 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had two turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt led comfortably in double figures until a last comeback by Team Basket Munich North, but time elapsed halting their come back. Eintracht Frankfurt raised their intensity one more notch as David Scheffels registered a block and Okeke got a steal which led to a Musovic lay in and Trtovac bucket which extended the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 57-45. Big men Manzur and Mihaljevic traded buckets and then it was Hedley who made a jumper and Wurmseher made free throws as Team basket Munich North trailed only 59-51. Eintracht Frankfurt was able to keep Team Basket Munich North at bay halting another comeback and going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 66-53. In the run it was the guards of Musovic and Akodo that led the charge. Musovic hit a clutch three pointer and Akodo scored form the free throw line twice and made a big block on Carpenter. Team Basket Munich North made a last run going on a 10-4 run to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 70-63. In the run they got timely three pointers from Carpenter and Mansur who led the charge. However Team Basket Munich North ran out of time as there were only 20 seconds to play. Trtovac got the games last points as Eintracht Frankfurt won 72-63. “We penetrated more in the fourth quarter and attacked their bigs and it worked for us. They got a bit tired also. We have to go on the road now, play hard, consistent and get a good game flow”, added Jules Akodo. “We had foul problems in the fourth and that gave us matchup problems. We struggled to score and they closed out the game well. We want to stay with our defensive strategy in game two, move the ball well and get the ball inside. We will have to work on our shooting this week. We played physical and the zone helped to contain them more inside. We will need to stick with that in game two”, warned Liam Carpenter. “We will have to win the rebound battle in game two and play better one on one defense on Manzur. He is a key player and we didn´t do that well on him in game one”, warned Armin Musovic. Eintracht Frankfurt were led by Jules Akodo with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Armin Musovic added 15 points and six assists. Lennart Okeke contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Team Basket Munich North were led by Salman Manzur with 20 points. Justin Hedley added 13 points and eight rebounds and Chris Wurmseher had 12 points. Eintracht Frankfurt shot 44% from the field and 29% from outside while Team Basket Munich North shot 36% from the field and 30% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt won the rebound battle 39-34 and both teams had eight turnovers.

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

 

Jermale thanks for talking to German Hoops. After two years in the Pro B playoffs for you, you now will be playing in the Pro B play downs. Overall what is your summary for the regular season? What was missing from reaching the playoffs?

To me I think we had an OK season especially dealing with the injuries we had in the beginning of the season and also dealing with other things as well but the season still could have been better. We missed the playoffs by lack of consistency game by game. When we had chances to beat teams we didn’t take advantage.

 

Even if it isn´t the playoffs, there continues to be excitement for all teams in the play downs and you will be playing six more games. What kind of appeal do the play downs for you?

Well every game I have the same approach. Go play with heart, passion and WIN.I treat every game like its my last and these games means a lot because I don’t want this team to move down.

With TV Jangen, Speyer and Saarlouis there are three tough opponents for you? You played against all teams this season. Which team do you feel poses the biggest difficulty for Lich?

Speyer will be our biggest difficulty. They are playing better basketball now. An addition to them having Marcus Smallwood that’s a major help for them.

 

The Licher Baskets Baehren enter the play downs having won their last game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. How much momentum does the team really have going into the first game against TV Langen?

After winning this past weekend it gives us more confidence and gives us a lot of momentum going into this weekend game against Langen.

In the last game against Frankfurt, you played only 17 minutes coming from the bench scoring 12 points. Were you being rested a bit for the coming games?

No, I wasn’t being rested. The other players were playing very well so that was the reason of my 17 minutes. I enjoyed watching those guys execute and get things done.

Lich start the play downs on Saturday against TV Langen. How thrilled are you to be dueling against your friend Martinis Woody?

It’s always good playing against friends but when that whistle blows it’s no friends on the court.

Lich split the season series with TV Langen. What will be key to winning in Langen? Lich had problems on the boards in this game?

