Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England and was one of the 12 best players in Great Britain in 2013 and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the Beko BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for  Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 92-85 win against Phoenix Hagen.

 

Congrats Myles on the huge 92-85 win at home against Phoenix Hagen snapping a nine game losing streak. Was this the worst losing streak in your career? How difficult was it staying focused and not getting too down?

Thank you. Yes it was one of the worst. It wasn’t difficult to keep focused because we wanted so badly to win.

How important was it getting a win after losing the first two games under new head coach Muli Katzurin? Was the faith still as strong as when he first came on board last week?

It was very important to get us back on the right track.yes we didn’t let the first two losses get us down.

It was a high scoring game which fits the style of Phoenix Hagen. What in the end was key for getting the win?

We had a good rotation and everyone who came in contributed offensively and defensively.

Was it holding the dangerous penetrator point guard Zamal Nixon to one point half of the rent for getting the win?

Yes, credit to our guards for playing great defense on him and Bell.

Sergio Kerusch made his debut scoring 11 points in 13 minutes being very effective. How impressed have you been with his quick transition to the team and what will be his biggest strength that he will give the team?

Sergio is a good teammate and a talented player. His energy and athleticism will really help us.

With Lorenzo Williams and Jerry Smith the team has a very solid point guard duo. How confident are you that with them they will lead the team to stay in the BBL?

I am very confident with them at the point guard spot, they are both experienced and reliable players.

The team had six guys contribute scoring in double figures. Is that focus of team basketball back with the team which it already possessed earlier in the season?

Yeah it was a great team effort. Playing games like that were everyone gets touches and plays together are the best.

You were team top scorer with 21 points and have heightened your game in the last weeks. Do. you see your role changing under the new head coach Katzurin?

Yes my role has changed a bit under the new coach. I just try to do whatever it is I can to help the team win

 

What has been your impression of Muli Katzurin. He is a very tough coach and stresses defense. What has impressed you most about his philosophy in the early going?

I like how direct he is in knowing what he wants us to do at both ends of the court.

English player Orlan Jackman told me that you would have no chance against him in a one on one battle on the court. How do you see a match ending between you too?

haha Orlan is a very talented player, I am not one to back away from challenge, it would be an interesting game thats all I will say.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Nightcrawler

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

Orlan Jackman is a 26 year old 201cm forward playing his second season with the NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Seminole State (JUCO).He then played two years at Oklahoma City University (NAIA): 27 games: 13.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 69.6%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with the London Lions (BBL) playing 30 games: 16.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 60.8%. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Thanks Orlan for talking to German HoopsYou are playing your second season in Germany with the Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos. What have you learned to appreciate the most about the country Germany on and off the court?

The things about Germany I like a lot is how friendly and welcoming the city of Iserlohn was when I first arrived.

The Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos are playing a great season so far having a 15-3 record. Are you surprised the club has played so well considering it came from the Regionaliga?

Last year, we were told that Regionaligga West was the toughest out of the the Regionaligas and also that the level of competition is not very different in the Pro B and so I am not surprised by how well we are doing. We have worked hard for what we have so far and will continue working until May.

 

The club has only two import players and many young German players. What has been the secret of the success of the team?

The secret to our success is a secret… hahahaha if I told you then it wouldn’t be a secret any more.

 

How important have Germans Thomas Reuter and Yannik Opitz been this season. How have you seen their development continue?

All of our players are important German, English, American, old, and young. Thomas and Yannick are very important players for us and have made important plays on both, ask Schewlm. Their development is going extremely well as the team continues to gel together.

You are the leading scorer and rebounder on the team. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

A hidden strength of mine, probably being a team player. I truly believe that a team wins a game. If I was to have a good game, it would be because my team helped me have a good game and not because I made shots or something and my teammates know this.

Does this Iserlohn team have the capability of moving up to the German Pro A next season?

If we play the defense that we are able to play and do it better in the playoffs then I honestly believe that Iserlohn will be in the Pro A next year.

 

What do you appreciate most about head coach Matthias Grothe? How has your game developed best under his guidance?

Matthias is a brilliant coach that loves the game and wants to see Iserlohn do well. I appreciate the extra effort that coach does to make the team enjoy practice while learning about basketball and promoting team chemistry. My game has developed leaps and bounds under his guidance. Personally, I believe decision making has improved as I am turning the ball over less and FG% from everywhere as well as enjoyment which is why people play sport in the first place, For the love of the game.

Your stats are pretty much the same from last season in the Regionaliga. What for you has been the biggest adjustment you had to make coming to the German Pro B?

The adjustment was being more of a leader. The team looks up to me because I am the import player and I notice that whenever we (the team) enter into a difficult or unknown situation, I am the one that is looked upon to do something about it so far I am doing okay but I need to improve, there is always room for improvement no matter what.

What was your wake up call to being a professional in your rookie season with the London Lions (BBL) where you knew ok I have arrived as a professional?

