For guys like 18 year old Brit Jules Akodo who has had a whirlwind last couple of months after coming from the Union Olimpija Ljubljana junior team to Frankfurt where he has played NBBL and Pro B and last weekend was top scorer in two games against Urspring and BG Karlsruhe or Canadian Kyle Fossman who also can´t complain from an abundance of experience as a rookie having found action in the Beko BBL and Eurochallenge play came into the game against the Saarlouis Royals on a mission because with a victory they would be rewarded with a playoff berth while for Rickey Easterling of Saarlouis who poured in 42 points in the BCM in the 2009-2010 season against Eintracht Frankfurt and Filmore Beck came in very motivated and had nothing to play for except for pride since his club was sitting in last place and possibly headed back to the Regionaliga a place he had played six straight seasons if they don´t perform in the play downs soon. For Easterling who is a 31 year old 189cm point guard has been a legend in the German Regionaliga for years having dropped 56 points against Hanau, 48 points against Schweningen or 47 points against Mainz, but this season also proved that despite having moved up a level, the Baltimore native still has the knack of scoring. In the Regionaliga he may have averaged a ridiculous 29ppg in seven years including 30 points plus three times, but now in the Pro B he has been very solid averaging 21,4ppg, 4,7rpg and 5,3apg. Currently he is the fourth top scorer in the Pro B and has scored in double figures 19 times including twenty points or more 14 times and 30 plus points twice. Even if he isn´t quite as dominating in the Regionaliga where at times he was like a man playing with boys, he has proven over and over that he belongs to the top players in the German Pro B. With only a few games remaining in his season, he entered the BCM gym in Frankfurt motivated to end the season on a good note and with his exceptional play display why he could have his own nickname as “Mr Regionaliga” and with his slick looks also be approved with the other nickname “pretty Rickey”. However despite scoring 36 points, it wasn´t enough as Marius Nolte pulled an Easterling scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter including seven straight points to start the fourth quarter stopping the momentum of Saarlouis and demonstrated that he can score in bunches the way Easterling can powering the Fraport Skyliners Juniors into the playoffs with a 90-80 victory. “Marius Nolte was the reason why we won this game. He did what was necessary to win the game by fighting hard and scoring baskets. Nolte was the difference and if he hadn´t brought it it would have been difficult to win this game. We didn´t defend well enough and played their game and let Easterling do what he wanted to. The important thing is that we won and reached the playoffs”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev. Easterling played out his heart and was happy to be back in the BCM and his face lit up when told the German national coach Chris Fleming was in attendance. “The BCM is such a nice facility that just makes you want to perform well. It is nice when guys from a higher level come out and watch us play. I felt comfortable from the start and we knew that this was a big game. We wanted to steal one on the road, but couldn´t get the job done in the fourth quarter”, added Baltimore native Ricky Easterling. It is always nice when one of the bench players and role players comes up big when the team needed a boost. “Nolte saved our butts tonight. He led the team and showed great leadership when I had four fouls. We defended better in the fourth quarter and got some stops on Easterling”, stated Fraport Skyliners center Johannes Richter.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game with a two game losing streak and wanted to get back on track to their old strength defense after having given up an average 103 points in the last two games while the Saarlouis Royals were looking for their third straight win after victories against Speyer and Lich. 26 year old Mukarem Mujkanovic got going early giving Saarlouis the 4-2 lead with two lay ins. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors found their rhythm quickly on offense getting a three pointer from Kevin Bright and Johannes Richter hook shot for the 7-4 lead. Even if Easterling was on the floor, it was Mujkanovic that continued to get on the board as he nailed a three pointer to tie the game at 7-7. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors also got infected by the three point bug connecting on three consecutive shots as Andrew Bock, Richter and Bright scored giving Frankfurt the 16-7 advantage. Frankfurt kept the lead getting a pull up jumper from Kyle Fossman and a put back from Niklas Kiel for the 20-10 lead. Frankfurt demonstrated a nice flow in their game with their inside out game as Richter dominated from all over the court nailing a jumper and Bock hit a three pointer for the 25-14 lead. Easterling started to get going showing his knack of being able to hit any mid distance jumper no matter how much traffic there was making two shots and cutting the Frankfurt lead to 25-18. California native Bock hit a few more jumpers giving the Fraport Skyliners Juniors the 32-22 lead after one quarter. “There wasn´t much defense in the first quarter as both teams shot very well as it was a fireworks show”, stressed Fraport Skyliners forward Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 45% from outside while Saarlouis was shooting 64% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt led the rebound duel 11-7 and had one turnover while Saarlouis had three turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to have the lead, but were never ever fully able to run away with the game as they let the Saarlouis Royals remain within striking distance. Easterling started off the second quarter with free throws and soon after hit another one of his bread and butter shots the mid distance cutting the Frankfurt lead to 34-26. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors just had more offensive weapons that came through as Nolte got an offensive rebound and put back and Canadian Kyle Fossman dropped a pull up jumper keeping Saarlouis at bay leading 41-28. Whenever Saarlouis attempted to make a push as Detroit native Karl Moore snuck inside for the easy bucket to cut the Frankfurt lead to 41-35, Frankfurt was able to pull away again as they had enough means on offense as Richter hit his bread and butter the mid distance jumper and Bock connected on a three pointer as Frankfurt led 46-35. Saarlouis kept fighting back and went on a 9-4 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 50-44. In the run Easterling scored in bunches with a lay in and floater and 21 year old German Waldemar Nap scored inside. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter with Bright free throws and a Richter lay in to lead 54-44. “The Frankfurt big men Niklas Kiel and Johannes Richter were doing a good job. Easterling was giving Frankfurt problems. The bad decision making and turnovers kept Frankfurt from having a bigger lead”, added ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. Frankfurt was well organized and did a good job with their inside out game”, added German national coach Chris Fleming. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 47% from the field and 40% from the three point line while Saarlouis was shooting 63% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the commanding 24-14 rebound edge and had two turnovers while Saarlouis had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter the Saarlouis Royals made their run and were able to cut the Frankfurt lead to only two points after 30 minutes. Both teams started to hit less shots as both tried to get a better handle on defensive assignments. The Fraport Skyliners started off the third quarter with a 5-0 run to lead 61-46 as it was the baby twin towers of Richter and Kiel that made baskets as the first deadly step of Kiel led to an easy lay in. However then it was the turn of Saarlouis to finally get something going on offense as they broke out on a 14-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 63-60. Saarlouis got a lot or production from various guys including consecutive buckets from American Bloochy Valbrun who played at Staten Island(NCAA3) cutting the Frankfurt lead to 61-52. It was obvious in a big run like that that Easterling couldn´t be idle and he connected on two mid distance jumpers that Frankfurt continued not being able to figure out how to stop. Kiel then finally got Frankfurt on the board again scoring inside, but Easterling countered with a pull up jumper cutting the Frankfurt lead to 65-62. Nolte then made a heads up play getting a defensive rebound and firing a quick outlet pass to German Jamin Knothe for the easy break away lay up. A costly Frankfurt error at the end set up three free throws for Valbrun as Frankfurt led only 67-65 after three quarters. “We changed up our defense a little and just fought harder. On offense we took good care of the ball, executed and played as a team”, stressed Ricky Easterling. “Saarlouis played a box and one, but I feel that we just didn´t execute the way we knew how. We also got less offensive rebounds in that quarter”, added Johannes Richter. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 32% from the parking lot while Saarlouis was shooting 57% from the field and 14% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 37-26 rebound edge and eight turnovers while Saarlouis had 11 turnovers.

