In the last weeks facing top point guards in the Eurochallenge has been as usual for the Fraport Skyliners as it has been for them squeezing out overtime wins, Justin Cobbs scoring in double figures as he has in 20 straight games or Jacob Burtschi wining winning and winning as he is 7-1 since returning back to Frankfurt. In the last round of the Eurochallenge play the Fraport Skyliners battled against strong point guards Courtney Fortson who played in the NBA with The Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets and rookie Brandyn Curry who played at Harvard(NCAA) together with Los Angeles Laker Jeremy Lin and is gaining steps toward his goal of becoming the best point guard in Europe with a very potent rookie season. Both guys had big games against Frankfurt as Fortson averaged 12ppg and 7,0apg while Curry was even more lethal in the scoring department scoring 27 and 26 points and was so close to winning in both games even taking Frankfurt to a two OT in Den Bosch, but was unable to win while Fortson won in Frankfurt, but lost in a double overtime game in Saratov. The intense point guard opponents didn´t stop with these two as the 2004 Beko BBL champion had to face the next gem in DJ Cooper from Russian team Enisey Krasnoyarsk in the quarterfinal of the Eurochallenge competition. Cooper is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Chicago that played in Greece last season and is the classic pass first point guard that averaged 6,5apg in the Greek league and Eurocup for PAOK Thessaloniki. At Ohio(NCAA) he was the only player in the history of college basketball to record 2,000 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds and 300 steals in a career and for many good enough for the NBA, but his size may have been one obstacle too much for him. This season he is dominating the VTB league averaging 11,2ppg, 3,8rpg and 9,0apg while his Eurochallenge stats are impressive as well as he is averaging 10,4ppg, 3,2rpg and 7,8apg. Cooper dished out an incredible 23 assists in a 95-86 victory against Astana and also had 17 assists against VEF Riga, but that was before the arrival of Fraport Skyliner Justin Cobbs who had a short stint in Lativa. Cobbs took his perfect 8-0 Eurochallenge record into the game facing off against the 7-5 record of Cooper as the big battle of the point guards was won by Justin Cobbs as he nailed a game winner in the last 20 seconds to give the Fraport Skyliners a huge 77-74 win to secure game one in the Eurochallenge quarterfinals. Cobbs set himself apart with both his scoring and playmaking as he scored 20 points and dished out 9 assists while DJ Cooper scored 12 points and had 11 assists. There seemed to be some real trash talking on the court as both guys were pretty mum about the others play after the game. “Cooper was alright. He was talking a lot”, stressed Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi who has played with many talented point guards in his career took some time to reflect on the points guard C battle of Cobbs and Cooper. “Both are great point guards as Cobbs is the scorer and Cooper sets his guys up. He killed us in the first 10-15 minutes on the pick and role. The trash talking between the two started early, but competitive guys will always talk on the court. I think Cobbs took the Cooper talk as disrespect. When Cobbs grows in maturity he will let something like that go”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi. “The point guard battle was good. Cooper gets his 10-12 asissts a game while Cobbs is also a good point guard and can score. The Battle will continue Friday”, added 2010 Detroit Pistons NBA Draft Pick Terrico White.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk entered the game averaging 85 points and averaging giving up 80 points a game while the Fraport Skyliners came into the game averaging 80 points a game and were fourth best in the Eurochallenge averaging giving up only 74 points a game. The game went back and forth for the most part with the Fraport Skyliners seeming to always be on the comeback trail as the Russian team always had the lead mostly and were able to hold it with the strong rebounding and play in the paint as the three point shooting took a night off for both teams. The Fraport Skyliners have demonstrated it so often this season they do have fighting qualities especially in the Eurochallenge where they have won the last two games in overtime and eked out a thriller at home against Enisey Krasnoyarsk. “The game could of gone either way. We fought very well in the last 15 minutes as we picked up our defense and got many easy points on the transition. Cobbs hit some big shots and we stayed together for 40 minutes”, stressed German national player Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey now have a long 12 hour flight back to ponder what went wrong and what to correct for the do or die game two for them. The biggest problem that the Russian team has had all season long in VTB and Eurochallenge play has been their inability to conserve leads. “It was a tough game, but it was the old story. We are up by 15-20 points and can´t keep the lead. That happened again tonight. We have to learn how to close out games better”, added ex Ohio(NCAA) point guard DJ Cooper.

The Fraport Skyliners got off to a good start taking the 7-3 lead as Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson scored twice inside and Justin Cobbs hit a three pointer after Burtschi kept the play alive with an offensive rebound. However Enisey Krasnoyarsk went on a 5-0 run to take first lead 8-7 as 29 year old Evgeny Kolesnikov who won the 2013 Eurochallenge with Samara scored twice once inside and on a coast to coast scamper. The game then went back and forth as there were four lead changes. Voigtmann and Burtschi supplied offensive support with jumpers while White scored inside. However the back and forth game took an abrupt stop as Enisey Krasnoyarsk finished the first quarter with a 11-2 run to lead 22-13. The Russian squad got much support from many faces as Serbian Sava Lesic who won the 2010 Serbian cup with Partizan Belgrad hit a floater, Elmeden Kikanovic who has played 42 Eurocup games scored inside, Lesic scored inside again, White made a tip in and 2010 Eurochallenge finalist with Samara Artem Yakovenko nailed a three pointer. Frankfurt had a lull in their offense as shots were falling short and Enisey did a better job containing the Frankfurt pick and role. The best offensive play that Frankfurt mustered in this scoring drought was a perfect pick and role in which Florida native Mike Morrison finished with a monster two handed dunk off the quick Cobbs pass. “We gave up too many easy baskets and they took away our inside play”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 60% from the field and 20% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 14% from outside. Enisey led the rebound duel 10-7 and had three turnovers while Frankfurt had four turnovers.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk controlled the first three minutes keeping the lead with 10 plus points, but the Fraport Skyliners started a furious run and comeback cutting the Enisey lead to only 36-33 at the intermission. Enisey Krasnoyarsk started off the second quarter with an annoying 6-0 run to carve their biggest lead of the game at 28-13. In the run it was the usual playmaker Cooper who averaged 6,5apg in college including a season at 7,0apga nd 7,5apg scoring twice once on the penetration finishing with his left hand and then getting fed a touchdown pass from Kikanovic on transition. Kikanovic also scored inside who was giving Frankfurt problems all day with his inside play as well as his consistent 15 footer. After a Gordon Herbert time out the Fraport Skyliners found back to their old self playing Frankfurt basketball and going on a crushing 18-4 run to cut the Enisey lead to 32-31. In the run the Fraport Skyliners upped their intensity on both ends of the court getting extra energy and fueling their offense with big plays on defense. Cobbs started the run with free throws, Aaron Doornekamp hit a jumper, and Voigtmann scored inside as Frankfurt still trailed 30-19. Cooper than showed his Jared Jordan like passing qualities as he fed Yakovenko with a slick no look pass as Frankfurt trailed 32-19. However Frankfurt held on to their run momentum as they got to the free throw line twice as Voigtmann and Robertson connected on free throws. Then came the play of the game as Cobbs led the fast break and heaved up a perfect ally-op pass to Robertson who slammed it home as Frankfurt trailed only 32-25. Voigtmann continued to be aggressive on the boards getting free throws and a tip in. Robertson then finished another fast break play as Enisey saw their lead cut down to 32-31. Enisey did keep the lead going into halftime as Pavel Sergeev hit free throws and Lesic made a lay in. Cobbs closed out the second quarter with a floater as Enisey Krasnoyarsk led 36-33. “The 12-0 break helped us get back into the game. We had more intensity then Enisey and got transition and secondary points which is our game. Our fighting qualities were also very important”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 44% from the field and 8% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 11% from the three point line. Enisey had the slight 21-20 rebound edge and six turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk held the lead in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners continued to battle never letting their opponent go on a run and sending the game into a crunch time duel in the fourth quarter. Enisey Krasnoyarsk came out of half time refueled and took something from the Frankfurt run book going on their own run of 12-5 getting the 48-38 lead and that sprouting danger again to possibly run away with the game. In the run Enisey Krasnoyarsk continued to demonstrate their potent offensive attack being able to score in so many different ways. Cooper continued to show a balance between scoring and setting up his teammates as he hit a runner and scored from way downtown. The Russian team also got production from Lesic who continued to find holes in the lane connecting on a runner and Kikanovic scored from the baseline getting by Voigtmann. Yakovenko ended the run with a left handed lay in. Frankfurt got buckets from Cobbs and Voigtmann. However Frankfurt reacted harshly against the run as Burtschi returned and showed his handyman skills as he repaired things on the court especially the poor three point shooting percentage as he connected twice as Frankfurt trailed only 50-46. After a White runner, it was Burtschi again scoring this time with a hard drive to the hole as Frankfurt trailed 53-49. Frankfurt was unable to get a healthy string of stops as Cooper continued his hot shooting even connecting on a three point bank shot as Frankfurt trailed 56-49. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a brutal 8-2 run and only trailed Enisey 58-57. On the run they scored four consecutive buckets to regain the lead shortly 57-56. Mike Morrison scored twice showing his energy inside, Klein scored on the fast break as Robertson made the long outlet pass and Cobbs hit a jumper for the lead. Sergeev silenced the crowd with a floater. “We struggled at the start, but good defense and Burtschi three pointers brought us back into the game”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 49% from the field and 19% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Enisey had the 27-26 rebound edge and 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

