When one looks back on the short stay of Dawan Robinson in Frankfurt, two things come to mind most with his amazing penetration skills and knack of getting buckets and his soft smile which is just a notch behind the more forceful smile that ex Giessen 46er Philadelphia native Michael Hakim Jordan showed on the floor, but then again there is something magical about those smiles that come from the city of brotherly love. Robinson´s stay in Frankfurt was a tale of two different tales as he was hauled in in December 2012 a few days after Christmas as the team had lost five of their last six games and had two very young point guards in Devin Gibson and Konstantin Klein. Robinson was brought in to give that veteran touch and right in his first game he helped the team to a win against Bayreuth scoring nine points in 13 minutes. Robinson wasn´t gold at first as it took some time for the team to gel under his guidance as the team then lost six of seven games, but then won three of the next four games beating top teams Alba Berlin and the Brose Baskets Bamberg. The season was a struggle, but when it counted most the team buckled down and won their last game of the season in a do or die game at home against Ludwigsburg. Robinson finished the season playing 15 games and averaging 12.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 80.3%. He was kept for the next season, but a new coach with Gordon Herbert came and they didn´t see eye to eye, but Robinson had no remorse about his stay in Frankfurt under Herbert. “There was never any chemistry between us. I think that was the problem. I respect him as a coach and I really think he is a good coach but we just didn’t click. I do think the point guard and the coach should have a great relationship and that wasn’t the case”, stressed Dawan Robinson. With Frankfurt Robinson played 5 games averaging 14.2ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3FGP: 6.7%, FT: 96.0. He then moved to GreenTops Netanya (Israel-Winner League) and rocked the league playing 24 games and was the second highest scorer in the league averaging 19.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 74.8%. He started this season with OpenjobMetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) playing 15 games averaging 16.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.4apg, 2FGP: 55.0%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 82.9%. Now Robinson is in Bamberg and will have to come to terms with strict Italian basketball mastermind Andrea Trinchieri and was back in Frankfurt for the first time since he left in October 2013 and helped lead Bamberg past the 2004 BBL champion Fraport Skyliners 85-69. After the game Robinson was all smiles and content about his homecoming, the Philly connection, but didn´t support Konstantin Klein´s statement that he always beat him at suicide sprints in practice. “It felt good to be back seeing old friends and coaches. For me it was just like any other game. I always loved the atmosphere here. The Philly connection works well and I worked out with Brad Wanamaker when we were younger. We feed off each other. He controls what is happening on the court and is the decision maker while I play more off the ball. I always beat Konsti at suicide sprints in practice. That athletic trainer Dennis Welm doesn´t remember has to be a Frankfurt connection”, smiled Dawan Robinson. “It was nice seeing Robinson again. He has so much experience and was very efficient today. This was definitely a good signing for Bamberg. I always won the suicide sprints”, stressed Konstantin Klein. Robinson and Wanamaker who both hail from the city of brotherly love Philadelphia combined for 26 of the Bamberg 85 points and Wanamaker also has been content with their play as a duo on the court. “I know Dawan from home. He has been here a few games and has already showed his leadership. He has already helped me improve and has been a great addition to the court. We are two guys that can create and that always makes it more difficult for the defense as we pose a tough match up”, stressed 2015 Beko BBL Allstar Brad Wanamker.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game with a 10 game winning streak at home and last lost a game in their comfy living room 110 days ago on the opening weekend of the season against ratiopharm in Octobert. The Fraport Skyliners had won their last three home games in the Eurochallenge and seven Beko BBL games, but one must add that they hadn´t had one of the top title candidate teams yet so meeting the Brose Baskets Bamberg was a huge task that they had to master. However in order to beat Bamberg one has to either play a perfect game or hope they have an off day, but instead Bamberg had a perfect day where the basket looked as large as an ocean for them and Frankfurt weren´t up to par with their defense schemes and couldn´t play consistent offense. “We fought hard and we really wanted to keep the winning streak going at home, but Bamberg was well organized and we just didn´t defend well on their penetration and on the pick and role. We tried to come back in the second half, but they hit three tough shots that broke our back”, stressed German national player Johannes Voigtmann. The Brose Baskets Bamberg have been the hottest team in the Beko BBL in the last month as they have defeated Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich and won eight games in a row in the German league. Bamberg played a very good game for 40 minutes and never gave the Fraport Skyliners a chance to come back whenever they were making a run. “The key for this win was our defense. It is never easy to win on the road, but we played as a team today. We have made the experience that when we play good defense that our offense also works well. When we shoot well then we are tough to beat”, stressed ex Minnesota(NCAA) forward Trevor Mbakwe who played a season there with Frankfurt Skyliner guard Justin Cobbs. Jermale Jones of Lich(PRO B) who rarely misses a Skyliner game was sitting first row with TV Langen forward Martinis Woody and had his own perspective after 40 minutes. “Bamberg was stronger, more physical, made the plays and hit shots. At the end it wasn´t the result Frankfurt wanted, but they fought hard”, added Jermale Jones.

Whenever Bamberg is in the building, it is more than likely that the arena will be sold out or close to it as 4,940 fans made the Sunday matinee and witnessed a blazing start by the 2000 BBL cup winner Fraport Skyliners who quickly led 7-3. The Fraport Skyliners twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann exploded for back to back dunks. Barthel and Josh Duncan who played at Xavier(NCAA) and in Israel the last four years connected for three pointers. Frankfurt caught Bamberg off guard as their intensity was very high as they were ready for the challenge. However Bamberg didn´t sit back and enjoy the Frankfurt show as they didn´t waste any time finding their rhythm going on a 6-3 run to dead lock the contest at 9-9. Bamberg was displaying a very versatile offense and already doing damage inside as Americans Ryan Thompson who played at Rider(NCAA) and in Belgium the last two seasons scored inside, Wanamaker hit a step back and Trevor Mbakwe made an ally-op connection from Daniel Theis. Mbakwe continued to hit shots, but before he did it was Barthel who electrified the arena getting around Theis and soaring to the rim from the wing with a massive one handed dunk. Mbakwe then had some fortune as his brick turned to gold falling in and then he scored in traffic as Bamberg led 14-11. Bamberg kept pouring on the pressure as whenever they put in new players they got support. Dawan Robinson was inserted and right away connected on an open three pointer. Wanamaker ended the first quarter with a lay in as the Brose Baskets Bamberg led 24-16 after one quarter. “Frankfurt started great and were hot, but Bamberg got better and had Brad Wanamaker who when in need was their go to guy. Bamberg also had great ball movement passing up good shots for better shots”, stressed TV Lich guard Jermale Jones. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were shooting 64% from the field and 67% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt had the 6-5 rebound edge, but four turnovers while Bamberg had two turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Brose Baskets Bamberg were able to extend their lead to as much as 16 points as they played perfect inside out basketball, but their penetration was deadly as the Fraport Skyliners had absolutely no remedy how to stop it. Bamberg started off the second quarter with a back door bucket from Robinson where Theis showed that passing is always an option for him. Quantez Robertson then showed his brilliant athleticism scoring inside. Bamberg then countered with possibly the best four man German combo ever with Harris and Theis even though when they are on the court at the same time they play the three and four position. Theis hit a jumper and then penetrated and shoveled the ball to Harris who made the easy dunk as Bamberg led 30-16. Even if Frankfurt could muster a mini 4-0 run with Voigtmann supplying two baskets, Bamberg had no real lulls on offense as they always had an answer going on a 9-4 run. Robinson nailed another three pointer as his bread and butter the penetration was left on the back burner more on this day. Wanamaker scored inside as Voigtmann was left in the dust and Thompson scored two buckets as Bamberg led 39-24. Robertson then scored inside again and Janis Strelnieks from Latvia and Sean Armand traded three point bombs, but Bamberg had the comfortable 42-29 advantage at halftime. “Bamberg was hurting Frankfurt with their big men who when they did pump fakes got the Frankfurt big men in the air which allowed them the option of driving or kicking it to the open shooters which worked very well. On defense Bamberg had their hands everywhere which hurt Frankfurt”, added American Jermale Jones. “If you play good defense then you can stop anyone on the penetration in the BBL, but we didn´t play good defense and paid for it”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Konstantin Klein. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were shooting 67% from the field and 57% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 54% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 11-10 rebound edge, but coughed up the ball seven times while Bamberg did four times.