If one would of picked the likely player to get Saarlouis the big lead one would have picked Ricky Easterling and on the side of Frankfurt the baby twin towers or Kyle Fossman, but Marius Nolte? The 34 year old German that played 242 Beko BBL games and saw his share of brutal play inside has been the perfect role player from the bench giving the baby twin towers a rest, scoring here and there and getting rebounds, but in the fourth quarter the Paderborn native showed that Frankfurt had their own Easterling even if it was in the body of a 206cm center. After Michael Klein tied the game at 67-67 with a turnaround shot, it was Nolte getting busy scoring three consecutive buckets and giving Frankfurt the 73-67 lead. On all three buckets Nolte owned the paint area as he showed why he still loves to play the game giving his team 110%, intensity and heart. Fossman then set up Kiel for the two handed dunk ending a 9-0 run giving Franfurt the 76-67 lead. Easterling answered with a turn around shot as Frankfurt led 76-69. Nolte kept the momentum on the side of Frankfurt with a free throw and offensive rebound and put back for the 79-69 lead. Saarlouis still wouldn´t lay down and die as they fought until the end. Easterling scored inside cutting the Frankfurt lead to 79-72. Frankfurt continued to do a good job drawing fouls as Nolte hit two free throws for the 81-72 lead. Easterling and ex TBB Trier guard Alexander Goolsby hit timely three pointers to keep knocking at the Frankfurt back door trailing 83-78. However Richter ultimately slammed the door in the face of Saarlouis as he scored six consecutive points with a three pointer and reverse lay up. “We fell apart in the first five minutes. We had turnovers and gave up too many offensive rebounds to let them get the lead back to 10 points. Then we just ran out of time. When you play on the road you need to take advantage of everything and we didn´t do that in the fourth quarter”, stressed Ricky Easterling. “We reached our season goal and now the season really starts. Our biggest strength tonight was offensive rebounds”, stressed Johannes Richter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Johannes Richter with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Marius Nolte added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Niklas Kiel added 14 points and 12 rebounds while Andrew Bock contributed 13 points. The Saarlouis Royals were led by Ricky Easterling with 36 points. Bloochy Valbrun and Muharem mujkanovic had 10 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside while Saarlouis shot 51% from the field and 27% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 53-33 and had 12 turnovers while Saarlouis had 16 turnovers.

 

 

Patrick Richard is a 25 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners March ist.

 

 

Pat thanks for talking to German Hoops. How are you feeling today? You scared basketball Germany getting injured in Oldenburg. How long are you expected to be out?

Hi miles! I’m in some pain of course but blessed that all results came back in the good area for me! And I’m not sure about being out for anytime or how long! Day to day situation with me!

A tough 79-72 loss in Oldenburg. It seems as the consistent inside out game of Oldenburg was too much for MBC as they controlled the boards and shot 50% from outside.

Yea it was a tough loss! I believe we controlled the game a lot of the night but they hit shots when they needed to and we didn’t!

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have a deep and talented roster. Do you see them having any chance of betaing a Berlin, Munich or Bamberg in a five game playoff series?

I believe in the playoffs anyone can get hot and do things against teams!

After a two game winning streak MBC has suffered a two game losing streak. Why has the team stayed so inconsistent after that 7-2 start?

We have been inconsistent! Losing a lot of those games by a close margin may have messed with the team morale! But we continue to work hard every week!

The Mitteldeutscher BC also have lost four close games with four or less points. With your experience is winning close games something you can learn only with experience as a club?

I believe you learn in games you win and also games you lose! Those close game losses may come with lack of experience playing with each other!

The club always stated that the season goal is to stay in the league, but currently the team is only two wins a way from a playoff spot. Is a late season run possible?

The goal for the club is to stay in the BBL! We take one game at a time that’s the goal just to go each week focused on the next opponent! Anything is possible though!

The club has brought in three Americans with Beckham Wyrick, Mark Dorris and Darry Webb. Is this the right mix and what has been your impression of all three players?

I like all three Guys! Each bring different things to the team. D Webb is a presence inside despite his height! Becks is a smart player than can stretch the floor with his shooting and is a good defender! And mark Dorris is a player that had experience and is very athletic! Plays hard on both ends!

After scoring in double figures in his first eight games, German Christian Standhardinger has only done it twice in his next 13 games. Is Standhardinger a different player now?

I’m not sure the difference with Christain! Teams do scout and it gets tougher throughout the season! The BBL is a tough league as well so adjustments have to be made weekly!

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners who have a six game winning streak. They are coming off a tiring three day trip to Russia. What kind of game can we expect?

I don’t predict games but I know we will prepare for them and go for it all against them!

How can MBC compensate your loss in Frankfurt? Is this the right opportunity for Standhardinger to have a monster game?

I think as a team we just all have to come together! Everyone has to be ready and prepared mentally! If I can’t play I trust in every one of my teammates!

What has been the most amazing thing you have seen Mark Dorris do in practice? Have you ever seen a player like him that can score the impossible shot in traffic?

I’ve played with someone like him. A little similar! He just knows how to score and surprisingly very athletic!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The five heartbeats last DVD! Thanks miles

 

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

 

Antonio Graves is a 29 year old 191cm guard from Mansfield, Ohio that is playing his eighth professional season and second with the Artland Dragons. He played at Pittsburgh(NCAA) from 2003-2007 playing a total of 130 NCAA games and as a senior played 37 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 66.3%. He started his professional basketball career in 2007 for the Pittsburgh Xplosion (CBA): 13 games: 19.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 77.3%, in Dec.’07 moved to Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA): French League: 18 games: Score-2(20.4ppg), 2.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 82.8%; ULEB Cup: 3 games: 10.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg. In the 2008-2009 season he played for Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) Eurocup Qualifications: 4 games: 12.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.3spg; EuroChallenge: 9 games: 15.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg; Turkish League: 32 games: 15.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 67.9%. In the 2009-2010 season he played for KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1) Adriatic League: 9 games: 8.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 94.4%; Euroleague: 4 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, in Jan.’10 moved to Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League) 13 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 72.3%. In the 2001-2011 season he played for KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1) Adriatic League: 9 games: 8.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 94.4%; Euroleague: 4 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, in Jan.’10 moved to Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League) 13 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 72.3%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Canton Charge (D-League, starting five), left in Mar.’12: 27 games: 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.9%. In the 2012-2013 seaosn he played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega2) 40 games: 15.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 75.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.