Three was a charm for the Fraport Skyliners in the fourth quarter as they fought back and got the lead three times as the third time was the game winning shot from Justin Cobbs. Kikanovic started off the fourth quarter hitting his bread and butter the 15 footer, but the Enisey lead was quickly erased as Robertson nailed a three pointer dead locking the game at 60-60. Enisey then went on a lightening 6-1 run as Kolesnikov and Lesic dropped three pointers while Cobbs capitalized on a Sergeev technical foul, but Enisey led 66-61. Enisey continued to hold the lead as Lesic made a free throw and Kikanovic burned Frankfurt for the second consecutive time with a 15 footer as Enisey led 69-63. However with the home crowd support getting louder, it helped Frankfurt go on a stifling 8-0 run to regain the lead 71-69. Voigtmann was pivotal in this run as he finally was getting the ball inside again something that he hadn´t earlier in the game. The German big man scored twice including giving his team the lead again. Klein also scored free throws and Cobbs scored on the fast break on a coast to coast sprint. White who had been fairly quiet the whole night scored consecutive buckets while Voigtmann made a tip in, but Enisey still led 74-73. With time running down, Cobbs hit a jumper as he took what the defense gave him giving Frankfurt the 75-74 lead. Klein then made free throws securing the 77-74 win for Frankfurt. “Cobbs is the best at creating a shot for himself. Even if he can´t shoot, he is calm enough to find us. He is 9-0 in Eurochallenge play and so dangerous at the end of games. He also helped us win many BBL games. Since he has been here our BBL record is up”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. “We didn´t play aggressive enough on Cobbs on his last shot”, added DJ Copper. “I was looking to pass, but they took Voigtmann away and I had the seven footer. I am happy it fell. We showed again today how much we want to win. It doesn´t matter who the leading scorer is because we play together and fought until the end”, added Justin Cobbs.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Cobbs with 20 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Johannes Voigtmann chipped in 19 points and four rebounds. Quantez Robertson added 13 points and Jacob Burtschi contributed 11 points. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was led by Elemden Kikanovic with 16 points. Sava Lesic had 15 points and seven rebounds. DJ Cooper and Terrico White added 12 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 23% from outside while Enisey Krasnoyarsk shot 46% from the field and 23% from outside. Enisey won the rebound battle 36-31, but had 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners had 12 turnovers. Game two is Friday night at Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Frankfurt can clinch a top 4 berth with a win. “It will be tough travel for both teams. We can go in a bit more relaxed as there won´t be as much pressure for us. We have to win one of two games, but want to come home with a win”, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

 

 

With one game to go in the season, TV Langen is already thinking about who their opponent will in the Pro B play downs, while the Take-Off Wuerzburg Blue Baskets will be battling in the playoffs this season. With one game to go in the regular season they could still jump up a place or two as everything is very tight in the Pro B south standings from four to eight. One guy who has had an amazing season is experienced California native Donovan Morris who is playing for his third team in Germany after playing Pro A with Nordlingen and Regionaliga with TV 1864 Salzkotten last season where he tore up the league playing 19 games averaging 26.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 64.4%, 3Pts: 49.1%, FT: 92.6%. This season is no different as he is near the top of the best scorers in the league averaging 20,9ppg, 5,9rpg and 3,6apg. This season except for a five point effort against Iserlohn in a 75-57 loss he has scored in double figures in 20 of 21 games. He has scored 20 or more points 12 times including 34 and 30 points against BG Karlsruhe. In the last meeting against TV Langen, the ex Long Beach State guard poured in 30 points in a 84-73 losing cause. In order to get perfectly ready for the start of the playoffs, Morris was very focused to get a win for his team and shine as he usually does on the court. With Morris and TV Langen forward Martinis Woody, the two best players of each team that play different positions fought for pride and extra playoff jockeying position as TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy waited until the fourth quarter to do damage as they outscored TV Langen 29-12 winning 76-66. California native Donovan Morris waited 30 minutes until starting to get to work as he poured in 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter leading his team to victory. “This was by far the strongest fourth quarter that we have had this season in this kind of situation. We had our other two points guard Constantin Ebert and Nico Brauner out so I had more of a duty to involve everyone else on the team. I wasn´t as aggressive scoring in the first three quarters, but turned it up in the fourth quarter. It was do or die and had to do something and did. Our rebounding intensity was like night and day in the first and fourth quarter. We need to take this momentum of the fourth quarter and use it in the playoffs”, stressed ex Fresno State guard Donovan Morris. TV Langen arrived in the game having lost five of their last six games and played well enough to win after thirty minutes, but completely fell apart in the fourth quarter as they suffered the turnover panic attack where they coughed up so many balls and the needed medicine wasn´t there to correct it. “We lost game completely in the fourth quarter. I came out at the eight minute mark and we led by 10 and the next time I checked the score it was tied. John Florveous was aggressive on the boards, Christoph Wolf hit a huge three pointer and we turned over the ball too much. Benedikt Nikolay did a good job on Morris, but in the fourth quarter he was living in the paint and and scoring off our turnovers”, stressed TV Langen guard Anish Sharda.