The key to winning in Langen is limiting second chance points, rebounding and taking care of the ball every possession.

How important will Jerrod Kenny be in this series as an additional scoring threat from the bench which Lich didn´t have in the early season game?

Jerrod Kenny is a very important player on our team. He’s always looking for his teammates and looks for his self last..If we had him in the beginning of the season things would have been totally different.

Who are your NCAA final 4 early picks?

Kentucky, Villanova,Georgetown,Gonzaga

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Blended.

 

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

 

When German 23 year old Konstantin Klein took the Fraport arena microphone Tuesday night after the tough hard fought 77-74 Eurochallenge victory against Enisey Krasnoyarsk to announce that he had had his contract extended, he had no idea that this continued trust from the Fraport Skyliners could be an important ace in the hole for his self-confidence as little did he know shortly after the win that he would have to take over the reins in game two in the beautiful, but barren region of Siberia where Enisey Krasnoyarsk are at home. American rookie Justin Cobbs had knee problems and stayed in Frankfurt for observation and for treatment so could be ready for a game three in Frankfurt next Tuesday. There is no need to explain the worth of the Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs who is the general of the team and when he plays Eurochallenge the Frankfurt team has never lost as his 9-0 record stands tall. He scored in double figures in 21 of 23 games this season in German and Eurochallenge play and in all nine games in international play when he is wearing the Skyliners jersey. The only game since the arrival of Cobbs that he didn´t play in the Eurochallenge was against Avtodor Saratov that Frankfurt lost 71-68. However in that game was the debut of Konstantin Klein again after his long injury and he did a solid job scoring 10 points, hauling down four rebounds and dishing out four assists in 28 minutes of play. He held his own against ex NBA player Courtney Fortson who wasn´t much better logging 37 minutes while scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds and handing out six assists. Instead of the rematch between Justin Cobbs and DJ Cooper, it was the battle between Klein and Cooper. Without Cobbs on the floor, the Fraport Skyliners went in as the underdog and played catch up basketball all night long, but after tying the game at 63-63 in the fourth quarter were unable to combat a 15-5 Enisey run to end the game losing 78-68. Once again without the trusty general Cobbs, Frankfurt was unable to win again in Eurochallenge play. Frankfurt did a solid job containing DJ Cooper early, but at the end he was at his season average of nine assists and he chipped in with six points. Konstantin Klein and Quantez Robertson did the best that they could at the point guard position combining for 16 points and six assists. Despite a strong performance from American Sean Armand who added 23 points and really got the team going with his timely shots, it was Serbian Sava Lesic who had 16 points and Terrico White who produced 14 points and took seven possessions away from Frankfurt with his seven steals being the game´s unsung hero.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game coming off a huge 77-74 victory at home in game one, had the momentum and didn´t have as much pressure as Enisey Krasnoyarsk, but felt the jet lag in the first three minutes as they quickly trailed 12-2. Enisey Karsnoyarsk came in very aggressive and didn´t waste anytime as they quicly got a Elmeden Kikanovic lay in and Terrico White three pointer. Sava Lesic who shines with that perfect inside out game also demonstrated his scoring in bunches as he hit a runner and nailed a three pointer. White finished off the run with a lay in. The Fraport Skyliners were being forced too many tough shots and weren´t getting into their sets as that Justin Cobbs decision touch was missing. Frankfurt then went on a 6-2 run to cut the Enisey lead to 15-8 as Quantez Robertson scored in bunches as he snuck inside for a quick two and then was fed a bomb pass from Johannes Voigtmann for the easy lay in. Voigtmann then secured an offensive rebound and made the put back. However Enisey continued to sparkle on the offensive end as their shots were falling as easily as it is too find sand on a beach as Eugeniy Kolesnikov and White hammered home three pointers to extend the Enisey advantage to 21-10. Finish shooting guard Mikko Koivisto was inserted and quickly got into a rhythm hitting his first shot and then finding Mike Morriosn for the perfect pick and role lay in cutting the Enisey lead to 22-13. However whenever Frankfurt struck, Enisey had an answer as Lesic dropped a three pointer for the 25-15 lead. Frankfurt did stay in the game as they ended the first quarter with a mini 4-0 run as Robertson made a dunk after getting a back door pass from Morrison and then made free throws. After one quarter Enisey Krasnoyarsk was leading 29-22 and was shooting 66% from the field and 85% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 58% from the field and 25% from outside. Enisey had the 6-4 rebound edge and three turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to fight back and got back into the game trailing by only five points midway through the second quarter, but trailed 46-38 at the intermission. Enisey continued to have hot shooting on the menu as it cooled down any nasty Siberian breeze that may have snuck through an open arena door as they bolted out to a 8-2 run extending their lead to 37-24. In the run it was 26 year old Artem Yakovenko who reached the 2010 Eurochallenge final with Samara losing to German club BG Goettingen was a one man wrecking crew as he nailed two three pointers and dropped free throws. Frankfurt got a bucket from Morrison with the dunk as Koivisto hooked up with the St Petersburg native for the second time. Now it was make or break time for the Fraport Skyliners and the perfect opportunity for Sean Armand to step up and give his team what he does best buckets. Despite the big win in game one, Armand remained scoreless posting the big goose egg and after the game had as long a face as one would ever see and he had a lot to prove. He came up big leading Frankfurt on a huge 9-0 run as he scored three consecutive buckets with a lay in, step back and floater. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi also contributed knocking down a timely three pointer as Frankfurt suddenly trailed only 37-33. However Enisey kept their nose in front closing out the second quarter 9-5. Enisey did a good job getting to the free throw line as Kolsenikov got there twice as well as Cooper and Lesic one. Frankfurt got another hoop form Armand who made a tough shot and Klein took Frankfurt into halftime with a three pointer trailing 46-38. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 52% from the field and 66% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 56% from the field and 30% from the three point line. Both teams had 11 rebounds and Frankfurt nine turnovers and Enisey six turnovers.