My wake up call was when I laced up for the first game, an away game in Manchester, and realized that the days of playing about people of similar age are over. Time to be a man or run like a boy.

When you look back at how your career has come along going form a JUCO school to an NAIA school to being a part of the British national team and professional in Germany what do you think was the biggest factor that has gotten you this far?

A good network of people supporting me from when I first started playing and telling me that anything is achievable as long as you work for what you want and to work hard with what you have been given. And to NEVER give up, just look at what my brother Jermain Jackman is doing in the UK. He has the same belief as I do.

Errick Mccollum played in the NAIA and currently is averaging 39 points in China and recently scored 82 points a game. How much does his story make you want to keep working hard seeing how far he has come coming from an NAIA school?

His story is great for anyone that thinks because you attended an NAIA that sports is over once you graduate.

In 2013 you were part of the British national team. What kind of experience was that coming off a huge London Summer league?

Getting to be a part of a National Team is an amazing feeling. Firstly, to be considered the top of your craft and to see that the hard work that has put in is being recognized by those who know what is going on.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Myles Hesson?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA a 1 on 1 between me and Birmingham’s Finest… Sorry Myles but I have to go with me hahahaha

How do you get Matthias Grothe to laugh?

You do not get Matthias to laugh during practice, errrmm maybe during video if he asks what a good shot is and you say it is because of Splash O (Olaf Rostek).

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I watched was Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Juice In The Hood.

 

Thanks for Orlan for the chat.

 

 

Even if professional basketball players all had their games last weekend, it wasn´t difficult to get lost in the 2015 NBA Allstar weekend festivities as fans were hand fed amazing feats as Russell Westbrook scorched the East team with 41 points including a record 27 second half points, Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry won the three point shooting contest nailing 27 points and new dunk sensation Zach Lavine brought back some hope winning the slam dunk contest to a seemingly dwindling competition as the Vince Carter´s and Dominique Wilkins of yesterday are a distant memory to what innovation and skill once was. With the NBA allstar weekend in New York 72 hours old, there was enough time for Den Bosch guard Brandyn Curry to concentrate on Eurochallenge play even if his experiences in the last weeks had been as difficult as it is for a Yale fan to put on a Harvard jersey. In the last weeks, the ex Harvard Crimsen guard had been involved in some very spectacular games as he lost a hard fought battle in Frankfurt almost leading his team to victory with 27 points, a week later hit a game winner against Tartu Rock steering 20 points, then lost back to back games against Russian team Avtodor Saratov including a double OT loss at home where they were leading by 10 points with three minutes to play, but threw the game away. Instead of possibly being 3-1, Den Bosch was 1-3 having lost the three games combined only by 10 points and now had a do or die game in their own living room against the Fraport Skyliners who came into the game with a 3-1 record and could clinch a berth in the quarterfinals with a victory. For Popeye the sailor man giving his body some spinach some extra energy to perform at the highest level is a given, but if Curry gave his system a few portions of cheese cake before the game was unknown as that was a food he liked in his high school cafeteria and it is no secret that yummy cheese cake can be found in Holland but he got going again, but left the floor as a looser again for the third consecutive Eurochallenge game 94-92 in double OT as the SPM Shoeters lost all three games by a combined score of only seven points. If there is any consolation he won the head to head duel against future NBA player Justin Cobbs again outscoring him 26-23, but didn´t get the ticket to the Eurochallenge quarterfinals which Frankfurt did. “This was a tough game and it has been just such a crazy experience the last weeks with all the close loses. We could have been 4-1, but it goes to show that you have to pay attention to minor details if you want to win the close games. This game was a battle that saw both teams having the game on the line. We made a great comeback, but my tip my hat to Frankfurt who played great. The battle against Cobbs was great. I couldn´t take any plays off and couldn´t gamble the way I wanted to because he is always attacking the basket”, stressed ex Harvard guard Brandyn Curry. After the win Justin Cobbs departed the locker room like always donning a Los Angeles Dodgers hat and one wouldn´t have known if Frankfurt had lost by 40, won by 30 or won on a buzzer beater, because his expression is always the same and he was proud of his team making history and reaching the first quarterfinal and talked about the rookie C goals of both him and Curry. “It means a lot to have made history and I take a lot of pride in this team. We kept our composure and made plays when we had to. I think if we keep playing this well sky is the limit for us. It was another great battle against Curry. He made shots when he had to. His goal of being the best point guard in Europe is great and my goal is to play in the NBA with Lebron, Kobe and my cousin Russell Westbrock. We all have different goals”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Justin Cobbs. After having a cold 1/10 shooting day in Frankfurt with seven points, Georgia native Chris Denson was the game´s high scorer with 28 points, but like Curry was unable to get his team over the hump in crunch time. “This loss really hurts. Frankfurt is a good team. Their defense hurt us in the first half as they were very physical. They did a good job taking away the things we do well, but we regrouped came back in the second half and the game could of gone either way”, stressed SPM Shoeters Den Bosch guard Chris Denson.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game without Mike Morrison, Konstantin Klein and Danilo Barthel all out to injury and didn´t waste anytime getting off to a hot start taking a 15-2 lead as the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch looked like they still had not recovered from the carnival festivities that had accompanied the Dutch city days before. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners demonstrated a sound inside out game as Sean Armand connected on his first two jumpers and Quantez Robertson followed with a step back jumper. Frankfurt then got more production from downtown as Canadian Aaron Doornekamp and Robertson fired home three pointers. Den Bosch seemed a bit nervous and like a 6 year old kid that has that angst of the first day of school. Frankfurt was defending like a nasty lion forcing Den Bosch to unwanted turnovers. In the down stretch of the first quarter, Frankfurt finally got production from their big men as German national player Johannes Voigtmann hit a step back jumper and Johannes Richter added a tip in at the buzzer. Den Bosch got needed production from 31 year old center Marcel Arts who is playing his 13^th season with the team and twice showed the young German centers old school moves with a slick finger tip role in that had Voigtmann wondering how he managed to slip that by him and another lay in as he tip toed inside for the clean finish. After one quarter the Fraport Skyliners had the comfortable 19-8 advantage. “Frankfurt started the game with strong intensity. We moved the ball very well on offense and were talking on defense”, stated Gordon Herbet son Daniel Herbert. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 50% from outside while Den Bosch was shooting30% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 13-6 rebound edge and both teams had five turnovers a piece.

