Will Barnes is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that is playing his second professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers. He started his basketball career in 2006 for Tennessee Tech (NCAA) where he played a total of 98 NCAA games. In 2012-2013 he played at  Lee (NAIA) playing 34 games: 20.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.7%. Last season as a rookie he played for the Finke Baskets playing 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Ehingen.

 

 

Will thanks for talking to German Hoops. How did you celebrate Thanksgiving on German soil yesterday?

 

Hello Miles! Nice to speak with you again.Well this was my second Thanksgiving in Germany. But I just cooked a nice meal at home and skyped my family last night to simulate being back home! Nothing like family love.

 

What was your favorite Thanksgiving memory as a kid that you still cherish thinking about today as an adult.

 

Growing up, I cherished my family members that have since passed away. Thinking back only, more than anything I would like to see my late family members again.

 

After a quick 3-0 start into the season the Hamburg Towers have lost four of the last five games. Why has the team fallen into a bit of a rut as of late?

We let up on the defensive end. Simple as that. When we play 40 minutes of hard defensive basketball, we win. Lately, the injury bug has plagued our team but that happens to every team eventually. We just have to continue to focus one game at a time and realize that it is a LONG season.

 

The club let up 99 points against Nurnberg some weeks ago, but in the last two games had the points back down averaging giving up 73 points a game. Is the club back in the right frame of mind defensively going into the game against Ehingen?

 

Yes, I feel we are getting back there. We can’t get too comfortable whenever things go well offensively. That’s our biggest problem.

 

Ehingen is in last place with a record of 2-9. Is the biggest obstacle not underestimating them? For Hamburg to become a playoff team, they must win these type of games.

 

I know that we won’t underestimate them, but coming in to this game with the right focus is more important than anything.

 

What will be key to beating Ehingen? If one could say beat them by playing Hamburg Towers basketball how would you describe that?

 

Hamburg Towers basketball consists of hard nosed, defensive basketball with great team, offensive play.

Your leading your team in scoring, but are averaging 2,0apg. Is getting your team involved one of your main focus in your own game?

Yes, I’ve just had a difficult time adjusting and moving the ball and well as I am used to. I just have to continue to watch film and make the right reads in games.

Robert Ferguson stated that the whole team is trying to help Bazou Kone stay focused as his to rate is very high at 3,7. You as a point guard how are you helping him with his game?

I try to keep Bazou focused on what he can control. If he’s dialed in 100%, not too many point guards are better.

Who could eat more turkeys Michael Wenzl or Benjamin Fumey?

I feel like Big Mike would take the cake on this one!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Columbiana

Thanks Will for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorenzo Williams is a 30 year old 191cm point guard that will be playing his second season in the BEKO BBL with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He was born in Arkansas, but grew up in Texas. He played at Rice University from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 29 games averaging 9.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3Pts: 34.6%, FT: 71.4%. He was drafted by the Anaheim Arsenal in 2007, but decided to come to Europe and played in Germany for BC Groer Recycling Weissenhorn, but left during the season, in March 2008 and moved to Skanska Pezinok (Slovakia-Extraliga). In 2008-2009, he played in Slovakia for AB Cosmetics Pezinok playing 28 games: Score-2(20.8ppg), 3.2rpg, Assists-2(5.8apg), 1.8spg, 2FGP: 62.3%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 83.9%. In the 2009-2010 season, he came to Germany and played for the Giessen 46ers playing  25 games: 11.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 67.2%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 19 games: 15.6ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1(7.3apg), 2.5spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%, in Feb.’11 moved to Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): 15 games: 9.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 24.3%, FT: 87.5%. He then played two seasons for  Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division). Last season he played for BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) winning the league championship playing 24 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 82.4%; EuroChallenge: 11 games: 10.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 22.6%, FT: 73.0%; Baltic League: 16 games: 9.8ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-4(4.4apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 72.7% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Thanks Zo for taking some time to talk to German Hoops. Today is thanksgiving. How will you be spending it in Germany? Will you celebrate with the other Americans or take in a peaceful Thanksgiving with your family?