TV Langen got off to a solid start leading 6-2 as their two big men Martinis Woody and Tom Alte got easy buckets inside and the South Carolina native Woody had his defensive intensity on blocking two shots. Wurzburg 20 year old Christoph Wolf kept his team in stride nailing a three pointer as TV Langen led 6-5, but the home team had their offensive flow on early as they cruised out on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 15-7. TV Langen was using an effective inside out game as Michigan native Nick Freer made a powerful two hand dunk, Maxim Schneider snuck inside for two and Nicolay dropped a three pointer. TV Langen would extend their streak to 20-10 as they continued to work for their points in the paint as Schneider used his potent penetration skills for a lay in and Tom Alte was set up nicely from Freer. However TV Langen lost that momentum getting careless in the last two minutes letting Wurzburg go on a 6-0 run to cut the TV Langen lead to 26-20 after one quarter. In the run, Wurzburg got exceptional defensive work from 19 year old German Lukas Beuschlein as he made back to back steals and coast to coast spurts for easy baskets. “TV Langen got off to a good start and were in control. However they let up at the end turning the ball over twice and letting Wurzburg get easy baskets. TV Langen lost the momentum and took some bad shots at the end”, stressed Fraport Skyliners U-14 head coach Igor Starkevic. TV Langen was shooting 64% from the field and 50% from outside while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy were shooting 38% from the field and 14% from outside. TV Langen had the 9-7 rebound edge and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter, both teams stepped up their defense as there was less scoring as less shots were made and two lead changes, but TV Langen still led at halftime. TV Langen got off on a bang in the second quarter going on a quick 5-0 run to extend their lead to 25-16. In the run it was ex Mainz guard Anish Sharda that was fed by Woody from the low post for an easy lay up and then 23 year old guard Gianluca Raebel hit a three pointer. However this wasn´t going to be a game where a team would just suddenly run away with the game as Wurzburg stayed on their heels struck back on a 11-0 run to take their first lead of the game 27-25. The run was started by brutal back to back three pointers from 19 year old German Daniel Urbano and Christoph Wolf. Wolf then struck back with points inside, Morris nailed a floater and free throw. That sudden run didn´t scare TV Langen, but motivated them to get their own run going as they scored three consecutive buckets to retake the lead 31-27. Nicolay started the run using his lightening speed getting out on the fast break scoring, Freer connected on a pull up jumper and Woody scored inside using his physicality. Wurzburg didn´t muster any more points from the field as Florida native John Florveus made one free throw and TV Langen got aid from Woody and Nicolay from the free throw line as TV Langen had the 34-28 advantage. “Both teams played good defense. TV Langen did a good job containing Donovan Morris. Wurzburg stayed in the game because they were defending well”, added Igor Starcevic. TV Langen was shooting 46% from the field and 33% from the three point line while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy was shooting 32% from the field and 27% from the three point line. TV Langen had the 23-16 rebound edge, but nine turnovers while Wurzburg had seven turnovers.

The third quarter remained tight until TV Langen could free themselves a bit near the end to get a higher lead. After more bricks and solid defense from both teams in the second quarter, the third quarter had more offense on the menu as shots started to fall at ease again. Wurzburg started off the third quarter on a 7-2 run to cut the TV Langen lead to 36-35. In the run, Wurzburg got key buckets from Morris on a coast to coast run where he caught TV Langen napping on transition defense and Florveus got an offensive rebound and put back. Wurzburg surely would have had the lead in the third quarter had it not been for Maxim Schneider who dominated the quarter and kept TV Langen ahead with his scoring touch of seven points, assists and steals. Alte scored in the post with a powerful left handed lay in and Schneider scored inside as TV Langen led 40-37. After a Florveus tip in, it was Schneider again who had the needed self confidence dropping a three pointer to give TV Langen the 43-39 lead. Wolf then snuck behind the TV Langen transition defense catching a baseball pass from Morris as Wurzburg trailed only 43-41. Then it was Schneider again hitting a very difficult of balance shot which was matched by a Wolf lay in as TV Langen still led 45-43. TV Langen then closed out the third quarter with a crushing 9-2 run to lead 54-45 after three quarters. In the run TV Langen got various help as Schendier set up Nicolay with a no look pass, then Schneider found Woody for a bucket, Alte scored inside and Raebel hit a jumper. “Schneider really was playing well and was attacking the screen and role well and was hitting his jumpers”, expressed Anish Sharda. “Schneider was the reason why TV Langen was in the game. He controlled the game for 30 minutes”, added Donovan Morris. TV Langen was shooting 47% from the field and 30% from the parking lot while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy were shooting 40% from the field and 25% from the parking lot. TV Langen had the 30-27 rebound lead and had nine turnovers while Wurzburg had 11 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter TV Langen fell completely apart as they coughed up ball after ball as Wurzburg took the chance to capitalize on their mistakes and regained the lead and never looked back. TV Langen started the fourth quarter getting two buckets from Freer and a Nicolay three pointer leading 59-49 and it seemed like they were rolling and would possibly get well into the double digit lead, but instead Wurzburg took advantage of the TV Langen turnover panic attack going on a back breaking 12-0 run to retake the lead 61-59. In the run, Wurzburg got two field goals from Morris and free throws and also got big buckets from Urbano and Florveus. Beuschlein continued to be an annoying thorn in the side of TV Langen as he made his third steal at center court and going coast to coast for the lay in. Woody then tied the game at 61-61 with a lay in, but Wurzburg wanted to play a complete quarter and slammed the door shut in TV Langen ending the game with a 15-5 run continuing to live off TV Langen turnovers. Morris scored back to back buckets while Alte hit a turn around shot continuing to demonstrate how well he has improved his low post game as his consistency showed. TV Langen trailed 65-63, but Wolf hit a huge three pointer and florveus scored inside as Wurzburg led 70-63 as the team from Bavaria was riding a 23-9 run. A Freer jumper couldn´t help as Morris hit four free throws and Wolf made a lay in as TV Langen ended the regular season with a 76-66 loss. “We switched a lot on defense and also did something on defense this season that we never did before. We were disciplined instead of gambling. We rebounded very well and helped each other on defense”, added Donovan Morris. “We got a bit tired at the end. They were pressuring us as we were them. We were worn out and they made easy layups. This was a tough loss and we have to bounce back. We have to show what we are made of now in the play downs. I think that we will bounce back”, warned Anish Sharda. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy were led by Donovan Morris and Christoph Wolf with 19 points a piece. John Florveus had 15 points and 14 rebounds. TV Langen was led by Tom Alte with 13 points. Martinis Woody had 12 points and 15 rebounds and Maxim Schneider had 12 points. Benedikt Nicolay chipped in with 11 points. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy finished the game shooting 47% from the field and 29% from outside while TV Langen shot 42% from the field and 24% from outside. Wurzburg won the rebound battle 40-38 and had 14 turnovers while TV Langen had 16 turnovers.