The Fraport Skyliners kept their momentum in the second quarter until the mid way point where they lost some of their intensity letting Den Bosch put a dent into their play finishing the second quarter with a 11-2 run to lead 39-28 after 10 minutes. Den Bosch got on the board first with a Curry floater, but Frankfurt then quickly rushed out on a 13-4 run to lead 32-14. In this run the unsung hero was Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi that once again defined what the ultimate team player is as he assisted on three consecutive Frankfurt buckets giving up a good shot for a great shot as he found Justin Cobbs parked all alone in the corner for three, then penetrated, but saw the better positioned Voigtman for the put back and then fed Doornekamp for an open outside shot. Steffan Wessels of Den Bosch that played his 47^th Eurochallenge game and has won four Dutch league titles interrupted the Frankfurt run with a three pointer. Frankfurt then got a massive two handed dunk from Voigtman who was set up by Doornekamp and Sean Armand then made a steal feeding Doornekamp for the easy lay in as Frankfurt was in command 37-17. Frankfurt continued to have an offensive flow and combined good defense with stronger offense. However as so often is the case, the game received a rift as the home team finally found some consistency on offense as ex Auburn guard Chris Denson started to get hot as his penetration was baffling Frankfurt until halftime leading Den Bosch on a 11-3 run into halftime notching eight points as the Dutch team trailed only 39-28. Dension scored twice with his bread and butter penetration and dropped four free throws. “Frankfurt wasn´t moving the ball well, played too much one on one and it wasn´t so much about the play of Den Bosch, but more about us”, stressed Daniel Herbert. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 40% from the three point line while the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch was shooting 40% from the field and 14,3% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 22-11 rebound advantage, but 11 turnovers while Den Bosch had eight turrnovers.

In the third quarter the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch continued to be a thorn in the side of the Fraport Skyliners never going away, but continuing to hammer on the back door of Frankfurt that kept a healthy lead until the end where a Dutch run cut the Frankfurt lead to 55-48. Chris Denson got Den Bosch on the board first with an off balance runner, but Frankfurrt countered with a staggering 7-0 run as Doornekamp scored back door, Robertson nailed a three pointer and Cobbs buried free throws as Frankfurt led 46-31. Wessels then hit a big three pointer while Doornekamp scored inside as Frankfurt led 50-35. Den Bosch finished off the third quarter with a timely 13-5 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 55-48. North Carolina native Brandyn Curry got Den Bosch flying as he got back to back buckets scoring on hard penetration and then getting a steal and going coast to coast. Curry then showed why he is a floor general setting up Wessels with a no look pass for the easy basket as Den Bosch was coming back trailing 50-41. However with the momentum on the side of the Dutch squad, Cobbs came back and with his typical coolness and nailed a in your face jumper giving Frankfurt the 52-41 advantage. Despite a Jacob Burtschi three pointer Den Bosch finished off the third quarter with key three pointers from Arvin Slagter and Kees Akerboom capitalizing off two consecutive Frankfurt defensive miscues. “We weren´t as focused in the last five minutes and they showed that they are a great team staging a comeback”, stressed Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 37% from the parking lot while the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch were shooting 47% from the field and 30% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 31-15 rebound edge, but 16 turnovers while Den Bosch had 11 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch continued to be on the comeback quest and forced the game into overtime. The Fraport Skyliners got off to a horrible start getting four team fouls in the first 49 seconds and already had five team fouls with two minutes played. Den Bosch fed off the Frankfurt foul turmoil going on a mini 4-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 55-52 as Slagter hit free throws and Aarts connected on a broken ally op play. Frankfurt responded in fine fashion going on a 6-0 run to lead more comfortably 61-52 as Tez made free throws and Cobbs hit free throws and connected on a pull up jumper. However every time when it seemed like Frankfurt might make that long awaited run, it was halted by lightening offense from Den Bosch as Curry nailed a three pointer and Denson hurt Frankfurt once again with the penetration as Frankfurt led 61-57. The game remained dramatic and exciting as both teams fought with intensity and no one could ultimately break way. Voigtmann hit a beautiful baby hook shot, but Curry responded with a huge three pointer to cut the Frankfurt lead to 63-60. After Doornekamp made free throws, it was the rookie c & c show of Curry and Cobbs as they both seemed to want to take command as Curry scored twice inside and Cobbs did once as Frankfurt led 67-66. At the 1.26 mark of the fourth quarter it was three point specialist Slagter that gave Den Bosch their first lead of the game 68-67 with free throws. Cobbs then made free throws, but Denson hit a runner over Doornekamp to give Den Bosch the 70-69 advantage. Voigtman then made one free throw to tie the game at 70-70. After Denson had an air ball Frankfurt had one last possession with 12 seconds, but had three opportunities, but failed to win the game sending it into overtime. “It was fun watching Cobbs and Curry create, lead and battle down the stretch”, stated Jacob Burtschi. “We went to zone after seeing they kept running the same play. We increased our defensive intensity”, stressed Den Bosch guard Chris Denson.

