Jimmy Sherburne is a 23 year old 191cm guard from White Fish Bay, Wisconson that is a rookie in Germany playing for the VfL AstroStars Bochum (Germany-ProB). He played at Princeton (NCAA) from 2009-2014 and was an Ivy League champion in 2012. Currently for Bochum he is averaging 14,5ppg, 4,0rpg and 2,0apg. He spoke to German Hoops before coming to Germany last summer.

 

Jimmy thanks for talking to German Hoops. You got signed very late in the off season to German Pro B team Astrostars Bochum. Were you losing some hope this summer about being able to start your professional basketball career or did you already have a nice high paying job lined up should basketball not work out?

I didn’t have a job lined up in the event that a contract offer didn’t come, so there were times when I couldn’t help but get a little worried about the situation. However, I played well enough in Las Vegas that I really believed things would work out in the end.

You studied and played at top Ivy league school Princeton for four years. Besides working out during the summer is your routine off the court during the summer a bit different than perhaps the normal basketball player? Do Ivy league graduates in general have different habits off the court than the normal basketball player that didn´t go to a top school?

The main difference for us at Princeton was that we didn’t have to be on campus during the summer. A lot of guys used the summer to get internships, but my main focus in the summer was always basketball.

What sold you most on the Bochum program? Did you have talks with head coach Kai Frie

What sold me most on Bochum was that they wanted me on their team. It was an easy decision for me.

With what expectations did you come to Germany? What do you know about the country and basketball in Germany? Did you talk to some ex teammates like Ian Hummer or Douglas Davis who have played in Germany?

I expect to enjoy my time in Germany. I have spoken with Ian and Doug about their experiences, and they had nothing but positive things to say about the quality of play and fan support. I’ve never been to Germany before, but based on everything I’ve heard, I’m sure I’ll enjoy every aspect of my time there.

In 4 seasons at Princeton, you played a total of 72 games. How was this whole basketball experience for you? When you started there in 2009, did you ever think that you might go a professional basketball route?

At Princeton, I fell short of the expectations I had for myself. But at the same time, I improved so much since 2009 that I set myself up to have the opportunity to play professionally. That was definitely a goal of mine when I got to school.

You had to battle injuries all through your career starting as a freshman where you came to Princeton with an injury and sat out the 2012-2103 season. How difficult was this time for you? Did you learn more about patience and believing in your abilities during your injuries?

My injuries helped me learn to be patient and to really appreciate having the ability to play. During my time away from school in the 2012-13 season, I was able to vastly improve my game. Without that year off, I don’t think I’d have been nearly as prepared to begin a pro career as I am now.

You had some nice games as a senior playing 37 minutes in a win against Florida A & M notching 13 points and dishing out 5 assists and also scored 15 points in a loss to Portland. Was the Florida A & M game your personal season highlight? What do you remember from that game?

I don’t know if I’d consider that the top highlight of my season, but I do remember being very proud after that game because it was my first game back after missing an entire season. I had worked really hard to get healthy and come back to make an impact, and to be able to play well in that first game like I did was a good feeling.

From your stats it is a bit difficult to read what your biggest strength is, but if you took a look at your game and had to describe a hidden strength that seems to be often off the radar what would you say is that disguised strength on the floor?

I think my biggest strength is how well-rounded my game is. I don’t feel as though I have any glaring weaknesses. I can obviously improve every aspect of my game, but I don’t think you could say there’s one thing I do poorly. But if I had to pick one aspect as my best, I believe I see the floor and read defenses as well as anyone I’ve played with.

You had two head coaches at Princeton with Sydney Johnson and Mitch Henderson. How did Coach Johnson and Coach Henderson prepare you best for a professional career?

They prepared me best by being honest with me about areas I needed to improve, especially offensively. My ball-handling and shooting improved dramatically during my college career.

During the 2012-2103 season you had to sit out due to injury and worked at a Law Firm. How was this experience for you and was it difficult coming back after not having played a full season?

I had a very productive year away from school. I worked about 30 hours per week at the law firm and also tutored high school kids in my area in various subjects. Between these jobs, shoulder rehab, and weightlifting and skill work, I stayed really busy and had very full days during the week. This helped me stay sharp and by the time I came back to school, I felt like I picked up right where I left off. But the best thing about my shoulder injury was that it forced me to improve my left hand.

Last season German Hans-George Brase really emerged averaging 11.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 73.8% in his second season. How much potential does he have and where do you see his journey as a basketball player heading to?

Hans is already a very good player, but I think he still has so much room to grow. If he keeps improving at the rate he has been, he’ll have outstanding junior and senior years. I think he could be a great addition to the German national team and have a long professional career.

How does a normal summer work out day look like for Jimmy Sherburne on and off the court?

