You have those American players that love to globetrot in their career all over Europe fetching one year deals and learning a new culture while playing the game they cherish while there are those Americans that start in a country begin to love it there and never leave and just continue to ball until their body says no more. Guys like Immanuel Mcelroy of Braunschweig has played in Germany over 10 years for only three teams Cologne and Berlin or a Kyle Visser who has been in Germany since coming out of Wake Forest and is the heart and soul of the Braunschweig squad. Then again you also have a Chase Griffin who turned professional in 2007 and except for one season in Finland has played his whole career in Germany. He is starting his seventh season in Germany after having played for Phoenix Hagen for three years, one in Giessen and the last two in Gotha where his range from the parking lot was exceptional over 40% each season. The Washington native may be known for being a great shooter, but for the hardcore basketball fans remember his acting debut in the classic German basketball documentary Phoenix In Der Asche where the intense meeting between him and Michael Jordan displayed just what goes on behind the scenes of a basketball club where two ego´s are clashing. The two actually were teammates the following year after their basketball Oscar like moment playing for the Giessen 46ers and like their season in Hagen losing was the norm something that seemed to accompany them to Hessen. Griffin was back in Giessen last season with Gotha and celebrated a dramatic 91-89 OT win where he steered 25 points for the victory. Griffin returned back to Giessen for a second time in the Pro A and wanted to help snap the three games Giessen winning streak, but SC Rasta Vechta had tremendous problems having good starts in three of four quarters, couldn´t handle Cameron Wells and had to play come back basketball all night long which failed as Giessen won their fourth home game in a row 85-76 as SC Rasta Vechta remained winless on the road. “It is always nice to come back to paly ex teams and I can remember the OT with Gotha last season. It was always a great environment to play here, and tonight it was that again, but we had no flow, no rhythm and Giessen played good defense”, stressed Washington native Chase Griffin. The Giessen 46ers continue to play strong and high spirited basketball as they have won now six of their last seven games and are climbing higher and higher in the standings. “We did a good job focusing on the game plan and we played very good defense. We did a good job getting back, playing one on one defense keeping your guy out in front and also help side. Our good starts also were key. In the past when we have started bad, it usually took us 5-10 minutes to get into the game. When we start well, we move the ball better, are on the same page, execute better and the communication is there”, added Giessen 46er American Andre Marhold.

The Giessen 46ers were without Jonathan Malu who has knee problems and SC Rasta Vechta were without Amir Carraway. Giessen came out with an extra burst of energy as if they had extra Red Bull drinks before the game going on a 9-2 run. American Cameron Wells got going early scoring twice with a floater and lay in easily getting around German Fabian Franke and Cuban Yorman Polas used his athletic ability to score inside and Benjamin Lischka nailed a pretty running hook shot. Giessen got into rhythm fast and were making smart decisions while SC Rasta Vechta were getting good looks on offense, but just not getting their shots to fall. After SC Rasta Vechta head coach Stephan Arigbabu who played 7 seasons in Greece took a time out, it was Los Angeles native Derek Wright who took the coaches words to heart and rallied the team back into the game with a 8-3 run to cut the Giessen lead to 12-10. Wright nailed two three pointer and rookie Vincent Bailey grabbed an offense rebound and made a put back. The first quarter remained a quarter of runs as Giessen pull ed away again with a 7-2 run as Giessen continued to spread the ball around well getting scoring punch from Philadelphia native TJ DiLeo with a three pointer, A Benjamin Lischka lay in and Bjoern Schoo mid distance jumper as Giessen led 19-12. SC Rasta Vechta stayed on the heels of Giessen continuing to rally as Oliver Mackeldanz scored inside, and ex Oldenburg point guard Kevin Smit hit a timely three pointer. Wells set the exclamation point for the end of the first quarter with a last second shot as Giessen led 23-17 after 10 minutes. “We weren´t ready at all with our bad start. We wanted to be the aggressor, but Giessen was. We had good looks, but it was a law of averages as our shots weren´t falling”, stressed ex Chico State American Amir Carraway. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 67% from the field and 50% from outside while SC Rasta Vechta was shooting 43% from the field and 43% from outside. Giessen had the 9-6 rebound edge, but three turnovers while SC Rasta Vechta had two turnovers.

The second quarter remained tight and Giessen was able to lead by as much as nine points, but SC Rasta made a huge comeback in the last minutes to go into halftime trailing by one point. The second quarter was the only quarter where SC Rasta Vechta didn´t let Giessen go on a quarter starting run. It was 212cm big man Oliver Mackeldanz who reached the Beko BBL last season with SC Rasta Vechta playing 6 Beko BBL games via the German Regionaliga 2, Stahnsdorf and Cuxhaven scoring inside twice and once using the big mismatch of 9 centimeters over Johannes Lischka. Ex Ludwigsburg guard Besnik Bekteshi came off the bench testing his massive 63% three point percentage nailing a shot from outside as Giessen led 28-19. Giessen was trying to pull away, but it was German Mackeldanz who continued to own the zone scoring once over Wright and then making a put back over three Giessen players as Giessen led only 30-25. Giessen continued to get good offensive production keeping their healthy lead as Johannes Lischka scored on the penetration while slipping and DiLeo made a mid-distance jumper as Giessen led 36-27. Smit was a real force from the bench giving SC Rasta Vechta that needed push as he used his quickness to score inside as Giessen led only 36-30. With Giessen leading 39-30, SC Rasta Vechta went into the break with a furious 11-3 run to trail Giessen only 42-41. Vincent Bailey got the guests on the board with a nifty spin move and lay in, Wright hit a pull up jumper, Franke became aggressive and scored inside and Chase Griffin nailed a last second three pointer as all of a sudden SC Rasta Vechta was breathing strong down their backs. “We had a nice comeback at the end. Mackeldanz was huge off the bench and he has been doing it all season long. He gave us a huge lift. We did a good job coming back on transition defense and let them play to us”, added Amir Carraway. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 59% from the field and 43% from the three point line while SC Rasta Vechta was shooting 55% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Both teams had 15 rebounds and Giesen had five turnovers and SC Rasta Vechta had six turnovers.

It seemed like everything that SC Rasta Vechta had worked so hard to achieve at the end of the second quarter was rapidly lost in the first few minutes of the third quarter as Giessen threw SC Rasta Vechta and their breathing off their back and raced out to a 10-0 run to up their lead again now to 52-41. The Giessen offense was working like a clock work again as they set the tempo again, were more aggressive and gave the word intensity a new meaning. American Eric Palm came off the bench and did his job connecting on a three pointer, Wells snuck inside for two points and DiLeo hit free throws and sunk a three pointer. “This good start in the third quarter was key for us. We defended very well and hit shots which set the tone until the end”, expressed Giessen 46er Johannes Lischka. “Having these bad starts has been our Achilles heel this season. We need to have more intensity when starting a new quarter”, commented ex Phoenix Hagen guard Chase Griffin. SC Rasta Vechta didn´t give up, but kept chipping away at the Giessen lead and fighting back. Derek Wright connected on a three pointer and Vincent Bailey on a mid-distance shot as Giessen led only 56-49. SC Rasta Vechta continued to rally as Bailey continued to be a menace with his mid distance jumper and Smit nailed two free throws of three after Bekteshi had fouled him in the parking lot as Giessen led only 58-53. However another key element in this game was the ability of Giessen to hit big shots whenever SC Rasta Vechta was threatening. Giessen got support from everyone as Bekteshi scored inside and made free throws and in the last minute it was Cuban Polas who put a roar through the Giessen Ost Halle with a harsh dunk over Franke as Giessen led 66-56 after three quarters. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 53% from the field and 50% from the parking lot while SC Rasta Vechta was shooting 51% from the field and 33% from the parking lot. Giessen had the 25-20 rebound edge and only six turnovers while SC Rasta Vechta had 10 turnovers.