The SPM Shoeters Den Bosch got off to a fast 4-0 run in overtime as Slagter made free throws and Wessels scored inside getting the perfect shovel pass form Curry for the 74-70 lead. This didn´t impress Frankfurt in the least as Super Tez dropped a three pointer and free throw to tie the contest at 74-74. The game continued to remain even as Curry hit a runner over Voigtmann and Cobbs kept his cool and made free throws as the game was deadlocked at 76-76. Then it was Doornekamp who dished out a team high four assists finding Voigtmann for the put back. Wessels then made one free throw while Cobbs hit two as Frankfurt led 80-77 with little time remaining. Curry then stood at the free throw line and had to make one and miss the second, but instead missed both and Den Bosch made a tip out that somehow reached Wessels in the corner and he nailed a hail mary kind of shot that found nothing but net and sent the game into a second overtime at 80-80. The shot in a way was similar to a Justin Cobbs buzzer beater he hit with California(NCAA) over Arizona in the only difference being that the Cobbs one was more graceful. “I didn´t know that the Wessels shot was going in, but I am happy it did. The arena was so loud after that”, added Chris Denson. “I was mad I didn´t make the free throw, but Wessels made a huge shot and I knew it was going in as it reminded me off that crazy shot Fortson made”, added Brandyn Curry. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 29% from outside while Den Bosch was shooting 39% from the field and 29% from outside. Frankfurt had the big 47-30 rebound edge, but 21 turnovers while Den Bosch had 14 turnovers.

The second overtime remained tight, but the Fraport Skyliners took control and except for one lead change were the better team doing the little things better that counted and hitting big shots when it counted and getting the win and clinching a ticket to the Eurochallenge quarterfinal. Sean Armand got Frankfurt on the board first nailing a three pointer for the 83-80 lead. After a Denson free throw, he struck back making a bomb from outside and giving Den Bosch the 84-83 lead. Frankfurt continued to be very aggressive on offense as Armand and Cobbs hit free throws for the 86-84 advantage. Denson then tied the game at 86-86 sinking a pair of free throws. Frankfurt always seemed to have their nose a bit more ahead then Den Bosch taking the 89-86 lead as the Baaken Bears honey stopper Johannes Richter made one free throw and Armand hit a huge off balance shot. Denson kept Den Bosch close with free throws to cut the Frankfurt lead to 89-88, but then it was Jacob Burtschi who was left all alone at the top of the key drowning a three pointer like there was no tomorrow as Frankfurt led 92-88 with under a minute to play which was the first match point. Winston Salem native Reggie Johnson who played at Miami(NCAA) with New York Knicks guard Shane Larkin could only make one free throw. Armand then nailed two free throws to add insurance and ultimately sealing the win as Frankfurt led 94-89 with 10 seconds to play. It was only natural that Kees Akeerboom who came into the game having shot 13/18 from downtown in both Avtodor games to nail a buzzer beater, but Den Bosch had a few more seconds too little as they lost 94-92. “Both teams were tired. We got good looks, but just couldn´t make shots. Denson made good decisions and took shots he would usually make in practice”, added Brandyn Curry. “We came together at the end which was key for the win. We got big offensive rebounds from Voigtmann and Doornekamp and Burtschi hit a big shot. We got stops late and the team came together and all made plays”, stressed Justin Cobbs. “We played hard and were tired, but that is no excuse for the loss. Our switching hurt us at the end. Richter got a big rebound and we had a defensive miscommunication which left Burtschi wide open for the big shot. Frankfurt is really solid and can play with any team in Europe when they are healthy. They will go far in the Eurochallenge”, warned”, added Chris Denson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Cobbs with 23 points. Aaron Doornekamp scored 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists. Quantez Robertson added 16 points, six boards and three steals. Johannes Voigtmann added 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Sean Armand contributed 11 points. The SPM Shoeters Den Bosch were led by Chris Denson with 28 points and Brandon Curry added 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Stefan Wessels chipped in with 14 points while Arvin Slagter added 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 29% from outside while the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch shot 45% from the field and 33% from outside. Frankfurt dominated the rebounding 52-35, but coughed up the ball 21 times while Den Bosch did 15 times.