 

 

 

 

Antonio thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are in Tuebingen now preparing for the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. What do you remember most from last season in Tuebingen your 18 points or the 104-64 loss?

 

I remembered the loss most. It was near the end of the season as we were still trying to move up in the playoff places. We lost pretty bad in Tuebingen and it was a game that we forgot quickly.

 

 

Losing by 40 points isn´t so typical. Was that one of your worst loses in your professional career?

 

It was definitely one of the worst loses in my career. I actually thought that we lost by 20, but it was hard to believe that it was 40 points.

 

The Artland Dragons are currently in 10^th place with a record of 11-12. At the start of December the team started a six game losing streak and since then have a record of 3-3. Why is such a strong roster so inconsistent?

 

That is a great question. That is a question that has been hanging over us and we are trying to figure out what the solution is. We still have many games left to make a turn around. I think that the league is stronger this season, but that isn´t an excuse that we should have. We have underachieved, but we are confident that we can turn it around. We had a nice playoff run last year, but want to do better than last year. Anything is possible. We know that we have the potential and we hope that we can find it in the stretch run.

 

 

What has the team been able to improve on the defense end since the six game losing streak where the club gave up 80 plus points five times and in the last six games only one time?

 

It has taken us longer to get our defensive concept down because we play a certain kind of defensive scheme. We like to take teams out of what they do best and take that pick and role away. Playing this way is unconventional and getting that trust with each other has taken longer. We have practiced it in the Eurocup play and the coaching staff has done a great job with us and having us understand it better

 

 

Do you see the team making a run in the last two months to reach the playoffs?

 

I am confident that we will make a run. Nobody wants to match up against us in the playoffs. We are a scary team and we know it and so do our opponents.

 

 

You are playing your second season with the Artland Dragons and returned eight players. Which returning player do you feel has improved the most this season?

 

I don´t know. It really has been hard to understand why we have been underachieving because each guy works so hard during practice. Our intensity is there and we try to be the best that we can. I can´t choose one player that has made the most strides because each guy has.

 

 

You have improve your stats in the Beko BBL and Eurocup this season. Despite a team with many scorers has your role changed?

 

I think that my role is the same. I understand our offense more and what my coaches expect from me. I also am doing a better job of picking my spots and finding my teammates. I think the improvement has come because of another year of experience. I know my situation now and coming to a team is always an adjustment.

 

 

You have played with many great point guards in your career, but where does David Holston rank in your alltime best point guard teammates?

 

He is up there with the best. He is a match up nightmare. I played against him in Turkey where he scored a lot and now he is my teammate and he is more selfless than I thought. He is an amazing player and guy. It is great being his teammate for a second season.

 

 

You are 29 years old. What have you been able to learn most from young head coach Tyron Mccoy?

 

 

I have learned a lot from him. He has a high basketball IQ. He played at a high level and wants us to play at that level as well. I have learned to be a better player on offense and defense and not just to go out on the court and use my athletic ability, but to be able to take the game two steps ahead and also know when too slow it down.

 

 

Two years ago you helped Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega2) win the title with only two Americans. What was the secret of the success?

 

I played with an amazing group of guys. I have to also give a lot of credit to our coach who had a great feel for his players and knew what each guy needed and we accepted our roles and understood what to do. I was watching an NBA game the other night between the Cavs and Warriors and Steve Kerr said it best in that a team is only as good as their role players. Our role players were like stars. Having these kind of role players made it so much more easier for Michael Hicks and I.

 

 

In the 2010-2011 season you played with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL). What memories do you have of Keith Simmons who started his professional basketball career in Germany with Frankfurt?

 

Keith Simmons was an awesome guy. He was a hard worker, great defensive player and a high character guy. He was a guy that fit his role. He came to Turkey after playing in Germany where he had a totally different role and then had to play excellent defense, shut down the oppoents best player and hit shots. He fit the puzzle to the team. He accepted a different role with Banvit and that is why he has had such a long career there.

 

In the 2009-2010 season you split with Cibona and then finished with Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League). What memories do you have of American Titus Ivory who suffered a stroke some years ago?

 

Titus Ivory was a great guy. He was one of the veterans that welcomed me with open arms. I never saw him get down once or have a bad day no matter what the situation was. He helped me get adjusted in Israel. I am sorry to hear that about his stroke. A big problem is that it is hard keeping up with players, because you moving around so often from team to team. I am so thankful that I am playing for the Artland Dragons and this is the first time since college that I have played for the same team for two seasons. It isn´t easy always having to make an adjustment moving from team to team.

 

 

As a rookie you played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA) which was your first station in Europe. What was your wake up call to being a professional in Europe that season?

 

I never thought that I would play professional basketball after Pittsburgh(NCAA). I simply had no offers from anybody. I still had some credits to finish at Pittsburgh, so I remained and played semi pro ball with the Pittsburgh Xplosion (CBA). It didn´t help my confidence at the start that I hardly played, but then I got a chance there and played well. Then came a call from France from Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA) and I finished the season strong. My dream finally started being a professional basketball player even if I thought I would never make it.

 

 

You reached two NCAA Sweet 16 games in 2004 and 2007. Which one was the sweetest?

 

The 2007 run was the sweetest. It was my senior year, I was one of coach Dixon´s first recruits and I was able to play against UCLA and it was a big deal. We were a great bunch of guys and it was the best time for me at Pittsburgh. I loved every moment and it was at the height of my success there.

 

You played with many future NBA players like Sam Young or Aaron Gray or great players like Gilbert Brown or Jermaine Dixon. Who was your best teammate at Pittsburgh?

All those guys were great. Gilbert Brown and Jermaine Dixon were great guys, but were younger. I would have to choose between Aaron Gray and Sam Young. Aaron and I were roommates there and are still friends today. Sam Young and I always worked out then as well as last summer. Both guys inspired me so much. Both guys also helped me through the rough times. If I had to choose I would pick Aaron because we came in together in 2003 and it was special.

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled against in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

 

I tell my teammates all the time why I love defending is because of all the great players I have played against in my career. I will never forget playing against Ben Gordon when I was a freshman. We were something like third in the country playing against #1 UCONN. I played against him in Madison Square Garden in New York in the Big East tournament. It was a special moment and I really looked up to him.

 

How much is sky is the limit for Isiah Hartenstein? Does he have the game to reach the top level in Europe of even NBA?

 

It is scary that he hasn´t stopped growing yet despite being so tall already. I can´t believe it. He competes against us in practice and is still a kid. I think that he has NBA potential. His dad keeps him in the gym all the time.

 

Your brother is named Miles as am I. How many other Miles´s have you got to know in your life?

 

Just you two.

 

Why do so many good basketball players come from the state of Ohio?