SC Rasta Vechta didn´t learn from their mistakes from the previous starts to quarters and allowed the Giessen 46ers on a 11-2 run extending their lead to 77-58 which was their biggest in the game and it seemed like that had clinched the game for the ex Beko BBL club. In the run, it was Bekteshi who dropped another three pointer and Wells showing his dominance with three buckets including a bomb from outside. SC Rasta Vechta then gave their last once of energy first going on a quick 7-2 run to cut the Giessen lead to 80-65 as Chase Griffin scored inside getting a nice back door feed from Bailey, Mackeldanz made a huge two handed dunk and Kevin Smit nailed a three pointer. After Marhold made a small distraction in the SC Rasta Vechta run with a lay in, the former Beko BBL team continued their massive comeback scoring nine unanswered points to only be trailing 82-74 as even with the clock winding down to two minutes there seemed small hope as all is possible in basketball. In the run, it was Franke that took control scoring a couple of buckets and scoring free throws. Griffin then also scored, but time was running out. Giessen got a few offensive rebounds and free throws from DiLeo and Wells which sealed the 85-76 victory for the Giessen 46ers. “We had a 9-0 run were down by 12 points, but key was simply that they executed down the stretch and we didn´t. We showed heart in this game. We fought back the whole game and lost by only nine points when it could have been 25-30 points”, added Chase Griffin. “We weren´t tired at the end, but just had some mental break downs on defense”, stressed Andre Marhold.

The Giessen 46ers were led by Cameron Wells with 20 points. Andre Marhold added 13 points. TJ DiLeo chipped in with 12 points and Besnek Bekteshi with 11 points. SC Rasta Vechta was led by Vincent Bailey with 17 points and nine rebounds. Derek Wright added 15 points. Kevin Smit contributed 13 points. Chase Griffin had 11 points and Fabian Franke and Oliver Mackeldanz chipped in with 10 points a piece. Giessen had a superb shooting night with 51% from the field and 5ß% from outside while SC Rasta Vechta shot 47% from the field and 32% from outside. Giessen won the rebound duel 37-28 and had only eight trunovers while SC Rasta Vechta had 10 turnovers. The Giessen 46ers are continuing to gel and ex German national player Johannes Lischka had a huge smile after the win. 2Our team basketball wasn´t working at the start and it was frustrating. We knew that we had to get better and we worked hard to get better. We are a good team and we are knowing our roles now. We continue to defend well and that isn´t a problem. Our offense has been our sore spot, but here we are also getting better”, warned Johannes Lischka.

 

 

Derek Wright Is a 28 year old 179cm point guard from Los Angeles, California that is playing his sixth professional season and first in Germany for SC Rasta Vechta. He started his basketball career in 2004 for Austin Peay St where he played until 2008 and as a senior played 35 games: 11.4ppg, 2.5rpg, AssistsOVC-4(4.7apg), StealsOVC-2(2.5spg), FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 40.2%, FTOVC-7(79.1%): Finished career ranked first all-time at APSU in steals (228), third in assists (487) and tied for first in school and conference history in games played (131). He came to Europe in 2009 and started his professional basketball career with BK Synthesia Pardubice (Czech Rep.-NBL) where he played until 2011. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Levharti Chomutov (Czech Rep.-NBL, starting five): 14 games: 17.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 85.5%; then moved to BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Rep.-NBL, starting five): 24 games: 11.6ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-4(4.6apg), Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 81.4%. In the 2012-2103 season he played for CS U-Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Romania-Division A, starting five): 32 games: 14.6ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-1(6.8apg), Steals-1(2.9spg), FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 81.4%. Last season he played for the Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-LNA): 3 games: 11.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, in Nov.’13 moved to A.G.O Rethymno Aegean (Greece-A1): 19 games: 10.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 80.5%. He spoke to German Hoopsbefore the game against the Giessen 46ers.

 

 

Derek thanks for talking to German Hoops. You got signed very late this season. Was the offers less than in previous years or just not the right ones?

 

I was just looking for a good situation. I recently got married and just wanted the best situation for my family.

 

SC Rasta Vechta needed a new point guard to replace Ahmad Smith. What sold you on joining SC Rasta Vechta?

 

I saw how professional the organization SC Rasta Vechta is. Head coach Stephan Arigbabu also convinced that coming to Vechta would be ideal. He told me that the team has a bright future and what its expectations were. He told me that he saw me as the right person that would help the team build.

 

The club is 2-1. You seemed to have made a rather quick adjustment to play. Has the many changes of scenery in the last years helped you in general have a knack for getting to know a new basketball environment better?

 

Yes I have played in a couple places the last years. However I have played for a long time and after awhile its always the same. You come into a new situation and you don´t know what to expect. Basketball is basketball so its just a matter of getting adjusted.

 

Offensively you have been scoring well, but have averaged 4,3 turnovers in your first three games. What has been the toughest adjustment for you so far on the offensive end?

 

I haven´t been myself yet, but that is because I came in late and missed preseason. I don’t have that game feel yet, but it is slowly coming back to me. My timing is off and fatigue sets in in certain situations and that effects you mentally. However my timing is slowly coming back.

 

SC Rasta Vechta is a very young team with two American rookies with Vince Bailey and Amir Carraway. You are the third oldest behind Chase Griffin and Max Weber. Do you see yourself being a leader type of guy as the season moves along and the team gets to know you better?

 

I have been vocal since I have been here. The young players have an ear open and are willing to learn. It is great to see that they take the advice. I also listen to them for advice. I hope that all will fall into place with this team. Everyone has their ears open and that makes everyone better.

 

 

 

You’re a very quick-footed PG, he’s an ideal quarterback for a run and shot game based on fast breaks. Defends very well on the perimeter, can steal lots of balls and has a good scoring range and accuracy, even from behind the 3pts arch. What is strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

A hidden strength is my ability to lead the team. I am like a coach on the floor that wants to help the team at all times. I first look to help the team be better and not myself first. I am a hard working player and feel that my effort to help the team get better on the offensive and defensive end gets overlooked.

 

 

The next opponent of SC Rasta Vechta are the Giessen 46ers that have won five of their last six games and are a very disciplined team. What will be key to winning the game?

 

Every team can beat each other in this league. We saw video on Giessen and they move the ball very well. We will have to play Vechta basketball. We have to communicate well on defense and just do what it takes to win.

 

 

What has been your early impression of Vechta head coach Stephan Arigbabu? Did you know that he played on the German national team with Dirk Nowitzki?

 

Yes I knew that before I came in. A teammate in Greece had played with him in Greece. He is a great guy and has a great personality. He really looks out for his players and is a guy that you can always talk to. He gives good advice and shows that he believes in you. I heard that he was a good player.

 

You had a stellar college career at Austin Peay State from 2004-2008. How did head coach David Loos get you prepared for a professional basketball career best?

 

Loos was very hard on me. I didn´t understand it as a freshman, but when I left I did. He taught me very much and how to lead a team. He always pushed me to the limit and he really helped me to understand the game better. He wanted me to go into games confident and just be the most consistent player on the court and just do what I do best. I actually spoke to him not to long ago.

 

 

How important was it for your start in Europe to play your first two seasons in the Czech Republic with Maurice Hampton for BK JIP Pardubice. How did your relationship grow from your college days into the professional years?

 

I met Maurice when I was 17 years old. When I visited Austin Peay St, he was my host. He went on to become one of my best friends. We still talk today. I came to the Czech Republic as a rookie and Maurice helped me so much. I didn´t know what to expect and it was hard to adapt from the American style of play to the European style. He was always there for me when I had tough situations. It was a great experience with him and I have the most respect for him.

 

You have played in many countries like the Czech Republic, Romania, Switzerland, and Greece. What style has fit your game most?

 

I think that the style that has fit me most was in Greece. There were many athletic players there that could shot and the game was in the open court that fit my style. It was great being able to find guys above the rim or being able to penetrate and dish the ball to the wings. I learned the most in Romania. My coach there really helped me to understand the point guard position best. I was able to use my quickness and passing best there.

 

 

You played last season in Greece for Agor. What memories do you have of the 103-79 loss to Olympiacos against Vassillis Spanoulis? You held your own scoring 10 points and dishing out eight assists in 22 minutes while he had five points and nine assists in 19 minutes.

 

Spanoulis is a great player. This was my first game in Greece. I was a bit nervous before the game, but when I got on the court I felt confident. It was like a dream for me to play against these great players and seeing an Acie Law who played in the NBA. Even though we lost, I hit shots and found my teammates. Spanoulis didn´t guard me the whole time though.