Nice to hear from you again. I will actually do both. We have a team dinner and then I’ll head home to spend the rest of the evening with my wife, son and mother-in-law.

 

If I am not mistaken the last time you celebrated a Thanksgiving stateside was 2006 your senior year at Rice. Since then you have been playing overseas. What is your fondest memories of Thanksgiving as a kid in Arkansas?

 

My family moved to Texas when I was young but we would often go back to Arkansas for thanksgiving. The thing I miss most about that was spending time with my cousins. They live in a small town which was great because we all became really close to each other.

 

 

It has been a while since you played in the Beko BBL before this season as you played with Giessen in the 2009-2010 season. Since then you played three seasons in Hungary and one in Latvia. How has the league changed in the last 4-5 years?

 

I feel like the league is growing with talent and popularity each season. There are a few clubs that play in the BBL that didn’t back in 2010 which shows how competitive basketball is here. Hopefully Giessen can make their way back to the BBL.

 

 

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven seemed to have found themselves early winning three of their first four games, but since then have a record of 1-5. What have been the main reasons of the team getting off the winning street?

 

We haven’t been executing offensively and defensively the way we were early on. We have been working really hard to correct our mistakes and hopefully it will carry over into the next game.

 

 

The club lost some very bitter games with one point to Bamberg and on a buzzer beater to ratiopharm Ulm. Is that just basketball and can happen to any team or are you still a team that is still learning to become a crunch time team and making the right decisions On what things are you happy that the team is doing well now on the court and on what things does it still need to improve on?

 

I’m happy with our effort on the court and I like how we play hard every night. If we want to win more games in this league we have to play a little bit smarter and no turn the ball over so much.

 

You are having a very solid season currently averaging 12,4ppg, 3,4rpg and 5,6apg. You have always had high assist rates. Out of all the leagues in Europe that you have played in the Beko BBL is the best. How happy have you been with your play thus far and do you feel that you can still up your game as the season goes on?

I feel that I can play much better than I have been for the most part. I have played well in some games and not as well in others. Being consistent is the most important thing for my team and I feel that I can do that.

 

How much easier does a Moses Ehambe make your game when he is dropping three pointers on a consistent rate? How impressed have you been with his play in the first two months?

Any point guard can tell you that a shooter makes our job a lot easier. And Moses Ehambe is one of the best shooters in the league. He has done a great job of being vocal and leading on and off the court.

 

Last weekend you lost on a buzzer beater to ratiopharm Ulm. When you played for Giessen, German national player Per Guenther was an up and coming player in the league. How has his game improved in the last 4 years when you were away?

His game has matured a lot. He has always been a good scorer and now he sees the floor very well and understands when to go and when to pass.

 

I presume Nick Schneiders is the tallest guy that you have played with and the history and titles of captain Sven Schultze speak for him. Do you pay close attention in practice when your penetrating and the big man is lurking somewhere and is leadership something you can pick up from your captain?

 

You always have to be alert when Nick is in the game. His size definitely changes a lot shots in the paint. Sven has a lot of experience in different leagues around Europe so he can offer great advice. I think we have learned a lot from each other.

 

 

The next game is against the Artland Dragons on the road who are 7-3. What memories do you have playing with Giessen there and what will be key to getting the win?

I remember them having a great fan base. It’s always fun going on the road. Especially paying vs a Eurocup team. We have to be sure to communicate and execute our game plan if we want win the game.

 

 

Your ex Giessen teammate David Teague is playing in the D-league with FT Wayne. At 31 one of the older guys in a league that is dominated by the youth. Do you see him being a good mentor to the kids like Glen Rice?

David was one of the hardest working guys that I played with. Everything he has achieved has been because he is the hardest working player on his team. His experiences in European basketball will be a big help for those players trying to advance their game.

 

 

What do you like most about the city Bremerhaven and have you found a favorite place to hang out when you have a few free hours?

It’s a nice city close to the water which is something that my wife and I enjoy. Everything is easy to get to. When we have free time, Bremen and Hamburg are not too far away so we can go there to enjoy a day off.

