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 before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

 

Maurice thanks for talking to German Hoops. The Bakken Bears had a league free weekend. Did the team use this time for extra preparation for the next Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners?

Yes we were able to get a lot of time to practice and focus and what we needs to get better at. Practice has been very competitive after the loss to Boras so it needs to translate over to the games.

The Bakken Bears are 0-4 in Eurochallenge play. The club has lost by an average of 11 points per game. What have been the main reasons for not being able to get over the hump and win some games?

The main reason I would say is our 4th quarter execution hasn’t been good. The first 3 games we were winning going into the 4th. Our intensity as a team just drops and we get out rebounded and forget our defensive principals which cause the 4th quarter collapse.

The Bakken Bears lost last week 90-70 to Boras. When looking at the stats there wasn’t much difference eventhough you got outrebounded 52-45 and Christian Maraker had a huge game with 22 points and 20 boards. Was there anything positive that the team could take into the next game against the Fraport Skyliners?

Boras just outplayed us!! Whenever you have one player goes off for 22 points and 20 rebounds then it’s a very slim chance you will win that game. Our intensity level lacked from the beginning of the game so we dug a hole that we couldn’t get ourselves out of.

You had your best game so far in the Eurochallenge with 25 points against Boras and have scored in double figures in each game. How happy have you been with your Eurochallenge performance so far?

I’ve been playing okay!! but I feel as though I can definitely play better to help my team win!

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners. The Bakken Bears cant advance, but the Fraport Skyliners have another must win situation and will be very focused to win the game. Will the Bakken Bears be able to match that focus despite having nothing to play for except for pride?

Just because we can’t advance doesn’t mean we are not going to play to win! It’s a home game and we want to protect our home court no matter what. The key will be to out rebound our opponent and play extremely hard until the final buzzer goes off.

You will have to play against rookie Justin Cobbs from California(NCAA). How much are you looking forward to playing against him and how important will it be keeping him out of his comfort zone?

He’s young but he’s good so I’m looking forward to matching up against him. It will be real important to our team to make it difficult for him. It will be a big win for us! We can’t take this team for granted because they have many injured players because they already proved that they can beat us. So we just need to play hard and aggressive for 40 minutes and see how it plays out at the end.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Pursuit of happiness

 

Thanks Maurice for the chat.

 

Armin Musovic is an 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 Frapoer 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. He spoke to German Hoops following the 88-36 victory against the Junior Baskets Rhein Neckar in NBBL play.

 

Armin thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the huge 88-36 win against the Junior Baskets Rhein Neckar in NBBL play. What were the main reasons for winning by 52 points?

 

Defense was the key for us. Our big men did a great job down low rebounding and getting easy points. They combined for 27 rebounds and played great.

 

How difficult is it in general to keep focused when you are leading by 30-35 points. Eintracht Frankfurt had a lull in the third quarter, but finished the game strong in the fourth quarter.

 

I think that we have much experience and guys that also play in the Pro B. We try to be leaders and always show the young guys that you have to be focused to be successful. There are always phases where you might lose some concentration, but our coaching staff does a great job helping us stay focused. They prepare us well for games and even when we play well they bring us down and that we have to take each opponent seriously and always be aggressive on the court on every possession.

 

It looked like Eintracht Frankfurt were men playing with boys. Did it also seem like that from your stand point?

 

It may have seemed like that, but we never think that it will be easy. We feel that any team can annoy us on any given day. We go in with the mentality of always being focused for every team and fight for every ball.

 

Niklas Kiel and Armin Trtovac dominated combining for 34 points and 27 rebounds. Are they the next generation of Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann?

 

I don’t want to laud them too much, but with Kiel he is a player that has been around and has experience at the NBBL level and has played Pro B. I think that Armin Trtovac can go a far way, but one should not put pressure on him, but just continue to develop at his pace. He is good under the basket and demonstrated that he can shoot the mid distance jumper.

 

Eintracht Frankfurt is 7-0 in the NBBL. Are you a favorite to win it all?

 

I don’t want to sound too confident, but I feel that we are a candidate to reach the NBBL Final 4. This is our goal. We have many guys that have been together for many years and with the addition of Kiel, Trtovac and Akodo nice pieces to this team. We have reached the playoffs the last years and are burning for more.

 

What has been your impression of new player Jules Akodo who also plays Pro B?