A typical day for me this past summer would begin with training a neighbor of mine. He’s going to be a junior at our high school, and we worked on his skills nearly every morning this summer. After that, I would go the gym for skill work with my younger brother, who is 18 years old and will be attending a post graduate year at Brewster Academy this year. After dinner, I would return to the gym with a friend of mine for additional shooting and then weights.

In high school, you were also a very gifted football player playing quarterback and being captain and was a two-time first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-area in football. As a kid did you ever dream of playing for the Green Bay Packers? Why did you later choose basketball over football?

The Packers are my favorite sports team, but when I was younger, my only dream was to play in the NBA, not the NFL. I have always preferred basketball over football, even though I think I had more natural ability at quarterback. I ultimately chose basketball simply because I enjoy it more.

You are from a small village called White Fish Bay of 15,000 people, but still it has a big list of notable people with professional baseball, football and basketball players having come from your town. Is there something in the fish there that has made so many talented athletes come out of there?

Ha I don’t know if it’s the fish, but you never know! I really don’t know what it is, but I know that I’m proud of where I come from and don’t think I’d have had the same level of success without being surrounded by as many great athletes growing up. My group of friends growing up was very athletic in a variety of sports.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I can’t remember the last time I watched an actual DVD. But I went and say A Most Wanted Man in theaters last week, and I thought it was really good. It actually takes place in Hamburg.

Thanks Jimmy for the chat.

 

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 after the first home game of the Hamburg Towers defeating the Bayer Giants Leverkusen 74-64.

 

 

 

Will congrats to the 74-64 win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen at home. What experience did you have after the game celebrating? I am sure you have way more options to enjoy a big win in Hamburg than in Paderborn?

Thanks Miles! It definitely was a great win for us. Our first home game was an experience that I will never forget. It was amazing to play in front of a sold out crowd. We celebrated by hanging it with fans at a restaurant that sponsors us, Mr. Kabob. They’re great people!

 

For months, the Hamburg Towers have been working on getting the arena done and it was ready for the first home game. Please explain the atmosphere in your new living room and how would you compare it to other settings that you have had in your career?

 

It’s great! It’s easily the nicest gym I’ve had to call my own. Everything is brand new and the area that surrounds the gym makes the experience even better. I am walking distance away. It’s just seems to all fight perfectly.

 

Hamburg controlled the game never really getting a huge lead in double figures, but just doing enough to always be leading. How perfect was this game in terms of lead management and just always having your nose in front and never letting Leverkusen to get the lead?

I wouldn’t describe it as perfect because it was a hard fought game. Leverkusen is a very dangerous team that has tons of shooters. I feel like we didn’t play our best basketball but played enough defense to maintain our lead the entire game. We have a lot of heart on this team and I feel more than anything, that will take us a long way.

 

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen was without their American point guard Willy Manigat. Did this take some pressure off Hamburg being able to just concentrate on their own game and getting that consistent offensive rhythm?

Yes, but that’s also a part of basketball. People get injured and players play banged up. Of course they are better with him but we just have to focus on what’s in front of us.

 

Hamburg wasn´t as consistent from the distance, registered only eight assists and had 15 turnovers, but won the rebounding duel. What would you say was the biggest strength of the Hamburg Towers in the home opener?

 

I would say our defense and energy. Just as you mentioned, this wasn’t our most efficient game so we had to do a lot of dirty work. The rebounding more than anything helps us control the game.

How difficult was it playing your first 4 games on the road. How did this period help the team mature and build chemistry as well as trust in each other early in the season?

The 4 game road stretch was definitely a big challenge that we handled quite well. Coach Hamed prepared us in the preseason by scheduled a lot of true road games. We were ready mentally for the challenge. It was just a matter of coming out and executing. The stretch helped our chemistry tremendously though. None of the four games were easy. Many times we had to face adversity and stick together as a team. We gained trust in one another.

 

You are the leading scorer on the team averaging 14,6ppg, grabbing 2,8rpg and dishing out 2,0apg. How happy have you been with your own performance?

I feel like I’m playing ok. I’m playing a lot better on the defense end and with more intensity. I haven’t been as efficient as I usually am but as long as we are winning I have no complaints. I love my teammates and truly want to see everyone succeed. Having our gym finally open will help a lot also. I now can hit up the gym whenever I like and put in the work like I’m used to. It was tough early on because we practiced in a different gym around Hamburg every day.

 

Before the season started you stated that you want to be a better leader in your second season than how you were with Paderborn. How have you changed your leadership ways or made them different than in Paderborn?

The biggest change I’ve made is to take everything one game at a time and focus all the way in on my opponent. I’m not worried about other teams, players, or my stats. It’s all about winning. I’m also trying my hardest to make that mindset contagious throughout our team. Seems to be working quite well so far but we still have a lot of work to do.