 

 

 

Daryl Arnold is a 198cm swing man playing his first season with TV 1864 Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga) He previously had pro experience with Cafeteros de Armenia (Colombia-Liga DirecTV). He got college experience with schools like SE Louisiana (NCAA), S.Mississippi (NCAA) and Belhaven (NAIA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Hi Daryl thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 97-91 win against Schalke. What was key for getting the win for Salzkotten?

 

The key to winning against Schalke was playing intense defense and run the tempo on the offensive end! We also shared the ball and trusted each other

 

 

You had a shooting duel with Nikita Khartchenkov who played with top European team BC Khimki-Moscow and also played with top BBL teams in Germany. You had 30 points and he had 29 points. How much does a player like this motivate you to show that you can play with them and at a higher level?

I take it as a chip on my shoulder! Always play hard improve things and become the best I can be! It’s always great to play against others that are good to see where your at and where you want to be as a player

 

You have been in Germany now three months. How quick have you been hearing about the big sports teams? Schalke has a rich tradition in soccer, but nobody knows about their basketball program.

I’ve heard about the traditions of several teams in my league by our coach and teammates so I take heed to it! I never want to underestimate my opponent! Want to be prepared and ready to go!

 

How exciting has your rookie season been so far? What were the main reasons for coming to TV Salzkotten?

It’s been a thrilling fun experience! I love the experience and exposure! The atmosphere of playing is something I have been doing since I was young now doing it professionally ! It’s amazing to learn so many things about food, language, playing style, weights, spare time etc! I wanted to play and finally got everything situated for me to come to take this opportunity! I knew I had to start somewhere and I know I have what it takes to make it!

 

 

 

You finished school in 2012 and before coming to Germany played for Cafeteros de Armenia (Colombia-Liga DirecTV). Why has the job market been so tough for you the last years?

I was in MS where I was transitioning from a player to a coach! I would play but not workout! I was learning and giving my knowledge to players that I was coaching! Then I decided I wanted a new route so I moved to California with my dad! I worked out for Jim Cleamonts and he saw the potential contacted a guy who helps mold me not just as a basketball player but person Charles Lovely Sr! Once I moved to California last summer I started playing in leagues! I started getting exposure I started working out and my love for the game came back as a player as well as a coach! So I was coaching and working out constantly! Won mvp in leagues and played in 2 prestigious Pro Am leagues JBL and Drew League! The Drew League is very rich in history and nba players play in it! Last summer was my first time playing in it and my friend recommended me to the team in Colombia! I’m very appreciative of the exposure and experience I got from that! So now I had people looking out for a job overseas than in MS I didnt!

 

 

You never gave up the last years and now are playing in Germany. How tough were the last years and how did you stay focused and who helped you the most get to where you are now?

 

Last few years was tough because I wanted success quicker but as I have grown to understand just work and being patient things work out better that way! Also always have other plans and plan accordingly! Everyone and everything I did kept me motivated! The people who didn’t believe it, I got to prove them wrong and the ones who did believe I have to make them know they were right! Mr Lovely and others helped out tremendously with words of wisdom open arms etc for me! I can’t name them all nor give the credit to some! I’m just thankful for all the support from my circle!

 

 

 

Salzkotten has a record of 10-12. What have been the main reasons for the team not being nearer at the top?

Injuries, sickness and with me coming almost Dec! If we could have been more healthly we would be better but I’m so proud of our fight as we fight every game since I’ve been on this team!

 

 

You’re a top player in the German Regionaliga averaging 24,1ppg, 8,2rpg and 2,3apg. Does it sometimes feel like you are a man playing with boys?

 

I don’t brag on my game I just play one way tough aggressive and to the end trying to get a win! It’s a team effort! They trust me to do certain things and I trust them to do others!

 

You seem to have a very solid inside out game, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

 

My defense or how I share knowledge to teammates to help them understand the common goal to win! Also play making

How important has it been having teammate Daniel Lieneke and head coach Artur Gacaev who have tasted BBL air. How has their experience helped you in the first months?

It’s very important to have a veteran on your team like Daniel to show you the ropes! Then Arthur is a great coach that motivates you as well stay on you to make you and the team better! I love how I can talk to Daniel and Arthur to make adjustments in practice or in the game to help our chances on winning.

 

 

What was your wake up call to being a rookie with Cafeteros de Armenia (Colombia-Liga DirecTV) where you knew that you were a professional player now?

When I was constantly working out in my room trying my best to make better without the equipment!

 

How would you describe your college basketball experience playing at SE Louisiana (NCAA), S.Mississippi (NCAA)and Belhaven (NAIA) Did all this moving around shape you as a player better than had you played with just one school?

As I look back at all the changes in school I might should’ve stayed at my first school but I grew not just as a basketball player but a man! I saw the worst times when the joy was gone to everything was just right through it all! So it helped me get a reality check and how harder it will be coming from a small school!

 

You played at SE Louisiana with s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg guard Jeremy Dunbar. Does his incredible outside shot still remain in your memory?

Yes Jeremy can shoot the ball! In practice and in games he could rip the Nets down.

 

 

You played your last season of college ball at Belhaven(NAIA). How did head coach Tom Kelsey prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He was different type of coach! Had a different approach so it may me be more open minded and understanding to its different ways to get things done! May not like the way someone instructs it but it has to get done

 

 

Will you be more aggressive now in the offseason with your productive season at Salzkotten? You should get offers for the upcoming season from German Regionaliga and Pro B teams.

 

 

Of course no complacency have to become better as a person then a basketball player it’s a everyday goal!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Last DVD movie was Kings of Comedy.

 

Thanks Daryl for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

A couple weeks ago we talked and you were very focused on reaching the playoffs, but a two game losing streak stopped that. How disappointed are you about not getting there?

I’m very disappointed about not making the playoffs and very frustrated because we have had chances to make it in and we failed to get it done

 

Two weeks ago last placed Saarlouis shocked Lich by 23 and last week you played Iserlohn tough, but lost by seven points. Why was the team unable to play more consistent in the down stretch?

It was a lack of execution and we had too many break downs on defense.

 

You guys held your own against Iserlohn, but the 21 turnovers hurt. Was this something the team worked on this week in practice?

Yes every week we work on taken care of the ball and making better decisions. That’s the cause of most of our turnovers.

 

You only had 5 turnovers twice this season and one of the games was against Iserlohn. Orlan Jackman told me that when Iserlohn play Iserlohn defense than they hard to beat. How good chances do they have to win the Pro B?

