Adam Waleskowski(MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) The Frankfurt Game Was A Combination Of Every Genre Thrown In A Blender With The Lid Off And It Was Just An Emotional Roller Coaster

Adam Waleskowski is a 31 year old 203cm power forward that was born in Cape Girardeau in the United States that also has the German citizenship that is playing his first season for Ludwigsburg. He played at Florida St. (NCAA) from 2001-2005. He played at Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-2.Bundesliga) from 2005-2007, but in the second half of the 2006-2007 season moved to Etendard de Brest (France-ProB, starting five): 18 games: 14.2ppg, Reb-3(8.3), 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%. In 2007, he recieved the German Citizenship and played for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 26 games: 14.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 70.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for JSF Nanterre (France-ProB), French League: 7 games: 7.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.5%, FT: 37.5%; left in Nov.’08, in Jan.’09 moved to Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A, starting five): 11pts, 17reb, 1ast, 1steal, in April ’09 signed at Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProA): 4 games: 4.8ppg. In 2009-2010 he played for Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A). In 2010-2011, he played for  BG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga): EuroCup: 8 games: 3.6ppg, 2.1rpg, left in Feb. ’11; German League: 20 games: 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 76.7% In 2011-2012, he played for Pizza Express Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 7 games: 6.4ppg, left in Dec.’11, in Mar.’12 moved to Astrum Levice (Czech Rep.-NBL): 9 games: 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 76.5%; played also at Onyx Levice (Slovakia-Extraliga): 4 games: 4.3ppg.Last season he played for  Sigal Prishtina (Kosovo-SuperLeague, starting five), in Jan.’13 signed at Duesseldorf Baskets (Germany-ProA): 24 games: 13.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 68.8% He spoke to German Hoops after the amazing 77-76 win against the Fraport Skyliners

Congrats to the amazing 77-76 win against the Fraport Skyliners. You played at Florida State and in many countries, but have you ever been a part of a game like that?

The first round against Fraport we had a similar game where we got down and had to fight our way back in. But, it has been a while since I have been in such a crazy game with such a crazy ending.

What did you feel like when the siren sounded? How long did it take you to understand not only what the team had done, but that you had won the game?

When the game ended I had a sense of relief. Fraport fought really hard and I think a lot of our fans thought the game was lost. We kept playing until the final buzzer and escaped by the smallest possible margin.

It seemed like there were so many stories in this game. If you could compare this to a movie that you have seen in your lifetime to what would it compare most to?

That’s a tough question, because movies usually have a genre like comedy, thriller, drama, sci-fi, etc. This game was a combination of every genre thrown in a blender with the lid off. It was just and emotional roller coaster.

The Fraport Skyliners were up eight with a few minutes to go. It seemed like that they had had control of the game. How confident were you and the team that you guys could make a miraculous comeback at the end?

We made a conscious effort to keep pushing the ball quickly up the court to try and draw a foul or get a quick basket. We knew that if we kept attacking them on offense and either making them work on defense or put them on the free throw line we could still have an opportunity to come back and win.

The action of the game was the technical foul to Quantez Robertson pushing Coby Karl to the ground. Skyliner players that were in the huddle were certain there was flopping. How did you see the play? It seemed like an invisible Shaq had turned up on the court and by the way Karl fell back it could have only been a big guy like Shaq making a player fall back so hard. Lol

It was a really crazy stretch of events. I didn’t get a good look at what happened live because I was trying to huddle our guys up to get the strategy down. Next thing I saw was Coby on the ground. It was a tough decision for the referees to make. I’m just glad that I wasn’t in their position.

Do you think this was the turning point of the game. Did this play occupy the minds of the Fraport Skyliners which enabled Ludwigsburg to get a special type of momentum?

It was definitely a turning point. But I don’t think it was just the referees handing us the game. Coby did miss one of the two free throws after Galloway made his two. We were down three points with 8 or so seconds left when they put Coby back on the free throw line. So, they were definitely in the driver seat, but after that I think it was the hand of God. LOL

Explain your last second shot tying the game. Frankfurt had practiced FT rebounding all week, but couldn´t secure the last rebound. Was this harder work for you than it really looked like?

After Coby made the first free throw I was still in the mind set of making the second and fouling the inbound as quick as possible. Coby said he was going to miss the free throw. I lined up like a defense end and pushed my way in as much as possible without fouling. Shawn and I crossed as the ball came off the rim and Voigtmann was the first person to tip the ball, but luckily it hit off the backboard and I was able to grab it with my left hand. I knew the clock was running out so I tried to put it up on the glass as fast as possible and when I did Voigtmann hit my left elbow. It was a mix of hard work and luck that I was able to get the ball and finish it with the foul.

You had a great game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. If you look back on your career, where would you rank this game in all your games?

This is definitely one of my top performances. If felt great to finish it off in such a fashion that would make a memory of a lifetime.

Do you tip your hat to the Fraport Skyliners on how a team with so many injured players and Pro B players can turn up such a great performance like that? What German player are you most impressed by?

Of course, for a team that has struggle through so many injuries and inexperience, they played as strong as any team in this league. I was impressed at how well Klein and Merz handled the ball against our pressure and Barthel is a very talented young German player with huge potential.

What are your 2014 NCAA tournament favorites and sleepers?