 

I think that he is allrounder that can do a bit of everything. He is a point guard and I am happy that he is here. With the injuries to the Merz brothers, he gives me a breather. We also play together on the court which is a plus. He can get hot at any time and is generally a good team player.

 

It seems that the first thing that stands out when one sees Anthony Williams is his outside shot. What else can he do well on the court?

 

I have played a long time with Tony. He is a worker, hustler energizer for us. He is an important player for us coming from the bench that plays his role well and always gives much pressure on defense.

 

You are finishing high school and also juggle Pro B and NBBL. Has it been a tough adjustment for you?

 

It is tough, but you have to be organized. I am used to it since I have been doing it for years. I have training each day, but somehow I get everything organized. If I do have some sress, then I can miss a practice every now and then.

 

You have got extended minutes in the Pro B. Has that been a big adjustment for you?

 

It has been ok. I always knew that I could play at the Pro B level. I always have to prove myself and bring my A game. With more experience I always get more confidence. I am always aggressive and I feel that I am doing a good job at that level even against the Americans.

 

Explain your roles in the NBBL and Pro B?

 

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. Today I didn’t have to score as our big men were doing that. 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.

 

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away?

 

I think organizing the game. I think that this aspect of my game has improved much in the last two years. We run plays, but there is a concept behind it and I am always looking for mismatches.

 

On what things do you still need to improve on the court?

 

I can limit turnovers and be even more comfortable in my playmaking as well bringing more pressure on defense. I could also work on my body and athleticism.

 

Every player always looks to get to the highest level. What is your goal as a basketball player?

 

My goal is to reach the Beko BBL. I played my first pro B game at age 16 and want to continue to develop. I think that there are too many players in general that move to fast to big teams. I like to go at my pace and always have to prove myself and just take my development step by step and always strive to get better.

 

What do you want to do now after you finish high school?

 

I want to take a year off and concentrate on basketball and then study at University.

 

Is going the college route to the United States not an option for you?

 

No it isn’t. I don’t like that kind of style of run and gun. I like the organized style in Europe.

 

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Max Merz?

 

I beat him once. He is tough to play as he is a great defender and also has to defend BBL players. He beats me now, but I think that I could beat him in 1-2 years as soon as my body fills out.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Interstellar. It was a great movie.

 

Thanks Armin for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Theorn Laudermill is a 25 year old 200cm center from Riverside that is playing his first season with the Dragons Rhondorf. He started his basketball career at Shoreline Community College and then finished his college career at Cal.St.-San Bernardino(NCAA2) from 2009-2012 playing a total of 53 NCAA games. Last season as a rookie he played for SpVgg Rattelsdorf Independents (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games: 17.8ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, 1.5bpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Theron thanks for talking to German Hoops. How blessed are you to be back in Germany?

 

I am very blessed and I really enjoy Rhondorf. I like the team and coach very much. Rhondorf is peaceful which is very different to California. It is a pleasure to be back after taking a year off to get my degree.

 

You played in the well-known Drew league last summer. What kind of experience was that for you?

 

Playing in this league is a lot of fun. There are very many good players from California and after a while you get used to playing against them. I played against Craig smith, Kevin Durant,, James Harden, Dorrell Wright, Nick Young or Gilbert Arenas. Those names speak for themselves.

 

You played your rookie season in Rattelsdorf in 2012-2013, but last season you went back home. What did you do?

 

I had some offers, but nothing really came out of them. I went home to get my degree.

 

Your playing your first season in the German Pro B for Rhondorf. How was the adjustment coming from the Regionaliga?

 

There wasn´t really a big adjustment. The biggest change is that in Pro B, they make more shots and capitalize more off mistakes than in the Regionaliga.

 

How much fun has it been playing with Savo Milovic? He played with NBA player Marcin Gortat when he was 17 with Cologne.

 

Yes he told me that about Gortat. He is my neighbor on and off the court. He is a great veteran. When I am out of my head, he calms me down on the court. He knows my goals and he has seen it all. He blesses me with knowledge all the time.

 

Did you know his shot in Karlsruhe would go in as he released it?

 

Yes. He is a great player. He may not be flashy, but is just solid. He isn´t really a point guard. He has played it here, because he had to. He is more of a shooter.

 

You are a 200cm center that likes getting rebounds. Who has been your role model from the NBA?

I like Zach Randolph the most, but also guys like Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony. I like guys that can rebound and shoot.