Brandyn Curry is a 23 year old 187cm point guard from Huntersville, North Carolina that is a rookie and playing his first season in Europe for the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie). He played four years at Harvard(NCAA) playing a total of 113 NCAA games and as a senior played 23 games averaging 9.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 58.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners in Den Bosch.

 

 

Hi Brandyn thanks for talking to German Hoops. The past days there has been carnival feeling in certain parts in Germany. Have you been able to see anything or is Den Bosch quiet this weekend?

Den Bosch was anything but quiet this weekend. They have their 4 day carnaval celebration that started Saturday night. Its the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in person. They definitely party hard here.

 

Den Bosch recently suffered a narrow 69-63 loss on Valentines day against Gronningen. You battle against different point guards each week, but what kind of a challenge was it battling against the physical and wide Lance Jeter?

Playing against Lance Jeter was certainly a different but still really tough challenge. Completely opposite of my matchup with Courtney Fortson who is small and super quick, Lance is probably the strongest guard I have gone up against. He is tough to stop in the full court with his strength and is a very good shooter as well.

As a rookie how have you coped with the two game per week schedule of the Dutch league and Eurochallenge play? Especially last week you had a tiring trip to Russia. What will you never forget from that journey?

Well at Harvard we played back-to-back games every week on friday and saturday for conference play so the two games a week is no big deal for me. These past week we had 3 games in 6 days with two of the 3 non game days being 16 hours trips to and from Russia. I will never forget the epic snowball fight we had as a team while walking around in Russia when we first got there. Everyone was in on it including the coaches ha.

The game of basketball can be an annoying game at times. Den Bosch is 1-3 at the moment, but if a few bounces had gone differently could be 4-1. You lost in Frankfurt 75-70 where you were on fire, should of beat Avtodor at home and then lost at Avtodor 89-85. How often have you still had these games on your mind in the past?

Yeah you are right about that and its tough knowing we had those games and kind of beat ourselves which is very frustrating. But at the same time we cant sit here and dwell on the past. We learned from our mistakes and are a better team from those games. We proved that when we play our game we can play with anyone. Now we just have to finish games out.

Was there a loss at Harvard that you could have put in the same category of bitterness as the 108-107 double OT loss against Avtodor? Was the team able to forget this loss or does it still creep into talks with the players?

The only loss worst then the Avtodor game at home was when we lost to Princeton on a game winning shot as time expired. It was so devastating because it was the tiebreaker game where the winner went into the NCAA Tournament. I had just hit the go ahead bucket with 2.9 seconds left on the clock before Douglas Davis hit the game winning jumper. Worst loss of my career. We have come to terms with the loss and don’t really talk about it. We realize we really gave it away but like I said all we can do is learn from it and move on which we have.

This week the Fraport Skyliners meet Den Bosch in Holland as you have a must win and Frankfurt can clinch a spot in the Quarterfinals. How much revenge feeling do you have and can we await a spirited defensive performance by the Dutch team?

Oh yeah you can believe that we will be throwing our all out there on the court this Wednesday against Frankfurt. Its all or nothing and we know how close we were to winning that game at their place. Its going to be a battle

Do you think with your 26 point effort against ratiopharm ulm and 27 points against the Fraport Skyliners that some German BBL teams took notice. Did these good performances add a little more self confidence to your game?

You know I really don’t know if other teams in the German BBL took notice of my performances. Like I said before my goal is to be one of the top guards in Europe so I’m just trying to show I can play with the best of them. All I can do is give my best effort and hopefully people with notice. Those performances definitely give me more confidence. Always good to do well against the best competition.

Since his 1/10 shooting game and seven points in Frankfurt, your teammate Chris Denson has picked up his game again. Will we see a totally different Denson against Frankfurt than what we saw in Frankfurt?

Yeah for sure. He is a top scorer in the league for a reason. That was a rough game for him but Chris is a monster scorer and that kind of game will happen once in a blue moon. Look for him to be back to his normal self this Wednesday.

 

What was your take on the 2015 NBA Allstar weekend? Where will you see a Stephen Curry in 2-3 years in top players in the NBA and is Zack Lavine the real deal?