 

 

Who do you think can eat more turkey Devin Searcy or Jake O Brien?

 

That’s a close call but I would have to say Devin. But Jake isn’t too far behind.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I haven’t watched a DVD movie in a while but I watch the TV series How To Get Away With Murder

 

Thanks Zo for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Ware is a 23 year old 203cm forward playing his first professional season with the BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) He started his basketball career in 2009 with Monmouth (NCAA) until 2013 where he played a total of 85 NCAA games. Last season he moved to Niagara (NCAA) playing 31 games and averaging 8.3ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 45.1%, FT: 66.4%. This past summer he played for the Rochester RazorSharks (PBL). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Marcus thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. What ahs been your first impression of Germany?

My first impression of Germany has been a good one I love the people,culture and hospitality of everyone here. Change of scenery is always good.

You signed very late with the BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB). How thankful are you of having found a job so late in the season?

I am very thankful for signing with Bis basket it was the perfect situation for me coming out of college and I look forward to being a key part in the program’s success.

Was the BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) the only job you had or did you have other offers? What sold you on coming to Speyer?

I had other offers in different countries but I was told starting my career in Germany would be my best move the leagues here are respected and I can make a name for myself early.

The team is currently 2-7, but have gotten help with two rugged inside players with yourself and Marcus Smallwood. How certain are you that the team will rebound and start winning games?

I’m certain that our team will rebound this season we had some key injuries in the beginning of the season but with the addition of me and Marcus Smallwood we add a lot of toughness and versatility on the court. The intensity of practice has been great.

 

What is your role on the team? What does head coach Carl Mbassa want to see from you on the court?

I am a team player and my role is basically to get my teammates involved rebound be a force on offense and defense. Coach Carl wants me to be in attack mode at all times.

 

You had two solid games including 17 points in the win against Schwelm. How comfortable do you feel in the German Pro B?

I feel very comfortable early on but still know I can play better and plan on doing so. Getting adjusted to the European game is becoming easier every day.

 

How important is it having Marcus Smallwood on the floor for you? He is a veteran. I am sure that he will take you under his wing and help you develop?

Having Marcus on the floor is definitely a huge help he’s a big strong guy and can rebound and score so it takes some tension off myself inside and we both work well together.

 

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

I can shoot the ball and dribble well . I think people see my size and believe I can really bang Inside but I’m able to play on the perimeter at any time.

 

You played four years at Monmouth and then went to Niagra last season. What were the main reasons for making that move?

After my fourth year at Monmouth I had a post grad year and was able to transfer anywhere . Having a former teammate of mine at Monmouth coach at Niagara was a big factor in my transfer.

 

As a senior you had Chris Casey as a head coach at Niagra. What was the most important thing that he gave you that prepared you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Coach Casey was a great coach and the most important thing he told me was to remain coachable at any level despite my success I feel like that is big here in Europe

 

You had many memorable games last season and scored in double figures 13 times. What game will you remember most from your NIagra senior year?

The game I will remember the most is our senior night we played Quinnipiac I had a great game but we lost on a buzzer beater and it was actually one of my local friends Umar Shannon who made the shot. It made sports center

 

 

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

I would say Harrison Barnes and 7,1 Alex Lin from Maryland

 

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Joe Thomas?

I won a one on one but joe was a great defender.

 

Where will the journey of the Brooklyn Nets end this season?

 

 

I don’t pay too much attention to Brooklyn I’m a Knicks fan so they will finish below us. Carmelo will bring us farther.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Life with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.

 

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Jordan Baker is a 23 year old 201 cm forward from Edmongton, Canada that is starting his professional basketball career with Weissenhorn. He played at the The University of Alberta (CIS) from 2009-2014 and as a senior playing 28 games: 17.1ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 66.0%. Last summer he was a member of the Canadian national team and took part in a tour through Europe. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and is there already a winter chill in Edmonton yet?

I am currently in Germany getting settled and starting to train with the team.