 

 

What was the craziest thing that you experienced in your short stay in Greece?

 

It was on the road. At halftime, we were walking back into the locker room and some fan threw a m-80 firecracker into the stands. It sounded like a bomb. You never knew what to expect in Greece. They had some crazy fans.

 

 

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

 

When I was a senior, I played Derrick Rose who was a freshman. He wasn´t the best player on his team as it was Chris Douglas Roberts, but you knew that he would be great someday. When we played Memphis at the start of the season, Rose wasn´t as experienced as he would get towards the end. I was impressed how quick he was and how well he could finish for a freshman.

 

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

 

It is tough. I don´t see them making the playoffs. They are rebuilding and missing some pieces. I hope they get those pieces. Kobe is old, but you can never count him out. I hope they can achieve something before he retires.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Edge of Tomorrow.

 

Thanks Derek 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 after the 92-59 win against the Fraport Skyliners in Eurochallenge play.

 

Abe thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 94-59 win against the Fraport Skyliners. It was your debut in international play. How did it feel getting the first game and win under your belt?

It felt good to start off international play with a win. We work hard each week, so it is fun to see that hard work pay off. Other than the fact we were playing a German team, the game did not really feel that much different. We approached it with the same focus as any other game.

The first quarter was very even, but in the second quarter, Okapi Aalstar just blew the game wide open with a 40-10 10 minutes. It seemed like you guys were shooting at an ocean. Was this just one of those quarters that happen once in a season?

For sure it was a great quarter for us, but I really think we are capable of playing at that level consistently. We are lucky to have a lot of threats and unselfish guys who are willing to move the ball and find the open man.

Your teammate Thomas Dreeson led all scorers with 22 points. How proud were you of his game? He played for Phoenix Hagen a few years before you were in Hagen and only survived a few months there.

Thomas is one of the best shooters I have been around. When he shoots I assume it is in. Happy for him to have such a good game.

Did you notice that the game had been decided at this stand point just from the body language of the Fraport Skyliners in the second half?

Our big run definitely took a lot out of them, but they played us pretty even in the second half which means they didn’t give up. I’ve been in those shoes before in my career and it is tough to stay positive sometimes.

The Fraport Skyliners are 1-6 and in 17th place and really are begging for any kind of success on the court. You played in the Beko BBL and know how high the talent level is. How surprised are you by the start of Frankfurt?

I cant really speak to their start or anything like that since I do not know their team very well or what their schedule has been like. I am sure they will work hard to turn it around. The BBL is a very good league and you have to earn every win.

They kept the core of the big German three of Klein, Barthel and Voigtman who you competed against two seasons ago and these guys have developed well and are the future of the team and also captain Quantez Robertson who has belonged to the top defenders in the Beko BBL. The team is totally underachieving. From a neutral and outsider view point what do you think is wrong with this team?

Again, I do not have much of an opinion on the matter since it is not my team. They obviously have good talent and once their team is completely healthy I am sure they will be a different team.

In the win against Frankfurt you played 14 minutes scoring three points, grabbing two rebounds and registering two blocks. What exactly is your role on the team this season?

My role might change game to game. Some games it is defense, some games to hit shots, other games to rebound. I want to do whatever I can to help us keep winning. We have plenty of scorers, so if I can help out by scoring points, great, but I always look for other ways to contribute as well.

Is Okapi Aalstar a situation where you believe that you can achieve more minutes within time with continued hard work?

For sure. Coach has done a great job of communicating with me and letting me know what he expects from me but also giving me lots of freedom to play. Hard work always pays off.

How have you been enjoying the competition level? The club has much talent packed at the forward position with guys like Tyren Johnson and Ian Hanavan?

The competition is great. Teams in our league are good, very fun to play against. And in practice me, Ty, Thomas and John compete each day. It will be good to get Ian healthy and back out there.

Okapi Aalstar is currently 6-0 in the Belgium league. Is this a club where the team chemistry has already grown well and does it have player character that won´t get too over confident about the current first place in the division?

We have a mature team even though we have some young guys. We get along real well and guys are unselfish which makes it fun and easy to come to the gym each day and get to work.

How hits more shots from the corner blindfolded Lee Cummard or David Bell?

Both can shoot the lights out but I will have to give it up to my guy D Bell.

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

Western Conference SemiFinals

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Limitless.

Thanks Abe for the chat.

 

DJ Woodmore is a 190cm rookie from Virginia Beach, Virginia that is playing for the BIS Baskets Speyer. He played at : Virginia Wesleyan (NCAA3) from 2010-2014 and a s a senior played 31 games: 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He reached the NCAA3 Sweet 16 three times and elite 8 once. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

You are a rookie coming from the NCAA 3 and playing in Germany for the BIS Baskets Speyer. Is this like a dream come true for you?

 

Playing as a rookie in Germany is like a dream come true. I am a step closer to where I want to be. After college, I never thought that I would become a professional. But last summer some agents contacted me and told me that some teams were interested in me. I continued to stay in shape last summer and then I got a call from Speyer coach Carl Mbassa. I am playing the game I love and I am very happy. Of course I would rather be winning, but I am happy and thankful that Speyer gave me shot.

 

The BIS Baskets Speyer have had slow start. What have been the major reasons for the slow start?

 

I think that we haven´t been able to put it together for 40 minutes yet. We started first games hot, but then lost it in the fourth quarter. Recently we started slow, came back, but still lost. We have only played well for 30 minutes, but have to do it for 40 minutes. We have veteran Marcus Smallwood coming in who should be a boost.

 

Speyer is very young and you are a rookie. Do you feel like a leader?

 

I feel that I am a leader despite being a rookie. My role with Speyer is to be a leader which I was sued to in college where I was a vocal leader. Personally I feel that I need to be better. I think that when the guys see that you are getting better than they will respond also as we need to get on a winning trail.

 

You were a very strong rebounding guard in college. Who has been your role model growing up and how do you rebound so well?

 

I have always been a Lebron fan. I love how he plays and how he attacks. He is always at the top in scoring, rebounding and assists. Whenever my shot isn´t falling, I try to keep going as strong as possible and just do something to get into the game. Rebounding gets me going and keeps me involved.

 

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

 

I would say my passing. I consider myself a pass first guard even if one would not expect it from my stats. I have always been in a position to have to score wherever I have played. Coach was on me the last games as I didn´t shoot as much as he had liked me too. For me it is always most important to find the right play and not the tough shot. I love to pass the ball even if it doesn´t show in my stats.

 

Khobi Williamson is from Virginia like you. What do you appreciate most from his game?

 

He is a beast down low. I played him 10 times in college as we were in the same conference. He does everything get rebounds, go for loose balls and tries to dunk it each time.

 

At Virginia Wesleyan you played for David Macedo. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He told me every day to go out on the floor and be the best player. He always put me in a position to succeed on offense and defense. He is the best coach that I ever played for and he is like a father figure. I always listen to his words. Coming from a winning program, I think it has helped other people understand that I know what it takes to win.

 

You reached four Sweet 16 in the NCAA 3 tournament. Which was sweetest?

 

I enjoyed my second year. I was an All-American that year. I thought that we had had the ebst team that season, but came up against a tough opponent Wisconsin-Whitewater and lost. The sweetest though was my senior year as there were no regrets and we laid it all on the line. I think that all were sweet.

 

I was very impressed with young 200cm German point guard Sebastian Heck. How much potential does he possess?

 

He is a big point guard. He really doesn´t know how good he is. He has a good shot, gets to the basket well and has good ball handling skills for a 200cm man. He is a huge match up problem. I think once that he comes into his own and gets more confidence that he will be a beast. I see him moving up to the next levels in Germany.

 

Your teammate Benajmin Kaufhold played two seasons with ex NBA player Elias Harris. Did he tell you any stories about him yet?

 

No he hasn´t told any stories yet. He is a good friend and we are always communicating. He is a great shooter and we look up to him as captain. He is simply a great presence on offense and defense. When he is on then he can shoot with the best of them.

 

You like the city Miami and if you could visit and meet Dwayne Wade what would you ask him?

 

I would ask him how he can be so effective despite not being a good three point shooter. He is always way up in scoring. He does a great job drawing fouls. I would like to add that to my game.