That is hard to understand since Ohio is typically a football state. I think that a lot of it has to do that we have a very good AAU program. I played against Lebron a few times when I was a kid. That is when I saw how high the level is in Ohio. Ohio is a good spot for sports.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Imitation game, but the best movie that I saw in the last month was Whiplash.

 

Thanks Antonio for the chat.

 

 

 

 

In the last week, 2004 Beko BBL champion Fraport Skyliners have brought back that old soccer saying a game has 90 minutes and in the end Germany always wins. For the Fraport Skyliners losing hasn´t been on the menu as of late as they have won four overtime games in a row that have occurred in the last five games. For any basketball experts who want to unearth the Beko BBL stats and records be my guest, but I am sure that there haven´t been many clubs that have had such a successful track record in such a short span. The Fraport Skyliners did it again last night getting their third overtime win in a row and this time in far-away Saratov, Russia 112-103 where they secured first place in the Eurochallenge group K withstanding a monster night from the Ukrainian beast and ex NBA player Kyrylo Fesenko who poured in 20 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, but also had amazing performances on their side with 30 points from the freak athlete Quantez Robertson, Sean Armand supplying 16 points while showing that he doesn´t only get buckets, but rebounds with 11, Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs being that consistent general powering 16 points and dishing out 12 assists, German national player Johannes Voigtmann chipping in with 18 points and Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi scoring 17 points. Frankfurt ended the game with a back breaking 9-0 run where they hit seven free throws. Despite being outrebounded, the Fraport Skyliners showed a team basketball performance on offense and defense and mustered 15 steals. The Fraport Skyliners went into the last game in Russia having had to win by six points or more to be first in the group, but surprisingly Antwerpen defeated Enisey Krasnoyarsk and Turkish team Trabzonspor defeated Mons Hainaut. Instead of the Russian team Avtodor Saratov being in first place, it was Turkish team Trabzonspor, so the Fraport Skyliners went into the game more relaxed since with a loss they would of met their more desired opponent Turkey where they would have had to deal with a three hour flight and less travel woes then a 12 hour plane ride to Siberia. But as is so often the case, no matter what head coach Gordon Herbert might have said behind closed doors, the number one goal of any player is too win and that is what the club did getting the extra flight time to Russia in the quarterfinal, but more importantly the home court advantage in the best of three quarterfinal series.

It is just so crazy how big a difference one season and many new players can be as in the second half of last season the Fraport Skyliners were labelled as the choke team as they had this sickening ability of not being able to get over the hump in crunch time as they lost nail bitters against Oldenburg, MBC, Ludwigsburg, Tuebingen, Braunschweig and Phoenix Hagen by a combined total of only 10 points. Had they won at least three of these games, they would have been rewarded with a ticket to the playoffs. This season losing the close games haven´t been a disease like last season, but as of late they have taken being able to win in the last moments to an extra step as they have been able to do it in overtime, a period in a game where the muscles are sore, mental fatigue starts to creep in and being prone to extra mistakes is more prevalent. Fraport Skyliner captain Quantez Robertson played 91 minutes in the last two OT double overtime wins in Holland and Russia and even at age 30, the guy could of still taken on a fresh Alex Renfroe from Alba Berlin in a one on one game had he been asked to and probably held his own. In their first OT success against Alba Berlin some weeks ago, they had a complete team effort and got big shots from their two confident and always focused American rookies Justin Cobbs and Sean Armand that laid the foundation for the current Alba Berlin three game losing streak. The next overtime classic was held in Den Bosch, Holland. This was the battle of the two rookies Brandon Curry and Justin Cobbs, but it was a buzzer beater from the corner from Stefan Wessels that took both teams into the second overtime. There it was rejuvenated Skyliner Jacob Burtschi who hit a three pointer and just buckling down on defense secured the win for Frankfurt. 72 hours later, the Fraport Skyliners went to Oldenburg where Johannes Vogtmann and Quantez Robertson still probably knew exactly where on the court Ramon Galloway lost the ball which sealed the crunch time loss their last season. This time, Frankfurt had some luck as like against Medi Bayreuth were they eked out an ugly 90-89 win they had to worry until the last second air ball from Javon Mccrea on a turnover. In Oldenburg it was the same story as they coughed up the ball again at the end, but it was Rickey Paulding that wouldn´t be the hero as his last second shot didn´t want to fall. The way the last week has gone with three overtime wins a row, it wouldn´t be surprising for fans to wager some bets on the Fraport Skyliners going the extra distance again this Sunday against the Mitteldeutscher BC. If Gordon Herbert were to invite English football legend Gary Lineker to a basketball video session in the BCM and show him the last four overtime wins, it wouldn´t be surprising if Lineker would cringe and utter a new version of his once famous line “ As Of Recently A Basketball Game Has 40-50 Minutes And At The End The Winner Is Always The Fraport Skyliners”.

If one were to break down why the Fraport Skyliners have been so successful since their 3-7 start into the Beko BBL, one would stress that there have been many key factors that have helped propel the team to new heights. Of course the rise of the twin towers Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel have been key as they have achieved making another step in their development as Barthel has become that consistent scorer as has Voigtmann as well as improving his defense and passing. One also has to give a lot of credit to the team in that since Danilo Barthel got injured, the team was able to keep their head up as they have learned to deal with a diversity especially with the walking wounded list being news all season long. Even if Canadian Aaron Doornekamp mustered only two points in Saratov, he is on the rise as he had 21 points in Den Bosch and 22 points in Oldenburg in back to back games showing that he is for real and giving hope that there is still a lot left in him for the stretch run. Quanantez Robertson continues to be the guy that holds the team together on offense and defense while rookie Sean Armand woos fans with his “you want buckets, there you go mentality” as his timely shooting has brought the club back and brought them forward in key game situations. However if one had to name two key factors why the Fraport Skyliners are one of the hottest Beko BBL teams and on the move higher up the standings and only four wins away from their first international title, you have to mention the players Justin Cobbs and Jacob Burtschi. Their combined record of 24-3 this season speaks for itself. The amazing thing about Cobbs is that he has been brilliant since he came to Frankfurt and just hasn´t let up and has scored in double figure games in 19 straight games. The only game where he didn´t score in double figures was his first in Leipzig against the Mitteldeutscher BC where he had just arrived to the team a day earlier. Cobbs is a guy like Dashaun Wood that can score in bunches and become explosive whenever he decides to turn on that Cobbs switch. He looks so controlled out on the floor most of the time and is a master of changing speeds. He gives Frankfurt so much stability something they didn´t have previously this season. Even though his stats may suggest that he is a scoring point guard, he actually is a pass first guard even if its hard to believe. When that night comes when his shot is cold, then one will see his passing qualities come to light. You could have been trapped in the bathroom and missed the game and not know who won after Cobbs exits the dressing room because he always has that same expression. The guy is always focused and just all business. He doesn´t want to be the best guard in Europe, but battle with the likes of Paul, Curry and Wall in the NBA. The club would not be sitting in the quarterfinals of the Eurochallenge without Cobbs. His record is 8-0 in Eurochallenge play. The one time where he sat out because of injury, Frankfurt lost at home to Avtodor Saratov 75-70.