There is not one real superstar on the team, but it seems obvious the club has this we mentality instead of me mentality. How much of this early chemistry can be credited to head coach Hamed Attarbashi?

Almost all of it honestly. He trusts in every player’s ability and gives everyone fair opportunity. Our system also helps us spread the ball around and keep everyone involved. Our team’s willingness to play this way is huge also. Not once this season have players had attitudes or allowed selfishness to creep in. Things haven’t been perfect but we work & talk all of our disputes out.

 

Michael Wenzl has really turned into one of the German leaders averaging 11,4ppg and 9,4rpg. He has had Beko BBL experience and seems to be developing very nice as a center. In a team that concentrates on team, do you see the German expanding his role even more and becoming even more dominating as the season continues?

Yes, Big Mike is huge for us. When he’s on top of his game and controlling the boards, we elevate to another level as a team. Honestly, we don’t do a good enough job of feeding him the ball. We get caught up in playing too much of a penetrating game sometimes. But Mike is great. He is and will continue to be huge for us this year, no doubt.

 

 

When I see Bazoumana Kone penetrate it looks like Dennis Schroeder is in the house. What has been your impression of him in the first five games and what advice do you give him?

Bazou is like my little brother. We guard each other every practice and really compete at a high level. His defense and on the ball pressure has rubbed off on me and my team. He sets the tone and is a pest for every point guard that we play. His skill set at his young age is very impressive. I feel like the sky is the limit for him. He controls his own destiny.

 

 

The German PRO A has become more and more competitive each season. Currently there are two 5-0 teams and a few 4-1 teams. It looks like it will be another very exciting season. How proud are you in general how the team has played in the first five games. It is still early, but on what things does the team need to concentrate most on in the next games to keep their position near the top?

Of course we are happy we have been successful early but we feel like we haven’t even come close to reaching our potential. We’ve won a bunch of ugly games playing bad offensively; yet we still win. We just have to continue to focus in on our defense and watch film to make the necessary adjustments to continue with our early success.

 

Have Marvin Willoughby or Pascal Roller showed their basketball skills in a shoot around yet or have they kept on their working clothes? What do you appreciate most about your 2 bosses?

Haha, Marvin tends to shoot some shots and play one on one with the team sometimes! He’s more hands on with the team than Pascal is. Pascal handles more of the business side of things which keeps him in the office a lot. But they both have done a tremendous job of getting the club operating the way it is. They’ve been under tons of pressure and stress but they have handled it well! I personally have a good relationship with them both and love playing for them.

 

Alster lake, Reeperbahn or harbor. In what place have you been most to in Hamburg and why?

I’ve been to the Harbor the most. It’s such a beautiful place to go and relax. People are always out there, and it’s just a great vibe. I haven’t had the chance to visit the fish market on Sunday mornings but I will very soon.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The last movie I watched was Sin City!

 

Thanks Will for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi Knutson is a 25 year old 191cm shooting guard form Littleton, Colorado that is playing his third professional season and first with BV Chemnitz. He played at Colorado from 2007-2011 playing a total of 133 NCAA games and as a senior played 38 games: 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 90.4%. In 2011-2012 he started his professional career for Basquet Mallorca (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 12 games: 15.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 46.6%, FT: 84.0%, in Dec.’11 signed at CB Lobe Huesca (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 22 games: 12.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-3(90.9%). In 2012-2013 he played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL, starting five): 33 games: 10.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 84.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

You are playing your first season in the German Pro A. How has the adjustment been for you coming from the first division in Poland?

 

It has been good. The German Pro A is a high level that has many good players. The league is competitive from top to bottom. Any team can beat you on any given night.

 

How difficult was it sitting out last season?

 

I had surgery on both ankles and the recovery time took 6-7 months. I tried to catch on to a team at the end of last season, but didn´t get the right opportunity. I am very blessed to be able to play again now.

 

What were the main reasons for coming to Chmenitz?

 

My wife who travels with me and I heard very good things about Germany. WE thought it would be a good chance to play in Germany and further my career.

 

You are the same age as head coach Felix Schreier. What is it like playing for a kid?

 

I don´t think that coach is a kid in terms of basketball knowledge. He gives me the freedom to do what I do well. He has the respect of all the players. WE like to play hard for him and he does a great job keeping us positive at all times.

 

You were shooting around 31% early from downtown. Has it been bad decisions or just easy misses that has kept your shooting percentage down?

 

It has been a combination. I have had to force up some shots at the end of the shot clock that I would normally not take. However I am not worried. My shot feels good and I will continue to stay aggressive on offense.

 

Do you feel any pressure having to be the go to guy for BV Chemnitz?

 

I have no pressure. The situation comes natural to me and is what I have always done. When the defense focuses on me then I get my teammates the ball. We have a lot of guys that can score.