 

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

 

I think that they will be a good team and end up in 4^th or fifth place in the East. They have some experience, but when they face the Cavs or Bulls in the playoffs then they will lose.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Kevin Luveye?

 

Me everyday, but he has skill.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Remember the Titans.

 

Thanks DJ for the chat.

 

 

 

TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl has had an illustrious basketball playing career that not many from Germany can master besides a Dirk Nowitzki and new Alba Berlin forward Nils Giffey can compare which NCAA ring is more pretty. In German basketball circles he will be best remembered for helping Germany win the 1993 European title or in Berlin his 11 titles while on the hallow basketball grounds of Chapel Hill in North Carolina of his assistance in winning the school´s NCAA title in 1993 now one of surprisingly only 5 titles in their history. Even as a head coach The German has gained the ultimate respect having formed Alba Berlin youth teams where a guy like Giffey developed and made the next step to a role player with Uconn and since 2010 has been the man in charge with TBB Trier that last reached the playoffs in 2004 and won their last title of only two in 2001. At times it seems like Rodl has had to break out the food stamps to afford a player whereas a Marko Pesic can dabble with the Gold card with FC Bayern Munich. Rodl has had to scrape from the TBB Trier budget ever since 2010, but as always he has that rare talent of always bringing in the best possible players with the money that he has. As a result TBB Trier has always been somewhere in no mans land the last years and even were near the Beko BBL playoffs in 2011 at #10 in his first season. Rodl has brought forward German big men Maik Zirbes and Andreas Seiferth and this season has another very young roster and Mathis Monninghoff seems like his next project for further stardom. He has a majority of players that were born in 1991 or later and a few guys in the 87-89 year zone and of course two veterans on the team that are as vital for Rodl as Big Macs might have been for ex Tar Heel Sean May that tipped the scale at 270 pounds once. Rodl was already introduced to Canadian basketball at North Carolina in his first two years as Rick Fox who later played for the Boston Celtics was pivotal for the Tar Heels run to the 1991 NCAA Final Four as he averaged 16,9ppg and 6,6rpg as a senior. Rodl has incorporated two fine Canadian players that not only hold the team together but also help put some points on the board and not let the club lose their nerves in crunch time. 31 year old Canadian Jermaine Bucknor is playing his third season with TBB and 31 year old Jermaine Anderson his second. They have two similarities in that both have been teammates with the Canadian national team and also have Jamaican roots. Bucknor who played many years in France, but also found a home in Frankfurt and Wurzburg has improved his scoring, rebounding, assists, field goal and three point shooting percentage each season in Trier while Anderson like Bucknor also has had ample experience in the BBL having played for Bamberg, Tuebingen and Braunschweig. Both guys are exceptional players, have the right attitude and that special heart for basketball. For TBB Trier to function this season, they have to function and Rodl knows that. The only thing missing in Trier would be to have a reunion with Rodl and Fox and not only talk about the good old days but script a movie with Fox who has dabbled in cinema and add Bucknor and Anderson to the storyline. This could keep some boring days in the middle of winter more interesting and even if it doesn´t Bucknor and Anderson could entertain their teammates with good old fashioned Jamaican Reggae after a big TBB Trier victory.

It is always a challenge for Henrik Rodl to lead TBB Trier each season with the limited budget, but once again his team had no business staying at the end of the standings. They finished the season in 13^th place and they were incapable of beating one of the top three teams, but beat ratiopharm Ulm and swept the season series from the Telekom Baskets Bonn, Ludwigsburg and MBC proving they are able to have a teams number for the course of a season. A big problem was there defense which for many seasons was their bread and butter that part of the game that was holy for team and coach. The club started out well into the season holding teams to under 70 points in two of the first three games, but then only did it three more times. Their defense was too erratic coupled with the fact that they couldn´t put points on the board on a consistent rate either hurt their overall chances to win games as well. And in those games where they mustered offensive punch, their defense was their Achilles heel. Rebounding was also a problem as they had no real classic big man that can scoop down rebounds with ease the way the eccentric Dennis Rodman did back in the game. Their number one center German national player Andreas Seiferth averaged only 4,9rpg which is definitely too little for a guy like him. Seeing the quality they had last season coupled with the experience, it is kind of scary to imagine where the team will land this season as they have lost key players.

TBB Trier lost two of their key figures from last season with top scorer TreVohn Hughes who has moved on to medi bayreuth and Andreas Seiferth who has taken his talent on to the Artland Dragons. Despite losing these two figures the club did a fine job despite not having the biggest budget to keep an identity within the team holding 8 players. Even if the combination of these 8 players may not be equal to most other clubs in the Beko BBL in talent, sometimes a healthy chemistry will do wonders for a team. The two biggest and most important players held were Canadians Jermaine Anderson and Jermaine Bucknor. The overall success of their play, fitness level and staying healthy will be vital for TBB Trier between finishing in the middle or fighting to stay in the league .Anderson who is a 31 year old 188cm guard got his first real basketball experience at FordhamNCAA) and has played much of his career in Germany for teams like Bamberg, Tuebingen and Braunschweig. He also played in countries like Poland, Canada, Croatia and Russia. Last season for Tuebingen he played 34 games: 10.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 38.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT-1(96.9%). Never foul him in crunch time, because he is one of top free throw shooters in the Beko BBL. Bucknor is also 31 201cm forward and played at Richmond(NCAA) and then for the first four seasons as a professional in France before coming to Germany in 2010 where he played for Frankfurt, Wurzburg an dnow his third season with TBB Trier. Last season he played 27 games: 9.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.8%. It was his best statistical season in Germany and is the glue guy of the team.

The club also held on to Vitalis Chikoko who is a 23 year old 207cm forward that is a talented, lanky forward/center who has a huge upside. Even standing almost at 6-10, he can spend yet time at the PF position, thanks to enormous athletic skills, versatility, and good feel for the game. He is playing his third season with TBB Trier after having Rodl notice him in the 2010-2011 season where he played for BG Goettingen. He has improved his scoring each season in Trier and last season played 34 games: 8.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 17.1%, FT: 52.0%. He raising his game to another level this season also will be beneficial for the teams success. Mathis Monninghoff is a 22 year old 200cm swing man that started his career with Leverkusen and played 52 NCAA games for Gonzaga having ex NBA player Elias Harris as a teammate. His shot is his big asset, but he isn´t one dimensional, but smart turns over the ball seldom and plays aggressive defense. Like Chikoko, he also improved his stats from his first season in Trier and last season played 30 games: 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg. Laurynas Samenas is a 26 year old 192cm guard from Lituvania that is playing his second season out of his native country and second for TBB Trier. Last season he played for  BC Siauliai (LKL) playing 22 games: Score-5(15.0ppg), 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 78.4%; Baltic League: 17 games: 14.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 50.7%, FT: 79.1%. He is known for his shooting and defense and can give the team energy from the bench. Last season for TBB trier he gave played 30 games averaging 8.9ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.7%.

After four seasons and 74 Beko BBL games with Bayreuth, Stefan Schmidt came to TBB Trier last season searching for a new challenge. Schmidt is a 25 year old 207cm center that was born in Schwandorf. He had the chance to play behind two ex NBA players with Jared Reiner and Brandon Hunter. Schmidt never was able to make his breakthrough in Bayreuth and in Trier will came from the bench last season to give Seifert rest. He always works hard and this could be his breakthrough season with Seiferth gone if he decides to use it. Last season the German played 34 games: 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg. Anthony Canty is a 23 year old 183cm guard that has had problems with injuries last season as he played 1 game: 0pts, played also at SG DJK/MJC Trier (Regionalliga)1 game: 25pts. He started his career in 2007 with  BSG Bremerhaven (Oberliga) and in 2009 to Beko BBl team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven where he played a total of 63 games in four seasons. He is another very big German talent that could shine in Trier this season if given the chance. His speed is his biggest asset and isn´t shy to take big shots if no one else wants to. . Andreas Wenzl is a 21 year old 201cm center that arrives to Trier as a big project and is playing his second season there. He started his career with ratiopharm Ulm and played at the 2011 and 2012 NBBL Allstar games. In the NBBL he has shown his scoring and rebounding ability, but knee problems have slowed him down. In Trier he will get a chance to get minutes with the Regionaliga team and Beko BBL club.

