James Miller is a 35 year old 182cm point guard from North Carolina that is playing his 14^th professional season and third with Boras. He started his basketball career with : N.Carolina A&T (NCAA). He has played mostly in three countries in Europe in Belgium, France and Holland, but also played in Sweden, the States and Venezuela. He has been a scorer wherever he has played and led the Swedish league the last two seasons. Last season for Boras he played 47 games: Score-1(23.7ppg), 4.2rpg, Assists-4(4.8apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 87.1%,. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

James thanks for talking to German Hoops. Last week a bitter 119-118 loss in OT in Belgium against Okapi Aalstar. When you arrived back into the arena that night did you have a feeling that you might have a huge night like on that special day in December 2000?

The loss last week in Belgium was tough to swallow. I felt like we deserved to win that game, but that’s how the ball bounces sometime. I did not have any special feeling before the game. I knew that there was a possibility that we could advance with a win, so I wanted to do everything I could to help our team get the win!

 

Were you surprised that Boras allowed this to get to such a shootout considering you had held Bakken and Frankfurt to 70 points the previous two games and won?

Well we wanted to make it tough for them, but I knew from playing against Okapi Aalstar for several years in Belgium that they are a really good team at home and are capable of putting up a lot of points. We are a difficult team to beat when we can get stops, and unfortunately we didn’t get enough stops last week.

How challenging was it battling ex Georgetown guard Jason Clark. You had his number in the scoring department with 34 points to his 31 points, but he got the win. Even after scoring 34 points would you rather erase that for the win at the end?

Jason Clark is a good player. He has good size and athletically ability. His long arms allows him to finish around the basket over bigger players and he used his strengths well against us. As for the 34 points from me, I would definitely trade that for the win any day!

34 points and eight assists is a pretty amazing stat sheet line. When you look back through the las oints from me, I would definitely trade that for the win any day!

Yes, 34 points and 8 assists is good night’s work, lol! I have been fortunate enough to have some games of this magnitude over the past few years. I was able to reach the 30+ points and 5+ assists mark on a few occasions last season, and we were able to win those games. That is a good feeling.

 

This upcoming Tuesday is a do or die game at home against the Fraport Skyliners to see who will advance to the next round. How much are you looking forward to this game?

I am really excited about the upcoming game on Tuesday! This is what professional sports is all about. 2 good teams with good players dueling it out for the final ticket to the round of last 16! As competitors this is what you look forward to!

Obviously it always takes a team effort to win, but could this be another one of those games where its Miller time?

I hope and plan to play well, but if were are going to advance it will be due to a big team effort from Boras Basket! We have some good players and I expect my teammates to play some good basketball on Tuesday!

Boras won the first game in Frankfurt in spectacular fashion with a Adama Darboe buzzer beater. What besides the last play do you still remember from this game?

Last game had a dramatic finish to say the least, I specifically remember the effort from both teams that game! Neither team wanted to lose, and I expect the same type of fight in our next match up.

Does the fact that Frankfurt played with only a seven man rotation in that game including three league players scare you because this time they will have three injured players back with Sean Armand, Mike Morrison and Mikko Koivisto as well as new point guard Justin Cobbs that was the last cut of the 2014-2015 Charlotte Hornets?

I think that key players returning for Frankfurt will make the task of winning a bit tougher, but I understand how teams can sometimes get inspiration from missing important pieces. I think that some players really stepped up for Frankfurt last game in the absence of those guys that you mentioned. We (Boras) have to make sure that we are playing our best basketball no matter who is on the floor. If we can do that then I think we have a good chance to win!

How much are you looking forward to dueling against Justin Cobbs? This will be the matchup of the game? How much individual preparation will go into meeting this challenge?

I don’t know a lot about Justin Cobbs, but from what I have heard and seen he is a quality player! It is always fun to play against other good players because I think it brings out the best of each player’s game. I will prepare for this game the same way that I prepare for every game. I expect it to be a real challenge. I am looking forward to it.

 

Both teams need to advance. What kind of game can we await and what will be key to getting the win?