You were signed very late to German team Weissenhorn in the German Pro B. What were the main reasons for starting your professional career there?

The reason for signing with Weissenhorn is the market has been very slow so imports so I was looking to get my foot in the door to start my pro career.

It seems like you will be seen as a savior for Weissenhorn. Do you feel pressure having to take on a role like that before having even played your first professional game?

I think it will be a great opportunity to step in and play right away and to hopefully make a positive impact with a young team.

Some people have said that you were the Lebron of the CIS. From your stats, one could say that just adding 10 more points to your points average. Does a comparison like this make you proud or embarrass you a little being compared to probably the best player on the planet?

There is nobody like Lebron James. It is fun to fill the stat sheet up and contribute in many ways to my team’s success.

You are a 201cm guard/forward that can play many positions and is versatile. What do you believe is your biggest asset on the court?

My biggest asset is my motor. Playing every possession with focus and intensity that other players can’t match.

You can really fill up the stats sheet as scoring and rebounding comes to mind first, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

My hidden strength is my defense. I really take pride on the defensive end from both a 1 on 1 and team standpoint.

You are an excellent rebounder never averaging under 7,8rpg and three times averaging 9,3rpg or better. What is your secret to rebounding and who has always been your role model cleaning up under the hoop?

Want it more than anyone else.

In your last two seasons you had Branaby Craddock as your head coach. How did he prepare you best for a professional career at the University of Alberta?

Barnaby was always pushing me to expand my game as well to become a better leader and better decision maker.

What kind of an honor was it being named to the 2014 Canadian national team? Did you first have to pinch yourself or were you kind of expecting a call up?

It was a very special summer being able to play on the Senior Team, and I tried to make the most of the opportunity. I’d been a part of the program for lots of years but this summer was the high point.

Last summer you were on European tour playing against many European teams. What kind of experience was it and what was your wake up call to the European style of play?

The tour this summer will hopefully help me to adjust quickly to the style of play I’m about to take part in.

You also had a chance to pick the brain of NBA superstar Steve Nash. What was the most important thing that he could give you as advice that you will sue now in your professional career?

Nash’s best advice was to enjoy every little experience and to always make the most of your time in the gym. No empty workouts.

In the Canadian national team are many NBA players. Which player on the team has really impressed you most with their play and work ethic?

Cory Joseph and Kelly Olynyk are the future of Canadian basketball. When Thompson and Wiggins join the fold I’m sure they will push us to a new level as well.

In 2011 you won a silver medal at the World University Games in Shenzhen playing 5.0ppg, 3.4rpg. That was a few years ago, but what memories do you have of this tournament?

Was a great honor to compete in the FISU games with a group of CIS athletes and make it to an international final. We played as a team and the results followed.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last Movie I saw was Gone Girl.

Thanks Jordan for the chat

 

Darius Johnson Odom is a 25 year old 187cm point guard from Raleigh, North Carolina that is playing his third professional season and first for Acqua Vitasnella Cantu (Italy-Serie). He started his basketball career for Marquette (NCAA) and as a senior in 2011-2012 played 34 games averaging 18.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.4%. IN 2012 he was drafted by the Dallas Maverick. AS a rookie he played for the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA): 4 games: 0pts, 1.0rpg, in Nov.’12 assigned at Los Angeles D-Fenders (D-League, starting five): 13 games: 21.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 81.7%, released in Jan.’13, later that month agreed terms with Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL): 2 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg; VTB League: 7 games: 6.9ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.7%; EuroCup: 4 games: 4.8ppg, 1.0apg. Last season he played for the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA): 4 games: 0pts, 1.0rpg, in Nov.’12 assigned at Los Angeles D-Fenders (D-League, starting five): 13 games: 21.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 81.7%, released in Jan.’13, later that month agreed terms with Spartak St.Petersburg (Russia-PBL): 2 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg; VTB League: 7 games: 6.9ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.7%; EuroCup: 4 games: 4.8ppg, 1.0apg. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Artland Dragons.