 

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

 

I think that my ball handling is. I can take the ball up the floor if I have to. People think that the way I move that I am slow, but this is an advantage for me, because I can get around people using my body.

 

How did head coach Jeff Oliver at Cal State Bernadino prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

The practices were very intense and he demanded a lot from us. I was more of a Euro four in college. I am a five, but under him I wasn´t restricted to that, but he just let me play and be more free.

 

When you played for Rattelsdorf, did you go watch Brose Baskets Bamberg games?

 

I actually saw only one game when I was there. I was focusing more on my game and what I had to do to be successful for Rattelsdorf. Now I follow them more since my friend Carlon Brown plays for them.

 

What dreams do you still have as a professional?

 

My ultimate goal is to play BBL in Germany. I would like to stay in Germany, because I feel comfortable here. I am open to leaving to further my career, but I wouldn´t mind staying here.

 

Who was the toughest opponent that you had to encounter in the Drew league?

 

Craig Smith was very tough. He was a big beast against me.

 

Where will the journey of the Los Angeles Lakers end this season in the NBA?

 

It would be a miracle if Kobe could pull something out after his injury, but I see them rebuilding.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Fabian Thuelig?

 

Of course I have to go with me, but he is a good player-

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Rush Hour 2.

 

Thanks Theron for the chat.

 

 

 

The walking wounded list of the Fraport Skyliners in the last weeks has been growing without pleasure the way a Christmas wish list does for a toddler for its parents. It took the Fraport Skyliners a while to find a new guard to help in the scoring and playmaking department, but it seems like the 2004 BBL champion found a gem with23 year old Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs who is already joining his fourth professional team in his fourth month as a rookie having played with Tibor Pleisss ex team Laboral Kutxa Vitoria (Spain-Liga Endesa), the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), released in Oct.’14 and recently VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). After a year at Minnesota(NCAA) where he played for ex Kentucky skipper Tubby Smith where he didn’t like the slow pace of the game moved to California(NCAA) where he finished his stellar career averaging 15.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.8apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.7% as a senior. Ex Boston Celtic Leon Powe who also played at California years earlier described Cobbs as his favorite point guard there the last years and Cobbs credited his leadership skills to current NBA player Mexican Jorge Gutierrez stayed in the hearts of California fans with his game winning shot at Oregon and his amazing and exciting step back buzzer beater against then current number one team Arizona. It be still be a while before the Fraport Skyliners will be able to have both Richard Williams and Konstantin Klein back in the lineup so for the time being the club will have the formidable duo of Sean Armand and himself in the back court. At California many saw Cobbs and current NBA player Allen Crabbe the best back court duo in the Pac 10 as they tore up other teams defense the way Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson do in the NBA now. If Armand will be as lethal as Crabbe was with Tubbs will be seen in the next weeks, but both guys can collect buckets the way Ronaldo does goals and have a great eye for their teammates. After helping the Fraport Skyliners win their second game in a row and first on the road against 2004 Fiba cup winner Mitteldeutscher BC in Leipzig with a eight point effort, the American was focused to help his team achieve a must win in his first home and international game against Aalstar and after only four days in Germany celebrated his second win in a row over Okapi Aalstar 80-58. At halftime, the American had only six points, but really took control in the second half and poured in 14 points in totally taking apart Aalstar. The play of Cobbs reminded one of a former Skyliner who won the Beko BBL MVP in 2011 and looked like a road runner when darting to the basket. After the game former Skyliner Marius Nolte was able to compare Cobbs to two Skyliners in look and play. “Cobbs helped us a lot tonight bringing us forward. He reminded me a lot in appearance to Michael Thompson and with his play on the court to Dashaun Wood the way he was able to take command when he wanted to. However one has to be careful not to speculate too much after only one game”, added Paderborn native Marius Nolte. After the win, Cobbs was confident and soft spoken with the reporters and it was just another day at the office for the general. “I have been here only a short while, but I am just trying to help the team win. I feel very welcome here and just want to keep it going. I wanted to be aggressive and I was hitting shots. Coach told me to just go on the floor and play my game. I wasn’t thinking, but just playing and having fun”, smiled Justin Cobbs. His teammate Sean Armand was impressed and also a little happy that some of that scoring load doesn’t lean fully on his shoulder. “He fits in well and was under control and that is when good things happen. He is a very confident player, sees the flow and has a very high IQ. It all looks so easy because he makes the right plays”, stressed Sean Armand. “Cobbs was the general for Frankfurt. He is a good player that knows when to find his teammates and when its his turn to score. It looked like he had been there for a while”, added ex Georgetown(NCAA) guard Justin Clark. “A reason why it looks so easy is because Cobbs is great at changing the pace. At times he can rock you to sleep and then he can explode. He controlled the whole game with his play”, added Fraport Skyliner Mike Morrison.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game riding a huge two game winning streak having won at home against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and on the road in Leipzig and were facing a must win in Eurochallenge play as they had a 1-2 record and had played superb defense in this stretch holding their opponents to an average of 62 points only. Against Belgium team Okapi Aalstar, the Fraport Skyliners came out very focused and despite a quick run by them were able to find their game and were down only by four points by halftime and thanks to an offensive explosion in the third quarter outscoring their opponent 27-6 and were able to coast to victory in the fourth quarter as they never let up. Injured Mike Morrison was so pumped and happy that he was doing his own dancing to the arena music and had the most utmost respect for his teammates. “I am so proud of the way the team played tonight. It was an exciting game and we got great support from the fans. After losing so badly in Belgium, We played very strong with a great defensive effort and had our offense going”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Mike Morrison. Okapi Aalstar had started the Belgium season 7-0 and were rolling in Eurochallenge play with a 3-0 record, but had fallen into a rut as of recent losing their last two games in the Belgium league as their scoring average had been shrunk from 96 to 76 points and their defense was more than suspect as they had averaged giving up 89 points in the last two games. The club found their rhythm early, but then were unable to match the intensity of Frankfurt and just shot very poorly and had defended very poorly as the aggressiveness was left somewhere between Aalst and Frankfurt. “Frankfurt played an overall better game than we did. The Frankfurt 27-6 third quarter was key for them winning. We played no defense and had no communication”, added Okapi Aalstar guard Jason Clark.