Considering what’s at stake, I expect this game to be a real battle! Two teams giving everything they have to advance. I am excited for our home crowd because it should be a very entertaining match!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Fury starring Brad Pitt

 

Thanks James for the chat.

Adama Darboe is a 28 year old 190cm guard that is a versatile guard with strong build, can play some time at the small forward too, and is a good rebounder for his size. The Danish player is playing his first season for Boras Basket. He started his basketball career for Horsholm Basket (Basketliga) in 2002 and played there until 2006. He then played for U.M.F. Grindavik (Iceland-Express League) from 2006-2008. He then played for Huelva Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Bronze) in the 2008-2009 season. He then returned to Horsholm 79ers (Basketligaen) for a season before playing three seasons for Svendborg Rabbits (Ligaen). Last season he played for KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 39 games averaging 14.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 86.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Adama thanks for talking to German Hoops. Last week a bitter 119-118 loss in OT in Belgium against Okapi Aalstar. How long did it take time to get over that tough loss?

 

I think that the team pulled a decent game together against Aalst, and we definitely had the chances to win the game. They hit a REALLY tough shot to send the game to overtime, and unfortunately they got the upper hand in OT.

Were you surprised that Boras allowed this to get to such a shootout considering you had held Bakken and Frankfurt to 70 points the previous two games and won? Why did defense take a back seat on this day?

 

I dont know if I will call it a shootout, but of course a very high scoring game. Both teams got great offensive players, so it just turned out to be one of those games, where both teams hit some very tough shots.

 

How key was your teammate James Miller with 34 points and eight assists? Everyone knows what kind of a player he has been in his career, but where would Boras be this season without him?

 

JJ is a high quality player with a great career behind him all the way from college. He was playing a GREAT game in Aalst and he really showed down there, that he got some special skills. He is definitely a big part of our team, and he makes the team better. He is a professional in any aspect on and off the court. Great person and great teammate, and I am learning from him every day. He is going to be one of those players, that I will remember the rest of my life and I am lucky to the this old man can get buckets on me every practice.!

This upcoming Tuesday is a do or die game at home against the Fraport Skyliners to see who will advance to the next round. How much are you looking forward to this game?

 

Oh man, this game is going to be fun. Its the kind of game that you really want to play and be a part of. Its always a lot of fun, when big things is on the line and I am sure its going to be a dogfight.

Boras won the first game in Frankfurt in spectacular fashion with your buzzer beater. What besides the last play do you still remember from this game?

I remember that we won the game of course, and that the game could have gone both ways. The Fraport Skyliners is a great team and is well coached. They have two high quality guys on each position, so it was definitely a tough one in Germany. They played very tough and are just a very good basketball team.

 

What do you remember from energizer Quantez Robertson of the Fraport Skyliners. Where does he rank up in best defenders that you have played against, because he was all over the court.

 

He is a very good defender and leader. He is definitely an important player for the team with his all around style of playing. Great player who works hard and does the small things. I will rank him in the top as a defensive player.

Does the fact that Frankfurt played with only a seven man rotation in that game including three league players scare you because this time they will have three injured players back with Sean Armand, Mike Morrison and Mikko Koivisto as well as new point guard Justin Cobbs that was the last cut of the 2014-2015 Charlotte Hornets?

There is not a thing about the Fraport Skyliners that scares me, but I have great respect for the team. They are a great basketballt eam´with a great coach. They will be a little bit deeper in their rotation now, but so will we. They will come with all they got of course, but so will we. They are a good team with or without their new players.

 

You have been pretty quiet in Eurochallenge in the scoring department. Do you think the Swedish fans will see the rocket man get hot on Tuesday?

Haha yeah a little bit, but that is what happens. I am just happy that we are in a spot, where we can determine our own destiny in terms of going through to the next round. I hope that I will have a great game, but I just hope that we will win and and put Borås Basket and Swedish basketball on the European map.

 

It was a defensive battle in Frankfurt and Boras cant allow to defend the way they did in Belgium against Okapi Aalstar. Will we see the type of game that we saw in Frankfurt?