In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners always had glimpses of fine offensive spurts, but couldn´t cut the Bamberg lead under ten points as the Bamberg offense continued to roll along. A good example of how Bamberg kept punishing the Fraport Skyliners happened in the first 30 seconds of the third quarter. Aaaron Doornekamp made a steal and made a quick pass to American Justin Cobbs who was all alone for the lay up on transition, but Brad Wanamaker came out of nowhere blocking him and on the next possession Josh Duncan hit a three pointer as Bamberg led 50-34. Frankfurt reacted well from that opening sequence going on a mini 4-0 run as Canadian Aaron Doornekamp hit an off balance shot and Robertson split the defense and made a hard two handed dunk as Frankfurt cut the Bamberg lead to 50-38. However Frankfurt would always make stupid turnovers which Bamberg capitalized on as Strelnieks hit a three pointer and scored inside as Bamberg led 59-41. The Frankfurt twin towers Barthel and Voigtmann remained aggressive inside scoring as Frankfurt trailed 59-46. However each time where it seemed like Frankfurt was threatening, Bamberg had an answer and this time it was Robinson who used his strength of using his physical body scoring inside and Theis nailed a three pointer as Bamberg led 64-48. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter strong with a mini 4-0 run as Mike Morrsion made a put back and Barthel scored inside, but the Brose Baskets Bamberg led 67-54 after 30 minutes. “We couldn´t come back because we continued to make dumb mistakes. They played good defense and continued to execute very well”, added Johannes Voigtmann. “We started off the third quarter slow, but we picked it up. We have to start third quarters stronger in the future”, said Dawan Robinson. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were shooting 65% from the field and 70% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 55% from the field and 18% from the parking lot. Bamberg was leading the rebound duel 18-15 and both teams had nine turnovers a piece.

The fourth quarter was a tale of three stories as the Brose Baskets Bamberg rolled out on a 5-0 run which was combated by a Frankfurt 9-0 run and Bamberg closed the door on Frankfurt with three consecutive contested shots with less than two seconds left on the shot clock. Bamberg started the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run as Robinson used the mismatch against Cobbs scoring inside easily and Bamberg then showed their unbelievable ability to share the ball as Strelnieks dropped a three pointer extending their lead to 72-54. The Fraport Skyliners then exerted that last ounce of energy powering out on a 9-0 run to get the spirits high again in the arena for the home team fans cutting the Bamberg lead to 72-63. In the run everything seemed to work for once in the game for Frankfurt as Super Tez Robertson hit a three pointer after Johannes Voigtmann did a good job kicking him the ball under the hoop in traffic as he wasn´t far from making atight line dance, the German then hit free throws and then made an ally-op lay in from Doornekamp. Justin Cobbs ended the run with a finger tip roll in. “It was a good comeback by Frankfurt. They got easy baskets and did good pressure defense”, added Jermale Jones. It seemed like Frankfurt now was ready to have a chance of regaining the lead, but Bamberg was ice cold and just slammed the door shut on Frankfurt without giving any warning. Bamberg nailed three consecutive shots extending their lead to 78-65, two from Josh Duncan and one from Daniel Theis with less than two seconds on the shot clock and so contested that one could only think “how did he hit that shot” after each attempt? “Those three shots closed the game for us. They were all off broken plays, but it sealed the deal for us and gave us breathing room”, commented Dawan Robinson. “I believe if Frankfurt had got those three stops then they would have won. That was the game changer. Those shots broke the back of Frankfurt and they couldn´t bounce back after that”, added Jermale Jones. Wanamaker then added salt to the wound of Frankfurt connecting on a jumper as Bamberg led 80-65. Cobbs hit free throws, Thompson hit a three pointer and Barthel ended the game with free throws. “For 30 minutes we didn´t show the kind of basketball that we are capable of. We were too slow, not aggressive and had no power”, added Konstantin Klein. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were led by Janis Strelnieks and Josh Duncan with 15 points a piece. Dawan Robinson and Brad Wanamaker added 13 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Danilo Barthel with 16 points. Johannes Voigtmann added 14 points. Justin Cobbs chipped in with 13 points and Quantez Robertson added 12 points. The Brose Baskets Bamberg finished the game shooting a ridiculous 66% from the field and 69% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners finished shooting 49% from the field and 23% from outside. Bamberg won the rebound battle 26-18, but had 15 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers.

 

The injury plague that hampered the Fraport Skyliners in the first half of the 2014-2015season was annoying and as unwanted as stepping on a hornet with your foot, but the 2004 Beko BBL champion did the best out of the situation and even if they were hurting, they didn´t display any uncomfort in their own comfortable and smug Fraport arena living room as they have been unbeaten since 106 days. The last loss for the Fraport Skyliners was on the first weekend of the regular season as they got outplayed at the end against ratiopharm Ulm and Skyliner rookie from Brooklyn New York Sean Armand got an introduction to German three point expertise as Philipp Schwethelm led Ulm to a 77-70 win leading all scorers with 22 points and nailed five three pointers. Since then the club has rattled off 10 wins in a row at home with seven in the Beko BBL and three in the Eurochallenge with consistent and stingy defense that has been a big key for their success as they have averaged giving up 69 points in their BBL games and 64 points in the three Eurochallenge games. Despite all the injuries that the club has had, the home court dominance and success must of prevented some new gray hairs for Frankfurt head coach Gordon Herbert in the last three months. Last week Herbert proclaimed that the team hasn´t been this healthy since two seasons. Last weekend the team won a huge road game in Ulm and the club had a deep roster with only German guard Konstantin Klein missing. With the round of 16 of the Eurochallenge having got under way, the Fraport Skyliners are healthy, have a 1-0 record after a huge road win at Tartu in Estonia and were shooting for their 10^th win in a row in their living room and with the chilly temperatures outside, the only thing missing was a hot fireplace next to the best seats in the house at midcourt to help make the atmosphere even more relaxing and the home team were focused and had to fight until the end to escape the hot shooting of Brandyn Mr cheesecake” Curry as Frankfurt won their fifth straight Eurochallenge game 75-70. The Fraport Skyliners continue to be undefeated as that home court dominance is superb. “We have had a long winning streak. As soon as we got our injured back things started to click. We had a tough start, but those first few wins gave us self confidence. We realized that we are a good team and continue to win here”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Mikko Koivisto. “All good teams win at home. We are the same as we haven´t lost at home either. Frankfurt showed that they are comfortable at home and their crowd gives them energy”, added Den Bosch point guard Brandyn Curry. The game itself was tight through out as both teams had their leads, but no team was able to get away from the other and get that big lead. The Fraport Skyliners had the stronger nerves at the end and showed their back breaking three point shooting strength. “Frankfurt won at the end because they were aggressive and played team basketball. They got some big three pointers and were able to contain Curry. Their biggest strength on the night were 23 assists and outrebounding them”, stated TV Langen American Martinis Woody. “The transition game of Frankfurt was key for them winning. They got off to strong start all on transition buckets and at the end hit three pointers all off the transition. They hit shots when they needed to”, added North Carolina native Brandyn Curry.