In the third quarter Enisey Krasnoyarsk continued to lead, but the Fraport Skyliners had the fighting spirit cutting the Russian lead to 60-56 after three quarters. After starting the game with a 10-2 run, second quarter with a 7-2 run, they got off firing again at the start of the third quarter with a 7-3 run to extend their lead to 53-41. Komarovsky started off the run with a three pointer and Sava Lesic scored inside as Cooper found him all alone. Klein followed with a three pointer and Lesic then scored inside again. The third quarter then witnessed three more runs, two by Frankfurt and one by Enisey. Frankfurt had a 7-1 run to cut the Enisey lead to 54-48 as German national player Johannes Voigtmann scored in bunches nailing a hook shot and lay in. However Frankfurt then gave up a 6-0 run to Enisey as they continued to have difficulty combating the Russian ability to hit big three pointers as Yakovenko and Pavel Sergeev hit to extend the Enisey lead to 60-48. However the Fraport Skyliners finished the third quarter strong with a brutal 8-0 run as Morrison connected on his second chance and when Frankfurt needed buckets it was Sean Armand time as he hit two three pointers with his second from as distant as Karaulnaya Hill, Krasnoyarsk as Frankfurt trailed only 60-56 after 30 minutes. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 45% from the field and 55% from the parking lot and the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 55% from the field and 36% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 22-16 rebound edge, but 17 turnovers while Enisey had only 11 turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a tale of two runs as the Fraport Skyliners came out in comeback mode going on a 7-3 run to tie the game at 63-63 and seemed like the momentum was on their side, but it didn´t really sink in on the court as Enisey Krasnoyarsk let their offense speak for them finishing the game with a 15-5 run winning 78-68. For the second time in the game it was Armand again showing his undeniable explosiveness scoring three consecutive buckets as when Frankfurt needed spark he was the man. The ex Iona(NCAA) shooting machine scored inside and two step backs with the last being a difficult three pointer to tie the game at 63-63. Enisey Krasnoyarsk halted the Sean Armand shooting clinic as they had more options as Komarovsky scored a finger tip role, unsung hero Terrico White nailed a three pointer and Komarovsky struck again with a three pointer extending the Enisey lead to 71-63. Robertson stopped the Enisey run with a back door lay in as Voigtmann gunned him a bounce pass. However Frankfurt was unable to get consecutive stops as Kikanovic hit free throws and Enisey then displayed great team basketball as Cooper found Komarovsky back door, but with he had a bad angle and he found Kikanovic with the better shot which he finished with a lay in and Enisey 75-65 lead. White then made a steak and Kikanovic scored inside as Enisey led 77-65. Jacob Burtschi got the last Frankfurt bucket from down town. Frankfurt was unable to have that crunch time calmness they usually, made bad decisions, costly turnovers and couldn´t get big stops when they needed to. Enisey Krasnoyarsk were led by Sava Lesic with 16 points and five rebounds. Terrico White supplied 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and seven steals. Elmeden Kikanovic added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Sean Armand with 23 points and Quantez Robertson chipped in with 10 points. Enisey shot 45% from the field and 535 from outside while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 33% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 29-26. Enisey had 13 turnovers and Frankfurt 20. Both teams duel in a do or die game three Tuesday March 17^th for the ticket to the Eurochalleneg Final four.