 

I think that it will be a dogfight. Nothing less. Both teams know what the stakes are and will try and do everything to get the win.

Many will think that the whole load will be on the shoulders of James Miller, but how vital will Christoph Maraker be. Recently he had a 22 point 20 rebound effort

Pressure will be on the whole team. I think we got some strong players who really can perform at any given moment and get hot. JJ is important, that is for sure. Christian Maraker is one of the best bigmen I ever played with and I am sure that he will have a great game. But our focus is on doing our things right and then I am sure good and big things will happen.

 

Both teams need to advance. What will be key to getting the win?

 

Focus for 40 minutes will be the biggest key for us. Its going to take concentration for 40min from our side.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The last movie was actually a series. “Sons of Anarcy”.

 

Thanks Adama for the chat.

 

 

Not only Beko BBL team Fraport Skyliners have had massive problems keeping a healthy point guard as Richard Williams, Konstantin Klein and Max Merz have been sidelined, but also their farm team Fraport Skyliners Juniors have had health issues as both Merz brothers haven’t been able to get the dog command from coach Eric Detlef “go sick em boy” which one tells a dog when he should go chase someone the same way the two Germans do their opponents with their ruthless and scrappy defense. In their absence, 18 year old German Armin Musovic has done a very respectable job leading the team with his playmaking skills, but the club recently got some insurance at the point guard position with 18 year old Jules Akodo from Great Britain that was born in London and has parents from Cameroun. Akodo is a 188cm point guard that has a great body and athletic skills for a point guard. He can drive to the lane and plays tough defense. He played the last four years in Slovenia with the Union Olimpija Ljubljana junior team. In the past he has played for the British U-16 and U 18 national teams and last summer played at the European Championships U18 in Konya (Turkey) -14: 6 games: 14.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 72.0%. He played in Schwelm and Karlsruhe the last two weeks, but came up short losing. He played solid in the two games and averaged 8,5ppg, 4,0rpg, 4,5apg, and 1,5spg. He is still looking for his first win in the Pro B and had to wait two weeks to make his home debut in the BCM against Schwelm and sought revenge after the loss two weeks ago and was all smiles after the massive 101-65 victory against the EN Baskets Schwelm especially next to his teammate Johannes Richter as they were doing post game stretching who was in the zone with 34 points and 12 rebounds. “I was excited to play my first home game and our great team chemistry led to the win. It hasn’t been difficult to get used to the style because I am used to it having played the last years in Slovenia. I feel very comfortable in Frankfurt as the club and teammates have made it easy for me and I feel at home here and as if I have been here a long time. Joe was a bull today and a real fighter”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Jules Akodo. The EN Baskets Schwelm came into the game having lost two of the last three games and two weeks ago defeated the Fraport Skyliners Juniors 77-58 as the Frankfurt Beko BBL license players were absent, but today the game level was like night and day as Beko BBL license player Johannes Richer, Stefan Ilzhoefer and Kyle Fossman were in the lineup and combined for 67 of the 101 points. “There was a huge difference today to our win two weeks ago. Frankfurt shared the ball well, capitalized on our mistakes and made many second chance points. They executed really well and clobbered us on the boards and when that happens you usually don’t win. Their bigs did a great job passing the ball finding gaps in our defense and finding the open shooters. Their big men are very skilled”, expressed Seattle Washington native Jody Johnson who played at Central Washington(NCAA2) before making the trek to Europe.