I didn’t get to watch a lot of it because my girlfriend is here visiting so I was busy showing here around and celebrating her birthday (which is valentines day) but it was entertaining like always. Of course the game was crazy high scoring and the contests were all good. I think Steph has proven he is without a doubt a top player in the NBA and in 2-3 years will be the best point guard in the NBA. I love his game and he continues to get better every year. Definitely a player I am trying to emulate. I´m not completely convinced Zach Lavine is the real deal on the court yet. he is for sure one of the greatest leapers to ever play the game but i´m not sold on him being the next Westbrook like everyone claims he will be

When will we see a yo yo dribble from you? Have you ever tried it and what is your opinion about this new craze in basketball?

Ha probably wont see a yo yo dribble from me this year at all. Got to practice it first so maybe next year! No I’ve never tried it but I think its actually a deadly fake in the right situation. I remember “the professor” using it in AND1 street ball years back but I never thought I would see it used in the NBA. Just shows how players are always looking for new moves to use. One of the reason I love the sport so much

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie I watched was the Interview. I had heard mixed reviews but I thought it was really funny. I liked it!

 

Thanks Brandyn for the chat.

 

Chris Denson is a 23 year old 188cm guard from Midland, Georgia that is playing his rookie season for the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie). H eplayed at Auburn form 2010-2014 playing a total of 100 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 30 games averaging 19.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 65.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners in Den Bosch

 

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops Den Bosch averaged 99 points in the last four Dutch league games before losing 69-63 to Gronningen. Why was the team unable to do more damage on offense?

 

We missed a ton of shots and good looks against our last opponent Gronningen. Not taking anything away from them. But we shot and played horrible the whole game and had more turnovers than assists. It’s hard to beat anyone playing like that. We also had 3 games in 6 days so I think fatigue set in a little bit. We had a couple off days since then to get our legs back under us for our game against Frankfurt.

 

 

What was it like playing against the physical presence of Lance Jeter who scored 18 points? How thrilling is it in general for you to meet new guards each weekend in league play?

 

Lance Jeter is a very good ball player and like you said very physical on defense and offense and I believe he can play anywhere in Europe. I just like the challenge and just love the thrill of battling and going against good guards in our leagues and in the EuroChallenge.

 

 

Basketball can be so annoying. The SPM Shoeters are 1-3 in Eurochallenge play, but easily could be 3-1 had they won the two close games to Avtodor Saratov which they lost by a combined score of five points. How often do these two games creep up in your mind or have you been able to erase it from your memory bank?

 

Those type of losses stay with you for a while especially when you know you had the game won and just handed it to the other team. But it’s the past and definitely have to move forward and put those losses behind us. We know we are 1-3 and let the opportunities past us by. But we still have a chance to go to the next round if we play the point differential. That’s our mindset and thats what we are trying to accomplish.

 

 

 

Especially the 108-107 2OT loss at home to Avtodor was bitter since you led by 10 points with three minutes to play. Do you remember having a loss like that at Auburn?

 

Yes, that Saratov game was one of the craziest sequences of basketball I’ve ever seen in my life. No, I have never experienced a lost like that at Auburn. This was the first time, but it will definitely be our last.

 

 

The SPM Shoeters have a do or die game against the 3-1 Fraport Skyliners who could even loss by four points and win the head to head battle. With what kind of mindset is the team going into the game?

You said exactly what our mindset is….. “Do or Die” We know what we have to do if we are trying to go to the next round. We plan on giving 110% for ALL 40 minutes because we as a whole want this victory so bad against Frankfurt. You won’t see a single person on our team not giving their most effort against the Skyliners.

 

How confident are you that had you shot better than 1/10 in Frankfurt combined with the 27 points of Brandyn Curry that you would have won the game?

I’m pretty confident if I would have chipped in more points we had a chance to win. But with me going for 1 for 10 we were still winning the game in the 4th. Until we made a couple of bonehead plays. But yes I think when me and Brandyn Curry are both clicking and scoring. We are a force to be wreckend with in Europe.

 

In the last two games you were 10/26 against Avtodor Saratov, but I am sure that you still want to shoot better. Having a good game from you will be vital. How confident are you that Frankfurt will see a different Chris Denson this time around?

Yes my last two games haven’t been the best, and I think that is due to me rushing and forcing my shot a little bit instead of letting the game come to me. Every time I take what the defense gives me I have a productive day. But I feel really good about tomorrow’s game and I’m confident that this time things will be different with my performance.

 

Did Kees Akerboom change his diet before the last two games against Avtodor Saratov? He shot an amazing 13/18 from outside. A shame his hot shooting didn´t get rewarded with at least one win. How important a teammate has he been for the team this season?

Haha. No Kees Akerboom didn’t change his eating ways before the game. He’s just in my eyes one of the best shooters that I’ve ever seen. Kees has been vital to our team this year in so many ways. First, being the leader and anchor of this team since his long history here with the team. And especially offensively where he rarely makes mistakes and hits ALL the clutch shots when we need him too. Without Kees we wouldn’t be here.