 

You are from Littleton, Colorado and were 11 when the shooting occurred at Columbine high school. How did you experience this time?

 

I was pretty young and really was unable to process it all. I went to school about 30 minutes away.

 

In your senior year at Colorado(NCAA) your role increased. What did you learn in your senior year?

 

We got a new coach, system and style. The system just fit me. We had very talented offensive players and we just played well together. I was fortunate that coach had the trust in me and let me shoot the ball which boosted my self confidence through out the season.

 

How did Colorado head coach Tad Boyle get you prepared for a professional basketball career?

 

Coach Boyle and all the other coaches took a lot of pride in player development. WE would work 30 minutes before practice on individual skills. This gave me more confidence on my ball handling.

 

You had teammates that would later play in the NBA like Xavier Silas, Ander Roberson, Alec Burks and Corey Higgins. From what player did you learn the most?

 

The talent level that Alec Burks had was incredible. I learned the most from Corey Higgins. WE spent four years together and pushed each other in practice each day. I remember he had a great pull up jumper from the midrange.

 

What was your wake up call to the professional ranks?

 

During the summer before my senior year we went to Europe and played professional teams in Poland. This gave me idea that I had the game to play in Europe. Before going to Europe that summer, I hadn´t really thought about the professional ranks in Europe.

 

You played two seasons ago with ex BG Goettingen forward Rocky Trice at Energa Czarni Slupsk. What was the most amazing thing that you saw him do on the court?

 

I remember seeing him catch a half court ally-op pass with his right hand and dunking it home. He is a lefty.

 

Where will the NBA journey of the Denver Nuggets end this season?

 

I think that they will find a way to get into the playoffs. Maybe in 2-3 years they can compete for a title.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Virgil Matthews?

 

I have to take myself.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

A Disney movie with my nieces that recently visited me.

 

Thanks Levi for the chat.

It was a fairly mild winter evening back on December 14, 2013 and ex Fraport Skyliner Jacob Burtschi was in Langen on a free Saturday night supporting his teammates when the Fraport Skyliners Juniors entered the Georg Sehring gym in Langen to do battle against TV Langen in a seemingly one sided contest as head coach Eric Detlef had future German national players Danilo Barthel,and Johannes Voigtmann in the lineup as well as ex NCAA Vanderbilt player Kevin Bright who still had visions of his Kevin the light is bright evening a few weeks earlier against Ludwigsburg where he sunk six three pointers 23 Kilometers north in the Fraport arena. However the one sided event happened, but not for Frankfurt, but TV Langen as one could have bet that pigs would enter the gym at their own power and people would have believed that more than TV Langen actually leaving their living room with a 24 point win. TV Langen crushed the Fraport Skyliners Juniors 93-69 as Martinis Woody shocked Frankfurt with 33 points and made Barthel and Voigtmann feel about 20 cm instead of their powering 208cm and 210cm. Even the presence and support of Oklahoma native Burtschi couldn´t help the Juniors on this night as focus was more the problem than skill. Barthel and Voigtman played combined 46 minutes while the other two Beko BBL players Kevin Bright and Max Merz played 58 minutes combined. The light of bright wasn´t very dim, but off as he shot only 1/7 from the parking lot Add Johannes Richter who also plays BBL as he chipped in for 14 minutes playing time. Both teams only had four players in the lineup as Frankfurt had Tim Oldenburg, Lennart Okeke while TV Langen had Martinis Woody, Maxim Schneider, Benedict Nicolay and Tom Alte that played tonight. Both teams came into the game with a 1-2 record while the Fraport Skyliners seeked revenge for their pathetic display last season while Martinis Woody wanted to have his first big game this season, but it was the Fraport Skyliners that found back to their winning ways and superb team basketball which they showed in the season opener against Weissenhorn disposing of TV Langen 69-49 as it was their best defensive performance of the season and Martinis Woody remained cold and is still trying to find his form. After the win Max Merz and Maxim Schneider remembered what had happened last time when both teams played in Langen as Frankfurt was embarrassed. “Last season in Langen, we had all our players, but weren´t prepared. Langen had a very good day and we lost badly. We didn´t want to leave the gym like that again tonight. We had some bad phases, but all in all it was a very good game for us. We played very good defense from the start and carried it through until the end. We also did a lot better job moving the ball tonight”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors point guard Max Merz. “We were surprised how Frankfurt played, but we played very well against Frankfurt last season in Langen. It was surprising though that we played so well against so many BBL players from Frankfurt”, stressed TV Langen point guard Maxim Schneider. Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlef was pleased how well his team played and also had advice for too over confident teams. “It doesn´t matter in what sport, but if you aren´t ready to give your all, you won´t give anything. TV Langen came into the game last season hot and we went in easy going and we lost. Nobody had a Pro B level on that night. You have to always be ready to give your all mentally. Tonight we played well in the first half, but just didn´t hit any shots. We defended well and made good decisions. I told the guys to keep shooting. In the second half, we defended the pick and role better, hit shots while TV Langen missed easy shots”, explained Eric Detlef.