The match winner of the game was 21 year old 206cm German Johannes Richter who played 31 minutes scoring 34 points hauling down 12 rebounds and dishing out four assists. It took him about five minutes to get going, but it was then that the Fraport Skyliners got going ending the first quarter with a 22-5 run and never looking back. After playing only 19 minutes in the first five Beko BBL games, he had his breakout game in Bamberg in mid November scoring 10 points and grabbing nine rebounds including five offensive rebounds. Then he had his real break out game powering the Fraport Skyliners to their first win in Eurochallenge leading the team with 15 points and denying the Bakken Bears any honey on the bus ride home. Since then his minutes have risen and last week scored 10 points in the 94-61 rout against the Bakken Bears on the road. After the victory against EN Baskets Schwelm, the German big men seemed almost even more focused stretching and had that boyish smile where one may not have thought he just had a monster game denying the EN Baskets Schwelm of a sausage reward which is a delicacy in their region, but looked more like a kid that had just worked up a sweat getting the last Christmas gifts. ”I have got extra self confidence from my BBL experience and took it into this game and really wanted to get the Pro B game back on the winning track. It took me five minutes to get going, but once I got going I got even more self confidence which carried over to the end of the game. My biggest strength today was my inside out game”, stressed Johannes Richter. Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert can always be seen at the Pro B games of the Juniors and he may have been penciling in some extra notes as to where he will play Richter against Oldenburg on Sunday. Herbert has been more than satisfied with the effort of Richter this season.”I felt that Johannes had a very good preseason, but he was still behind Danilo Barthel and Aaron Doornekamp on the depth chart. However we then got injuries and he got his opportunity. Even when he wasn’t getting minutes, he had a great attitude and worked hard. I am happy for him. Even last week against Braunschweig he saw minutes in the fourth quarter. He has shown that he can shoot and is a good offensive rebounder and competitor. I have to continue to find minutes for him. It is nice to see his dedication that he is able to combine school and basketball, because it isn’t easy as schooling in Germany makes it hard to combine sports”, stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert.

Under the watchful eyes of Fraport Skyliner captains Danilo Bartlel and Quantez Robertson, the Fraport Skylinedrs Juniors got off to a quick start taking a 6-2 lead as Stefan Ilzhoefer scored consecutive buckets showing his aggressiveness from the get go and 17 year old Paderborn native Niklas Kiel caught an air ball and made the lay in. Illzhoefer kept up the intensity scoring inside as Richter found him for the easy score. The EN Baskets Schwelm then stormed out on a 6-0 run to lead 11-8 and it seemed as the game could slightly change as ex Finke Baskets forward Leo Padberg who had been inserted into the starting line up for German veteran Sebastian Schroeter who wasn’t totally fit scored and ex Giessen 46er Matthias Perl who played 35 Beko BBL games for the Hessen team got aggressive scoring inside twice. However then out of the blue as if Gordon Herbert had had a secret Walkie Talkie in the stands to signal to Junior head coach Eric Detlef that it was time for his license players to do work, the Pro B team ended the first quarter with a back breaking 22-5 run to lead 30-16 and they would never look back again in the game. In the run, Johannes Richter got going with 11 points while Ilzhoefer ended the first quarter with 14 points. Richter displayed his inside out game to the finest with a couple of three pointers and damage inside with a hook shot and reverse lay up. Ilzhoefer hit a couple of three pointers as well and Paderborn native Marius Nolte contributed with four free throws. “Richter and Ilzhoefer were the main forces that really hurt us. The team shot very well and when you have a good young team that gets going like that, it is just difficult to stop”, stressed EN Baskets Schwelm CEO Omar Rahim. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 61% from the field and 57% from outside while the EN Baskets Schwelm were shooting 39% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 12-8 rebound edge and two turnovers while Schwelm had three turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners kept up the offensive pressure and the EN Baskets Schwelm showed some resistance cutting the Frankfurt lead to 10 points, but a 5-0 run to end the second quarter put a dent into the Schwelm comeback. The Fraport Skyliners started the second quarter with high intensity and getting two transition buckets from Alaska native Kyle Fossman and Armin Musovic to propel their lead to 34-16. This run was matched by a 11-4 run by Schwelm to trail 38-29 which was possibly their best few offensive minutes of the game. Ex Lich player Perl started the run scoring inside again and Leo Padberg sunk a three pointer as Frankfurt still led 34-21. Canadian Chris Johnson who played at St Bonaventure(NCAA) and last season as a rookie for Glasgow(UK) had a strong phase scoring some buckets including a beautiful cross over and finishing with a floater. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn´t let this little spurt of offense by Schwelm get them out of their game plan as their offense got going again finishing the second quarter on a 10-4 run to lead 48-33 after two quarters. Richter helped his stat account scoring inside and getting to the free throw line and Fossman found a quick footed Ilzhoefer cutting to the hole for two points. Frankfurt led only 43-33 with a minute to play, but a Richter three pointer and Jules Akodo jumper slammed the door in the faces of the EN Baskets Schwelm. “The second quarter was the same picture as the first quarter where we couldn’t control Richer or Ilzhoefer. We had problems controlling their inside out game and we couldn’t get any easy points on offense”, added EN Baskets Schwelm CEO Omar Rahim. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 51% from the field and 38% from the three point line while the EN Baskets Schwelm were shooting 40% from the field and 11% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 21-18 rebound advantage. Frankfurt had four turnovers and Schwelm five turnovers.