 

 

 

Darius thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are preparing with Cantu for the Eurocup match against the Artland Dragons. Is this your first time in Germany and what is your impression of the country and what do you know about the Beko BBL?

 

 

I don´t know much about Germany as this is my first time here. I know my ex teammate from Marquette Chris Otule is playing here this season. I just got back form practice in the Artland arena. It was a nice little arena. I am looking forward to the game against Artland. The people here in Germany have been very nice.

 

 

 

In your first two professional seasons you have been on the move playing in the States, China and Russia. This season you are looking to play your first full season in Europe. Cantu also sprouts with beauty and here in the Artland there is not much except cow pastures. Does the tranquility of your surrounding area give you time to reflect on how far you have come as a professional or is every place you go just another basketball business trip?

 

I have seen many places so far in my career so it is more of a basketball business trip for me. So far everywhere where I have played it has been a good experience. My stay in China was short and I remember a lot of smog. Playing in St Petersbrug Russia was also nice. That was a very beautiful city. What I will remember most from Russia was how cold it was and all the snow.

 

AV Cantu are currently in sixth place in the Italian Serie A with a record of 4-3. At what juncture do you see the team chemistry at now and will the team pick up their game with time?

 

We got a win against Caserta last weekend. We have had injury problems with James Feldeine missing some games, but all in all I believe that we are coming along. We are still trying to figure out the Eurocup as we have had some real tough loses in that competition.

 

 

 

 

The team is 1-5 in Eurocup play and meet Artland tonight. Cantu wants revenge form the 77-76 home loss. What does the team want to do better this time?

 

We have to do a better job securing defensive rebounds against the Artland Dragons. We gave up too many second chance shots in the loss at home. Anthony King had a good game so we will have to do a better job on him. I thought that we did a pretty good job containing their guards in the first game. We also have to play good pick and role defense.

 

 

You are almost 20 centimeters taller than David Holston. What is always most difficult when playing against a very much shorter point guard?

 

 

The speed and quickness is always the most difficult, but I am used to it. Holston is a good point guard and quicker than I am. But I have been thinking about the game a lot and how to play Holston this time again. I thought I did a pretty good job on him in the first game and in Artland I will try to get him out of being comfortable on the court.

 

 

 

The first thing that one notices about you in your stats is your scoring ability, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

 

I think that a hidden strength in my game is my defense. I feel I am good on and off ball defending. For me basketball is always a learning experience especially in my first season in Europe. I am always learning when to attack or better to move the ball. I see it as always trying to improve.

 

How thankful are you that the team has some more Americans on the team with Eric Williams, Damian Hollis and Dequan Jones. How have they made the transition to European basketball easier?

 

I am very thankful having Americans on my team. Damian Hollis has played a few years in Italy and knows how the league works and Eric Williams has played half his career in Italy. I have known him since junior year in high school. He is always helping me on the court and telling me never to get upset about a refs call, because you wont get it back.

 

 

China usually gets interest of Americans because of the money. You played four games with Sichuan Blue Whales (China-CBA) and then left. Why was China such a short stay for you?

 

It was short, but to be honest, I didn’t see it being a league where I could improve at such a young age. In China they want you to score a lot. They want you to score 50-60 points, but how should a young point guard improve like that? I still have aspirations of the NBA. The money was great, but I always want to improve and get back to the States and I just didn’t see that happening if I remained in China.

 

 

 

What kind of a whirlwind rookie season did you have? You started with the Dallas Mavericks and then played with the Los Angeles Lakers. I don´t think there are many guys that can say that had a Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant as teammates within days. What will you cherish most form that time on and off the court?

 

I actually didn’t play with the Dallas Mavericks as I was traded on draft day. I spent some time with the Los Angeles Lakers and it was a great experience. I was able to see how hard Kobe worked and his work ethic proves that he is a true basketball professional. It was magnificent as well playing with Pau Gasol who is such a great passer and efficient scorer. Dwight Howard kept pushing me to always work hard because one day that chance for the NBA may still come. I hung out a lot with him and still talk to him to this day.