The Fraport Skyliners jumped on the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch from the get go taking the 7-0 lead. The German twin towers of Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann powered home consecutive dunks and Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs dropped a three pointer. However Den Bosch stayed alert and stormed back going on a 7-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 9-7. Curry scored the first Dutch points with a step back jumper, 13 year veteran Kees Akerboom nailed a three pointer and ex Miami(NCAA) big man Reggie Johnson hit a baby hook shot. The Frankfurt offense was flowing as the ball movement was on as Voigtmann made an easy lay in being fed by Armand and then the ex Iona(NCAA) shooting guard dropped a three point bomb as Frankfurt led 14-7. Frankfurt seemed to had been keying in more on the dangerous scoring Chris Denson and let Brandyn Curry test his solid 39,3% three pointing percentage from the Dutch league as he connected on back to back shots cutting the Frankfurt lead to 16-13. Frankfurt remained tough down the stretch as they continued to hit shots as Canadian Aaron Doornekamp made a three pointer and Justin Cobbs scored inside as he was fed perfectly from Quantez Robertson as Frankfurt led 21-13. Koivisto and Alvin Slagtar who won titles in Holland with ex BBL players Monta Mghee and Quenton Pryor at Leiden and Groningen hit consecutive three pointers. The Fraport Sklyiners led 24-17 after one quarter. “Frankfurt started good and were aggressive forcing Den Bosch to turnovers early. Curry got hot and kept Den Bosch in the game”, stated TV Langen forward Martinis Woody. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 67% from the field and 57% from outside while Den Bosch was shooting 43% from the field and 67% from outside. Frankfurt had the 10-4 rebound edge, but five turnovers while Den Bosch had four turnovers.

In the second quarter, the contest remained tight and the game was deadlocked twice and Den Bosch had the lead as well shortly, but the Fraport Skyliners went into half time with the advantage. In contrast to how the Fraport Skyliners started in the first quarter, this time it was Den Bosch who got off to a lightening start as they went on a 12-2 run to lead 29-26. Den Bosch played old school basketball and just smart as Slagtar made a step back jumper, Ralf De Pagtar made a pretty left handed hook shot and 31 year old Marcel Arts used his 213cm body and athleticism to making a finger tip role lay up as Frankfurt led 24-23. Doornekamp then found an open parked Mike Morrison in front for the massive dunk as Frankfurt led 26-23. Even if cheese is a speciality in Holland, cheese cake apparently is good in Holland and North Carolina as Brandyn Curry knows. In high school he really liked the cheese cake in the school cafeteria and students started calling him that and made signs at games. This nickname didn´t follow Curry to Holland, but he does eat cheese cake in Holland and if he got special energy eating it or had some before the game is unknown, but his shot was definitely working as he nailed two shots from down town in a row as Den Bosch had their first lead of the game 29-26. Curry then scored again unleashing a soft tear drop for the 31-28 den Bosch lead. However basketball is a game of runs and Frankfurt struck back going on a 12-4 run to lead 40-35. Frankfurt got support from four separate players with three coming in the paint as Barthel scored inside, Armand nailed an open three pointer, Tez made a dunk and Voigtmann scored inside. Frankfurt crept into the locker room at intermission nursing the 42-37 lead. “Frankfurt missed some assignments at the start, but then their offense clicked. Armand was a spark plug and one could see with everyone healthy the team is more of a unit. When Armand is open like that his shot is like a lay up for him”, expressed TV Langen forward Martinis Woody. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 66% from the field and 45% from the three point line while Den Bosch was shooting 45% from the field and 66% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 16-11 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Den Bosch had 10 turnovers.

In the third quarter, The Fraport Skyliners started well, but quickly lost their concentration allowing the 15 time Dutch champion to a big run as they ended the third quarter with the advantage. Sean Armand and Mikko Koivisto rattled off two consecutive three point bombs as the Fraport Skyliners led 48-39. Den Bosch head coach Sam Jones then took a time out and ha dthe right advice as Den Bosch went on a devastating 14-0 run to regain the lead 54-48. Den Hagen got contribution from five different players as they were able to score in a variety of ways which kept the Frankfurt defense guessing while also forcing the home team to an influx of untimely turnovers. Reggie Johnson started the run with a free throw and fade away shot. Curry then kept up his aggressive shooting nailing a three pointer, Akeerbom took advantage of a big Frankfurt mistake hitting three free throws, Slagtar hit a high rainbow and Arts got a quick back door pass from Stefan Wessels for the dunk. Den Bosch did a good job taking Frankfurt out of their game and forcing them to careless turnovers. Frankfurt didn´t let Den Bosch run away with the game as they got timely three pointers from Quantez Robertson and Konstantin Klein. Tez tied the game in the last minute, but it was Curry showing his explosiveness again hitting a step back jumnper as Den Bosch led 59-56 after three quarters. “We got big stops and rebounded well. We also did a good job forcing them to one shot and just took care of the ball”, expressed Brandyn Curry. “We got out of our offense and played too much 1-1 ball. That is not our game”, added ex California(NCAA) guard Justin Cobbs. Den Bosch was shooting 45% from the field and 60% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 57% from the field and 45% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 23-19 rebound edge, but 16 turnovers while Den Bosch had only seven turnovers.