The club hauled in American Ricky Harris as he got a short term contract because the club has injury woes. Harris is a 27 year old guard 187cm guard from Baltimore that is playing his fifth professional season. He played at Massachusetts (NCAA) together with ex NBA player Tony Gaffney and turned professional in 2010. He played in countries like Lithuvania and the Ukraine and two seasons ago played for Biancoblu Basket Bologna (Italy-Lega2): 28 games: 13.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 77.3%. Last season he played for the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg playing 20 games: 11.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 47.0%, FT: 84.1%. It takes a lot of courage to have only a few slots open to choose players and then pick young ones from other countries. That is exactly what Rodl did bringing in 22 year old 207cm forward Marko Lukovic from Serbia. It is his first destination out of his country. He played for Mega Vizura (A League) Adriatic League from 2009-2014 and last season played 24 games: 4.8ppg, 2.5rpg; Serbian League: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.0%. He has played for the Serbian U 18 and U 20 teams and is a player that plays the positions 3-4 and presents huge miss match problems there and is agile and can shoot well. The club also brought in another young player that is more or less expected to perform as soon as possible with Adin Vrbac who is a 20 year old 204cm shooting guard and huge talent from Bosnia. He started his basketball career at KK Spars Sarajevo (D3) in 2009. Last season he played for KK Spars Sarajevo (Division I, starting five): 30 games: 10.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 63.1%. Last summer he played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Sarajevo (Bosnia) -14 (Gold): 8 games: 11.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 46.2%. He is a very athletic player that likes to create for his players, but his shot has to improve. The club also brought in Dennis Kramer. Kramer is a 22 year old 211cm center and rookie. His mother is German, his father Arvid Kramer is a former pro player (spent several years overseas playing in e.g. Italy and Germany) and NBA draftee, who worked as a general manager of German Bundesliga team Telekom Baskets Bonn for six years after his playing career. Kramer grew up in the States and played at San Diego (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 123 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging11.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 71.2%. “Dennis is a young talented player that fits well into our concept.He can play both big man positions. I am happy that we could find someone of his calibur now”, stressed TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl.

It will be interesting to see what Rodl can do this season with this roster as it is another gigantic challenge for him. If the club is as deep as last season is hard to say, but having many players on board for an additional season helps. There are a lot of question marks with the team. How well will it be able to fill the void of top scoring point guard Trevon Hughes and center Andreas Seiferth. The club has no classic big man so the whole team has to help out on the glass and have been doing it so far. The team is young has some experience and Rodl will need to keep the team hungry and focused. This is a team that can´t look to the future, but take it game by game. Getting back to the early Rodl defensive principles also will be vital to winning games. So far Lukovic has been a pleasant surprise as he may be overachieving a bit. The club started the season very solid with a 2-2 record beating Braunschweig and Goettingen, but since then the club has suffered a three game losing streak and in the last two games gave up 100 points to Crailsheim and 91 points against Alba Berlin. With last placed team the Fraport Skyliners as there next opponent this Sunday might just be right for TBB Trier to get back into their defensive ways as they have been struggling very much on offense, but they are due for a break out game. So far Frankfurt is 1-2 at home, but have fond memories of their last game as they had their only win of the season against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. This game should be a defensive game as usual between these teams as for the Fraport Skyliners it is a must win as it is 10 seconds before midnight.

 

 

In the last Six years, The Skyliners have a record of 11-7 against TBB Trier with 5-3 at home and 4-4 on the road. In 2008-2009, TBB Trier played a very energetic and spirited game winning 78-70 despite a monster game by American Derrick Allen who registered 29 points and 10 boards. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost the first game of the season in Trier 71-67 as Jimmy Mckinney and Qarraan Calhoun were missing due to injury. It was your typical season opening game as both teams were nervous and missing way too many shots. The game was tied at halftime 26 all. Frankfurt had fire power in the third quarter, but went down in the fourth quarter scoring only nine points as Frankfurt had no nerves in crunch time to win. Derrick Allen had 19 points and eight rebounds and despite TBB Trier was without top scorer Chris Copeland, the team got needed production form Jamal Shuler, Brian Brown and George Evans to conserve the win. In 2009-2010, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost the first game ion Trier 71-67 as Ex Skyliner Derrick Allen contributed 19 points and eight rebounds and Frankfurt won at home 71-69 winning the game with Pascal Roller free throws. Derrick Allen led Frankfurt with 17 points. In 2010-2011, Frankfurt swept the season series. They won at home 72-55 as Pascal Roller led the home team with 17 points. The return date in Trier was an exciting battle as Frankfurt clawed out a 69-61 win as they came from behind going on a 10-0 run in crunch time to prevail. Dashaun Wood led the charge with 18 points and Jimmy Mckinney added 11 points. In their first meeting in 2011-2012, TBB Trier came out with a 64-54 victory as defense played a key role. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jon Leuer and Jimmy Mckinney with 14 points a piece. In their second meeting that year, the Fraport Skyliners were riding the wave of a very strong second half of the season where they had beat top teams like FC Bayern Munich, ratiopharm Ulm, Bamberg, Artland Dragons and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and came to Trier with a lot of self confidence winning 72-52 displaying another trademark top defensive performance as ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson steered 19 points to the win and Jimmy Mckinney added 18 points. This was also the game where Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forward Jacob Burtschi was on the floor as much as Boris Becker had dived on the hallowed lawn at Wimbeldon in his career. In the 2012-2013 season TBB Trier swept the season series won at home against Frankfurt 78-59. At halftime everything looked ok as Frankfurt trailed by only one point, but TBB trier exploded in the third quarter winning it 25-8 leading them on to the win. American Brian Harper proved too much for Frankfurt with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Skyliner Ted Scott gave his debut netting 20 points. In the return game in Frankfurt, TBB trier won 78-70 sending the Fraport Skyliners into a do or die game with Ludwigsburg as Jermaine Bucknor and Andreas Seiferth led the way with 14 points a piece. Frankfurt was led by Quantez Robertson with 14 points and Ryan Brooks added 13 points. In their first meeting last season, the Fraport Skyliners came out of Trier with a big 85-75 victory as Andrew Rautins smoked Trier for 30 points. Jacob Burtschi and Danilo Barthel added 15 points a piece. TBB Trier was led by Trevohn Hughes with 29 points and Vitalis Chikoko added 11 points. In the return game, The Fraport Skyliners won at home 67-56 as TBB Trier showed a good defensive effort, but Frankfurt buckled down a few gears better on defense. Frankfurt was led by Danilo Barthel with 15 points and American Jarred Dubois added 10 points. TBB Trier was led by Trevon Hughes with 18 points and Andreas Seiferth added 11 points.

 

Devin Uskoski is a 30 year old 201cm forward that played 5 professional seasons and now has decided to retire. He played at Rocky Mountain (NAIA) and as a senior played 37 games averaging 17.5ppg, 11.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 60.3%, 3Pts: 26.2%, FT: 67.4%. He started his professional basketball career in 2009 for BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga) where he helped the team move up to the German Pro B and played there until 2011. In the 2011-2012 season he played for the VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA) playing 36 games: 16.1ppg, Reb-3(8.1rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 83.4%. In 2012 in just 3 years he made the jump form the regionaliga to the Beko BBL where he played for the Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL, starting five): 34 games: 10.6ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 70.3%. Last season he played for Toyota Alvark Tokyo (Japan-NBL): 16 games: 10.6ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 73.9%. He also played three summers for the Vancouver Volcanoes (IBL). Devin spoke to German Hoops about his professional basketball career.

 

 

Devin thanks for talking to German Hoops. The last weeks weren´t easy for you as you had one big decision to make wheather to play into your 30th birthday or hang up your jersey. Was this the most difficult decision that you had to make in your life?

 

Hey Miles. Thanks for the interview. I’ve been busy getting into the swing of the new job. Making a major life altering decision is always a tough thing. It was tough but I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I came to a point that I realized I was ready to make a change and start another phase of my life. I feel very thankful that I have a great support system with my family and friends. Being able to talk through things with them was very helpful in making this decision.

 

 

You are 30 years old and in your best basketball age. Many will not understand why you have decided to retire, but you had a very good reason, because it concerns your future and having security in the job market is always something that one wants. Talk a little about why you have decided to retire?