 

 

You played with so many future NBA players at Marquette like Jimmy Butler, Lazar Hayward or Dwight Buycks, but what memories do you have of Chris Otule? Your ex teammate Maurice Acker said he worked so hard on the court and you would never have thought that he only had vision in one eye. He was so smart and picked up different traits that helped him work around his disability on the court. He was a tough inside presence as hardly any one could stop him. He was one of the toughest players that I ever played with.

 

Chris Otule gave his all each day. He always improved. He came in as a seven footer that rebounded and that was it. He improved and became an even better player and learned how to play better with one eye. He was hurt and came back each time and just fought and always got better. I am really happy that he is able to play professionally in Germany.

 

 

 

Maurice Acker also lauded coach Buzz Williams as being high on team basketball and life issues. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Basketball was hard in general if you played for him. We had practices at 5AM and ran very much. We also played two years with out a center. I think that he prepared me best to be ready for those situations where something may not happen or something bad happens. He taught me to always fight and strive for the best. The way he coached it was like having a chip on your shoulder.

 

 

 

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

 

I cant really give an answer to that, but he didn’t get to the NBA. Preston Knowles of Louisville was the toughest guy that I played against. He was an incredible player. He made everything against us.

 

 

 

Who won a one on one back in the day you or Dwight Buycks?

 

He did. He was an amazing player and just too good 1-1.

 

 

 

Who would win a state basketball tournament North Carolina or Ohio?

 

North Carolina of course.

 

Where will the journey of the Charlotte Hornets end?

 

It doesn’t look promising, but it is a long season and they have some young players. I hope that they make the top 8.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Devils double. It is a movie about Saddam Hussein double. It was a pretty good movie.

 

Thanks Darius for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Jermale Jones from Birmingham of the Licher Baskets may have his first living room where he can enjoy a nice relaxed Sunday with his mom and pop in Alabama, but his current second living room is without a doubt in the Dietrich-Bonhoeffer Gym in Lich where he tries to help lead his team to victory each other weekend. However the American also enjoys visiting other basketball living rooms in the Rhein-Main area as well as in Giessen as one could really call him a Hessen basketball traveler. In the first few months he had been sighted in the Ost Halle in Giessen, the Fraport arena and in the BCM where the Fraport Skyliners Juniors play and usually with his side kick Martinis Woody of TV Langen checking out basketball. So when Jones returns back to the BCM to lace up his sneakers and battle on the court, he may not be so much a stranger because he has been inside the gym on so many occasions. This may be his third season with Lich, but so far has played only once in the BCM and that was last season where he helped the team to victory 77-61 as he contributed 10 points. All in all, Jones has a record of 2-1 and he returned back to Frankfurt to duel in the BCM as now his friend Richard Williams who he had watched a number of times in pre season and in the Fraport arena could sit back and watch him do some tricks on the court. Jones has had a solid season and arrived in the BCM averaging 15 points a game and had scored in double figures in all eight games and didn´t lie as he stated before the game that he really wanted to win here today and was as focused on the court as was NBA legend Charles Barkley back in the day who is also from the home town of Jones Birmingham as the Lich guard scored 21 points securing the win for Lich and Frankfurt suffered their second defeat in a row. After the game Jones was content about the victory and was planning to stay the night to watch the Fraport Skyliners duel the Walter Tigers Tuebingen on Sunday with his side kick Martinis Woody from TV Langen. “The BCM really feels like my living room. I am always in Frankfurt watching basketball when I am bored at home in Lich. I generally feel comfortable anywhere on the court, but especially in the BCM because it is all so familiar to me. I had the Frankfurt game on my mind all week as we had to stop this three game losing streak to build up our confidence again. With our starting point guard Deon Mcduffie out as well as our American Andre Nelson injured, I felt that I really had to step my game up”, stressed ex Lok Bernau guard Jermale Jones. Despite a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners could of mustered a weak smile hearing the obligatory line”you guys played so hard”, but in the end it was only the win that counted which Lich got. “I thought that we played well as a team, but we all have to give 100% and not every guy did that. I didn’t give 100% either. We have to learn to give 100% from the start. We tried to do too many difficult things instead just running our plays the way we know how”, added Fraport Skyliner Junior Lennart Okeke.