The fourth quarter remained tight as there were three lead changes, but the Fraport Skyliners were the more controlled team in crunch time as they were able to win. Klein got Frankfurt going in the fourth quarter as he nailed his second three pointer as his rust quickly evaporated on the court. “I was very happy to be on the court again to be able to help the team. I hit two three pointers and the team won”, added Konstantin Klein. “It was good to have Klein back on the court and at times be relieved from him. He may still be a bit rusty, but he hit big shots and his defense was good”, added Justin Cobbs. Barthel followed Klein with a running floater ending the 5-0 run giving Frankfurt the 61-59 advantage. Ex Auburn star Chris Denson got Den Bosch the lead back with a tear drop for the 62-61 lead. Frankfurt clogged the lane all night making the bread and butter shot in the lane a double awkward shot for him. “Frankfurt did their homework on me. I am glad that Curry had a big game and we also got help from other players”, added Chris Denson. After Barthel tied the game, it was Akeerbom and Denson that made free throws as Den Bosch led for the last time 65-62. The Fraport Skyliners then offered the ultimate back breaker closing out the game with a 11-0 run to lead 73-65. After Voigtmann connected on his favorite shot the mid distance jumper it was bang, bang ,bang as Barthel, Armand and Tez nailed three consecutive three pointers for the knock out. “Those shots hurt us and we turned over the ball at crucial times. Frankfurt was good in transition the whole game and hurt us at the end with that as well. They upped the pressure and hit huge three pointers”, explained Georgia native Chris Denson. “We moved the ball extremely well, executed and hit big three´s sealing the win”, stressed Justin Cobbs. Even if the game seemed over, it was Curry who gave his team one last gasp of energy as he scored inside and nailed his seventh three pointer of the night to cut the Frankfurt lead to 73-70. Curry finished the night with 27 points giving him his best scoring game in Eurochallenge play with one point more than against ratiopharm Ulm. “I was in the zone. My shot was feeling pretty good. Coach always says that when we are open, that we should shoot. I am happy that my shot was falling, but at the end of the day I would have rather had the win”, said Brandyn Curry. “Curry did a superb job running the team and hitting big shots. Sean Armand asked me where Curry went to school as he seemed amazed by his shooting. It was Curry´s night”, commented Chris Denson. Just when Den Bosh thought they might change the momentum, it was Justin Cobbs who closed the door on the Dutch team with a lay in. It wasn´t a big night for Cobbs in the scoring department, but he didn´t have to score much on this night. “Cobbs is the floor general and can score, but he doesn´t have to. He did his job tonight getting all involved”, added Martinis Woody. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 15 points. Johannes Voigtmann and Sean Armadn steered 12 points a piece while Justin Cobbs and Danilo Barthel conreibuted 11 points a piece. Den Bosch was led by Brandyn Curry with 27 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished the night shooting 54% from the field and 48% from outside while Den Bosch shot 41% from the field and 52% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 32-27, but had 20 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers.

 

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.

 

 

 

Brandyn thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. You play in Holland not far from the German border. What has been your impression of Germany? You had visited Ulm earlier in the season in Eurochallenge play.

 

All the teams in Germany are skilled from top to bottom. We played against Ulm and they were very talented and executed very well. Frankfurt does the same.

 

 

 

It seemed like all three Americans Chris Denson, Reggie Johnson and yourself had their best Eurochallenge games against ratiopharm Ulm. Do you think the German style fits you guys best?

 

 

I don´t know. I think that we prepared very well for Ulm. We had to bring it against Ulm and stepped it up. I don´t know if it is the German style that fits us best, but I think we matched up well as a team.

 

 

What kind of challenge was it playing against German national player Per Guenter who is hard not to recognize with his curly blond hair?

 

I remember him and it was a challenge. He was a very smart player, crafty with the ball and an excellent decision maker. I just tried to hound him all over the court and attacked him on offense. He was a great player.

 

 

 

Your club is in first place. It seems like each team has 2-3 skilled Americans and the rest Dutch players. Is it the three Americans that have made the difference for Den Bosch being in first place?

 

I think a little bit, but we have a lot of talent on the team. We are led by our Dutch veterans Arvin Slagtar who was MVP last season and Kees Akerboom. We have a very deep team with talented young players as well.

 

 

You are a rookie playing in Holland for Den Bosch. Despite the circumstances about what your body has gone through in the last year how happy have you been with your rookie season so far?

 

I am pleased with my rookie season thus far, but still have a long way to go. As a player I can improve in all areas. I have done a good job getting adjusted to the European style. My teammates have made me comfortable and coach has given a lot of trust in my abilities. I will continue to come to work each day as I want to become the top guard in Europe.

 

 

You really have had a whirlwind year as your senior season at Harvard seemed to be weakened with pain in your Achilles. How do you feel now and how difficult a time was this? A player´s body is their most important capital. It is always scary for a player not knowing how their body will be with pain and injuries?

 

Last year was a real struggle. I came into my senior year having had a strong summer with work outs and was feeling good, but then I got injured and all of a sudden I couldn´t do anything anymore. I came back from that injury and it was great learning experience and I feel great now. I learned to take care of my body after this experience. That injury came not taking care of my calf muscle. Back then in school I had so much I had to think and worry about. Now I am a professional and it is my job. Now I have time to stretch and take better care of my body.

 

 

How important has it been playing with Chris Denson? What have you learned from him on and off the court that has made your rookie season more comfortable?

 

It has been an awesome experience playing with Chris. He is a tremendous scorer and one of the most gifted athletes I ever saw. You can´t teach his athleticism. I try to learn as much as possible especially his penetration. He is a great player and person. We hit it off from the start.

 

 

Den Bosch comes into the Eurochallenge game an underdog against the Fraport Skyliners. They have two strong Americans with Justin Cobbs and Sean Armand. How familiar are you with their play?

 

I know Justin Cobbs. We were roommates in 2009 at the Academic All American allstar game. I kept up with his at the University of California. Chris Denson knows Sean Armand. We saw them at the airport when we came back from Sweden. Both are very talented at the engines of Frankfurt.

 

 

Both Frankfurt and Den Bosch are good defensive teams? Can we await a defensive game or could scoring be a factor?

 

Both teams pride their game on defense. Frankfurt is second in Eurochallenge in points given up. It could be a low scoring game, but on the other hand both also have firepower. Both have balanced scoring and both teams could go off.

 

As a freshman you played with Los Angeles Laker Jeremy Lin. Did you ever think after his strong senior year that he could make such a big impact in the NBA?

 

I knew that he belonged in the NBA. He is such a hard working player and he came to work each day. I never saw a guy with his mentality of not taking any days off. The way his career has gone hasn´t surprised me at all. I am very happy for him and it couldn´t have happened to a better person.

 

You had to sit out the 2012-2013 season on account of the intro to congress cheating scandal. What did you learn from your whole Harvard experience that has made you stronger as a person?

 

 

That was actually one of the best years for me. It was a real eye opener for me. I was removed from college athletics and got a full time job. That was the first time that I didn´t belong to a team. I learned so much about myself and having that year away from Harvard is actually the reason why I am a professional player today. I read a lot in this time, did research about my body, took up yoga and learned about diet. I learned that you can´t take anything for granted from this experience. If you don´t take care of your body and get hurt, you can´t perform and are useless. You have to always be ready to perform. I really appreciate where I am today and continue not to take anything for granted and just continue to work hard each day.

 

 

How did Tommy Amaker prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He is a father figure to me. I learned from him how to get through adversity and to come to work prepared each day. Being able to play for him was the best experience. I have grown as a player and person with his guidance. He taught me to always be in attack mode on the court and in times when I had lost confidence he always was able to get my spirits up by showing me a video or showing me an article.