2,440 fans showed up in the Fraport arena for an untypical Tuesday night game, but witnessed Okapi Aalstar take the early lead 13-7. American Taylor Braun who played at North Dakota State and played NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns last summer got going early scoring a lay up and dropping a three pointer while rejuvenated Canadian Aaron Doornekamp who had a huge game against MBC with 16 points got aggressive scoring twice. Okapi Aalstar continued to be aggressive and reached the free throw line as American Tyren Johnson and Braun hit free throws. Johnson also found American/Samoan John Tofi who played at the University of Texas at El Paso for the dunk as the Frankfurt rotation seemed to have sunk in the light snow that was falling outside the arena. However Frankfurt slowly was finding their rhythm on offense and paralyzed Okapi Aalstar with a vicious 9-0 run to take the 16-13 lead. Brooklyn native Sean Armand hit a three pointer and lay in while Quantez Robertson snuck inside for a bucket and Danilo Barthel hit free throws. New Skyliner Justin Cobbs then hit his first bucket scoring inside and Johannes Richter connected for a left handed hook shot. Cobbs has little problems getting inside and scoring easily even if he may not be as quick as Dashaun Wood. “Cobbs is a bigger version of Dashaun Wood”, stressed 2004 Beko BBL winner with Frankfurt head coach Gordon Herbert. The Fraport Skyliners led 22-18 after one quarter. “I thought that we had a decent first quarter despite the slow start. We were aggressive on offense and were hitting shots”, added Fraport Skyliner Mikko Koivisto. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 30% from outside While Okapi Aalstar was shooting 35% from the field and 14% from outside. Both teams had nine rebounds a piece, but Frankfurt had no turnovers while Okapi Aalstar had two turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to hold their lead, but let up a bit in the latter minutes as Okapi Aalstar fought back and regained the lead going into halftime as there was no stopping American Tyren Johnson who scored nine of the last 11 Okapi Aalstar points. The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as German Johannes Richter scored on a hook shot as they led 24-18. Lodwick then connected on a three pointer and Robertson scored inside making an acrobatic reverse lay up as Frankfurt still led 26-21. After Arizona native Lee Cummard and Johannes Voigtmann traded free throws, it was Tyren Johnson that made the most peculiar bucket of the night as he crashed the boards and tried to tip a high rebound that seemed out of his reach and somehow tipped it into the bucket that took a rainbow dip. This basket was just the beginning of his domination in the last few minutes. Cobbs then hit a pull up jumper as Frankfurt led 30-25. Thanks to the high intensity of Johnson, he sparked Okapi Aalstar on a crushing second quarter ending 13-4 run as the Belgium squad led 38-34. 19 Year old Belgium Vincent Kesteloot contributed with two buckets, but it was Johnson who did the real damage as he nailed a three pointer, fade away jumper and connected for four free throws. He also showed unrelentless energy on defense blocking Johannes Voigtmann. “Our offense broke down and Tyren Johnson got hot at the end as we couldn´t control his aggressiveness”, stated Miko Koivisto. Okapi Aalstar was shooting 41% from the field and 30% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 14% from the three point line. Okapi Aalstar had the 19-16 rebound edge and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