In the third quarter, The Fraport Skyliners were able to extend their lead to 20 plus points as the EN Baskets Schwelm had no cure on how to minimize the Frankfurt offensive flow and consistency. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had many players on this day that contributed as Richter and Ilzhoefer did and in the third quarter it was the turn of Kyle Fossman that was born in Canada, but grew up in Alaska as he had the hot hand Hitting three consecutive jumpers upping the Frankfurt lead to 55-39. After ex Phoenix Hagen guard Max Kramer who played 8 Beko BBL games for Ingo Freyer hit some buckets, it was back to Richter demonstrating that he was a man among boys doing more damage making a massive two handed dunk after being fed quickly by Ilzhoefer and scoring inside as Frankfurt led 64-44. After Kramer nailed another three pointer, Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a 8-2 run to lead 73-51.Nicolai Vuckovic and Fossman kept the high field goal percentage high with jumpers and Marius Nolte closed out the third quarters with what he does best getting put backs and having no mercy for anyone standing in his way. “We switched to zone defense and it worked well for the first three Skyliner possessions, but then it was Richter and Fossman who hit everything. When you have good shooters you can always take apart a zone which Frankfurt did”, added EN Baskets Schwelm CEO Omar Rahim. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 37% from the parking lot while the EN Baskets Schwelm were shooting 43% from the field and 25% from the parking lot. Frankfurt led the rebounding duel 32-22 and had six turnovers while Schwelm had 10 turnovers.

The game was already decided after 30 minutes, but the Fraport Skyliners wanted to play a complete game and did outscoring the EN Baskets Schwelm 28-14 in the last 10 minutes. Marius Nolte started off the fourth quarter where he left the third quarter hitting two buckets as Frankfurt extended their lead to 77-51 thus making four baskets in a row something where one could pick his mind if he had ever done that before as a professional. Frankfurt kept working on getting to the 100 point mark as 18 year old Lennart Okeke who will play at the 2015 NBBL allstar game in Ulm together with teammates Niklas Kiel and Armin Musovic nailed a three pointer and Kiel and Richter combined scored six points from the free throw line as Frankfurt extended their lead to 86-55. Canadian Chris Johnson then made a beautiful dunk. “Schwelm made more beautiful baskets on this day, but overall Frankfurt made more baskets”, smiled Omar Rahim. Richter kept polishing his stat sheet with a three pointer, hook shot and free throws as Frankfurt led 96-57. Schwelm German Leo Padberg hit consecutive three pointers, but a bit too late as Frankfurt still led 99-63. After Niklas Lange hit a step back jumper, it was Kyle Fossman that ended the game with a lay in and the 101-65 win. “We weren´t awake going into the game. We had problems with matchups and Johannes Richter was the difference in this game”, added EN Baskets Schwelm CEO Omar Rahim