 

 

 

In your year off from Harvard you sold life insurance. At the end of that experience, if you had to predict how many sells could you make out of 10 telephone calls?

 

From 250 calls, we had to make 10 appointments. At the start it was hard, but I got better with time.

 

 

 

One of your goals in 2015 is to read the entire Bible. Is this an experience that has helped you overcome the death of your father?

 

Yes faith has helped me get through hard times. My dad is in a better place now.

 

 

 

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

 

Kemba Walker. He is extremely quick, but even crazier in person.

 

 

 

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Chris Denson?

 

I would say Chris. He is a tremendous scorer and hard to stop. We have our battles and I do have my days.

 

 

When the average Harvard fan and MIT fan meet at a game who would win at the who wants to be a millionaire game?

 

A Harvard fan would of course. Every academic school wants to be Harvard. We will always be number one.

 

 

 

How is the quality of the cheese cake in Holland compared to in North Carolina?

 

The cheese cake is good in Holland, but actually I am not a big fan. That was a practical joke in high school and somehow the nickname stuck. I just liked the cheese cake at school and ate it not being a fan of it. A chant was started at games and there were signs, but it didn´t follow me to Harvard.

 

 

How much of a New England Patriots fan did you become in your 4 years in Boston? Will they win their fourth Superbowl against the Seattle Seahawks?

 

I hope not. Boston fans love their teams too much. I hope Seattle wins. My sister is a big Patriots fan so I don´t want to see her happy.

 

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Equalizer with Denzel Washington. It was a fantastic movie.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. You have been to Germany before having played against ratiopharm Ulm, but what is your overall impression of the country and its basketball?

 

Basketball is big in Germany. Playing in Ulm was a great experience. I remember Ulm having a bigger arena than us and they had a crazy crowd.

 

 

 

You averaged 22 points in the two games against ratiopharm Ulm. You seemed to have their number. Could you imagine playing in the Beko BBL in the future a league that is a bit higher in skill level than the Dutch league.

 

I feel I could play in the Beko BBL down the road, but at the moment I am totally focused on my team the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch and we want to win as many games as possible and win the Dutch league.

 

 

You are a rookie playing for the SPM Shoeters Den Bosch. The club is in first place. It seems like each team has 2-3 skilled Americans and the rest Dutch players. Is it the three Americans that have made the difference for Den Bosch being in first place?

 

I think that we have very strong Americans with myself, Reggie Johnson who is a dominant big man and a talented floor general with Brandyn Curry. We do have very good pieces around us with many good Dutch veterans.

 

 

 

 

You are averaging 17ppg in the Dutch league and in Eurochallenge play. How happy have you been with your play and what main facet of your game can you improve?

I have been impressed with my game so far as a rookie and I am thankful that my hard work from last summer has paid off and that coach has self confidence in me to make plays. I feel that I need to improve my jump shot most. I rely too much on attacking and I believe that later teams will need me to shoot. I will continue to work very hard on my shot this summer and I feel when I got that down that no one will be able to guard me.

 

 

 

You are known as a player that can score the awkward shot in the penetration, but what is a hidden quality in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

My competitiveness is a hidden strength in my game. I have no fear and when I attack I do it no matter how big the defender is. I always want to win.

 

 

You have been given the nickname slippery as you once wore a spiderman suit under your uniform. You slither in the paint like a snake. To what NBA player could compare your penetration play to?

 

Yes that is right I slither to the basket. I like to make the tough shot. I also had a superman suit, but my teammates made fun of me so I got rid of it. I would compare that part of my game to Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Those guys attack the paint with so much force and I try to mimic their game.

 

 

What kind of rookie relationship do you and Brandyn Curry have and how have you made each other better in your rookie seasons?

 

We have a very tight relationships and are roommates in Holland. We are always together and hardly go out. He has helped me a lot with my shot as he is a good volume shooter. I have made him better with my penetration and getting him open shots. I have the utmost respect for him.

 

 

What kind of experience has it been playing for Den Bosch head coach Samuel Jones. How much has it helped that he has American blood and how has he made you a better player in your first five months?

 

It definitely has helped that he is American and no translator is needed. I can talk to him about all things and I have a lot of respect for him. I am happy that he has the ultimate confidence in my game. He has helped me a lot with my jumper and also helped me with adjusting from the States to the European style and how to overcome getting a traveling call here.

 

 

Recently you shot 3/21 from the field against Leiden and Wert, but followed it up with a magnificent 22 point game against Amsterdam shooting 8/11. In college at times you forced things instead of letting the game come to you. Did you get back into old habits again in this short span?

 

Yes I did get back into old habits again. I was forcing too much and not letting the game come to me. Coach knew that I was frustrated and he calmed me down and told me to just let the game come to me.

 

There are so many talented guards coming out of college and tonight there are guys like Justin Cobbs, Sean Armand and yourself. What do you know about them and how excited are you about playing against young basketball blood?

 

I am very excited to be able to play against Cobbs and Armand and it will be a big challenge. I remember watching Justin Cobbs on TV when he played at the University of California. He is a very good guard. We watched film on them and we will have to be ready. If they get going it will be very tough. We will have to buckle down on defense.

 

 

When I say the name Quantez Robertson does that ring a bell? Is he an Auburn legend? What stories did you hear of him at Auburn?

 

Tez was leaving when I came to Auburn. He is an Auburn legend, a real competitor and very strong. This will be my first time playing against him and it will be a challenge.

 

 

When you get a chance to speak to him at the game what is the first thing that you want to ask him?

 

I have spoken to him in the past. But when I speak to him again I would ask him advice about how he has been able to have a good career in Germany. I look up to older players and hope I can progress like he did

 

Auburn head coach Tony Barbee said that you came to Auburn unprepared. How did he get you ready for a professional basketball career in your four years best?

 

When I came to Auburn I was very little and I had to get tough. Coach Barbee taught me defensive toughness. I came to Auburn not knowing much about defense just knowing to guard my man. I learned the help side and how to defend ball screens. Coach Barbee never gave up on me.

 

 

 

You came to Auburn not knowing how to defend. What kind of a defender would you call yourself today?

 

 

I would call myself an elite defender now. I was always good one on one, but it was just the other things. Basketball is a team game and I had to learn that. My help side defense is 100% right now.

 

 

 

You were the first Auburn player in 25 years to score 25 or more points in four plus games. With the talent coming into Auburn do you think that will be a record that will be stand for a while?

 

I don´t know. Their coach now is Bruce Pearl who runs a different system than when I was there. Auburn now plays more press and coach Pearl gets guys in and out. No Auburn player is averaging more than 29 minutes a game. If a player does break it I won´t be mad.

 

 

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice more you or KT Harrell?

 

We had our days. He has NBA game. When he is hot then he is hot. He got the best of me on some days and on other days I got the best of him. I would call it even.

 

 

 

You come from Georgia. Where will the journey of the Atlanta Hawks end this season and do you see German Dennis Schroeder being a NBA starter in the future?