Burtschi is such a heartwarming story. Last season was probably his toughest as a back injury seemingly seemed to end his career. How many times did everyone want him to shoot, but he didn´t which wasn´t more prevalent than in the last second loss to Tuebingen where he opted to dish a lob pass to Danilo Barthel that Frankfurt lost. Later after the season the club released a vague press release where no one really understood what was with Burtschi as he still was on the team, but the Oklahoma native stated that he was taking a break from basketball implying that retirement had set in. Burtschi spent much time at home in Oklahoma with family and helped his dad AD with team practices at Putnam City while also working out. Then all of a sudden came the news that he would resume his playing career in all places Mexico which is more known for its soccer than basketball. He never signed a contract and after one game and possibly a few burrito´s was back in Frankfurt. Since the arrival of Burtschi the team is 6-0 and the rest is history. Burtschi is known most for his strong shooting as he demonstrated as a rookie with Phoenix Hagen and in that year also won the Beko BBL allstar three point shooting contest in Trier. However Burtschi is so much more about having the ability to have that knack of hitting as if he was on a beach and his target is the ocean. He is the ultimate team player as he always demonstrates it again time in and time out. He can fill up the stat sheet and will risk an extra night of ice and headaches for that extra Boris Becker dive on the floor for the loose ball. In Den Bosch he set up three consecutive Frankfurt buckets with his unselfish play. He would probably battle Johannes Voigtmann for the best non point guard passer on the team. He will mix it up with anyone under the basket and just does so much that isn´t seen on the stat sheet. He may only have scored in double figures in two of six games, but he is still getting into rhythm after being out so long. At least in Eurochallenge play he has had the hot hand shooting 8/15 at 53% from the parking lot. But most importantly, Burtschi is the perfect extra captain on the court. With the untimely injury to Barthel, Burtschi is like that second captain on the floor. His leadership and return back has been a blessing in disguise. Just having the presence of Burtschi on the court has added a special touch of solidarity that the team didn´t have before. Burtschi is as deserving of a contract extension until the end of the season as Eddie Redmayne was for winning best actor 2015 for the theory of everything. Let me not forget to mention Grodon Herbert who has done an exceptional job finding Justin Cobbs and always believing in Jacob Burtschi that he could return and could still help the team at age 30. Herbert has always been a coach that knew how to get the most out of his players, but when that talent is raised a few notches, then there is almost always guaranteed success. The Fraport Skyliners are a delight to watch and the sky is the limit for the 2000 Beko BBL cup winner. The next two months will show if they can get to the Eurochallenge Final four and if they will finally reach the playoffs again since 2011. But first the question is can the overtime streak continue as for some reason as of late overtime is in the blood of the Fraport Skyliners or will fans see a boring blow out win against the Mitteldeutscher BC on Sunday something which probably would do them and the players bodies and mind some good for a change.

 

 

Janic Staiger is a 18 year old 180 cm point guard playing for German NBBL team Urspring. He started his basketball career at TSG Soeflingen and then went to Urspring. Last season he was a NBBL finalist. He talked to German Hoops in Frankfurt after an Urspring loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.

 

 

Janic thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 67-60 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt. What were the main reasons for the loss?

 

It is very hard to pin point it exactly after the game, but Frankfurt played very well. We never were able to get into the game. Whenever we came back they had the right answers with big shots. We got into foul problems early and they dominated the boards.

 

 

Urspring has dominated the NBBL south west. What is the secret of the success of the team?

 

We are like a family. We spend a lot of time together off the court and our togetherness of the court translates to success on the court.

 

 

Eintracht Frankfurt is a very good defensive teams and have held teams in the NBBL to under 50 points 11 times. Is there any weakness with this club?

 

If there was one weakness that I had to mention then it would be their transition defense, but other than that they are a great team. We have to keep working hard to become better.

 

 

Mahir Agva and Niklas Kiel are the stars of both teams. Who does Kiel remind you of and what do you like about his game?

 

Every player has their own style. I like his game a lot. He has a big future and is a nice guy. I have a good relationship with him.

 

 

What kind of team does Urspring become when Mahir Agva isn´t playing? Sometimes he has to play for Erdgas Ehingen in the German pro A?

 

We are still a good team when he isn´t on the court. When that is the case we have many other guys that can step up like a Marko Sarac who take on a bigger role.

 

Do you feel that Urspring and Eintracht Frankfurt will be teams that will be in the NBBL Top 4?

I think that both teams have good chances to reach the Top 4. We want to win this year. We still have a long way to go, but will continue to keep working hard.

 

How much is the 2014 NBBL loss still lingering in the minds of the players? Is this years team better than last years team?

 

That is hard to say. We lost guys from last year and got new players this season. We know what we achieved last season and want to take the next step this year and win it all. We are very focused during practice and games and are working hard to reach that goal.

 

 

You have been with Urspring since a small kid. What does it mean to play for the best German basketball academy?

 

 

It has an honor to play for the Urspring academy. My brother played here as well other great players like Kevin Bright, Maurice Stuckey or Nicolai Simon. After seeing how far my brother has gone as a player, I want to keep working hard and become better.

 

 

 

You recently turned 18. How have you seen your game develop in the last two years

 

I have worked on my shot the last two years as well as my defense and off ball defense

 

How is your relationship to head coach Dominek Reinboth? How has he helped develop your game this season?

 

I have a good relationship with him. He has taught every player on the team something. He helped me improve my shot.

 

Do you feel much pressure being the brother of Lucca Staiger? Is there ever a day where somebody doesn´t ask you something about him?

 

I am often not called Janic but the brother of Lucca Staiger. But that is ok, because I am proud that he is my brother and what he has achieved. I know that I need to make my own name and I am on my way of doing that.

 

 

 

How is your relationship with your brother and how as a brother has he helped you most with the game of basketball?

 

I have a great relationship with him. We talk each day and he gives me tips. He called me before the game in Frankfurt and told me stay cool and play my game.

 

 

 

He is a shooting guard and you are a point guard. What chose you to be more a creater instead of a sniper?

 

My size. I am 180cm and he is 196cm. I knew when I was 14 that I would be a point guard.

 

Would you define yourself more as a classic point guard or something in between?

 

I am a combo guard, but when I am playing the point I score and set up my teammates.

 

 

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

 

My passion. I am always hustling and playing with heart.

 

When you were living in Berlin you used to try to get tips form the games of Heiko Schaffartzik and Taylor Rochestie. What did you especially like about the game of Dashaun Wood?

 

I saw many practices of Alba Berlin. I liked how Wood used his speed and eye on the court. He was also a great defender and just the complete player.