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Richter with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Stefan Ilzhoefer added 17 points and Kyle Fossman 16 points, eight rebounds, six assist and three steals. Marius Nolte added 11 points and six rebounds. The EN Baskets Schwelm were led by Mathias Perl with 14 points. Leo Padberg added 13 points. Christopher Johnson contributed 11 points and Max Kramer 10 points. The American/Canadian combination of Johnson and Johnson who averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds per game combined coming into the game had only 14 points and 7 rebounds and were more than slowed down by Frankfurt. “I am a defense first player while Chris is more of a scorer. When I am slacking on offense, then Chris usually makes up for it. We just didn’t have it today and were lazy and Frankfurt exploited it”, stressed American Jody Johnson. Frankfurt shot 51% from the field and 36% from outside while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 39% from the field and 29% from outside. Frankfurt dominated the rebounding 49-26 and had 10 turnovers while Schwelm had 12 turnovers. Jules Akodo was very happy how the team played and especially having the BBL license players on board. “The BBL license players bring much energy and motivate everyone else on the team. We played as a team for 40 minutes, shared the ball, played together on defense and stopped their transition game. It was our goal to stop their transition game and did”, added Jules Akodo.

 

That the Fraport Skyliners organization have strived for excellence in their youth movement has not been a secret as their program continues to make strides forward year by year and they have been rewarded with sending three players to the 2015 NBBL Allstar game in Ulm which showcase the top youth players in Germany.. The club has shown in the past that they have been very capable of developing young players as the Skyliner German big three of Danilo Barthel, Johannes Voigtmann and Konstantin Klein continue to go their way in the German basketball world, as Danilo Barthel played NBA Summer league, Johannes Voigtmann made the jump to the German national team and Konstantin Klein made it to the German A-2 national team. The next bunch of talented young players have already been found with Niklas Kiel (207-F-97), Armin Musovic (192-PG-96) and Lennart Okeke (191-G-96) who have been invited to take part at the 2015 NBBL Allstar game in Ulm.

Niklas Kiel (207-F-97) is a 17 year old 207cm power forward that started his basketball career with the Paderborn Baskets U16 team in 2011. He played for BBG Herford (Regionalliga) the last two seasons and last season played 17 games averaging 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 65.8%. Last season he had massive stats of 15,0ppg and 13.0rpg in the NBBL and was named rookie of the year This season he made the jump to the Fraport Skyliners wanting to take the next step and is playing for their farm team Fraport Skyliners Pro B team and NBBL for Eintracht Frankfurt. Kiel is a player that has an unorthodx line drive shot and can dominate inside with his quick foot work and overpowering body. So far this season in the German pro B, Kiel is averaging 7,5ppg, 6,0rpg and 1,3apg.He has scored in double figures four times with two double doubles. His best game was against Saarlouis with 13 points and 10 rebounds. In the NBBL, Kiel is averaging 16,0ppg, 10,3rpg and 2,0 apg.He has had two double doubles and his best game was a 21 point 12 rebound effort against TBB Trier junior team. Last summer he played at the European Championships U18 Division B in Sofia (Bulgaria) -14 (Gold): 9 games: 7.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, FT: 58.3%.

Lennart Okeke (191-G-96) is a 18 year old 191cm guard that started his basketball career in 2011 with Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga). He played his first Pro B game for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors at the end of the 2012-2013 season at age 16. Last season he officially joined the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) playing 9 games averaging 2.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.2apg, played also at Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL). This season he is playing For the Fraport Skyliners Pro B team and NBBL team Eintracht Frankfurt. So far this season the German has played nine Pro B games averaging 4,3ppg and 1,8rpg. His best game was a nine point effort against the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. In the NBBL the German has played all six games that were wins avergaing 9,7ppg, 2,3rpg and 1,7apg.He has scored in double figures four times including a 16 point game against TBB Trier Junior team-