The Fraport Skyliners were thrilled to have shooter Nikolaj Vukovic back in the lineup after he had had problems with his thumb and missed the first three games of the season. TV Langen was coming of a bitter 72-69 loss in Lich where they had produced 12 turnovers more, but only lost by three points while the Fraport Skyliners had lost in Iserlohn with76-59. Eric Detlef stressed 30 minutes before the start of the game that he was hoping that Frankfurt would find back to their old form when they clobbered Weissenhorn in the opening game 75-50 where their incredible ball movement infected the whole team and tonight he was rewarded with very good team basketball and aggressive defense that TV Langen could not get used to. Frankfurt displayed their annoying pressure defense in the first quarter holding TV Langen to only six points. Frankfurt got off to a 6-0 lead as Tim Oldenburg opened up the scoring with a one handed dunk as he freed himself from Woody, and Merz and Oldenburg followed with free throws. The first quarter was rather sloppy as both teams were hit with untimely turnovers as often the turnovers came through bad decisions. TV Langen came back as they went on a mini 4-0 run as Michigan native Nick Freer hit a mid distance jumper and Filmore Beck made a tip in on the third try. The turnovers kept coming and the points less and less. Tim Oldenburg then made about the easiest put back ever as he was totally free in front of the Langen bucket. Beck then made an off balance jumper to cut the Frankfurt lead to 8-6. Frankfurt closed out the first quarter with a mini 4-0 run as Oldenburg made a jumper and Marius Nolte who played 242 Beko BBL games made free throws. “This was a derby, so I think both teams were a bit excited which led to so many turnovers. Frankfurt defended very well and really doubled Woody well”, stressed injured Fraport Skyliner Junior Jakob Merz. Frankfurt was shooting 29% from the field and 0% from outside while TV Langen was shooting 23% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 14-8 rebound advantage and both teams had eight turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners held the lead, but TV Langen slowly found their rhythm and got closer and closer as halftime drew nearer. After 17 year old 207cm power forward Niklas Kiel gave Frankfurt the 13-6 lead sinking one free throw, it was TV Langen that went on a mini 4-0 run as their two imports scored. Woody nailed his first bucket and Freer also scored inside as Frankfurt led 13-10. Then came a very strong phase from young Frankfurt German Lennart Okeke who made two fascinating extra passes to Oldenburg as he finished with a two handed dunk on one of them as Frankfurt led 17-13. Nick Freer kept TV Langen in the game remaining very aggressive on offense nailing a few jumpers cutting the Frankfurt lead to 19-15. After missing some easy open three pointers in the first quarter, Alaska native Kyle Fossman who was playing his first professional game in front of the eyes of his dad nailed a three pointer. Oldenburg dropped a jumper from the corner as Frankfurt led 24-27. TV Langen took advantage of unneeded Frankfurt fouls as Tom Alte got to the free throw line twice cutting the Frankfurt lead to 24-19. Then it Was Max Merz who surprisingly got much playing time against TV Langen as he had to depart early Sunday morning for a 5 hour car ride and 3 pm game with the Fraport Skyliners against Bremerhaven as he nailed a high floater that hit the top of the back board and fell in the cup for the 26-19 Frankfurt advantage. Freer and Richter hit free throws in the last minute, but it was 30 year old TV Langen role player Cedric Quarshie who nailed a three pointer with 5 seconds to play as Frankfurt had the tight 27-24 lead at half time. “It might only have been a three point lead, but Frankfurt was clearly the better team. Frankfurt played very good against the zone while TV Langen got free throws because of dumb Frankfurt mistakes. Okeke played very well. He helps us most on defense putting unending pressure on the guards. He is such an unselfish player and just a team player”, added Jakob Merz. Frankfurt was shooting 36% from the field and 14% from the three point line while TV Langen was shooting 3% from the field and 14% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 22-17 rebound edge and 10 turnovers while TV Langen had 11 turnovers.