The Fraport Skyliners will be without German national player Danilo Barthel, but have new player energy spark Jacob Burtschi. What kind of game can we await? Den Bosch needs to win while Frankfurt isn´t under pressure needing to perform. Could this be another low scoring game?

Well I know we don’t want to it be a low scoring game because we want to win by the most points possible. And we are expecting to push the ball on every miss and play at a fast pace every chance we get. We don’t care if they don’t feel pressure about winning this game because we do.

 

 

How did you experience your first carnival season in Den Bosch? Were you forced to get dressed up and did you experience anything crazy in the streets?

Carnival is crazy. Only been out and seen what takes place only for one day though. And no me and the other Americans didn’t dress up but we really didn’t see anything too crazy. Just everyone having a good time and dressed up in funny costumes and cups and trash everywhere. haha. Reminded me of Madi Gras in the states.

 

When will we see a yo yo dribble from you? Have you ever tried it and what is your opinion about this new craze in basketball?

Haha. You might see the yo yo dribble if the opportunity is there. I’ve tried it in practice and for fun but not in a game yet. And I’m not too crazy about it I’ve seen only a couple people actually do it in a game.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Last Movie I watched was “He Got Game”. Best basketball movie ever.

 

Thanks Chris for the chat.

 

 

 

Andrew Bock is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Rialto, California that is playing his rookies eason in Germany for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. He started his basketball career at Creighton in 2009. He then transferred to Pacific (NCAA) and as a senior played 29 games averaging 11.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 87.9%. he spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Andrew thanks for talking to German Hoops. It took you quite a while to find a team as a professional. How difficult was it sitting at homes the last six months not knowing what your basketball future had in store. How did you get through this time and who was your biggest supporter?

 

It was a difficult time for me as I have been used to always playing. The biggest support came from my family. My college teammates kept me positive telling me to keep working and telling me I would get my chance.

 

 

In your first game as a Fraport Skyliner Junior you helped defeat Speyer 75-73 scoring seven points in 10 minutes. How did you see the style of play in comparison to NCAA play that you had experienced for four years?

 

I am getting in better rhythm and in the flow of the Pro B level. Two major differences that I have encountered is the first step which leads often to a traveling call and there are more big men in the Pro B that play that inside out game. The NCAA also is a bit faster.

 

 

How excited are you to play in the future more with Jules Akodo. How do you see you guys complimenting each others play on the court?

 

Jules is my roommate and we really are getting a good feel for each other on and off the court. We are always talking how we can help the team win. I think the team is starting to gel. It isn´t always easy as we don´t practice all always together as some practice with the BBL team.

 

 

What do you like most about the game of Jules Akodo?

 

He is so versatile. He can shoot the three and is a slasher. He is so young that I feel that he has a bright future.

 

 

Head coach Eric Detlev has lauded you as a point guard who can do many things. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away on the floor?

 

A hidden strength in my game is staying calm. No matter if we are up 10 points or down 10 points, I keep a level head. I just try to lead the team and not get high or low.

 

 

 

Which teammate has impressed you the most so far from what you have seen on the court?

 

Niklas Kiel has impressed me the most. I often tell him that he doesn´t know how good he is. He is one of the high ceilings here and he can do it all. He is only 17 years old and once he gets more experience, he will get even better.

 

 

 

You are also at games of the Fraport Skyliners. When you watch that level of play and players and guys like rookies Sean Armand and Justin Cobbs guys that played at the same level like you in the NCAA on what things does it make you tend to feel the need to work on the most?

 

Its all about opportunites. Armand and Cobbs are very good players. I feel like one needs to prove each game how good you are no matter at what level you are. I am learning how to lead a team, be aggressive and physical.

 

 

You are from Rialto, California, what NBA player was your role model growing up and to what player could you compare your style to?

 

Tony Parker was always one of my favorite players. I always liked how he controlled a game and attacking when needed. I like to attack in the lane, create for my teammates and hit the three. I like to get up and down the floor.

 

 

 

As a freshman you played at Creighton. What were the main reasons for moving on to Pacific?

 

Creighton is in Nebraska and I just wanted to be nearer to my family. With Pacific being in California my parents could come out to games more.

What was your fondest memory of big man Gregory Echenique who also played in Germany last season with Ludwigsburg?

 

He was a great guy. I met him early on when he came from Rutgers. He can score and rebound and he actually wanted me to remain at Creighton.

 

 

 

You hardly played in your first two seasons at Pacific. What did you learn the most in this time about basketball on and off the court?

 

This was the point where I grew the most as a player. I have learned the most in this time. I had always been used to playing and now I had to sit more as I played behind Lorenzo Mccloud. I picked his brain and learned from him waiting for my chance. I kept working so when I did get my chance I would be able to showcase my talent.

 

 

In your senior year you finally got playing time and averaged 11.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 87.9%. What was your fondest NCAA memory that season?

 

Beating BYU at home as it was a huge upset.