They have a nice chance to win it all but you can’t count out the north teams because they have some solid teams also. It will be interesting who wins it all.

 

You have one game left against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. What memories do you have of the 63-59 win in Frankfurt? I remember after the game head coach Steven Key was still not content about the way you guys played?

The memories I have from the game is us just playing hard and executing the game plan and played with a lot of energy. Yes he wasn’t content with the way we played because he know we can play way better than we did. At the end of the day a win is win

 

In the Frankfurt game they were without many BBL license players as will be the case today. You guys are in the play downs. How important is this game for Lich and what will be key in getting the win?

 

This game today is very important for us as we go into the playdowns. Going into the playdowns with a win will give us confidence and momentum.

 

 

17 year old Niklas Kiel has made big strides in the last three months since you last played him. You also have seen him get BBL minutes. With all the young players that you see where do you see his potential at the moment?

Niklas Kiel has a lot of potential for his age. He’s very skilled and have very good foot work. If he continues to learn and improve his game he will be one of the top players.

 

 

Playing play downs will be a new experience for you. Your friend Martinis Woody will have the same experience. How confident are you that you too will come out on top?

I’m very confident that we will stay in the league. If we come out and do the little things every night and play with the energy and effort for 40 minutes we will be successful.

 

 

What kind of Jermale Jones will we see in the next weeks? Do you suspect to heighten your game and what will be vital for you having success?

Every time I step on the court, I always strive to give everything I have in me……you will see the same Jermale, full of passion for this game, that you always see. Being able to keep all of my team mates involved will be vital for success.

 

 

What is your prediction for the Fraport Skyliners in the Eurochallenge. How far will they go?

 

I can see the Skyliners winning the Eurochallenge especially if everyone is healthy.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Loft.

 

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

Air is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78 percent) and oxygen (approximately 21 percent) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, and other gases. If basketball players ever think about this is most likely not the case when they are on the floor battling opponents and being highly concentrated in the offensive set and how to shut down the other team on defense. Most players use this giant void of nothingness that we breath as a place to roam over the court with or with out the ball while other players use this mixture with varying amounts of moisture and particulate matter, enveloping the earth; the atmosphere flying to the basket with the ground way beneath them. There have been many players over the years that have had that distinction of using the air on flight to the basket with the most famous example being Michael Jordan who had the atmosphere named in his shoe air jordan´s, but the NBA legend could fly to the hole from the free throw line as if it was as easy as walking down the street to the nearest bank to see how much his account as risen. Another fine example has been Vince Carter who was given one of many nicknames like Air Canada which seems to have stuck the most because of his amazing hang time when soaring through the atmosphere for that next slam dunk. Even if Vince Carter will forever have the distinction of being the main AIR recipient the nickname has crossed over to other players playing currently in Germany like Canadian Terry Thomas who has brought the Hamburg arena at the Insel park into a frenzy after a crushing dunk or Ryan Brooks who likes that airtime when cruising to the bucket for the dunk. Brooks is a 26 year old 193 cm guard from Narbeth, Pennsylvania playing his fifth season and except for a season in Finland for Namika Lahti (Finland-Korisliiga), he has stayed faithful to the German Beko BBL having played one and half seasons with Giessen a half a season with the Fraport Skyliners and currently is playing his second season for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Brooks has always been a guy who has been in the dunk highlights as he already showed his air Brooks ability at Temple(NCAA) and through his professional basketball career. Who could forget the Quantez Robertson to Ryan Brooks combination in Frankfurt that often tore the roof of the Fraport arena or his spectacular dunks at the 2014 Beko BBL Allstar game in Bonn when he came out wearing a flight captain´s uniform . “Ryan is one of the most athletic shooting guards that I have ever played with. His explosive jumping ability from both feet is extraordinary. That is why he is called Air Brooks”, stressed Andrej Magold. However it isn´t only his athleticism that has given Brooks a name, but his amazing intensity that he brings to the court on every play. He isn´t known for his three point shooting, but he has improved it over the years as his mid distance jumper remains his bread and butter. On a team that has possibly the best point guard duo in the BBL that is only known and respected in Bonn with Eugene Lawrence and Richard Mcconnell and many scorers, the role of Brooks is different. “He brings energy form the bench and makes our game more versatile on offense”, stressed Bonn teammate Andrej Mangold. The scoring of Brooks has been down this season compared to the last few seasons in Giessen and Frankfurt, but he has improved in other areas and been that much more valuable to the team. “Ryan has become more versatile and his jump shot is more consistent”, warned Andrej Mangold. Currently Bonn is in fourth place with a record of 15-9 and sitting on the doorstep of the big three of Berlin, Bamberg and Munich. Just having the presence of Brooks on the court is always important and he is an important part of the success. “I am not sure where we would have been without him, but I am sure we would have had 1-2 less wins. Especially in the win against BG Goettingen he was very important. His one on one ball defesne is a hidden strength in his game as he defended El Amin at the end”, added Andrej Mangold. If Bonn can make a run in the BBL playoffs is very much possible as the presence of Brooks in the atmosphere will always be crucial wheather he is flying through the air or running through the air leading Bonn to the next victory.

The Beko BBL playoffs has been a usual occurrence for the Telekom Baskets like it is for Boston Red Sox David Ortiz racking in 30 home runs and 100 RBI´s each season as in the last 18 years the club missed the promised land in May only twice in 2005 and 2011. Since the unsatisfactory season in 2010-2011 where the team finished in 13^th place, the club has reached the Beko BBL playoffs the last three seasons. After two seventh place finishes, head coach Michael Koch left and the team hauled in Matthias Fischer who had won titles in Austria and in 2012-2013 experienced a bitter season in Giessen where there were financial woes and he had to play with an almost all German roster in the second half of the season. However that didn´t shy Bonn from getting the coach and Fischer did a magnificent job last season leading the team to a fifth place finish and a tough 5 game series loss to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The biggest victories was sweeping Oldenburg in the regular season and beating ratiopharm Ulm. The club showed a lot of moral and fighting spirit coming back twice to tie the playoff series with Oldenburg and had they won game three in Oldenburg which they lost in OT 72-71 then they would have been on to the next round the semi finals, but in basketball it isn´t over until the fat lady sings.