In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors broke the game open going on a huge run and deciding the game. After Freer started the second half with a free throw, it was Lennart Okeke who nailed home a three pointer as Frankfurt led 30-25. Woody who was shut down well from Frankfurt scored inside as Schneider fed him nicely as TV Langen trailed 30-27. Kiel and Jan Moritz Overdick then traded buckets as TV Langen clung on the door step of Frankfurt 32-29. However then Frankfurt marched on a 19-3 run to lead 51-34. In the run, Frankfurt continued to hit their shots very consistently and TV Langen couldn´t get anything going on offense. In the Frankfurt run, Kyle Fossman kept melting Alaska icicles in thought with his hot scorching shooting, Marius Nolte was a real force and showed his presence inside as Woody couldn´t contain the Paderborn native as he scored twice as did Max Merz who once showed beautiful tip toeing ability dancing by Quarshie. Before TV Langen really knew what had happed the Fraport Skyliners led 51-34 and the first TV Langen fans were wondering what football surprises were in store in the Saturday night ZDF sports show. TV Langen continued to miss and miss as bricks were on the menu while head coach Kostic also gave his youth extended minutes. “We slept at the start of the third quarter. We just didn´t come to terms with the aggressive pressure defense from Frankfurt. Fossman hit a few jumpers and they were gone”, added Maxim Schneider. “We started to hit more open shots than in the first half and kept defending aggressively and one could see that we wanted to win the game”, stressed Max Merz. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 44% from the field and 31% from the parking lot while TV Langen was shooting 30% from the field and 14% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 32-22 rebound lead and both teams had 13 turnovers a piece.

It is no secret that at any level in basketball, exerting energy and coming back hurt the team trailing. TV Langen couldn´t go on a run in the fourth quarter and easily lost the fourth quarter 18-10. Frankfurt continued where they left off in the third quarter jumping out on a 11-4 run to lead 62-41. Frankfurt kept dropping three pointers at regularity as ex Fraport Skyliners Andrew Rautins did in practice and games as Fossman and Okeke hit from outside. Richter also scored inside and Merz hit free throws. Young German Jan Moritz Overdick who is 17 years old and 207cm showed that he can hit from outside and also did a fine job getting to the free throw line for TV Langen. Frankfurt kept keeping Woody away from the bucket and down the stretch, Richter scored and Marius Nolte took his bread and butter to work as he scored inside twice. Frankfurt closed out the game and kept TV Langen to their lowest point total of the season at 49 points. “I don´t think that we were tired at the end. Frankfurt just took us out of the game early and we couldn´t react. We weren´t motivated enough to come back”, stressed Maxim Schneider. “TV Langen played their youth and we had a lot of experience on the court and it was obvious that we wouldn´t give this game out of our hands”, expressed Max Merz.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Kyle Fossman and Tim Oldenburg with 14 points a piece. Max Merz added 11 points, four rebounds and five assists. TV Langen was led by Nick Freer with 16 points. Martinis Woody continues to be a riddle as he was kept under his season average of 8,0ppg with 7,0ppg. “Teams are doubling him and not letting him get the ball. WE aren´t getting him the ball and penetrating as much as we would like. We have to improve this and get him the ball in good situations. We also have to play more as a team and talk more on defense and just hustle”, warned Maxim Schneider. Frankfurt shot 44% from the field and 33% from outside while TV Langen shot 32% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 39-29 and had 17 turnovers while TV Langen had 18 turnovers. Frankfurt hopes that they can take this current level into the next games and not get back to bad habits against Wurzburg and Iserlohn. “We are a young team and it isn´t easy to be consistent. We want to keep this level, but it is important that we continue to play with heart and just work hard”, explained Max Merz.

 

 

Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England was one of the 12 best players in Great Britain in 2013 and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the Beko BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for  Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 71-62 win against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

Myles congrats on the 71-62 win against the Fraport Skyliners. The last two games against Phoenix Hagen and the Brose Baskets Bamberg was decided by only 2 points combined. How relieved was the team that the game wasn´t as close at the end as the last two games?

Its not something that any of us were particularly thinking about, but it was good to get a commanding lead in the last few minutes to ease the pressure.

Bremerhaven had the nice 29-24 lead at halftime. What was the secret to keep Frankfurt to only 24 points in the first half? What was the biggest strength on defense in the first 20 minutes?

We really pressured all their guards and made sure their bigs found it difficult to make interior passes. We didn’t let them score much in transition and really slowed them down.

In the third quarter, the Eisaberen Bremerhaven went on a run storming out to a 26 point quarter to lead 55-41. What was key for breaking open the game in the third quarter?

Moses Ehambe came out hot to begin the quarter and we all followed suit, our shots started falling and the crowd got behind us.

The Fraport Skyliners made a come back and came back to cut the Bremerhaven lead to 59-58, but you didn´t get scared and countered with an 8-0 run. Especially on defense the club made big blocks on Konstantin Klein and Aaron Doornekamp. It wasn´t one player but a team effort. What really stood out in crunch time for being able to secure the win?

Our team defense was what won us the game, we all helped each other and came up with big stops down the stretch.

He didn´t lead the team in scoring, but led the team in rebounding with 13 and assists with three. American Devin Searcy was clearly the unsung hero. How lost would the team been without him cleaning up in the back?