 

DJ Cooper is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Chicago that has the American and Bosnian citizenship and is playing his second professional season and first in Russia with Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB). He played at Ohio(NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 141 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 14.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 7.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 69.9%. Last season as a rookie he played for PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1, starting five): Eurocup: 10 games: 10.2ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-2(6.5apg), Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 57.9%; Greek League: 35 games: 10.6ppg, 4.6rpg, Assists-1(6.5apg), Steals-3(1.7spg), FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 77.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game one of the Eurochallenge quarterfinals in Frankfurt.

 

 

 

DJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your second season as a professional. Is this your first visit to Germany? What do you know about the country and its basketball?

 

 

This is my first visit to Germany. I know some guys playing in the second and third leagues in Germany. The only one that comes to mind now is Carlton Guyton.

 

 

You are playing your first season for Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB). How would you compare the style of play between the Greek league where you balled as a rookie with the VTB league.

 

It has been a little different this season. The Greek league has good basketball, but I think that the VTB is probably the top league in Europe now. I face top point guards each weekend

 

 

Currently Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB) is one of the teams near the end of the standings. Why has the team had difficulty this season not being able to have a better record? Has the loss of ex NBA player Kosta Perovic been a big factor?

 

Anytime you lose a key player, it hurts and Perovic was a big part of our team. However we lost many close games after usually leading by 10 points or more in the first half. We have to learn to close out games better.

 

 

You have played in more than eight countries this season in VTB and Eurochallenge play. Has the travel taken a toll on the team now in the late stage of the season? Is the body starting to feel it?

 

The travel is very tough. We have one of the toughest travel schedules in Europe. It takes us five hours just to get to Moscow. But you can´t take that as an excuse. We have to come out and play better.

 

 

 

 

Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB) now play German team Fraport Skyliners in a best of three series with you possibly making two 12 hour flights to Frankfurt? What kind of series can we await?

 

I think that we will be able to adjust better to the traveling because we are used to it. It will be a good series. They have some young talented players and they like to push the ball. If we can win the first game in Frankfurt then I think we will close out series at home.

 

The Fraport Skyliners have a very talented rookie in Justin Cobbs who played at California8NCAA) and was this season the last cut for the Charlotte Hornets(NBA) How much are you looking forward to playing him and what do you know about him?

 

I have watched film on him. He is a good point guard that likes to score. He is a very poised player just like me. I think that he could play in the NBA. I look forward to competing against him.

 

 

 

The team has six players that are 203cm or taller, but no one grabs more than 5,2rpg in the Eurochallenge and have three players shooting 40% or better from outside. What is the teams biggest strength?