 

 

How did head coach Ron Verlin prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He told me that no matter the situation, do your part which you can control. He told me also always get better, help your team and play fearless and try not to think too much.

 

 

 

Last season you were teammates with young German David Taylor. How much potential does he have and how much more can he grow at the NCAA level?

 

He is very talented and is getting that feel for the NCAA. H eis very fast and this year is learning to control his speed. He is very humble and he also has a big future.

 

 

Alex Acker played in this gym 9 years ago in an exhibition game against Frankfurt. When you hear that name what does it remind you of? Have you met him at home?

 

 

I have met him. He is one of the best players to have come from Rialto. It is funny where basketball will take you. Sean Marshall who is playing in Europe and Marvelle Harris from Fresno State are also great players to come from Rialto.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Mike Moser.

 

 

 

What has been your impression of Skyliner Jacob Burtschi in the few days that you have seen him?

 

He has a very high basketball IQ. He is a very good shooter and will help the team.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Medea goes to jail.

 

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

 

 

 

Darryl Webb is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Elkridge, Maryland that is playing his fourth professional season and recently moved to the German Beko BBL team Mitteldeutscher BC. He started the season with BBC Monthey (Switzerland-LNA) playing 18 games: 15.8ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 62.5%. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Indiana, PA (NCAA2) and as a senior played 32 games: 17.4ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3Pts: 29.1%, 72.6%. IN 2011 he started his professional basketball career with the Crailsheim Merlins (Germany-ProA): 35 games: 15.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 66.4%. In the 2012-2013 season he played with Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 39 games: 14.3ppg, Reb-1(10.2rpg), 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 76.3%. Last season he played for the Hitachi Sunrockers Tokyo (Japan-NBL): 26 games: 13.2ppg, 9.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 60.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before giving his MBC debut with MBC against ratiopharm Ulm.

 

 

Darryl thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. How strange is it going to a team MBC that beat you with Crailsheim in 2012 in the Pro A playoffs to move back to the Beko BBL?

What I remember most from that series is me getting really sick on the way to MBC and I ended up not playing in a game we could have one. I’m just excited to get the opportunity to play in a well respected league and show I’m able to compete in this league despite my height.

The club is currently in 14th place with a record of 8-12 that is looking to find its rhythm again. The team also has had some changes bringing in Americans Mark Dorris and Beckham Wyrick. Do you see the team making a turn around in the last three months?

I think the team is just taking it one game at a time and trying to get better every day also doing whatever it takes to stay in the BBL.

You have practiced with the team for some days now. With Pantalic and Standhardinger at the four and five, how potent will the rebound work be now with you giving support on the offensive glass?

I think even before me coming here those guys were great when it came to rebounding. So now I’m just here to try to add to that.

 

You have come in to replace American rookie Ryan Nichols. You are a guy that can produce double double stats. Is this something that head coach Silvano Porpart is expecting form you or what exactly is your role?

Coach talked to me and told me he wants me to be an inside presence, rebound, and just be active on defense.

In a week you will play your ex team the Crailsheim Merlins. How excited are you to play against them again and are you surprised that they have only won three games this season?

To me it’s just another game that the team wants to win, as for them winning 3 games, I am sure it’s tough coming into the top league you don’t have all the pieces and guys haven’t played together as long as other teams have.

Mark Mr fantastic Dorris lives for his mid distance jumper. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do?

So far with Mark I think with him being so small him being able to dunk surprised me.

You recently played for BBC Monthey (Switzerland-LNA) producing very solid stats with playing 18 games: 15.8ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 62.5%-Why wasn´t this a fit for you until the end of the season?

I just wanted to try something new and get into a league that was higher up.

How much fun was it playing with ex Ohio State center Terrence Dials who surely made room for you to do your thing in the paint?

It was great playing with him he took up a lot of space and made it hard for teams to double and help.

After playing in Germany and Holland, you played for Hitachi Sunrockers Tokyo (Japan-NBL) two seasons ago. What kind of experience was that and what experience will you never forget about your time there?

Being in Japan the culture there was different, but they did have the places I liked such as Costco, outback, and Fridays so my time there wasn’t too bad.

You won the Dutch cup in 2013 with Landstede. What made this title experience so special?

We actually lost by 5 in the Dutch cup a game we should have won.

Your teammate at Landstede was Zach Novak who was a three year captain at Michigan(NCAA) and had a great rookie season. Did you ever suspect during that season that he would hang up his sneakers for good?

Yea I figured he would, he had already had a plan and just wanted to try out playing for one season

 

In our last interview three years ago you stated that I have to work on more things like pulling up off the dribble, getting to the basket quicker, and kicking it out quicker when the double team comes. On what aspect have you improved your game most since 2012?

Passing it out of the post quicker, getting to the basket quicker are things I’ve improved on, off the dribble not so much.

Now that you are back in Germany, what food did you miss the most?

The 99 cent cookies I always bought from the grocery store.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Home Alone 2.

 

Thanks Darryl for the chat.