Devin is an anchor for us inside challenging shots at the basket and rebounding on both ends of the floor.

What was it like playing against Quantez Robertson for the first time? Is freak athlete the best description for him?

I like the intensity he plays with. Maybe, we didn’t allow him to do much today so I never got to see anything spectacularto have a description for him

What was your overall impression of the Fraport Skyliners? Are they better than their 1-4 record shows? Doornekamp and Williams played combined 46 minutes and went 0/11 combined. This is something that will probably never happen again this season. With better production from Frankfurt, they may have won the game?

I think they have played better in their previous games but today we executed our game plan and were the better team.

You average 18 minutes per game, but played the least minutes this season with 13 against Frankfurt. However you still have very solid stats for your minutes. How happy have you been with your game and development in the first two months back in the Beko BBL?

I am happy to do whatever it is the team needs me to do to win games. I am continuing to work hard so its onwards and upwards for me hopefully.

Bremerhaven is 3-1 and much improved to their 0-7 start last season. The club seems to be on a very good way. Is it more a defined early chemistry or overall talent that has made the team so successful so far?

Yes I believe so. We all get along with each other, there are no ego’s on the team, we just want to win games and will do whatever it takes to do so

What is your favorite place to relax in Bremerhaven? The Fraport Skyliners visited the Bremerhaven zoo before the game. Do you like to hang out in the zoo?

I like to eat at different restaurants around the city. I havent actually been to the zoo yet but I will soon.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I went to the cinemas in Bremen and watched the Equalizer. It was a great movie.

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

Patrick Richard is a 24 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 80-79nail bitter win against Phoenix Hagen

 

Congrats Patrick to the 80-79 win at home against Phoenix Hagen. What was the needed spark in the comeback as the club was down by more than 10 points?

Well coach just told us to keep fighting each possession and that we could continue to use the momentum we ended up getting in the second half!

With five seconds to go, the Mitteldeutscher BC had the ball and you were the go to guy. Was it a play designed for you or what was the club wanting to do on the last play?

Yea the play was designed for me to get the ball and just make a play! I noticed the defender pressed up against me and I just tried to attack the basket! I ended up getting a foul and focused on knocking down the free throws for my team!

You won the game with one second to go with two free throws. How did you feel on the free throw line and when was the last time that you were in that kind of a position to be the hero?

Well I didn’t really have any feelings! Lol I had just missed one free throw and was determined to really make both! And in my career I’ve been in that situation a lot of times!

You really have become a very important scoring leader for MBC. What has been the biggest challenge coming from the Holland league to getting a feel for the Beko BBL level?

Well the biggest challenge has been of course the talent level is much greater in the BBL which I really enjoy playing great players every night! Everything else is just hard work in the off season and a great coach we have and also the players all buying into the TEAM aspect of things!

What was the biggest team strength on the night? It seemed like MBC really had a foot hold on the boards?

I believe it was all about not giving up! We really stepped up the physicality and pressure in the second half! Got some steals and easy lay ups in transition and momentum just carried us to the win!

Oliver Clay was the unsung hero of the night with two points, but 5 blocks. Would MBC have left the floor the winner without his services?

Yea BIG Ollie clay played really big tonight defensively protecting the rim for us! He was one of many major parts to us winning this game!

What has been your impression of Christian Standhardinger? He had incredible stats at Hawaii, but because of being in a lower conference most likely got passed up for the NBA draft. To what NBA player would you compare his game to?

Christian has been really good since joining us at MBC! His game helps us a lot because he has mismatches a lot of games and he uses it well! Not sure of a NBA player to compare him to but I do know he has been a plus for us thus far!

The Mitteldeutscher BC has been the big surprise so far in the Beko BBL at 4-1. What has been the secret to the success and will the team get even better in the next months?

I believe our success is just we stay and play together as a team! Each game it’s been different guys stepping up making big plays and doing the little things! It’s been a total team effort from 1-12! We take each game at a time because every game and team is very different! So just focusing on the next one

The New Orleans Saints have a tough game on Sunday with the 4-2 Detriot Lions. What is your prediction for the game?

Well I really hope the home state Saints can pull a win out! The bye week actually may have been the best thing for them! So I predict a win!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I’ve seen has been green mile!

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

Thanks for reaching out miles! I appreciate the interview!

 

Mark Dorris is a 28 year old 188cm guard from Cincinnati, Ohio that has played his whole five years of professional basketball in Germany. He started his basketball career with St. Catharine College a ndthen played three years at Marshall (NCAA) playing a total of 91 NCAA games and as a senior played 30 games: 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9%. In 2009-2010 he started his professional basketball career for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games: 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3(2.3spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 77.3%. IN his second season he moved to Phoenix Hagen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 72.8%. IN this third season he played for Ludwigsburg and the last two seasons for Phoenix Hagen and last season played 34 games: 12.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 84.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Hi Mark, at the moment you are sitting home in Ohio waiting to get the call from a professional team. You have played your whole career in Germany. Besides being on the court, what do you miss most about the country Germany now?