 

The Atlanta Hawks are a playoff team, but I am not sure if they could win a seven game series. Dennis Schroeder can definitely become an NBA starter. I remember when he got drafted I thought who is he, but he is a very tough good player. You can see that he comes to play every night. He does the little things that help the Hawks win.

 

 

 

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

 

Bradley Beal lit me up for 28 points.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Season 4 of the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.

 

Thanks Chris for the chat.

 

 

 

They may be six years apart, share a different skin color and one hails from Oregon while the other from Illinois, but one that future NBA legend in the making and current Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love and BIS Baskets forward Marcus Smallwood have in common is that they are rare basketball specimens that have their energy tank turned full throttle to beast mode every time they are on the court and have a knack for getting double doubles the way a Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Munich does keeping his net clean in games. Both players are averaging double double stats as Love is making 17 and 10 while Smallwood is making 17 and 14 currently. Granted the German Pro B is very far away in comparison to the skill level of the NBA, but what Smallwood has achieved stats wise in Germany since 2008 in the German Pro A and Pro B has been magnificent and just pure consistent. It doesn´t matter where the American has played who can be thankful to Ron Hicks who told him to get back to playing after the American had returned back to Chicago in 2006 and worked doing job recruitment. If it hadn´t been for Hicks, Smallwood would never have come back to Germany to teams like Kasierslautern, Cuxhaven, Kirchheim, MBC, Vechta or Speyer. He was able to average double double stats for four teams with Cuxhaven, Kichheim, Vechta and Speyer last season. Despite being listed at 198cm, Smallwood always tells people that he is 201cm with shoes on, and has a knack to getting to the ball at the rim. One of the reasons why he is such a great rebounder for his height is because his dad believed he could average a double double in college and his son did as a junior at Northern Illinois in 2002-2003 and he took that mindset into his professional basketball career. Smallwood faced the Fraport Sklyiners Juniors only once last season losing a 69-67 nail bitter in Speyer and was in the BCM for the first time. The Kevin Love of the German Pro B made his debut in Frankfurt and lost a 75-73 heartbreaker as it was a game that nobody deserved to lose. Smallwood finished with 17 points and nine rebounds and was a bit off of Kevin Love monster stats, but still had enough energy at the end to serve me a smile about the comparison to the future NBA legend. “There will always be the best scorer, rebounder and defender on the court. I like to rebound and score and rebound and it was always something I wanted to do well and am happy I have been able to. If you aren´t a seven footer and can score at least what you can do is rebound”, stressed Illinois native Marcus Smallwood. Even if Smallwood has only helped bring two victories in the nine games that he has been with Speyer, the club is still very content that they have him. “He is a beast down low and just gets rebounds and will step out and hit shots. We always need him on the floor to be successful. He did many little things on the floor today and played a key role for us being close to winning”, stressed Virginia native and teammate DJ Woodmore. Frankfurt top scorer Jules Adoko might have made a nice move on Smallwood late in the game to help secure the win, but he had the utmost respect for the 32 year old. “Smallwood was aggressive on both ends of the court. He played with a lot of energy and was a great competitor”, added Jules Adodo. “We knew that he was averaging six offensive rebounds a game. We had problems with him early, but as the game went on, I thought we did a better job controlling him”, added 2015 NBBL allstar Armin Musovic.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game in eighth place in the Pro B south standings and a record of 6-8 and were coming off a loss in Weissenhorn and had lost six of their last seven games. They had a slow start and were playing catch up basketball for most of the evening.” It was a hard fought game for 40 minutes. We knew that if we wanted to come out with a win that we had to win the rebound battle and we improved at the end and that was the deciding factor. The strong fourth quarter of Jules Akodo brought us the win home”, stressed Armin Musovic. “I thought that we played great team defense and fought on the boards. Our bigs did a great job on their bigs. On offense we had good ball movement that often led to easy baskets”, added Jules Akodo. The BIS Baskets Speyer entered the game in 11^th place with a record of 4-10 and were coming off a massive blow out loss at home against TV Langen 91-63 where Martinis Woody had Kevin Love stats of 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists while Marcus Smallwood had a unlucky shooting day as he was 3/17 from the field. The Bis Baskets Speyer played very well for 38 minutes, but were unable to close out the game. “It was all about composure. Frankfurt has very talented players and many guys practice with the BBL team. When you play against talented guys like that you need composure for 40 minutes, but weren´t mentally tough at the end”, warned Marcus Smallwood.

TV Langen had had a big victory the day before 87-84 against BG Karlsruhe and American Martinis Woody and German Benedikt Nikolay were on hand to watch the action in the BCM. Both teams got off hot hitting three pointers as Marcus Smallwood and Kevin Bright connected. New Fraport Sklyiner Andrew Bock made his debut as he played the last three years at Pacific(NCAA). After Bock and Smallwood hit free throws, it was Kyle Fossman that gave Frankfurt its first advantage at 8-7 hitting a three pointer. However that burst of Canadian lightening from outside didn´t impress the BIS Baskets Speyer as they reeled off a crushing 14-2 run to take the 23-10 lead. Speyer slowly found their rhythm and were hitting shots, getting out on transition and doing a superb job getting to the free throw line. DJ Woodmore who played at Virginia Wesleyan connected on a few field goals gaining eight points in the run as Frankfurt was unable to cage his aggressiveness. German Alexander Kuhn also drew fouls sinking four free throws and Martin Rittingner connected on a jumper. Frankfurt didn´t allow anymore damage as they closed out the first quarter with a 5-0 run. In the run, Tim Oldenburg hit a mid distance jumper as did Andrew Bock. The BIS Baskets Speyer led 23-15 after one quarter. “I thought that we started off very well. Smallwood and Woodmore played with a lot of intensity and we had good ball movement. We had a good week of practice and it showed in the first quarter”, expressed injured BIS Baskets Speyer forward Khobi Williamson. The BIS Baskets Speyer were shooting 33% from the field and 38% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 29% from the field and 33% from outside. The rebound battled was tied at 12-12 while Frankfurt had seven turnovers and the BIS Baskets Speyer zero turnovers.

In the second quarter, the BIS Baskets Speyer held the lead, but couldn´t shake off the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they continued to camp out on their door step just waiting for that chance to sneak through the door and regain the lead. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors started off the second quarter with a bang going on a 5-0 run as Tim Oldenburg demonstrated his intensity getting a baby hook shot to fall and Andrew Bock connected on a three pointer as Frankfurt cut the Speyer lead to 23-20. However Marcus Ware stopped the comeback with two quick buckets as Frankfurt trailed 28-22. Frankfurt continued to take advantage of the cracks in the defense and found daylight as Akodo and Musovic penetrated and scored as Speyer led 30-26. Speyer not only got solid contribution from the Americans, but also from their German players as Benjamin Kaufhold scored who has been with Speyer since 2007 and played two seasons with ex NBA and current Bamberg forward Ellias Harris. Little used German Christoph Flachs used the confidence of head coach Carl Mbassa sinking a clutch three pointer as Frankfurt trailed 38-34. Kyle Fossman then answered with a huge three pointer as Frankfurt cut the Speyer lead to 38-34. Down the stretch both clubs got some steals and coast to coast buckets from Rittinger and Akodo, but Frankfurt still trailed 41-39 at halftime. “We didn´t come to terms as well with their pressure and had careless turnovers. We played a lot out ourselves. They got easy buckets and screen and roles gave us problems”, stressed BIS Baskets Speyer American Khobi Williamson. The BIS Baskets Speryer were shooting 38% from the field and 33% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 40% from the three point line. The BIS Baskets Speyer had the slim 21-20 rebound edge, but only eight turnovers while Frankfurt had 13 turnovers.