 

You are 18 now and what plans do you have for the future? Is the NCAA and option for you or

 

I am thinking about college. Lucca has told me much about his time in the States and it was a good experience for him. I know that there is a different culture there, but I think that doing that would be good for me. I will finish school next season and play one more season of NBBL and then see what I will do

 

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Maximillian Eisele?

 

It goes back and forth.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Remember the Titans.

 

Thanks Janic for the chat.

The last time that German Rouven Roessler played in the basketball city Mainhatten gym, he had teammates like ex German national players Robert Maras or Gerrit Terdenge or Americans like Obe Trotter, Michael Umeh or Tory Walker who could wear a black suit with the best of them, but back in 2006 and 2007 the two games didn´t count in the standings, but were preseason games with his then team Giessen 46ers against the then called Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Roessler is a 34 year old 198cm small forward that has played most of his basketball career in Karlsruhe this being his 12^th season as he had two quick years in Giessen and a very short intermezzo in Spain with Caceres 2016 C.B. (Spain-LEB Gold). He returned back to Karlsruhe in 2008 because he felt comfortable there and despite being one of the best German players at that time decided to keep playing for the team where he started his career BG Karlsruhe despite getting great offers from better teams in Germany. Roessler is a pure scorer and has been getting buckets his whole career and in the last six seasons in the German pro A averaged 15,0ppg twice, 17ppg twice and 18,0ppg twice. This season in the German pro B, the German veteran is averaging 13,2ppg, 4,2rpg and 2,1apg and has scored in double figures 14 times including a 28 point explosion in a 73-68 victory against Schwelm. Roessler returned back to Frankfurt, but instead of putting up jumpers in the 5,000 Fraport arena where he played five years with BG Karlsruhe and Giessen, he came back to the little cozy BCM gym where he played the last time 8 years ago in an exhibition with Giessen, but this time it was a regular season game where a win was rewarded with a trip to the playoffs for both teams. Even if the 19 point effort by Roessler was overshadowed by the wrecking crew of the Brotherson and Dorsey show, he was just as important in the 88-83 OT win as he was all smiles after the victory not only seeing old Giessen faces that made the trip to Frankfurt, but also Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert that made a brief appearance before heading to the airport to travel to Russia for their Eurochallenge game. “I always liked playing in Frankfurt. The BCM may not be as loud as the Fraport arena, but it was nice seeing familiar faces and even Gordon Herbert where I got my first BBL win against with BG Karlsruhe in 2004. I think that was a good game for the fans. Both teams were eye to eye and I think we had a bit more luck at the end”, stressed ex Giessen 46er Rouven Roessler. A win could of propelled the Fraport Skyliners Juniors into the playoffs, but instead the club couldn´t carry that recent positive overtime feeling of Beko BBL team Fraport Skyliners as they lost the overtime period 12-7. “It was an interesting game where both teams shot very well in the first half. In the second half, both teams played with more intensity and shots weren´t falling as frequently anymore. In overtime it was the little things that made the difference. We had two costly turnovers at the end and Brotherson hurt us all day long, but especially at the end with his intensity, rebounding and basket”, added Fraport Skyliner Stefan Ilzhoefer. “You always have to give 100% when you play against Rouven Roessler, because he is so experienced”, stressed Armin Musovic.

Before the game started two ex Beko BBL players had a nice greeting for each other as Marius Nolte and Rouven Roessler shock hands as they dueled against each other from 2006-2008 as they played for Paderborn and Giessen. Frankfurt was without Stefan Ilzhoefer, Tim Oldenburg and Kevin Bright. BG Karlsruhe got early production from Aussie Paul Brotherson who scored inside twice and gave Frankfurt an early indication what was awaiting them inside. 17 year old 2015 NBBL allstar Niklas Kiel got Frankfurt on the board putting home a mini ally-op pass from American Andrew Bock and Kyle Fossman got going early hitting a three pointer for the Frankfurt 5-4 advantage. Frankfurt kept the offensive pressure on as Bock nailed a pull up jumper and Fossmann connected on his second three pointer as Frankfurt led 11-6. Brotherson scored on a transition dunk, Johannes Richter made a lay in and Maryland native Jimmy Dorsey made a pull up jumper as BG Karlsruhe trailed 15-10. Offense continued to take center stage as defense was put on the back burner as the game became a three point shooting clinic as American Kenny Fluellen, Fossman, Dorsey and Richter connected on consecutive three pointers as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 21-16. BG Karlsruhe continued to hover on the heels of Frankfurt, but were unable to retake the lead. Frankfurt countered with a Richter lay in for the 23-16 lead. BG Karlsruhe continued to be able to match the Frankfurt offense as Dorsey made his first step to good use getting an easy lay up and 26 year old German David Watson who played 7 Beko BBL games in the 2006-2007 season with BG Karlsruhe dropped a three pointer cutting the Frankfurt lead to 24-21. Frankfurt kept the lead until the end as Kiel hit a pull up jumper, Brotherson made a three pointer and Kiel nailed a runner as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 28-24. “We didn´t have that defensive nip that we needed. We were rebounding well on defense, but not on offense”, stressed Tim Oldenburg. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 50% from outside while BG Karlsruhe was shooting 67% from the field and 67% from outside. Frankfurt had the 9-6 rebound edge and no turnovers while BG Karlsruhe had two turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to stay ahead and thanks to the Jules Akodo show who scored 13 of the 17 second quarter Frankfurt points and 13 in a row to lead 45-42 after 20 minutes. Ex Cape Breton(CIS) guard Jimmy Dorsey got BG Karlsruhe on the board first making a beautiful forward step and then step back over Lennart Okeke as BG Karlsruhe trailed only 28-27. Then out of nowhere came Jules Akodo who had already had a positive experience the day before leading the NBBL team Eintracht Frankfurt with 22 over German legendary basketball academy Urspring stepped into the limelight leading his team on a 13-2 run scoring all points. One probably could of put a blindfold over his eyes and he still would of hit as he was sizzling hot hitting three three pointers, a lay in off a steal going coast to coast and connecting on a floater as Frankfurt led 41-29. “Akodo had a great weekend and I think that he made big steps in these two games. I think that he was very motivated to play against the well known academy Urspring and that carried on to this game. He made big shots the whole weekend”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior guard Armin Musovic. However the second quarter was a tale of two stories as BG Karlsruhe took a page out of the Frankfurt massive run going into halftime with a 13-4 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 45-42. Even if he didn´t score 13 points in this run the way Akodo did earlier, 34 year old Rouven Roessler was the catalyst in the BG Karlsruhe run as he produced 8 points including two three pointers. He also was involved in two perfect back to back fast break plays as he retrieved a touch down pass from Brotherson for the reverse lay up and then made a pretty touch pass to Watson who fed Brotherson for the two handed dunk. Later he set up the Englishman Robert Gilchrist for the massive ally-op dunk as he faked the floater which turned into a pass. Frankfurt couldn´t muster much on offense in this phase as they missed shots and free throws. “Akodo was big, but we are starting to expect that from him. He is so quick that he usually will take care of his defenders. We were better on defense, but not as aggressive as we could have been”, stated Tim Oldenburg. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 54% from the three point line while BG Karlsruhe was shooting 50% from the field and 50% from the three point line. Frankfurt still dominated the rebound battle 23-14, but had four turnovers while BG Karlsruhe had three turnovers.