The Fraport Skyliners took off in the third quarter right from the start and Okapi Aalstar would lead one last time early, but a crushing 27-6 third quarter would seal the fate for Okapi Aalstar head coach Brad Dean whjo won a BBL cup in 1996 with Ulm and his team. The Fraport Skyliners took to heart what head coach Gordon Herbert told them in the half time and stormed out on a 6-0 run to retake the lead 40-38. The three buckets that Frankfurt produced in this run was the perfect example of how team basketball is played as hustle, intelligence and effort were on the menu. Barthel got Frankfurt on the board first as Voigtman penetrated, but dished the ball to him for two quick points showing game intelligence with the extra pass. Voigtman then made a running dunk as Aaron Doornekamp tapped the ball to the big man at center court showing hustle as he was off to the races and Doornekamp showed massive effort getting the offensive rebound and put back. Okapi Aalstar would get the lead back one last time as Johnson made a mid distance shot for the 42-41 lead. The Fraport Skyliners then displayed an early new years fire work display closing out the third quarter with a lightening 20-2 run to lead comfortably 61-44 after 30 minutes. The run was powered by Justin Cobbs who took command scoring 14 points while Danilo Barthel added two three pointers. Cobbs nailed two three pointers, scored inside, made a steal and went coast to coast for the one hand dunked, hit a floater and made free throws. “We dominated the third quarter with defensive intensity which led to transition and easy baskets. Once we had the momentum, it was hard to stop us”, added Mike Morrison. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 46% from the field and 33% from the parking lot while Okapi Aalstar was shooting 34% from the field and 20% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the slight 28-27 rebound advantage and still had four turnovers while Okapi Aalstar had suffered seven turnovers in the quarter totaling 11.

In the fourth quarter despite Okapi Aalstar cutting the Frankfurt lead down to 11 points couldn´t establish some defensive intensity as it had been lacking all game long as the Fraport Skyliners finished the game strong. Okapi Aalstar made one last run right to the begin of the fourth quarter going on a 10-4 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 65-54. Despite playing superb defense, one will never completely halt an offensive talented team like Okapi Aalstar. Braun showed his explosiveness getting the Belgium team on the board early with a steal and dunk and then connected on a three pointer. Johnson then scored on a lay in and Oregon native and ex Washington State forward Abe Lodwick hit a three pointer. The Fraport Skyliners then put a dent into the Okapi Aalstar run going on their own run of 7-0 to extend their lead to 72-54 which closed the door on the Belgium team. Frankfurt did a superb job letting other guys get involved as Justin Cobb stayed in the backround as German national player Johannes Voigtmann did something for his scoring account hitting two jumpers and making free throws. Frankfurt now also did a good job not getting sloppy , but why should they have, because they had been doing a great job of taking care of the ball the whole game. Frankfurt did a good job also with time sharing. Barthel hit another three pointer as he really had found his range in this game as Frankfurt led 75-56. Herbert then did a nice deed at the end inserting Pro B players Kyle Fossman and Tim Oldenburg from their farm team. Oldenburg grabbed two rebounds in garbage time while Fossman nailed a three pointer in the corner ending the game. “We knew that the game wasn’t over after three quarters. They are a strong scoring team and went on a run at the start, but we stayed focused and composed and controlled the game until the end”, added Mike Morrison. “That last run took a lot of energy out of us. It isn’t easy coming back when you have used so much energy”, stressed Jason Clark. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Cobbs with 20 points. Danilo Barthel contributed 16 points while Sean Armand and Johannes Voigtmann chipped in with 11 points a piece. Okapi Aalstar were led by Tyren Johnson with 15 points while Taylor Braun added 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 36% from outside while Okapi Aalstar shot 32% from the field and 21% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 38-36. Frankfurt did a super job with only seven turnovers while Okapi Aalstar coughed up the ball 13 times.