In the third quarter, the game remained tight as no team could break away from the other team. The Fraport Skyliners regained the lead again as Kevin Bright hit a difficult step back three pointer for the 42-41 lead. However Frankfurt had no time to enjoy the long awaited lead as the BIS Baskets Speyer struck back going on a furious 7-0 run to lead 48-42. Rittinger hit a jumper and Smallwood connected on his bread and butter the offensive rebound and put back and then nailed a three pointer. Frankfurt thought what Speyer can do so can we as they had the right answer returning back on a 8-2 run to dead lock the game at 50-50. Fossman snuck inside for two quick points and Armin Musovic did the most damage dropping two consecutive three pointers as the momentum now was with the home team. After Woodmore and Nolte traded buckets, it was Smallwood that gave Speyer the lead back with one free throw, but Fraport Sklyiner Junior Nikolaj Vuckovic struck a timely three pointer as Frankfurt led again 54-53. However the BIS Baskets Speyer always had an answer as 24 year old sharp shooter Martin Rittinger who played Regionaliga last season for SG Heidelberg-Kirchheim gave Speyer the lead back 56-54. Akodo then struck back with a slick left handed lay in to tie the game at 56-56. The BIS Baskets Speyer closed out the third quarter strong going on a 8-2 run to lead 63-58 after three quarters. It was the German boys Sebastian Heck who scored twice inside and Benjamin Kaufhold that were the spark plugs scoring. “We were unable to take their talented shooters out of their comfort zone. We were unable to get stops and they got the momentum back early in the third quarter”, added Marcus Smallwood. The BIS Baskets Speyer were shooting 40% from the field and 33% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 43% from the field and 39% from the parking lot. Speyer had the 33-27 rebound edge and 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 14 turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a real fight that any team could of won. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t let the five point Speyer lead confuse them as they jumped out on their opponent going on a 6-0 run to regain the lead 64-63. It was Jules Akodo that turned into a lethal scoring point guard as he nailed an open jumper and then scored in traffic. 17 year old 2015 NBBL allstar Niklas Kiel hit a runner. Frankfurt did a tremendous job denying the three Speyer Americans Smallwood, Ware and Woodmore too limited points as Speyer had to rely on their Germans as it was Alexander Kuhn who played four German Pro A games in the 2011-2012 season for USC Heidelberg making a three pointer and giving Speyer the 66-64 advantage. Then it was Jules Akodo again making a clutch shot connecting from downtown as Frankfurt regained the lead 67-66. Frankfurt kept their nose in front getting free throws from Kiel and Fossman scored as Frankfurt led 71-68. The BIS Baskets Speyer made one last run as Kuhn scored inside and after a Kiel miss, it was Kuhn again that came up big hitting a three pointer as Speyer led 73-71. Frankfurt kept their nerves as Akodo snuck inside from the baseline, waited until Marcus Ware was in the air and then made the lay up as Smallwood was to late on the help as the game was tied 73-73. Akodo was the spark plug that motored Frankfurt to the win even if it wasn´t the game winning bucket. “Smallwood closed out on me, but I was able to use my quickness to get around him. I just wanted to be aggressive and read the defense. I knew that Speyer likes to jump a lot so I just penetrated and took shots the best way I could”, stressed Jules Akodo. “Akodo was our spark plug that brought us forward in the tight game”, added Armin Musovic. “Akodo had the chances to make big time plays and did. Many guys remain hesistant, but he had the mind set to right plays. He was hard to stop”, added Marcus Smallwood. After Frankfurt got a stop it was Kyle Fossman who found the hole and scored the game winner as he once did before against Rhondorf in triple overtime. The BiS Baskets Speyer had 15 seconds left to take the game in overtime or win it with a three pointer. With two seconds left, German Benjamin Kaufhold tripped and lost the ball as Niklas Kiel got possession ending the game. “We tried to defend the three point line. It looked like he slipped. I feel the game ended fair. The refs had a hard job in this game”, added Jules Akodo. “There was some contact on the last play. You can´t blame the ref, because we had our chances. It was a tough ending and we fought hard. Akodo stepped up at the end and stepped up. Frankfurt made shots when they had to”, stressed DJ Woodmore. “We can´t complain about losing the game on that last play. We should have had stops earlier in the game and we could of taken care of the game earlier”, added Marcus Smallwood. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Jules Akodo with 16 points. Kyle Foossman contributed 12 points, six rebounds and three assists. Armin Musovic chipped in with 10 points. The BIS Baskets Speyer were led by Marcus Smallwood with 17 points and nine rebounds. DJ Woodmore added 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Alexander Kuhn had 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 36% from outside while the BIS Baskets Speyer shot 36% from the field and 31% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 39-37, but had 20 turnovers while Speyer had 14 turnovers.

 

John Eggleston is a 26 year old 203cm power forward from Noblesville, Indiana that is playing his fourth year as a professional and first for the MLP Academics Heidelberg.He played at  Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2007-2011. He played a total of 125 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 28 games: 13.2ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 73.5%. As a rookie or Leverkusen he played  23 games: 14.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 71.2%. Two seasons ago for Leverkusen he played 33 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-2(11.1rpg), 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 74.7%. Last season in the German Pro A for Leverkusen he played 20 games: 16.3ppg, Reb-3(9.0rpg), 3.9apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Hamburg Towers today.

 

 

The team had a nice pre game meal at Fellini the restaurant of teammate Marco Grimaldi. How content were you with the quality and would you drive back on a free Sunday from Heidelberg to Goettingen to get some food there?

 

Fellini is a great restaurant; I would happily go back there again sometime. Goettingen is a bit far for just a one day trip, but a weekend there could be fun.

The MLP Academics Heidelberg came into the winter break and continued to play well after winning their next two games in 2015. What have been the main reasons for this winning streak?

I think we’ve done a good job settling into our roles on the team as the season has progressed, which has allowed us to be more successful.

Is defense an area now where there is still some improvement to be done since in the last two games of 2014 the club gave up an average of 57 points and in the first two games in 2015 an average of 79 points?

It’s hard to make any judgements based on a two game sample size. We are always working hard to improve things on both ends of the court. Some games the results show better than others.

Heidelberg is right in the thick of things in the German Pro A standings and dueling with the Hamburg Towers in the standings. How exciting is the German Pro A this season for you? It seems like it gets more exciting and competitive each season?

It has definitely been a nice change to go from worrying about staying in the league last season to worrying about securing a playoff place this season. There are still a lot of games left so it will only get more exciting.