 

 I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to play 5 years professionally. I’ve met some great people and I’ve had some unbelievably great experiences playing. I’m very close with my family and I was to the point that I would have had to have a perfect situation to consider going back overseas this year. I had some good offers but when it came down to it I didn’t have the motivation or passion to play another season. It wouldn’t have been fair to a team if I couldn’t go and give them 100% focus for the season.

 

The new job will be challenging and be exciting, but after a while when everything settles in with your new adventure, you most likely think more about basketball and what you left. What will you miss most besides the teammates and fans?

 

 The relationships I built with people were the greatest parts of my whole experience, fans and teammates. I have lifelong friendships from being able to play overseas. I will also miss seeing and experiencing the cultures. Besides those, playing in games will be the thing I miss most. There’s nothing like playing a game with the fans going crazy, it’s a great atmosphere!

 

You played four seasons in Germany and last season in Japan. How were you able to master the style of play and lifestyle coming from Germany? What was the biggest challenge?

 

 It was a big change going from Germany to Japan. After 4 years in Germany I was very comfortable in the culture and knew what to expect on and off the basketball court. Japan was much different. It was great but the cultures are very different. That was the hardest transition for me. I enjoyed it but it was much different than playing in Germany.

 

When you were a rookie in 2009, your ex teammate Jeff Gibbs was playing his last season in Germany with Bremerhaven. You were lucky enough to have played with him last season with Toyota Alvark. Was he the toughest 188cm player that you ever had the pleasure to play with?

 

 Jeff is a great guy and a great player. It was great to be able to practice against him and play with him. He would consistently make amazing plays every game, even when he was going up against guys much taller than him.

 

You were a real German warrior and one of the very minimal players that went from the Regionaliga to the Beko BBL in 3 seasons making the jump up one level each season. After your rookie season with Leitershofen in the Regionaliga would you ever have thought you would suit up one day in the Beko BBL?

 

 Coming out of college I didn’t know much about the different levels overseas. Once I got over to Germany I was able to see the difference in the levels. I knew I could play in the BBL and I just needed a chance. Thankfully I was able to stay healthy and the teams I was a part of were successful and I was able to work my way there.

 

What else in your game helped you reach every level German basketball besides talent and hard work?

 

 I think the biggest reason I was able to move up every season was because of God. Of course, I had to work hard everyday and continuing to improve, but I think everything worked out so well was because of God.

 

You had no problems adjusting to German basketball as you tore up the German Regionaliga with 25 and 11 and the next season the Pro B with 20 and 10. Despite being a young player and really adapting well to the style your first two years, what could German head coach Stefan Goschenhofer help you most that you may of realized more later than actually when you played for him?

 

 I loved playing for Coach Goschenhofer, Goshi! Playing my first 2 years in Leitershofen were my favorite 2 years of playing professionally. Not just from the basketball side but from all the friendships I was able to make. Goshi was a great coach. He always pushed us as players but he also did a great job of encouraging and picking guys up when they were down. He built great relationships with guys on and off the court. We all respected him on and off the court and that’s why we all played so hard for him every game.

 

 

You also didn´t disappoint at Kirchheim in the Pro A averaging 16.1ppg, Reb-3(8.1rpg), 1.3apg. Did it get easier with dealing with pressure with every successful time you succeeded at another level or was each level up to the Beko BBL always the same with having to deal with new obstacles and pressure?

 

 Every year is always a new challenge as a player. You usually have new teammates, a new coach, and sometimes a new living situation (either Country or Club) to adjust to. I always wanted to come in and lead by example. I would give 100% every day and would do everything I could to try build good team harmony. The only way you’re going to be successful as a team is if everyone buys in and is willing to sacrifice for their teammates. Thankfully we had that at Kirchheim too and that is why we were successful.

 

 

You never got sick of basketball playing during the summer for three years with the Vancouver Volcanoes (IBL). How important was this experience for your development? Did it help any or was this more a time to keep in shape while playing against competition?

 

 I really enjoyed playing in the IBL for the 3 seasons I did. There was good competition there and it was great to be able to play games at home and my family and friends were able to watch. They missed most of my games from college and overseas, so it was great that they could come and watch so many of those games.

 

Two seasons ago you finally made the big show in the Beko BBL with the Mitteldeutscher BC playing 34 games and averaging 10.6ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 70.3%. What will you cherish most about having had this chance to play in the Beko BBL?

 

 After seeing some BBL games my first year playing overseas it was my goal to be able to play there. So being able to reach that was a great feeling. I knew I could play at that level but the hardest thing is getting the opportunity, especially coming from a lower league. There are many great players who haven’t gotten the opportunity and I’m thankful I was able to get the chance to prove myself.

 

 

I can imagine having played against a Casey Jacobsen or Bostjan Nachbar will be your alltime highlight. If you had a pick a player that you enjoyed playing against most with MBC who would it be?

 

 I enjoyed the battles with Deon Thompson when he played at ALBA Berlin. There are a lot of great players but I think that was my favorite from MBC.

 

Your ex teammate Steve Wachalski had a similiar career like you in that he battled himself from the bottom to the top, then back a step and now is back in the Beko BBL. He played 5 straight years in the Regionaliga, then two years in the Pro B before getting a job with BBL team Bayreuth in 2010. He then took a step back into the Pro A with MBC, but helped them move up and now will be playing his 3^rd

 

straight season in the BBL and second with Bonn. How much of a pleasure was it playing with him and how did he inspire you on the court?

 

 Steve is a great guy. We guarded each other in practice pretty much every day. He is a great shooter and smart player. I knew I had to come focused and ready to go every day. I enjoyed being able to play with him at MBC.

 

 

You were a very popular player wherever you played. How would you like basketball fans to remember the player Devin Uskoski?

 

 I enjoyed every season I was able to play. I feel very fortunate I had the opportunity to be able to make basketball my profession for so many years. I hope the things basketball fans will remember most about my career is that I gave 100% every game and did whatever I could to help the team win. I am very thankful for all the fans who supported me over the years. Your friendship and support made the time I played unforgettable.

 

What will you miss the most from Germany? I will bet the fans and the food?

 

 The thing I will miss the most from Germany will be the friendships I built. I will try and stay in touch as best I can but I will miss being able to see them at games and in person as much as I was able to. Of course I will miss the German food and culture too. I feel like Germany has become a second home. I’m sure I’ll be making trips back to see all my friends!

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The last movie I saw was Dumb and Dumber.

 

Thanks Devin for the chat and all the best.

 

 

On a late October evening in 2010 in Quackenbruck, the Deutsche Bank Skyliners were playing an early season away game and had just made a surprise signing bringing in ex NBA player Roger Powell who helped the team crush 2008 cup winner Artland Dragons 82-56 sending Toby the Dragon the mascot wimpering back to his dungeon. For the real hardcore fans the Roger Jordman dunk might still be in the memory of many as it seemed like he was walking on air, but very few people may recall that this was the last game of then Skyliner Bradley Buckman (203-F-84, college: Texas) who had come in on a short term contract because the team had injuries. Head coach Gordon Herbert had the tough decision of having to let either Bradley Buckman or American Joe Dabbert go and he chose to let the Texas native Buckman go. That may have slipped the minds of some, but not that stellar basketball career of Buckman.Buckman has announced his retirement from professional basketball having played 8 years. In that last game for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, Buckman played as efficient as it gets with 11 points and six rebounds in 11 minutes. A few months later, it was obvious for many that letting Buckman go had been the wrong decision as Dabbert left Frankfurt in December and would go onto play in the D-league for the Idaho Stampede (D-League) and soon after retire. In the 2010-2011 season Buckman would end the season with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL): 13 games: 19.6ppg, 9.0rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 45.2%, FT: 78.7%.

Buckman is a 30 year old 203 power forward that hails from Austin, Texas. Buckman played at Texas (NCAA) from 2002-2006 and as a senior played 33 games: 9.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 76.6%. He played a total of 129 NCAA games. His achievements at Texas were endless with the NCAA Final Four -03, Big 12 Conf. All-Freshman Team -03, Big 12 Regular Season Runner-Up -03, 04, Big 12 Tournament Finalist -04, 06, NCAA Sweet 16 -04, NABC All-NCAA District 9 2nd Team -05, All-Big 12 2nd Team -05, Big 12 Regular Season Champion -06, All-Big 12 3rd Team -06, and the NCAA Sweet 8 in 2006.