 

 

Jason Clark is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Arlington, Virginia that is playing his third professional and second season with Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Scooore League). He started his basketball career in 2008 with Georgetown(NCAA) playing a total of 130 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games: 14.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 75.0%. IN 2012 he started his professional career for Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Ethias League): 9 games: 15.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 69.7%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 86.2%. Last season he played for Belgacom Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Ethias League): 11 games: 8.2ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 65.6%. He started the season for BG Goettingen and recently came back to his old team on a short term contract for Rotnei Clarke who is injured. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

 

Jason thanks for talking to German Hoops. After starting the season with BG Goettingen you are back in Germany with Aalstar playing the Fraport Skyliners in Eurochallenge play. How good is it being back in Germany?

 

It is great to be back in Germany. I really enjoyed my short time with BG Goettingen. This is actually the first time that I have been in Frankfurt.

 

After starting the season with BG Goettingen you left in October and went back to Generali Okapi Aalstar where you played in the 2012-2013 season. Besides knowing the club why was the transition to the court so easy again?

 

I think that the main reasons why the adjustment has been so easy has been the style of play and the coach that I am used to. I was very comfortable here my first season and am familiar with head coach Brad Dean and his vision. Nothing has changed from my rookie season and it has just been easy adjusting.

 

Aalstar is 7-2 in the Belgium league and 3-0 in Eurochallenge play. What has been the secret to the success of the team thus far?

 

The secret has been our ability to be able to play our game. We are a team that likes to get out and run. We have very athletic players, shooters and scorers. When we play together as a team then we are very hard to beat.

 

 

Aalstar has many scoring options and you are scoring a lot and averaging four assists on the team. What exactly is your role on the team?

 

I have a few roles, but my primary role is to play defense. In order to get out on transition, we need to play good defense. I also am responsible for scoring and getting my teammates involved. I am that energy bug coming from the bench.

 

Talking about defense, how much do you remember of Quantez Robertson´s defense in the win at home some weeks ago?

 

I actually have his offense in my memory.

 

 

You are a player that knows how to fill up the stat sheet, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

A hidden strength in my game is my defense. People don’t really know it and seem to get caught up with my offense abilities. I have very long arms and can get into passing lanes easily.

 

How impressed have you been with American rookie shooting guard Taylor Braun who can also fill out the stat sheet. He is third in team rebounding, second in assists and third in scoring.

I have been very impressed with Taylor. I had heard very good things about him and when I got here I knew why. He can do it all and he is already as a rookie a very good player. He can flat out score the ball. I really like how he attacks the rim and he really plays above the rim. His mind is so good and he already sees plays before they happen. He will have a very good career in Europe or the States.

 

 

Last season you played for Belgacom Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Ethias League). Your stats were down a bit from your rookie season. What kind of experience was your year there?

Last season was tough for me coming back from a long injury. I was just blessed to get back on the court after rehabbing a whole year. My stats weren’t that great, but I just wanted to get my feet wet again. It seemed like Last Season was a set back, but it was a great step.

 

 

How much were you able to learn from Demond Mallet? What was your most fond Shaq story?

 

 

Demond is a veteran and I learned so much from him especially about the business side. He taught me that as an American, you have to pay attention to yourself and your body. Often teams try to rush you back from an injury before you are 100%. He taught me that you have to come back when you are ready. On the court he was a scorer. He was MVP, won titles and did it all. I was a big fan of him. He didn’t tell so many Shaq stories.

 

 

You played at Georgetown from 2008-2012 and played with some impressive future NBA players like Dajuan Summmers, Greg Monroe, Henry Sims or Otto Porter. Why wasn´t Georgetown able to do more noise in the NCAA tournament?

That is a good question. I don’t really know and it is hard to point out a reason. We had all the pieces and talent, but just couldn´t get over the hump. We had some tough games and some teams that got hot. However Georgetown will always have good players and success.

 

 

You also played with guard Markel Starks who is a rookie this season in Italy with FMC Ferentino (Italy-A2). He had some great seasons at Georgetown. How much potential does he have and could the NBA be in his future?

 

I think that he has NBA potential. I have seen this kid grow up since he was a kid as we come from the same area. He has continued to progress as a player and improved each time that I saw him. He is a player that can lead and knows the game so well which is important when you are a point guard.