In the third quarter, BG Karlsruhe was able to retake the lead as the game was even. BG Karlsruhe came out of halftime strong going on a 12-2 run to retake the lead 54-47 as the Fraport Skyliners had to be careful not to let the opponent run away with the game. In the run it was Dorsey who showed that he doesn´t need to score much for his team to be successful as he played set up man finding his teammates. Dorsey first found Gilchrist with the ally-op tip in and then snatched an offensive rebound kicking the ball out to Georgia native Ken Fluellen for the three pointer. Roessler also contributed another three pointer, Fluellen a pull up jumper and 20 year old German Moritz Thomany scored inside. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors seemed to be in an offensive funk, but like a day earlier in the NBBL game, it was Jules Akodo sparking his team with a three pointer which must of infected Okeke as well as he followed up with a three point bomb as well cutting the BG Karlsruhe lead to 54-53. Frankfurt continued to trail, but kept fighting as Okeke also demonstrated his penetration finding daylight for an easy bucket. After a Brotherson lay up who was set up by Dorsey, it was work horse Kiel getting back to back buckets with a mid distance shot and put back giving Frankfurt the lead back at 59-58. The lead would change hands three more times at the end as Roessler hit free throws, Akodo scored inside and Watson nailed a three pointer for the 63-61 BG Karlsruhe lead. Richter closed out the third quarter with an offensive rebound and put back as the game was deadlocked 63-63 after 30 minutes. “We had a bad start because we settled too much for jumpers and didn´t get in the paint”, expressed Jules Akodo. “We had a great start and were very aggressive on the rebound and set the tempo”, said BG Karlsruhe guard David Watson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 50% from the parking lot while BG Karslruhe was shooting 49% from the field and 48% from the parking lot. Frankfurt still had the huge rebound edge 32-21, but eight rebounds while BG Karlsruhe had five rebounds.

In the fourth quarter, it was BG Karlsruhe who continued to set the tone of the game and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors needed a timely come back in the last few minutes to force overtime. Just like in the third quarter, BG Karlsruhe started off the fourth quarter with a run of 9-2 to lead 72-65. Brotherson started off the run dropping a three pointer which was quickly matched by a Fossman jumper. BG Karlsruhe continued to capitalize off Frankfurt turnovers as Brotherson scored inside and Fluellen connected on a floater. Gilchrist also scored on the fast break. Kiel and Roessler then traded buckets, but BG Karlsruhe still led 74-67. Frankfurt started to play better defense getting stops, but also couldn´t score on offense and also had problems at the free throw line. After a Roessler miss, it was Richter who answered with a huge three pointer to cut the BG Karlsruhe lead to 74-71. Brotherson who played with a high intensity for 40 minutes then extended the BG Karlsruhe lead to 76-71 with a reverse lay up. Kiel then hit a mid distance jumper as Frankfurt trailed 76-73. Frankfurt kept fighting and tied the game with Mr big shot Jules Akodo at 76-76. Frankfurt even could of won the game as Fossman made a steal, but Richter missed a last second shot sending the game into overtime. “In the last minutes of the fourth quarter, it seemed like Frankfurt knew our plays and defended us accordingly. We took some wild shots and Frankfurt got big shots”, stressed David Watson. “We played very aggressive defense at the end. I am happy that my teammates had confidence in me taking that last shot”, commented Jules Akodo. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 44% from outside while BG Karlsruhe was shooting 49% from the field and 42% from outside. Frankfurt had the overwhelming 41-29 rebound advantage, but 11 turnovers and BG Karlsruhe had 10 turnovers.

In the overtime period, it was Fraport Skyliner guard Armin Musovic that got his team going hitting a three pointer, but BG Karlsruhe nailed two consecutive three pointers from the wrecking crew of Brotherson and Dorsey to take the 82-79 lead and they would never look back. Richter then kept Frankfurt on track with an offensive rebound and put back to trail 82-81. German Adrian Lind then connected on free throws as BG Karlsruhe led 84-81. However two consecutive Frankfurt turnovers led to a Brotherson left hand tip in and Dorsey free throws as BG Karlsruhe put a clamp on the game leading 87-81. After a Roessler free throw, it was Andrew Bock that hit a jumper at the buzzer, but it was too little too late as BG Karlsruhe won their third game in their last six games. “We weren´t tired in overtime. I think that we weren´t able to play our style. We weren´t aggressive enough on the offensive board”, added Jules Akodo. “We played with more intensity and the Brotherson basket was key”, added David Watson. “Our will to win wasn´t there at the end. You could see that Brotherson just wanted it more than we did”, stressed Armin Musovic. BG Karlsruhe was led by Paul Brotherson with 25 points and five rebounds. Rouven Roessler added 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jimmy Dorsey contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Jules Akodo with 21 points. Johannes Richter added 16 points and 13 rebounds and Niklas Kiel contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Kyle Fossman chipped in with 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists. BG Karlsruhe shot 48% from the field and 43% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 43% from the field and 40% from the three point line. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 48-34, but had 14 turnovers while BG Karlsruhe had 10 turnovers.

 

 

At 1.00pm on a Saturrday afternoon it is still too early to catch any German Fussball Bundesliga, Beko BBL, Pro A or Pro B and German sports fans may have already been having thoughts about what new amazing things would be happening with their favorite players and teams, but even at lunch time, one is able to witness entertaining sports as about 100 fans did in Frankfurt as the absolute top teams of the youth league NBBL south west Team Urspring battled against Eintracht Frankfurt. Both teams entered the afternoon having won 27 games combined and having only lost two games as they were fighting for the top spot in the standings. In their first meeting this season, Urspring defeated Eintracht Frankfurt in their living room76-69 as a high field goal percentage and rebounding were the keys for Germany´s top basketball academy to come out on top. In the rematch in Frankfurt, Eintracht Frankfurt came into the game with a lot of revenge feelings and had control of the game for 40 minutes even if they could never totally blow away their opponent as they won the defensive battle 67-60. Jules Akodo stole the show from team stars Niklas Kiel and Mahir Agva scoring 22 points and whenever Urspring was threatening to come back nailed big shots. Two key factors for the loss for Urspring were the 16 missed free throws and their inability to set the tone on the boards which Eintracht Frankfurt totally dominated 44-31. After the game Eintracht Frankfurt point guard Armin Musovic was delighted about the win and even had to briefly interrupt his words as he gave retired player Jakob Merz a big hug. “I am happy that we got revenge today. We just wanted to prove after our first loss that we could win. Coach told us before the game that if we could win the rebounding then we would win. Our offense was consistent and was led by Jules Akodo. We did a good job on defense as anytime you can hold an Urspring to 60 points than you can be happy. We did a good job taking Mahir Agva out of the game. The only negative stat for us were the 20 turnovers”, stated Armin Musovic. It wa s only the second loss for Urspring as they fought back at the end, but just ran out of time. “Frankfurt played very well. We never were able to get into the game. Whenever we came back they had the right answers with big shots. We got into foul problems early and they dominated the boards”, stressed Urspring guard Janic Staiger.