Armin Musovic (192-PG-96) is a 18 year old 192cm point guard that is currently playing for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors in the Pro B and also plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the NBBL. He started his basketball career in 2009 for TS Griesheim. He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2010 and joined the Fraport Skyliners Pro B team in 2012 already playing three games as a 16 year old. Last season he played for Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany-2.Regionaliga) and played also for Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL) and for Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) playing 8 games and averaging 1.5ppg. This season he is also giving double duty for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and the NBBL team. The German explains his two roles. “In the NBBL I am the captain and leader. I always try to keep the team together in stress situations. As the point guard I always try to see what our offense needs at that specific time in the game. Sometimes I dont have to score as our big men do it. My role isn’t so much different in the Pro B. As the point guard I have to be the leader and am the organizer and coach. I don’t have to be as vocal as we Have Marius Nolte and Tim Oldenburg who have that duty, but Marius often tells me to be more vocal. But there is always a certain respect that you need to have for Marius”, stressed Armin Musovic (192-PG-96). In the Pro B Musovic is averaging 5,1ppg, 1,6rpg and 2,4apg. He scored in double figures twice and his best scoring game was a 12 point effort against Schwelm. In the NBBL he is averaging 13,9ppg, 5,6apg and 3,6rpg.

Maurice Acker is a 27 year old 176cm point guard that was born in Kansas City, Kansas, but grew up in Hazelcrest, Illinois and is playing his first season for the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career in 2005 at Ball St and then moved on to Marquette (NCAA) where he played from 2007-2010 and as a senior played 34 games: 8.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 49.5%, FT: 72.7%. Concluded the season season ranked second in the nation and first in the BIG EAST in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.1). Led the BIG EAST in 3-point field goal percentage (.495). He started his basketball career in 2011 with Bucaneros de La Guaira (Venezuela-LPB): (Elimination Round) 15 games: 8.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2PT: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2011 he also played for Quebec Kebs (Canada-PBL): 18 games: 8.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 80.0%. In the 2011-2012 season he moved to Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 31 games: 14.0ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-3(4.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 79.3%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Trefl Sopot (Poland-TBL, starting five): 4 games: 10.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg, then signed at BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five): 37 games: Score-1(23.9ppg), 2.5rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 84.4%. Last season he played for Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB, starting five): 42 games: Score-4(17.0ppg), 2.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 88.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 94-61 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Thanks Maurice for talking to German Hoops. A tough 94-61 loss against the Fraport Skyliners. How much stronger did this team appear than in the first meeting?

They were a better team with all of their players back and with the new addition Cobbs.

The Fraport Skyliners had the 53-33 lead at halftime. What were the main reasons for the Bakken Bears not being able to keep the game tighter after 20 minutes?

The Skyliners shot extremely we’ll in the first half. I think it was like 70% they shot from the field. And our end we shot terrible from the field.

What adjustments did the Bakken Bears want to make in the third quarter that didn´t really seem to work as the Fraport Skyliners were able to extend their lead?

We wanted to force them to take bad shots and pressure them more, but they did a good job at staying solid in the 2nd half.

How much did you feel the deeper bench of the Fraport Skyliners tonight? Guys like Mike Morrison and Justin Cobbs hadn´t played in the first game?

Their bench players out played ours. Morrison and Cobbs helped the Skyliners a lot in this game they played good.

You did a super job finding your teammates with seven assists, but had an unlucky shooting night at 1/10. Was this a combination of good Cobbs defense and easy missed shots or did one of these dominate your poor shooting night?

I was able to get the shots that I wanted it was nothing special Cobbs did I just couldn’t find my shot but I got good looks.

The Bakken Bears recently released American Semaj IngeHow much was his play missed on this night?

We could of useded Semaj big time especially defensively.

The four Frankfurt big men Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel, Johannes Richter and Mike Morrison shot combined 18/25 from the field. Was their play one of the main reasons why the Bakken Bears were unable to get over the hump and have a better chance to win?

Yes the bigs had a great game against us. They shot the ball extremely we’ll and they were able to finish inside.

Next week the Fraport Skyliners have a do or die game against Boras in Sweden. Boras had a shoot out at Okapi Aalstar and lost 119-118. Frankfurt lost to Boras 72-70 in Frankfurt. Who do you see advancing and why?

It’s going to be interesting to see who advance because they both are good teams. But we will see soon.

 

Thanks Maurice for the chat.