The walking wounded list isn’t only as long as Paris Hiltons Christmas wish list was as a kid, but that of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors injured and being rested list was very long as well as Kevin Bright and brothers Max and Jacob Merz were still out and Kyle Fossman, Johannes Richter and Stefan Ilzhoefer were all being rested for the game on Sunday against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. With the weather getting colder there are those moments where one just doesn’t want to get out of bed and just stay warm and comfy under the covers as that is what it seemed like the Fraport Skyliners were doing as they were still under the covers as the Licher Basket Baehren stormed out on a 10-1 lead. Long time Lich player Viktor Klassen that is playing his 16^th season with Lich and played five BBL games in the late 90s got his team on the board first with a three pointer. Jones took authority quickly scoring the next seven points with four from the free throw line and nailing a three pointer. Frankfurt hadn’t found a rhythm and were just missing shots. However Frankfurt quickly got out bed getting their offensive rolling as German Nikolaj Vukovic nailed a big three pointer, point guard Armin Musovic connected on a pull up jumper and the club did a good job getting to the free throw line as Niklas Kiel and Marius Nolte scored as all of a sudden Lich led only 10-9. Jones kept his hot scoring touch alive scoring on the fast break and making a free throw as he already was in double figures after one quarter. Frankfurt stayed on the heels of Lich down the stretch of the first quarter as 33 year old Marius Nolte took responsibility scored inside against two Lich defenders with his back to the basket. It didn´t look pretty, but it was very effective. He closed out the first quarter with a very spectacular play where he stepped up across the center line like a flashy point guard sprawled into the passing lane picked off the lass and went coast to coast for the dunk. With his office on the first floor and with a clear view onto the BCM court, the German may have picked something up form Richard Williams defense in practice while watching from above. “We stopped communicating on defense and didn’t do what coach wanted us to do in the Skyliner run”, stressed Lich guard Deon Mcduffie. The Licher Basket Baeren were shooting 25% from the field and 25% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 17% from outside. Both teams had 10 rebounds a piec3, but Lich had three turnovers and Frankfurt had ´two turnovers.