NBBL team Eintracht Frankfurt came into the game being the top defensive teamin their division having held teams to under 50 points 11 times including 36 against the Junior Baskets Rhein Neckar and knew that they would have a tough assignment against top team Urspring. A top game like this garnered much attention as a majority of the Fraport Skyliner Juniors were in attendance as well as injured Fraport Skyliner Konstantin Klein who was in between work outs as well as ex Urspring player Kevin Bright who even spent a few minutes watching the game from their bench as well as agents who were observing the future of German basketball. In the first few minutes there were four lead changes until Eintracht Frankfurt was able to keep the lead half way through the first quarter and would never trail again. In the first few minutes it was Niklas Kiel and Mahir Agva that brought that early intensity to their respective team getting to the free throw line and hitting buckets. Eintracht Frankfurt also established their inside game early as 17 year old 203cm forward Ivan Mihaljevic scored inside twice for the 10-5 Eintracht Frankfurt lead. 18 year old Agva who played in Giessen 7 hours later contributing 27 points in a Pro A loss for Erdgas Ehingen and his first Beko BBL game as a 16 year old for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen dropped a three pointer as Urspring trailed only 11-10. After Musovic and Trtova dropped free throws, it was Agva that nailed two free throws, but then it was Jules Akodo who showed his first example of being a nasty comeback blocker as he made a bucket and free throw to keep Eintracht Frankfurt in front 17-13 after one quarter. Both teams had horrible shooting percentages after 10 minutes as Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 30% from the field and 0% from outside while Urspirng was shooting 21% from the field and 22% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt had the commanding 14-8 rebound edge, but an unhealthy six turnovers while Urspring had four turnovers.

Except for a little comeback scare midway through the second quarter, Eintracht Frankfurt was able to end the second quarter on a 10-6 run to lead 35-28 at halftime. Akodo displayed his aggressiveness right from the start drawing two fouls, but left two shots on the rim as Eintracht Frankfurt led 19-13. Eintracht Frankfurt then found some consistency on offense getting three buckets as Niklas Kiel who recently was named to the Allstar team at the Basketball without boarders global camp in New York fought against Agva in the zone with a spin move and sudden step back jumper finding nothing but net while the big man was off balance, Musovic nailed his bread and butter pull up jumper and then found teammate Mihaljevic on the pick and role for the easy lay in as Eintracht Frankfurt led 25-16. However Urspring found a spark of energy from Lars Berger who tested his 36% three point shooting percentage and Nikolaus Schaffer his 28% three point percentage and both hit consecutive shots getting their team back to 25-22. However the story of the game was Jules Akodo who had the audacity and skill of hitting big shots whenever Urspring had retrieved the momentum and was threatening to narrow the lead as he nailed a three pointer for the 28-22 advantage. Then it was 17 year old Trtovac who used his massive body and 112 kilos to muscle home a lay in after getting the perfect feed from Musovic. Then Urspring got free throws from Schaffer and he then made a steal and went coast to coast catching the Eintracht Frankfurt transition defense napping as they narrowed the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 30-26. However then as if the basketball god had addressed him to stop that Urspring comeback again, it was Akodo again stopping the opponents new comeback run with another three pointer and lay in as Eintracht Frankfurt led 35-26. Maximillian Eisele closed out the second quarter with free throws, but Eintracht Frankfurt led 35-28. Eintracht Frankfurt drastically improved their shooting in the second quarter as now they were shooting 48% from the field and 50% from the three point line while Urspring was shooting 24% from the field and 29% from the three point line. Eintracht Frankfurt still had the overwhelming 25-13 rebound edge, but had 11 turnovers while Urspring had five turnovers.

In the third quarter Team Urspring continued to fight and stayed on the heels of Eintracht Frankfurt, but still couldn´t put together the complete package to retake the lead. Armin Musovic started off the scoring in the third quarter with a pretty left hand lay in. Here and there Urspring would showcase outstanding ball movement and when they did they would be rewarded as Lars Berger connected on an open three point bomb cutting the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 38-32. Trtovac then displayed old school basketball hitting a hook shot and Eisele made a shot as Eintracht Frankfurt led 40-35. Akodo was always preying on that opportunity to capitalize on an Urspring mistake and did as Agva missed three of four free throws and then upped the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 45-36 hitting consecutive buckets with a three pointer and lay in. Despite missing another two free throws, Agva erased his mistakes getting a three pointer and free throw as Urspirng trailed 45-41. Now it was time for another magical act from Akodo which he did with a lay in, but he was also aided by his teammate 18 year old 190cm shooting guard Can Akbayar who nailed two three pointers once again halting the Urspring come back as Eintracht Frankfurt led 54-45 after three quarters. Eintracht Frankfurt continued to have high shooting percentages as they were shooting 47% from the field and 56% from the parking lot while Urspring was shooting 32% from the field and 38% from the parking lot. Eintracht Frankfurt still had the huge rebound advantage 34-23, but coughed up the ball 13 times while Urspring had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter despite Eintracht Frankfurt starting off with an 8-0 run Urspring was able to stage one last comeback, but came up short as time ran out. In the 8-0 run it was Musovic who hit consecutive three pointers and Niklas Kiel got busy on the offensive glass swiping an offensive rebound and registering the put back as Eintracht Frankfurt led 62-45. Despite this 8-0 shock from Eintracht Frankfurt, Urspring wasn´t impressed and was able to close out the game on a positive note finishing with a 15-4 run, but fell short losing 67-60. In the run it was Agva doing damage scoring on the pick and role from Eisele and hitting a three pointer. Urspring 17 year old small forward Benaissa Traore also added production with a three pointer and put back. Eintracht Frankfurt couldn´t muster more than Lennart Okeke free throws and a Mihaljevic step back jumper, but Eintracht Frankfurt played exceptional for 36 minutes and at the end what counts was the win. Eintracht Frankfurt was led by Jules Akodo with 22 points. Armin Musovic added 12 points and six assists. Team Urspring was led by Mahir Agva with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Maximillian Eisele added 12 points and Nikolaus Schaffer contributed 11 points. Eintracht Frankfurt finished the game shooting 45% from the field and 44% from outside while Team Urspring shot 34% from the field and 36% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt dominated the rebound battle 44-31, but ended with a disappointing 20 turnovers while Urspring had 14 turnovers.