 

Garrett Stutz is a 24 year old 212 cm center playing his third professional season and first with CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). He played at Wichita St. (NCAA) from 2008-2012 and as a senior played 32 games: 13.3ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 82.1%. He then took part in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) playing 3 games averaging14.7ppg, Reb-4(11.0rpg), FGP-3(63.3%), 1.3bpg. He then played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Minnesota Timberwolves): 2 games: 2.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg. In the 2012-2013 season as a rookie he played for Anyang KGC (Korea-KBL), in Jan.’13 signed at Maine Red Claws (D-League): 17 games: 5.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.9%. Last season he played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL, starting five): 35 games: 12.6ppg, 7.1rpg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.7%. He spoke to German Hoops recently when he was in Germany playing Eurocup against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

 

 

 

Garrett welcome to Germany. Your brother Logan has played in Germany the last few years. How often did you come and visit him?

I havent had a chance to visit him yet. This is my first time in Germany.

Last season you played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL) playing 35 games: 12.6ppg, 7.1rpg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.7%. Now your playing for top Czech Republic team CEZ Basketball Nymburk. In just your second season you have made it to a top European club. How happy have you been with your development making the next level in Europe?

I am content with where I am at in my career. It’s a long process. I just keep trying to improve every day.

How tough have the first few months been for you mentally and physically? You play in three leagues?

It is a lot of games. That’s been the biggest adjustment all the travel that comes with playing 3-4 times a week.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk is 3-5 in the more competitive VTB league. How has this style of play helped your game which is more difficult than in the Czech league?

There are some great teams and players in VTB. I have been more of a match up guy, getting more minutes vs big centers. There is an adjustment period that happens when you play against teams from different countries and different styles of basketball.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk is holding their own in the Eurocup in group C with a record of 4-2. What will be key to advancing?

Everybody needs to stay healthy and protect our home court then try to steal games on the road.

You are playing on a team filled with amazing talent. Is it a usual occurrence to have a wow experience each day in practice? What guys really have amazed you most?

We have a lot of talented players and practices have been really competitive. Im not sure one guy stands out amongst the group.

Your putting up very solid stats in the Czech league, but getting less minutes in the VTB and Eurocup competition. How happy have you been with your play and on what area of your game are you working on most?

If coach plays me 2 minutes or 20 minutes I am going to play as hard as I can and help the team anyway that I can. I am really trying to improve pick and rolls both offensively and defensively.

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

I can play on the perimeter and open up the paint for the guards to drive or other players to post up.

How important has it been for you working with veteran Czech big men Rancik Radoslav and Petr Benda? How have they helped you with your game?

There’s a lot of experience between both those guys. They have been trying to help me with positioning on both ends and asserting myself into the offense more.

You started your professional basketball career with Anyang KGC (Korea-KBL). What was your wake up call to being a professional player in Korea?

It was the first time really experiencing culture shock. First time overseas I didn’t really know what to expect. Off the court it was hard at first to get adjusted but got better as time went on. Its hard to say basketball because I was injured during my time there. I was never 100% when I played for KGC.

You finished your rookie season with the Maine Red Claws (D-League): 17 games: 5.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, How much of a delight was it playing for Mike Taylor and do you see him being an NBA coach down the road?

I really enjoyed playing for Coach T and wouldn’t hesitate to play for him again. We still keep in touch now. Hes a very likable guy and has a bright future

You played at Wichita State from 2008-2012. How did Gregg Marshall prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Not to survive but to get better every chance you get. He really prepared me to be mentally tough and to be able to get through anything that was thrown at me. He helps you get this mindset that no practice or game is too hard or to tough.

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

Kawhi Leonard or Kemba Walker

In an interview with Logan Stutz I asked him who wins in a one on one you or him and he said We don´t go too hard. If we took it seriously then it would get ugly. I win some and he wins some. How have those battles been since that interview in the summer of 2013 and 2014?

We still train together in the summers when we are both in Kansas City. He’s starting to develop and expand his game. We are both great competitors that’s why it’s hard to play against one another.

Is there a curse growing on the Kansas City Royales? How did you recover from the 2014 World Series loss?

Still haven’t recovered. There’s no curse we will win it next year.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Pirate Radio.

 

Thanks Garret for the chat.