He started his professional basketball career in 2006 with the Austin Toros (D-League): 42 games: 6.6ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 38%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 71.2%. In the 2007-2008 season he came to Europe and played for Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Romania-Div.A) playing 5 games: 16.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, Blocks-1 (2.6bpg). In the 2008-2009 season he moved to Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-Division A): EuroChallenge: 4 games: 4.8ppg, 3.8rpg; Cypriot League: 9.2ppg, 4.5rpg, left team in Dec.’08, in Jan.’09 moved to Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 16 games: 7.3ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 51.9%. In the 2009-2010 season he moved to Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL) playing 25 games: 10.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 68.8%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga): German League: 6 games: 8.3ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 56.0%; EuroCup Qualifying Round: 1 game: 2pts, 1reb, parted ways in Oct.’10, in Jan.’11 moved to Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL): 13 games: 19.6ppg, 9.0rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 45.2%, FT: 78.7%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Tofas Bursa (Turkey-TBL): 31 games: 13.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 70.7%. Two seasons ago he played for Cajasol Banca Civica Sevilla (Spain-ACB): waived in Dec.’12: 5 games: 5.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 30.0%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 63.6%, in Jan.’13 moved to Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-BBL): 18 games: 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 68.3%. Last season he played for top European team Besiktas Integral Forex Istanbul (Turkey-TBL): 24 games: 9.8ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 69.1%; Eurocup: 15 games: 11.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 71.2%. Awards and achievements as a professional have been Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -08, Romanian League Finalist -08, Israeli Premier League Semifinals -09, Turkish League All-Star Game -12, Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Honorable Mention -12, and German Bundesliga Cup Semifinals -13. His father Brent, is the golf pro at Spanish Oaks Golf Club in Austin and played alongside Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite on two NCAA Championship teams at The University of Texas (1971, 1972). If golf will play a role in the future of Bradley Buckman is unknown, but he can always look back on a successful career playing the game he loved.

Ever since the Dragons Rhondorf have entered the German Pro B in the 2011 season, winning in the BCM training facility in Frankfurt where current NBA player of the Brooklyn Nets Alan Anderson once heaved home a thunderous dunk as he was doing baby Michael Jordan steps in the air as he was playing with Euroleague champion Macabbi Tel Aviv against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners in a test game that then coach Murat Didin had organized as if he was the Don King of basketball, basketball life for Rhondorf has been more than stressful in the BCM. They have won two of three games at home, but have always left the BCM floor with their heads down as they are 0-3. It really didn´t matter if it was Nick Larsen, Alejo Rofriguez or ex Telekom Baskets Bonn forward Fabian Thulig who played 92 Beko BBL games, no one of these guys were able to return home and be able to tell a heroic bus ride home anecdote. Not only did the Fraport Skyliners have a 3-0 record at home in the BCM, but they have been able to always slow down their offense and hide that extra wood to keep the furnace burning as they have let up an average of only 65 points in the three games. Rhondorf was back again with head coach Boris Kaminski for a fourth attempt to break the slow building of the BCM curse. Both teams came into the game with a two game winning streak and the Dragons Rhondorf had that extra momentum with the incredible Savo Milovic buzzer beater in Karlsruhe, but Rhondorf had to play in the BCM in Frankfurt for nearly two and half hours playing their hearts out and still returned home with their fourth loss in a row there and remained winless as American Kyle Fossman drilled home a buzzer beater in the third overtime to power the Fraport Skyliners to the 77-75 victory. This was a game that deserved no loser as both teams played as if it was a title game and for some reason that curse is slowly starting to be born in the BCM with the misfortune of Rhondorf. “Both teams played so hard in this game. It was an exciting end where anyone could have won, but Rhondorf just can´t seem to win here. They may have a small curse here”, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Max Merz. Ex Telekom Baskets Bonn forward Fabian Thuelig who retired a year ago after 92 Beko BBL games to concentrate on studies, but still is playing Pro B basketball played as if he was reliving that 2009 Beko BBL final in Oldenburg where Bonn lost in a tough fifth game didn´t want to hear anything about a curse. “It is always tough to play Frankfurt here and they play very aggressive defense. Anyone could of won at the end. If Fossmann misses it, we win. That is how the sport of basketball is. There is no Rhondorf curse in Frankfurt”, stated Fabian Thuelig.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game without the services of German three point specialist Nicolai Vuckovic who had a thumb injury, but had big 201cm guard Stefan Illzhoefer back in the lineup. The first quarter was dominated by aggressive defense, but the Dragons Rhondorf still defended better as Frankfurt had massive problems getting into their sets as all as turnovers were a problem. German Florian Wendeler got Rhondorf on the board first with a lay in while German Max Merz knotted the score at 2-2 with a pull up jumper. Rhondorf then went on a 5-0 run to lead 7-2 as Wendeler scored again with a tip in and role player Sascha Tratnjek connected on a three pointer. Frankfurt then got a break as Rhondorf couldn´t capitalize on three missed chances on the glass and crawled back into the game with a three pointer from ex Bamberg forward Johannes Richter. However Rhondorf continued to get easy buckets inside as the communication with Frankfurt was lacking as Lithuanian Remigijus Untulis scored inside sneaking behind the defense and receiving a back door pass from Bastian Winterhalder. Tim Oldenburg hit a pull up jumper, but Rhondorf closed out the first quarter with Winterhalder free throws and a step back jumper from Thuelig as the Dragons Rhondorf led 15-9 after 10 minutes. “Rhondorf got easy buckets mainly because Frankfurt wasn´t talking on defense. Frankfurt wasn´t moving the ball well on offense”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. Rhondorf was shooting 33% from the field and 20% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 21% from the field and 13% from outside. Rhondorf had the 12-9 rebound edge and three turnovers while Frankfurt had four turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners rebounded from their lackluster first quarter getting a better jump on their offensive game going on a quick 7-2 run to trail Rhondorf only 17-16. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners found many different and innovative ways to score as Tim Oldenburg unraveled his pull up jumper, Kyle Fossmann gave the guests the first taste of his sharp shooting skills nailing home a three pointer and Richter made an interesting one hand half dunk/floater as he saw nothing but net, but probably wanted to feel the rusty rim on his fingers. Frankfurt was moving the ball better and attacking the rim something that had been lacking in the first quarter. They also stepped up their defense as Rhondorf was being forced to tougher shots than in the first quarter. Rhondorf did a good job getting to the free throw line as Sir Theron Laudermill the second got there twice. But Frankfurt kept chipping away at the Rhondorf lead and took their first lead of the game 21-20 as Oldenburg hit a pretty left handed hook shot and Merz secured the lead with free throws. Rhondorf would get the lead back with a spectacular ally op dunk from Wendeler who was set up nicely from ex Rattelsdorf center Laudermill who showed that he is big man passing qualities of a Johannes Voigtmann. Rhondorf continued to play the better basketball and closed out the second quarter with a big 9-3 run to lead 31-24 as they got huge support from their bench. The Laudermill to Wendeler connection functioned for a second consecutive time as the German scored again as Rhondorf led 24-22. Rhondorf continued to get buckets inside as Frankfurt was slow rotating and then 19 year German/Greek Stylianos Kyriakides Came up big off the bench being aggressive and scoring free throws and then shocking Frankfurt with a buzzer beater three pointer as Rhondorf ran into the dressing room with added confidence. “Frankfurt scored easy baskets at the start and got to the free line and Tim Oldenburg hit shots. In the last minutes, Frankfurt didn´t communicate again, some guys lost their men and they didn´t rebound well”, added Quantez Robertson. Rhondorf was shooting 37% from the field and 20% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 35% from the field and 18% from the three point line. Rhondorf had the 19-18 rebound advantage and five turnovers while Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