With the Beko BBL getting stronger and stronger each season, making predictions is difficult where a Beko BBL team will end up at the end of the season, but when looking at the current roster of the Telekom Baskets Bonn one has to utter the famous Arsenio Hall words “something that makes you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmm” as to if Bonn can make the jump to the top 4 teams this season. That were my words in October and now on March fifth, 2015, the Telekom Baskets Bonn are sitting in fourth place behind Bamberg, Berlin and Munich. Bonn did a great job keeping that team chemistry from last season very much intact by keeping seven players. The two most important players that they kept were sharp shooter and Bonn fan favorite Benas Veikalas who can smile with the best of them and has been in the Telekom city since 2011 and last season the 31 year old played Eurocup: 10 games: 15.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT-3(96.4%); German League: 39 games: 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 84.2% and scorer and Mr energy Ryan Brooks. Brooks who has played for Giessen, Frankfurt and in Finland and last season for Bonn played Eurocup: 10 games: 9.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 73.1%; German League: 39 games: 14.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 84.0%. The team also held American Eugene Lawrence who knows the team philosophy and will take his strong playoff play into this season. The team also held 31 year old role player Steve Wachalski who gives the team energy from the bench and can hit the big shot and play when needed in chaos situations played six straight years in the German Regionaliga and two in the Pro B before getting a chance in the Beko BBL in 2010 with Bayreuth. Last season the German played Eurocup: 10 games: 3.7ppg; German League: 38 games: 3.8ppg, 1.7rpg. The club also held young 22 year old German Floran Koch and experienced 27 year old veteran Andrej Mangold who has been with the club since 2011 and is a superb back up point guard and the teams best defender that will give the opponents fits even long after the game is over when he is trying to enjoy his meal at Mcdonalds and can´t because he is involved with his thoughts on the plays that the German broke up. Last season Mangold played Eurocup: 9 games: 1.2ppg, 1.3rpg; German League: 39 games: 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg.

The club brought in very sold new players with Angelo Caloiaro who was the most efficient player in the Beko BBL last season. After a strong senior year at USF and solid rookie season in the Bulgarian league, the 25 year old San Jose native tore up the Beko BBL with MBC playing 34 games: 14.3ppg, Reb-3(6.8rpg), 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 76.6%. The team also brought in point guard Richard Mcconnell who is just oozing with break out potential in the Beko BBl, 32 year old big man Tadas Klimavicius who has much experience with six seasons at B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas and 78 Euroleague games and big man Tony Wroblicky who is a project coming from the NCAA from American (NCAA), but showed right away in his first game that he can adjust to the Beko BBL scoring 12 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 13 minutes. The American is 22 years old and improved his scoring at American each season and as a senior played 32 games: 12.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 58.6%, FT: 72.5%. The team also brought in basketball European traveler Dirk Madrich who with Bonn will be playing for his 11^th professional team having had international experience in France with Strasbourg IG (France-ProA) in 2006-2007 playing ULEB Cup: 13 games: 4.1ppg, 2.8rpg; French League: 31 games: 4.5ppg, 2.7rpg. He had his second spring with Vechta last season at age 30 belonging to the top German players in the Beko BBL and played 34 games averaging 11.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 70.4% Last but not least the team also hauled in Valentin Blass who made the jump from the Bonn Regionaliga team.

So what has been the secret to the success of Bonn this season? The mix from last season keeping some of that chemistry intact plus the correct new pieces of the puzzle this season have made the Bonn season a success so far as they have a 15-8 record at the moment. The club rebounded nicely after losing three of their first four games then winning five or their next six games getting a healthy balance and needed confidence. After losing to Munich and Hagen, the club since then have a 9-2 record. Their biggest strength is that they have owned crunch time winning for games by a combined score of 10 points only beating feisty Crailsheim twice by three points, MBC in OT 99-96 and BG Goettingen 66-65. Their offense is another big strength as they have scored 80 plus points in 15 games this season. They also have defended better in the last four games having held the opponent to an average of only 69 points per game. Bonn has four players scoring in double figures with Klimavicius, Caloiaro, Brooks and Veikalas. They have found two solid veteran role players in Dirk Madrich and Steve Wachalski who are 31 and 32 and can still play. The Fraport Skyliners return back to Bonn where they will be rested as they had no Eurochallenge game and take a seven game winning streak to Bonn. As they currently rest in seventh place with a record of 13-11. After having the overtime bug in four of five games, Frankfurt was able to take a breather from testing their nerves easily disposing of MBC 93-76 last weekend. Jacob Burtschi continues to be perfect since returning to Frankfurt filling in for injured Danilo Barthel giving the team the needed energy on the court and with his shooting while Justin Cobbs continues to lead the team as he has scored in double figures in 20 straight games. Johannes Voigtmann had his best scoring game as a professional with 27 against MBC as he is playing great at the moment and Aaron Doornekamp is slowly finding his groove. Frankfurt won the first game this season in Frankfurt 84-71 as Sean Armand had 17 points and Danilo Barthel contributed 14 points. Bonn was led by Richard Mcconnell with 22 points. History speaks against Frankfurt as It doesn´t matter if Frankfurt played at the old gym or in the new arena in Bonn they have lost 12 games in a row there. The last time, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Bonn, New England patriot Tom Brady had not sipped champagne yet as a third Super Bowl winner, Jurgen Klinsmann was still coach of the German national soccer team, Paul Potts was still selling cell phones and singing in front of the mirror and the terrifying Tsunami was only a few days old as Frankfurt won in Bonn on January 1^st 2005 with a 79-67 win as Chris Williams exploded with 27 points and 16 rebounds. Frankfurt does have a 7 game winning streak and the only player that has lost the most in Bonn is Quantez Robertson who might forget of the curse for one day. This should be an interesting battle of two teams that could be the sleepers in the playoffs. The Telekom Baskets Bonn host the Fraport Skyliners March seventh.

 

Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/air

Brandon Spearman is a 23 year old 190cm guard playing his rookie season in Germany for SC Rist Wedel. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. Currently the American has one game left in the regular season before the playoffs start and is averaging 16,8ppg, 5,3rpg and 1,4apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball shortly after signing in Wedel in January.