 

 

What was the most important aspect of basketball that were able to learn from John Thompson the third at Georgetown that has prepared you best to strive at the professional level?

 

The most important thing that I learned from him was that you must be a professional with everything on and off the court. When you are young, you don’t always want to listen, but just play, but he was able to get the message to me. He taught us to be great people. That was important for me going overseas to be prepared for diversity and up and downs.

 

You played briefly with American Khalid El-Amin with BG Goettingen. Do you remember him leading UCONN to the NCAA title in 1999? What kind of conversations do you remember having with him in Germany?

 

I remember watching him at UCONN winning the NCAA title. When I heard he was playing with BG Goettingen my first reaction was “Is he still playing”? He has had a great career in Europe. It was a great experience for me playing behind him in Goettingen and just learning how he can take over a game and I hope I could take some of his competitiveness with me. Learning from him is vital because everyone wants to reach the next level and get to the Euroleague or NBA.

 

 

If you have Lee Cummard, Thomas Dreeson and Tyren Johnson parked in the corner, who hits the most three pointers if each had 20?

 

Thomas Dreeson without a doubt. He may be the best shooter I ever saw. He could hit an open shot blindfolded.

 

 

Where will the journey of the Washington Wizards end this season?

 

If they continue to play the way that they did last summer then I see them making the next step. They wont be playing for a NBA title, but I could see them making a huge run in the playoffs.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The new Hunger Games and I wasn’t impressed. I also saw Lone Survivor with Mark Wahlberg that I liked more.

 

Thanks Jason for the chat.

 

 

Abe Lodwick is a 26 year old 201cm forward that is playing his third professional season and first with Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Scooore League). Last season he played for the Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 29 games: 11.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 83.8% In 2012-2013 as a rookie he played for Phoenix Hagen having the typical role come from the bench and give energy and helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in their history. He played 36 games: 6.3ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 68.9%. He scored in double figures five times and had 20 points against Bremerhaven. He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 playing a total of 105 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt.

 

 

The Aalstar 10 game winning streak came to an end last weekend against Ostende. Was this the longest winning streak that you have had as a professional?

Yes.

Aalstar lost 97-81 to Ostedne. When looking at the results remind a bit of your rookie season with Phoenix Hagen. If Aalstar doesn’t score 80 plus points it seems like you will have problems to win?

We scored over 80 against Oostende but still lost. We need to be better defensively and offensively to get where we want to be.

What has been the biggest concern on defense and how is the team correcting to fix the problem?

No major concerns right now just little changes game by game depending on who we play. Rebounding and taking care of the ball is always important.

Despite the loss you played your most minutes this season and scored the most points with 17. Was this your Belgium league break out game and are you starting to find a feel for the style?

I felt a good rhythm offensively. Each game is different but I am feeling more and more comfortable for sure.

Aalstar is 3-0 in Eurochallenge play. The first two games were a blowout, but against pesky Bakken it wasn´t so easy. What gave Aalstar the most problems against the Danish top team?

They kept us on our heels. We need to come out and assert ourselves from the start of the game.

Aalstar meets the Fraport Skyliners who are 1-2 that have a must win situation. What kind of game can we await and will Frankfurt be better prepared then their 35 point defeat in your living room?

I’m sure Frankfurt will be ready to go in our game and so will our team. It will be a good game and we are looking forward to it.

The Fraport Skyliners have been hit hard with injuries. From your experience in basketball, what is always the biggest fear when a team is playing against a wounded team that often come out and play like a wounded animal?

A lot of times when a team has many injuries they will have other players step up and play more free and with nothing to lose. This can be dangerous for sure.

You have played against many great players in the NCAA and in Europe the last years. Quantez Robertson has had to play point guard the last weeks depite being a small forward. Where does he rack up with the alltime great defenders that you have played against?

Really hard to say since we play different positions we don’t guard each other very often on the court. I’ve played against some really good defenders over the years but he does a good job making himself and his teammates better.

Your ex teammate in the NCAA Klay Thompson keeps making a name for himself. Where do you see him at the end of this coming season? Is he already in the top 10 best players or when do you see him getting there?

Klay has proven the sky is the limit for him. He has improved each year and it’s good to see him get rewarded for his hard work. He’s a great player, I think he’s one of the top players in the NBA for sure.

Thanks Abe for the chat.