In the third quarter, Rhondorf started off well with a 5-2 run, but the Fraport Skyliners would soon pull away and plaster the momentum on their side as they improved their game on both sides of the court. Rhondorf scored in the first minute as Winterhalder showed extreme effort scoring on the third try and 16 year old Anton Geretzki hit a huge shot as he did a great job scooping up a low pass as if he was fishing as Rhondorf extended their lead to 36-26 which was their biggest lead of the game at that point. The great Frankfurt effort was slowly starting to pay off. Even though they weren´t hitting shots on a consistent rate, they were playing with added effort something that hadn´t been seen in the first half. Frankfurt then took that effort and transformed it into their offense going on a 12-0 run to retake the lead 38-36. In the run, it was German Johannes Richter who led Frankfurt with his energy on both ends of the court. He started the run with a free throw, then made a huge steal and went coast to coast getting the hard lay in. Fossmann followed with a huge three pointer and then it was defense again that got Frankfurt easy points as Merz got a steal and put back. Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlef always says that when their offense is moving the ball well then they will be hard to stop and the run continued with good offense as Richter buried a three pointer. Defense really translated into their offense finally and big plays got their self confidence higher. Frankfurt also was rebounding the ball well and in these few minutes one could see that they wanted to win more. Frankfurt would keep the lead and end the third quarter with a 22-9 quarter. Oldenburg got a few more buckets as he hit a pull up jumper and scored inside as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 45-40 after three quarters. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 39% from the field and 25% from the parking lot while Rhondorf was shooting 32% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had got the rebound lead 31-28 and had 11 turnovers while Rhondorf had 12 turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight as Rhondorf fought back and stopped Frankfurt from winning the game on a last shot. Rhondorf jumped on Frankfurt right of the bat going on a 5-0 run to tie the game at 45-45. Thuelig nailed an acrobatic three pointer with one second left on the shot clock and ex Robert Morris(NAIA) big man Remigijus Untulis connected on a mid distance jumper. Frankfurt got the lead back as Tim Oldenburg connected on four free throws and Richter made a massive two handed dunk being fed perfectly from Fossmann as Frankfurt led 51-47. Ex Iserlohn German and current Rhondorf leading scorer Tim Schonborn who had been surprisingly quiet hit a big three pointer in their come back to cut the Frankfurt lead to 51-50. Both teams had difficulty hitting free throws at a consistent rate as German Armin Musovic and Laudermill connected only on one. Laudermill gave Rhondorf the lead back 54-52 with a timely three pointer in crunch time, but Richter didn´t waste any time returning with a hook shot to tie the game at 54-54. Liitle used guard Tratnjek gave Rhondorf the lead back 56-54 with a finger tip role. Merz tied the game at 56-56 with free throws. After a Tratnjek miss, Frankfurt had a chance to win it, but were denied as Illzhoefer missed and the second chance by Fossmann was blocked as the game went into overtime. After 40 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 18% from downtown while Rhondorf was shooting 35% from the field and 29% from downtown. Frankfurt had the 39-35 rebound edge, but 14 turnovers while Rhondorf had 15 turnovers.

In the first overtime, both teams didn´t waste any time getting on the board as 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel hit a pull up jumper and Thuelig countered with a jumper as the game was tied at 58-58. Rhondorf kept Frankfurt behind them letting them play catch up as Wendeler scored inside and made the free throw as Frankfurt trailed 61-58. The incredible desire for Frankfurt to win really came into play in the overtime period as all of a sudden the glass seemed that special playground each kid always had and saw for the first time as the players just owned the glass pulling down rebound after rebound with furry that a Kevin Love even would have winked. On one play Frankfurt kept the offense alive with a couple offensive rebounds and a loose ball as Fossman dove as if the hard floor was soft powered snow in his native Alaska. Frankfurt continued to chip away at the Rhondorf lead as Kiel made one of two free throws and Merz threw down a huge three pointer as Frankfurt led again 62-61. Frankfurt was defending very well forced Laudermill to an air ball, but Merz then missed two free throws. Rhondorf capitalized on this as Thuelig buried a turn around shot for the 63-62 Rhondorf lead. Ilzhoefer then hit two giant free throws for the Frankfurt 64-63 lead. Laudermill then made only one free throw as the game was tied again at 64-64. Frankfurt had a second chance to win the game with 1,4 seconds, but Ilzhoefer was forced to a tough shot as the game went into its second overtime. After 45 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 35% from the field and 20% from outside while Rhondorf was shooting 37% from the field and 26% from outside. Frankfurt had the 45-38 rebound lead and 16 turnovers while Rhondorf had 17 turnovers.

The excitement didn´t end here as both teams continued to fight and battle as if their life depended on it. In the second overtime period of five minutes, both teams were only able to muster 8 points between them. Like in the first overtime, it was Rhondorf that got the better start as Thuelig hit a free throw and then made a lay in as Rhondorf led 67-64. Frankfurt continued to be a team beast on the board securing three consecutive offensive rebounds with two from Fossman and one from Merz, but weren´t rewarded with any points. Schonborn then hit a free throw as Frankfurt trailed 68-64, but they never lost hope, but just continued to fight and chip away. With time running down, Frankfurt had to execute now and did as Merz made free throws and Richter scored inside as Merz gave him the quick feed as the game was tied again at 68-68. With 25 seconds to play, Rhondorf couldn´t connect on a Geretzki jumper and then had another chance and third in a row to win, but came up short again even though they were so close as Merz missed a lay up and Fossman was there for the put back, but shot a bit too high and left off the glass to win the game, but the American would make amends for his misfortune soon. After 50 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 32% from the field and 18% from the parking lot while Rhondorf was shooting 35% from the field and 22% from the parking lot. Frankfurt really stepped up the glass work in the second overtime and now had 55 rebounds while Rhondorf had 42. Both teams had 17 turnovers.

Between overtimes, Skyliner head coach Eric Detlef had been slapped with a technical foul and for the third time in a row in OT, Rhondorf got on the board first as Schonborn hit a free throw and led 69-68. Richter tied the game at 69-69 with a free throw. After a Thuelig turnover, Richter hit free throws to give Frankfurt the lead again 71-69. Wendeler responded with a tip in to tie the score at 71-71. However Fossman was just getting warmed up for his heroics dropping another three pointer as Frankfurt led 74-71. With two minutes remaining it was Rhondorf that used their last bit of energy going on a lightening mini 4-0 run to retake the lead 75-74 Laudermill connected on a tip in and Schonborn found Wendeler inside for two quick points. Frankfurt now had the chance again to win the game. Three wasn´t a charm, but to block out any further bad luck, Frankfurt wanted to finally win the game and wind down their Sunday night in the Marriot Sports bar watching the two NFL legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning battle and they did just that as Kyle Fossman was the hero hitting a last second shot propelling Frankfurt to their third win in a row. After his heroic shot, Fossman didn´t want to take the credit for himself, but praised the whole team especially including one player. “I feel good after this win. I have to give the whole team credit as it was a team effort and Max Merz for setting me up with the open shot. I didn´t feel as comfortable in the third OT as in the first two, but in the end it was our effort that got us the win. Johannes Richter really played hard today and his rebounding was great”, stressed Kyle Fossman. “Nobody deserved to lose this game. Both teams played so hard, but we had many minor mistakes that we have to correct. We messed up too many offensive plays and giving up three offensive rebounds wasn´t good either”, stated California native Theron Laudermill.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Richter with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Max Merz added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Tim Oldenburg contributed 14 points and Kyle Fossman chipped in with 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Fabian Thuelig with 16 points. Theron Laudermill added 14 points and 11 rebounds and Florian Wendeler contributed 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 32% from the field and 21% from outside while Rhondorf shot 35% from the field and 21% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle  61-48 and both teams coughed up the ball 18 times. Merz really was a big factor in the success of Frankfurt in the three overtimes as his decision making was almost flawless even if he was his biggest critic moments after the win. “This was one of my weakest games this season. I had problems at the free throw line. Not hitting free throws took me out of my rhythm. I really wanted to win the game at the end. I am happy that Kyle Fossman hit the open shot. I also want to give credit to Fabian Thuelig who on one play told the ref that he had last touched the ball which gave us possession instead of Rhondorf”, stated Max Merz. This was a historic win and will probably be remembered most by the Fossman buzzer beater, but the players will also remember something else. 2Our big will to rebound the ball will never be forgotten”, stressed Johannes Richter.