Brandon welcome to Germany. You have had a whirlwind time the last years going from Chicago to Dayton to Iowa to Hawaii and now to Germany. Is traveling in your blood?   I’ve been traveling basically all my life for basketball so I guess you can say I’m pretty used to tying up my shoes and getting out of the house You are a rookie and was signed very late into the current season. How tough have the last 4-5 months been for you? How were you able to stay grounded in this time and continue to focus on basketball and not give up?   Ever since I graduated I’ve been working on my game. I’ve had overseas teams contact me at the end of the summer but I turned those teams down. My mind was set on the D league. So I got elected in the 2014 D league draft. I had D League tryouts before and teams contacted me saying that they were going to pick me up if I’m still available In the draft. So I didn’t get drafted and I was disappointed it hurt my confidents a little. But I continued to workout. So months went by I got a call from an agency in Spain and they wanted me come workout with them before teams here in Europe make changes in December. I ended up signing with a different agency that’s here in Germany, so I was still going hard working out Getting ready for that call. I’ve been through a lot these last 4-5 months it was a very long process for me but as you can see everything worked out perfect.. And I’m grateful. To be here in Wedel You have signed with German Pro B team SC Rist Wedel. What were the main reasons for starting your professional career there?     I have no really reason, like you said I’m very late in signing with a team. I feel that I had to sign some where this season and put up some stats. I couldn’t see myself sitting out this year   You are playing for American head coach Michael Claxton. How thrilled are you to be able to play for an American coach as a rookie? How is your early relationship with him so far?   Me and coach see eye to eye on everything. We both share the same goals we well love to accomplish this second part of the season. And I’m very lucky that coach is American but either way American or not everything would of been fine You will be the third import player playing with high scoring point guard and top assist man Diante Wadkins and rebound machine Denzell Erves. What do you see being your role on the team? Well I’m coming in late in the season and the team is 4th in the division right now but still rising up in the rankings. Adding me I feel we are a championship caliber team. On this team I can bring my all around game to the team. Starting or coming off the bench I look at myself as the instant scorer off the bench. This should be fun. You are an allrounder that does many things well on the court, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?   A hidden talent that doesn’t get noticed I would like to say, my leadership picking my teammates up when their confidence is low. As a freshman you played for Dayton(NCAA), but despite not getting many minutes played all 36 games. What memories do you have of American Josh Parker that was MVP of the German Pro B in the 2012-2013 season and moved up to the top German league Beko BBL and now is playing in Turkey.   JP is a close friend of mine growing up. Glad to hear he’s doing good now in Turkey What were the main reasons going to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) for your second year? Going from an NCAA school to Community college isn´t that common? Going to JC I wanted to have more college options and I did. Also I didn’t want to sit out a whole year. But Hawaii was there since day 1 when I left Dayton and there were other schools but Hawaii won me over. You finished your college career in paradise for the University of Hawaii. Guys like Tony Maroney, Trevor Ruffin and Douglas Kurtz also went from Indian Hills to the university of Hawaii. It seems like the university of Hawaii is a school that gives players a chance not always coming from the top schools or a guy like Christian Standhardinger.     The two years at Hawaii were great for me, I’ve grow as a student a man and as a basketball player. I still don’t think I hit my peek yet. The best is yet to come. I’m sure I’ll see Christian soon in the BBL where I should be. But I understood my options were limited and I’m happy to be a part of Wedel   You played two seasons with German Christian Standhardinger. He had a great senior season. Were you surprised that he didn´t get more noticed by the NBA or is the conference just not strong enough?   The best west conference is a tough conference and it’s on the uprising. But Chris had a good year I think he’s a good player and NBA could be calling in a few years if it’s there You scored in double figures in 19 games as a senior at the University of Hawaii. What was your most memorable game in your last season?   Every game I played it like it was like my last so I can’t say I had a memorable game. Every game in my last season was special. And I’ll never forget those times spent in Hawaii Hawaii head coach Gib Arnold said of you He does a little bit of everything well and I feel confident with him in a lot of different situations. If there are more kids like him in Chicago we’ll spend our whole recruiting budget there. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career? Coach was very disciplined on and off the court. I just listened and stay away from the things that wasn’t related to basketball. Stayed focused on the things that really matter. That’s what kept me going. Coach Gib was a great coach. You played a season with Chris Wright at Dayton)NCAA). After some stints in the NBA, the American is balling in Poland now. Do you see him returning back to the NBA in the future? Yeah C.Wright is special player and I definitely see him going back to the NBA someday. After living two years in Hawaii, besides the obvious what do you miss most? The people, the fans in Hawaii was very special to me they treated me like family when I was there. And that’s something that will last forever. Those people, the island everything there is so special You are an avid hiker. Does Wedel and its surroundings have some rough terrain for you to continue your hobby? Lol no no I think them days is behind me. I did enough hiking in Hawaii Who was the toughest player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now? I would have to say between Anthony Bennett, and Andrew Goudelock those two guys can play Will the Chicago Bulls reach the NBA final this season? Yes the Chicago bulls will reach the finals. Mark my word! What was the last DVD movie that you saw?     The Godfather pt 1,2,3   Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Malcolm Delaney is a 25 year old 191cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his fourth professional season and first with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB). He started his basketball career with Virginia Tech (NCAA) in 2007 and played a total of 136 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games: 18.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 85.0%. In 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five): EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 7.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg; EuroChallenge: 16 games: 14.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 84.7%; French League: 35 games: 15.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 86.0%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): 52 games: 14.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.9%; EuroCup: 16 games: 16.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 85.1%. Last season he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL, starting five): Euroleague: 24 games: 13.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 84.7%; German League: 46 games: 12.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

 

 

 

 

Malcolm thanks for talking to German Hoops and welcome back to Germany. What is it like to be back in Bamberg? Last season you have good memories of the two FC Bayern Munich wins.

 

We played once in Bamberg last season and pulled out a tough win. FC Bayern Munich was hyped team to win it all last season in preseason, but Bamberg was still the team to beat. It was nice beating Bamberg twice. It is nice being back in Germany. I was actually Munich last week. I had a few days off and was chilling there.

 

 

You will battle against top Beko BBL point guard Brad Wanamaker. How excited are you to play him and what do you know about his game?

 

I know Brad´s game. We have played together in the same circle since high school. I think we played against each other one or two seasons ago. I believe that Brad is probably the best point guard in the Beko BBL this season. I think that he made a great choice to play in Bamberg and showcase his skills. It will be fun to be playing against him again.

 

 

Bamberg has a new team and hardly any guys from last season. Bamberg has adapted well to the new coach. What kind of series can we await and what will be key to getting the win?

 

Bamberg has a very good coach and system. I think key for us getting past Bamberg is to take them out of what they do best. We can play with any team on the offense end so key will be to play good defense and get out on transition will be what will separate us from Bamberg.

 

 

You won a professional title in each of your three seasons as a professional in France, Ukraine and Germany. Will you keep the streak alive this season in VTB and Eurocup still being played?

 

I hope so. I feel that the VTB league is the toughest in Europe now. There are many great teams in the VTB and it will come down to the wire. I feel we have a very good chance to win the Eurocup as we have a great team and have firepower. If we stay healthy I think that we can win it all. I definitely want to keep the streak alive.

 

 

 

How do you explain this knack of winning titles? Going into each season how good of a feeling did you always have that that team had something special?

 

I only had that feeling last season with FC Bayern Munich. As a rookie I played for Chalon and they weren´t even a top 5 team budget wise and had just won the cup. I thought that it would be a good situation for me because they were returning most guys and I was new at the point guard position. We reached the Eurochallenge final that year and won the cup. The Ukraine team wasn´t a top team either, but I felt comfortable going in as I was told that it was a good team to play for. We reached the Eurocup final 4. The main reason I went to play there was because I would be able play my game. FC Bayern Munich built a great team and there I was also able to play my style.

 

 

 

 

You have been the point guard and man in charge wherever you have played in Europe. Is your role any different this season than say last season with FC Bayern Munich?

 

My role doesn´t change so much simply because I am the point guard. We have so much firepower this season with Lokomotive Kuban that I don´t need to score as much as in the past, but my leadership is very important this season. My role is to score less, but to put everything in place and get my teammates to do what they do best on the court. With Munich I always had the ball in my hands, but this season I have a different caliber of players so I don´t always need to have the ball in my hands.