In the second quarter, the game remained tight in the first four minutes, but Lich then was able to extend their lead by 12 points at halftime. In the first quarter it was Jones that was thorn in the side of Frankfurt and in the first minutes of the second quarter it was the other American Elijah Allen from Columbus, Ohio that used his aggressiveness to his advantage scoring three straight times in the paint with the penetration. Despite his three buckets, it was Marius Nolte who stole him the show as he made a second steal at center court like a point guard and went coast to coast for the bucket. “It was amazing to see our oldest player Marius Nolte show this energy and will which I usually only knew from Tim Oldenburg. I was surprised, but happy he could make this play”, stressed Lennart Okeke. 17 year old 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel tied the game at 22-22 with a nifty spin move and left handed lay in. This burst of energy from the German could have been needed in the last minutes as Frankfurt was flat and allowed the Licher Basket Baeren to end the second quarter with the momentum and a crushing 14-2 run to lead 36-24. In the run, Lich showed exceptional team play as no American scored for them. They got strong production from 31 year old Daniel Dorr that connected on two mid distance jumpers, Malte Herwig hit free throws and 22 year Eric Curth who played 24 Pro A games for BG Karlsruhe and Heidelberg nailed two three pointers from the corner. “Lich did a good job on defense not giving Frankfurt easy buckets. They did a good job attacking the rim and finding the open man”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robbertson. “We executed very well at the end finding the open guys. It was important that we could show that we aren’t always dependent on our Americans. When we can be more dangerous with our Germans then we are more dangerous as a team”, added Lich guard Deon Mcduffie. The Licher Basket Baeren were shooting 46% from the field and 47% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 32% from the field and 10% from the three point line. Lich had the 19-16 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter, runs were on the menu and the Licher Basket Baeren continued to have a big lead as Frankfurt was unable to put a dent into it. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out of the locker room very focused jumping on Lich quickly going on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 36-31. Kiel started the run with a lay in as his quick first step was half the rent to the bucket, Vukovic then used his bread and butter his three pointer hitting nothing but net and Marius Nolte snuck inside for a reverse lay up. Lich quickly put an end to the Frankfurt run with their own 9-0 run to extend their lead to 45-31 as once again Frankfurt had a mountain to climb up in their come back attempt. In the Lich run, it was Curth who cut inside as Jonathan Malu found him with a bullet pass form the double team, Dorr scored twice and Jones made a pull up jumper. The game was very up and down as defense had taken a back seat for a few minutes. Frankfurt continued to fight, but every time they hit buckets, Lich matched their offense as the home team couldn´t really get any closer. Frankfurt went on a mini 4-0 run to cut the Lich lead to 45-35 as Kiel hit free throws and Tim Oldenburg scored inside getting a quick pass form Musovic. Lich continued to get timely production as Jones hit a pull up jumper and Curth fed Dorr with a drop a dime pass while Frankfurt got a bucket from Musovic cutting the Lich lead to 49-39, but 18 year old Vinzent Zimmer hit a last second three pointer from the corner as Frankfurt trailed 52-39 after three quarters. “We did a good job keeping the lead in the third quarter. We continued to execute and played possession by possession and just got needed stops”, stressed Jermale Jones. The Licher Basket Baeren were shooting 46% from the field and 38% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 33% from the field and 14% from the parking lot. Lich had the 30-25 rebound edge, but 15 turnovers while Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Licher Basket Baeren were able to keep their comfortable lead until the last five minutes where Frankfurt started their last come back, but came up short at the end as time ran out. Just like at the begin of the third quarter, Frankfurt pulled off another quick start to the fourth quarter going on a 5-0 run to cut the Lich lead to 52-44. Okeke hit a giant three pointer and Oldenburg showed grit on the offensive glass getting a tip in. This first come back attempt by Frankfurt was squashed by Lich as they returned with a mini 4-0 run to lead 56-44 as Curth dropped a step back jumper and Ugur Kulhan connected on a jumper. After Nolte made two free throws, Jones who played at Tuskeegee(NCAA2) did some more damage hitting a three pointer and then made a runner bank shot as Lich led 61-46 and hope for Frankfurt to escape with a win dwindling. However Frankfurt had one last comeback left and the needed energy to go on a massive 13-0 run to cut the Lich advantage to only 61-59 with a minute to play. In the run, Frankfurt got big production from Tim Oldenburg that really sparked the club with his energy as he scored two buckets inside. Kiel hit a jumper and Musovic scored first and last in the run. “Frankfurt got us out of what we did best and they ran the floor and just played harder than us”, explained Jermale Jonnes. “We were 100% concentrated on defense and pressured Jones a lot. Our offense was structured and we used our chances and hit shots. We got more extra passes and shots. The way we played in this run is how we should play the whole game”, added Lennart Okeke. After a Dorr miss, Frankfurt had 40 seconds left to tie or take the lead, but German Michael Fuss coughed up the ball which led to Jermale Jones free throws and the victory. “I thought that we were too motivated on the last play. We had no options as no one was open. I feel as a team we didnt play smart on that play”, expressed Lennart Okeke. “We were all focused on that play and were thinking just one more play. Each guy dug deep on that play and kept our composure and got the needed stop”, stressed Jermale Jones. The Licher Basket Baehren were led by Jermale Jones with 21 points. Daniel Dorr produced 11 points and Eric Curth contributed 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Marius Nolte with 13 points. Tim Oldenburg Armin Musooovic and Tim Oldenburg each steered 11 points a piece. Lich finished the day shooting 45% from the field and 35% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors finished shooting 33% from the field and 18% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 38-37 and had only 10 turnovers while Lich had 19 turnovers. Despite the loss, there was as always positives to see from the Frankfurt game. “Our biggest strength was staying together and always fighting back”, stressed Lennart Okeke.