How weird was it sweeping your ex team Bayer Giants Leverkusen? This is the team that gave you your start in your professional career.

The first time playing against Leverkusen in Smidt Arena was definitely strange for me, but by the second time at home it was a little more normal. I just tried to go out and do my job as best as I could.

Ahmad Smith helped in the win against Leverkusen his first game with Heidelberg filling up the stat sheets. What do you expect from him in the second half of the season?

I expect a strong veteran leadership presence from Ahmad. He is without doubt a Pro A legend so we are happy to have his balanced play and constant triple-double threat on the court to go along with his professional demeanor off of it.

Describe this unique point guard duo of Nico Adamczak and Ahmad Smith. What do their play give the team?

Nico would be flattered to hear you think he’s capable of playing the point, but having those two together in the back court is a good combination. Ahmad’s playmaking skills and Nico’s shooting ability make them tough for any defense to handle.

You are averaging 31,7 minutes a game the most on the team. How happy have you been with your play? Is the abundant amount of scoring quality on this team a reason why you aren´t scoring in double figures?

My role is definitely different on this team than it has been the past few years, but I hope that my playing time suggests that the coaching staff believes I do things to help this team win. Helping the team win is my only goal.

You had a dry spell where you had seven games not scoring in double figures, but in the last three games you are scoring consistently again. Is there anything you changed with your game?

I haven’t made any conscious changes in the way I try to play. During a long season there will always be ups and downs. I’m just thankful the team and coaches have stuck with me through some stretches of poor play.

One could call Kelvin Martin the MVP so far as he is doing in on both parts of the floor. Could you see him making it in the Beko BBL in the future?

Kelvin Martin has to be the Pro A MVP at this point in the season. Every game he guards the other team’s best scorer and makes his life difficult. In addition, he is in the top 10 in the league in scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks, and efficiency. Oh and did I mention he’s shooting 50% from deep? The kid is an athletic freak and a superstar. It would not surprise me one bit to see him have a long career in the BBL.

Tonight Heidelberg clashes against the Hamburg Towers on the road. Heidelberg must have must revenge after the 77-68 loss. How excited are you to be playing in the new Towers gym?

As a team we always like playing on the road. I think we have a group who especially enjoys quieting a raucous crowd. Hopefully we are able to do that tonight.

It seems to be a rebuilding season for the Indiana Pacers. Is there anything positive you have been able to take from their current season?

Hard to see many positives right now for the Pacers. Only bright side may be that it looks like we’ll get a lottery pick to add to the roster.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

It’s hard to find too much time for movies when there’s a new season of The Bachelor on right now, Miles.

 

Thanks Jack for the chat.

 

Brad Tinsley is a 25 year old 191cm guard from Oregon that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany for the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career at Vannderbilt in 2008 playing a total of 134NCAA games until 2012 and as a senior played 36 games averaging 9.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 85.5%. In 2012-2013 he started his professional basketball career for Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Ethias League): EuroChallenge: 3 games: 7.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg; Belgian Ethias League: 4 games: 4.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg, left in Feb.’13, later that month moved to Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-ProB) playingv 13 games: 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 80.6%. Last season he played for the Lakeside Lightnings (Australia-SBL) playing 31 games averaging 28.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.0apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 80.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Welcome to Germany. After last playing in Australia, how happy to be playing in Germany?

 

I am very happy to be playing in Germany. This league as well as the BBL are very well respected and competitive. It’s a great opportunity for me.

 

What were the main reasons for coming to Germany?

 

I knew that Germany was an awesome country to live in, and accompany that with the high level of basketball, it was a no brainer.

How impressed have you been of the tight German Pro A?

 

This league has a lot of great teams. As you can see with the standings, it is a very close race for playoff spots. Every single game in this league is a tough one. You can’t overlook anyone.

 

What exactly is your role on the team? How dependent is the team on your scoring?

Every game I’m just trying to be the best player I can be on that night. Whether it’s passing the ball, playing defense, or scoring. I just want to win. We have a lot of weapons on offense so there isn’t really one particular player that we are dependent on to score.

You are a scorer, but had to play point guard your last two years at Vanderbilt averaging almost five assists a season each year. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away?

Yeah I’ve played the point guard position a lot growing up. I think my court vision is a hidden strength. I love to set up my teammates for scoring plays, especially in transition.

How challenging is it playing with Marco Grimaldi? What do you like most about his controlled game?

I wouldn’t say its challenging at all to play with Marco. He is a good point guard who understands the game. It has been a lot of fun getting to know him and being out there as his backcourt mate. He is a very smart player and I think I can/have learned a lot from him.

 

Waverly Austin was the only center in the Oregon system and wasn’t much of a factor in their offense. How much potential does he have?

Wave has a ton of potential. He has shown that he can be a powerful force in this league. He is very athletic, with good low post moves and is very good on the defensive end. I think he has a bright future ahead of him if he keeps working hard.

Last season you tore up the SBL in Australia averaging 28,4ppg. Did it feel like you were a man playing against boys?

I don’t think I felt that way. The SBL is a pretty competitive league. I was 100% healthy and had the freedom to show what I can do on the court. It was probably my most enjoyable year playing so far. I’m close with all my teammates there and we had a successful season

As a rookie you played with Okapi Aalstar in Belgium. Why was this stay so short?

It was my first team that I signed with to play professional basketball. That league is very good and I just wasn’t ready to produce at a high level yet. I’ve learned a lot and improved a lot as a player since my stay there.

How much fun was it playing with slim magic John Tofi. How do you make him smile?

He was a great guy to play with. He is always smiling and enjoying himself, very full of life. It was a pleasure to play alongside him, he is a very good player.

You played four years at Vanderbilt. How much of an adjustment was it going from a shooting guard to point guard your last two seasons?

It wasn’t an adjustment at all. I played point guard all 4 years in high school. It was good for me to get court time at both positions while in college.

Which guy impressed you more at Vanderbilt on a day to day basis Jeffery Martin or John Jenkins on the court?

I would say Jeff Taylor. He was so competitive every day and the gifts he had as a player were amazing. He would pull off some plays that would shock a lot of people. Although John isn’t too far behind. He is one of the best shooters I’ve ever played with. He has hit a lot of very tough shots in his career. I had a blast playing with them during my time at Vanderbilt.

How did Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Stallings is a great coach. He would push us to the edge in every practice and game, in a positive way. I think he strengthened my mental toughness. Being an American playing overseas you have to be mentally tough to handle the different obstacles that will come your way during a season. He has taught me a lot both on the court and off.

Who wins a one one one you or Nico Adamczak?

Nico and I haven’t really played one on one, but he is a good player. Another great shooter I’ve had the privilege to play alongside. We have become good friends and I am thankful for that.

Where will the journey of the Portland Tralblazers end this season?

I am hoping they can make a playoff run this year. The Western division is very tough this year again. If they can build off their successful season last year and get the right match ups in the playoffs who knows how far they can go.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie I saw was Pirates of the Caribbean (Great Series!)

 

Thanks Brad for the chat.