 

 

How has your experience been with Lokomotiv Kuban? This season you are blessed with some ex NBA players with Derrick Brown and Anthony Randolph. How do you see yourself developing further this season?

 

Just being able to play with this talent will help me develop further. The travel hasn´t been easy in the VTB league, but that is part of the job. I think this season my leadership will help me show that I am able to play with high caliber players and keep them together and get the job done.

 

 

You have had solid stats each season as a professional. What is your secret to having no problem adapting to a new system?

 

I am a versatile player. When I came out of college I was a scorer. I could play point guard, but nobody gave me a chance. When I was in France and Ukraine I had to score the ball and couldn´t display my point guard ability as much. Munich gave the chance to play point guard and I proved that I could play point guard as well as score. This season in Russia I enjoy seeing other players be successful as I don´t need to score as much. This gives me the opportunity to work on other areas like rebounding and defense. I am an unselfish player and have no problem making sacrifices in order to win games.

Last season you won the Beko BBL title with FC Bayern Munich. Wasn´t their any chance of coming back for a second season?

 

I had the possibility to return to Munich, but I wanted to play in the NBA. I had the chance to play for the Houston Rockets, but Munich didn´t let me out of the contract. During the summer I wanted to weigh my options and try for the NBA. Munich offered me an extension, but I turned it down. I loved Munich and had no complaints about playing there. For me to have stayed I needed to feel comfortable, but other teams wanted me more. Munich tried to sell me that they are the best club and brand, but that didn´t mean much to me. At the end of the day this wasn´t helping my future and giving me the security I needed. When I got home during the summer I didn´t talk to Munich. I got great offers from many teams like Olympiakos Piraus and then came the offer of Lokomotiv Kuban. Munich didn´t come hard at me with an offer, but Kuban did showing the most interest and security I need with a two year deal and NBA out.

 

 

 

Last season there was interest from the NBA during the season with FC Bayern Munich. You didn´t play NBA Summer League and moved to Russia. Has your NBA dream been put on hold?

 

Lebron held up the whole NBA. No team was making moves until he signed. I had to either wait and pass up big deals or take a good deal in Europe. I decided to take guaranteed money and get that security. I could of waited with the NBA, but I didn´t want to take that chance.

 

 

Last season you were named league MVP and Marko Pesic named you one of the top guards in Europe. Obviously you and your team were key in winning the title, but if you had to single out that unsung hero form last seasons team who would you name?

 

Bryce Taylor was our unsung hero last season. He had a great season and was a real leader. Its no surprise that he is captain. I connected the most with him, but to be honest at the end of the season I was connected with every player. Bryce and I had this special bond on the court. I always knew where he would be.

 

 

 

What kind of experience was it playing for Svetislav Pesic. Did you see him smile on a day to day basis?

 

Pesic is a great coach and helped me a lot. He is probably the best coach that I have ever played for. He is a very demanding coach and we always had hard practices and rarely had days off, but he made you better as a player. I think I was able to develop so well because we practiced so much. At times the wear and tear took a toll on the body and on the season. He is a great x& o coach and did everything for the win. If you weren´t mentally tough then it was tough playing for him. He prepared me to play against anybody. I remember him smiling a few times after the wins in the semi finals and in the finals. He is all business. I really respect him. He took control and showed that he was boss and never let the players dictate anything.

 

 

In your second season you played with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague) winning the title there. How special was this win considering the talent you had? Was this your most challenging title to win?

 

For sure this was the most challenging title that I ever won. I still have no idea how we reached the Eurocup final 4. I think that we had some luck as St Petersberg were clearly the better team. The team only had two import players and Leo Lyons and I connected. We also had good role players that did their jobs. Mariupol was the favored to win the title, but we beat them in seven games.

 

 

Aa a rookie you played for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA). You played with talented American Blake SChilb. How surprised are you that he isn´t playing for a top Euroleague team?

 

I am actually surprised that Blake Schilb isn´t in the NBA. He is the best player that I ever played with before this season. He could single handedly take over a game at any time. I remember that so many teams wanted him, but Chalon didn´t let him out of the contract. He is a very family orientated guy. He is playing in Paris now where they are trying to build something. I believe that he can play anywhere in Europe or NBA.

 

 

 

Illian Evtimov told me a few years ago that he never saw a guy like you that could draw a foul on command in the lane. Is this something that you born with or did that come with experience?

 

I think that having this ability to draw fouls grew with me from high school on. When I was young I was always the best player on the team and had the best defender on me. That got me to trying to draw fouls against the best defender. My brother once told me that the easiest way to get 20 points in a game is to get 8-10 free throws. Even if you have a bad shooting day, you can reach 20 points. Getting to the free throw line also helped my free throw shooting as I have always been a good free throw shooter.

 

 

Ilian Evtimov is a French/Bulgarian that played at North Carolina State and is Americanized. Did his movie knowledge ever come into a discussion during your rookie season?

 

Illian is a smart guy and always referenced movies. He is a cool guy. When I was a sophomore in high school, I went on an unofficial visit to North Carolina State where he played at. I knew about him when I came to Chalon. We connected right away. He is a great shooter.

 

You played at Virginia Tech from 2007-2011. How did head coach Seth Greenberg get you prepared best for a professional basketball career?

 

He is a good guy that recruited me. He was honest with me and told me from the start that I would play a lot. Jamont Gordon who plays in Turkey now left when I came in. I didn´t start the first 10 games, but from then on I was handed the ball. He trusted me more and more as I got better. So often college coaches lie to get a player to come to school and then they don´t play. He gave me the freedom to play and that is the reason why I am where I am now.

 

 

You played three seasons at Virginia Tech with Dorenzo Hudson. What memories do you have of him on the court?

 

He was hurt my senior year and we really missed him. We were very close and always had a bond. We stuck together on and off the court. He had a very good junior season. The best memory that I have with him was when we beat the then number one school Wake Forest. For Dorenzo it was a big win since he is from North Carolina.

 

 

Baltimore native Jimmy Dorsey fled his hometown for a college career in Canada and now is playing in the German third division with BG Karlsruhe. What kind of advice do you have for a guy that always hears great things about your success, but has never met you?

 

My motivation has always been seeing other guys succeed. Seeing guys succeed has always motivated me to grind and be in the gym to get better. Whenever I played against a guy who was more known or was making more money, it was my motivation to play well against him. I always want to be the best. No matter where you play if it is in a low division you always have to take advantage of the chance to play because you might never play again or that next job might be the best ever.

 

Do you see John Wall being the best point guard in the NBA in the future?

 

That is a tough question. The point guard position is the toughest. He has some good point guards ahead of him with Irving, Westbrook, Curry and Lillard, but Wall is a special player. He is definitely the most developed. He went from the fastest to the best assist guy. He has a great chance with his size, skill level and athleticism to be a top five point guard for a long time. He has done a great job with the Wizzards in that they were bad once, but he has carried them to be a good team.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The interview which I saw on the flight from Moscow to Frankfurt today. It was pretty funny.

 

Thanks Malcolm for the chat.