1st thanks for taking the time out your day for the interview it’s highly appreciated. I miss the people the German people all ways showed me a lot of love and care and that is priceless. You usually have had jobs at this time in your professional career.

How tough is it sitting back and not having a job? Who is assisting you now most and keeping you positive?

It’s hard because I miss the game I miss to compete at a high level I miss being the GLADIATOR on center court with the crowd going crazy around me. The flip side to the token is I get to be with my family and recently was able to be a part of my nieces birthday that was a first for me. So I thank the creator for letting me be part of that.

You have been a steady and solid performer as a professional since 2009. Has the job market just gotten more and more competitive or have you been very picky with the offers you have received because I cant imagine that you haven´t hat offers?

I believe a little bit of both has played a factor up to this point. I’m at the point in my career where I feel I can play a role and help an established team compete for championships or deep playoff runs. That would be ideal for me. So we will see what direction the market takes me.

You have played three years with Phoenix Hagen. Was there not anyway that you could have returned back to your second home? What were the reasons that you weren´t able to return?

1st I will say I love Phoenix Hagen Love the city the people and Hagen has the greatest fans. Ingo to me is a top 5 coach in the league him and Steve are a 2 man army when almost every other team in the BBL has three plus coaches. So for them to be in the race from 10-7 seeds every year is impressive. I think both parties were moving in different directions and that’s why I didn’t sign back.

A year after reaching the Beko BBL playoffs for the first time, Phoenix Hagen were unable to reach them last season. Many said that a real classic point guard wasn´t gotten in Henry Dugat. Would this not have been the perfect chance for you to take control at the point guard position? After the season Ingo Freyer stated that the team never had a point guard?

I think the opportunity was there and some games I would play the PG but during the week I played mostly 2guard during practice because Henry, Ole, and young Geske would play PG. And to play the PG it’s a rhythm to it that comes from repetition.

You still had a very solid season and had some big games. I remember the big win in Frankfurt where you steered 24 points. What was your season highlight with Phoenix Hagen last season?

We were becoming notorious for knocking off the BIG teams so I always loved those moments. But personally was probably my Game winner on Wurzburg at Home. I Live for those clutch moments of the game.

You can score and you can also dish out assists, but what is a hidden strength in your game now that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

Defense I can really defend the ball full court and make things uncomfortable for other guards. I really take pride in my defense I hate to be scored on more than I love to score.

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any professional team now what would you say? You have played only in Germany. Would you be ready to play anywhere in the world now or Germany your first priority?

Hmmm… Probably something real simple amongst the lines of (I’m Mark Dorris and will get the Job done!!!). I’m open to play any where in the world. But I will miss the BBL I feel I was one of the fan favorites (Mr.Fantastic) across the BBL and I will miss the league and it’s fans if my career pulls me in another direction.

New Beko BBL team Crailsheim Merlins is looking for anew guard. How appealing would it be for you to play for a new team that moved up to the Beko BBL?

It would be appealing to me I feel I have been around this league a few times and my experience could help a team fresh in the league navigate there way around.

Your ex teammate Larry Gordon has developed as a player each season. I see him as being an BBL MVP candidate this season. How have you grown as a player with his presence on the court?

Honestly it’s him and my brother David Bell their work ethic after any practice to get extra work is what puts them where they are. And it’s contagious to the guys on the team and you can see he gets the results out of his hard work. I’m proud of my brother LG400.

Where do you see Phoenix Hagen ending the season in 2015? They have a new point guard in Zamal Nixon who started in German Pro B in Herten some years ago. He has made the adjustment to the BBL early on

I see them landing any where from 9-7 they brought back key pieces and they got better. Keep your eye out for Keith Ramsey this season he had a great summer. Zamal fits Ingos style of play. Ingo makes the transition easy for you. And he played college ball at HOUSTON that’s CUSA same as my MARSHALL was so were cut from a similar cloth. I see him having a break out year in this system and sticking in the BBL.

How does a normal workout day look like for Mark Dorris in 2014?

I work out at 10am weights run shots. And come back later around 4pm to get to my skill work. I work out with Danny Hoarce who also played in the BBL before so we know the level of work we must put in to stay ready and were ready.

Where will the journey of the Cleveland Cavaliars end this year?

I think they lose in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Chicago Bulls. Naw I take that Back I’m rolling with Lebron my Ohio brother they make it to the finals. But that’s far as my crystal ball will let me go lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD I watched was KILL BILL. That’s my mentality I have going into my season for making me wait lol. Thanks agin for your time Miles much respect.