 

Our biggest strength is our offense. We are dominant on the pick and role and have good shooters. Elmeden Kikanovic is a good pick and pop player.

 

 

Would you define yourself as a classic point guard? You averaged 6,5apg at Ohio and this season is averaging 9,0apg in the VTB league and 7,8apg in the VTB league?

 

I am a classic point guard and I think that Europe appreciates my game. I find guys and make them better.

 

 

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

 

A hidden strength in my game is rebounding and deflections. I get 8-9 rebounds a game sometimes. I think I am a pretty good rebounder for my position.

 

 

How important was it having Pavel Sergeev for you? As a point guard did he give you tips about the league here when you came in?

 

He is a very experienced guy and great shooter and overall good guy. I have had good experiences with all my teammates.

 

 

 

How challenging was it playing against Courtney Fortson? Despite a 90-85 win, Fortson had a 26 point night?

 

I see a high quality point guard like him every night in the VTB. Fortson is a good point guard that is always attacking and has a lot of freedom. Going up against Justin Cobbs Is just like another night in the VTB

 

 

 

Last season you played for PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) leading the league in assists. What was your wake up call to being a professional player in Europe during that season?

 

My wake up call was getting my first pay check. The whole experience in Europe has been great

 

 

 

One hears the craziest stories about the Greek basketball fan culture. Is the Greek fan support a step above what you can experience in the NCAA?

 

 

The fans in Greece were crazier than in the NCAA. You often had to deal with hostile fans, but I didn´t experience any bus shaking, but saw some chairs being thrown on the court against Aris.

 

 

You were a two time MAC tournament winner in 2010 and 2012. Which one was sweetest?

 

2012 because we went on to reach the NCAA Sweet 16. The 2010 win we weren´t supposed to go as far.

 

 

Was the 65-60 Ohio win against Michigan your biggest win in college? You won the duel against Trey Burke(16 points9 and Tim Hardaway(14 points) while you had 21 points and five assists.

 

It was one of my best games in terms of winning. But overall I rack it up with my best games.

 

 

 

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas dubbed you as one of the best passers in the nation during Bilas’ Weekly Report segment on January 29, 2013.^[ He said of Cooper, “[He] can score, he can dish, does a great job off the pick and roll and always seems to make the right decision. He can absolutely pass it, but more important than that, he can absolutely play. He’s among the best point guards in the country. But you weren´t drafted. How disappointed were you? Was it because of playing in the MAC and your height?

 

It was a mixture between playing at a mid-major and my height. I think that I needed that extra push from my agent that I didn´t get to get NBA try outs. Now I focus on playing at the highest level no matter if its in Russia, Euroleague or NBA. I just want to play at the highest level possible and make the best money while being comfortable.

 

 

You are the first player to record 2,000 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds and 300 steals in a career. What category of those stats was the most difficult for you to get?

 

The 300 steals was the toughest. I still needed like 30 steals in my senior year. It isn´t as easy to get steals as one may think.

 

 

Do you think that if you would have gone to Kentucky(NCAA) that you would have been the player you are today?

 

I don´t regret anything. Maybe it would have been different if I had gone to Kentucky, because with some good games you get on the NBA radar, but then again I might not have had the freedom I had at Ohio.

 

 

 

How did John Groce prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He was a great coach and a real offensive guru. He helped me on the pick and role and defense the most. He is a great person off the court.

 

 

Who was the toughest guy you had to defend in the NCAA that is in the NBA right now?

 

Trey Burke was the toughest cover. He is very versatile that can get to the rim and shoot.

 

Do you ever see Derick Rose being able to play some seasons healthy or will that injury prone label be stuck on him for the rest of his career?

 

I can´t say what will happen, but I wish him the best. Injuries are a part of the game. I think when he builds his confidence he can be one of the top point guards in the NBA again.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Law & Order season 16.

 

Thanks DJ for the chat.