Syracuse has been strong all season and I am hoping my Seminoles can creep in the dance and stir it up.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Zero Dark Thirty.

 

Thanks Adam for the chat.

 

Jermel Kennedy(TV Langen) We Have A Lot Of Momentum Going Into The Playoffs

Jermel Kennedy  is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Toronto Canada that is playing his first season in the German Pro B with TV Langen. He started his basketball career in 2008 with  Iowa Central Community College (NJCAA) playing 26 games: 4.3ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP:47.3%, FT: 57.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for Volunteer State Community College (NJCAA) playing  27 games: 11.7ppg, 8.2rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 83.0%. He finished his college basketball career at Lander in 2012 playing two seasons there and as a senior played  27 games: 11.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 66.1%, FT: 70.5%. Last summer he was drafted by Moncton Miracles (NBL Canada,1rd(6)). He spoke to German Hoops after the 62-61 win against Hanau.

Congrats on the 62-61 win in Hanau. How good did it feel beating on eof the top Pro B teams in their living room?

 

Appreciate it Miles it felt great they had a nice crowd and the game atmosphere was perfect. It was only right we beat up on them a little bit.

It was a pretty low scoring game. TV Langen had given up 58 points twice during the regular season. Was giving up 61 points a tribute to being how prepared now for the upcoming playoffs on the defensive end?

Coach Thomas did a great job of preparing us. We knew what they were doing most of the game we just needed to capitalize on the offensive end when we got the stops we wanted.

TV Langen was up 36-28, but Hanau roared out to 25 points in the third quarter. What was key for Hanau getting a better rhythm on offense?

They took more advantage of their size and was getting the ball to their bigs around the rim I was in foul trouble between this stretch of time so Thomas kept me on the bench

TV Langen was down 61-56 with 3.33 minutes to play and Hanau never scored again and TV Langen closed out the game with a 6-0 run. How proud were you of the team to really stick out crunch time and take it at Hanau on the defensive end?

I was extremely proud that we kept our heads and didn’t lose sight of the opportunity to win the game it was rough but we got through it.

You scored the last two buckets of the game. After a timeout you won the game with 11 seconds to play. Describe that last play? Was it designed for you or was it just the guy that had the best option?

Well the play was actually designed for Woody to make something happen and that he did he told me prior to the play that I would be open if I cut to the rim and sure enough that’s what happened and I got the easy dunk to end it.

When I say 9-7 for Martins Woody, do you know what I mean? Well this stat stands for how many games each guy led the team in scoring. How ready are you guys for the post season? Is there still enough energy in your gas tanks?

Well I guess I’m catching up if your keeping count I never noticed and I think we will be just fine we have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. I’m sure fatigue will not play a role

TV Langen enters the playoffs with a four game winning streak and will play Oldenburg. Is there any area where the team will really focus on in preparation for this team?

We haven’t discussed about them as yet and I haven’t watched film on them either but we will handle them like anyone else we play

How pleased have you been with your rookie season in the German Pro B? If you had to give yourself a grade what would you give yourself?

I’m feel like my grade would probably a C pretty average nothing special I feel like I could have contributed much more in certain areas and I’ve failed to do so. So yeah I’m not pleased

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Blood and Bone.

 

Thanks Jermel for the chat.

 

Coby Karl Was Mowed Down By A Seemingly Invisible Shaq Leading To The Shocking Adam Waleskowski Game Ending Winning Shot Propelling Ludwigsburg Past Frankfurt 77-76

The number six has been present in the minds of the Fraport Skyliners in the last weeks as injuries and consecutive loses go hand in hand like Gold Medals and snow storms for citizens of the country Russia. Currently going into the next game in Ludwigsburg, the 2000 Beko BBL cup winner and 2004 Beko BBL champion has lost six games in a row and were still seeking their first victory in 2014. Winning six of seven games in a span from the middle of November to the end of December seems as ancient as remembering the last game Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte played. The number six also has to do with the most number of injured players that Frankfurt has had out this season as they played in Oldenburg and almost won. One has to also mention that since the last game that Andy Rautins played was at home in the win against Vechta. Since then the club has only lost and there has been speculation that the ex NBA player might not even return back this season after having gone to the States to see medical specialists. The Fraport Skyliners already had one phase during this current losing streak where they had two weeks off between games, but couldn´t pull out the win in Oldenburg. Coming in Ludwigsburg, they had their second two week period off between the last loss in Bonn and wanted to make better use of the long preparation against John Patrick and co. The Fraport Skyliners with continued injured players on their game plan menu strutted into Ludwigsburg as motivated to finally break their long winning drought as Jason Collins is too show the world that he still has the basketball brute in him getting a 10 day contract from the Brooklyn Nets, wrestler Jake the snake Roberts telling a national TV audience “If the devil can’t defeat me, cancer doesn’t stand a chance in hell”, or singer Chris Brown getting through 90 days of anger management rehab school.The Fraport Skyliners prepared for the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg with a week of  team building and intense practices on the Spanish island of Mallorca, but weren´t rewarded, but moreover heartbroken losing a nail bitter at the end in Ludwigsburg 77-76. Despite the bitter loss, the Fraport Skyliners were able to take many important basketball ingredients from Mallorca which was already incorporated into their game in Ludwigsburg. “The trip to Mallorca was important and we needed to to get away.We connected as a team. We stepped up as individuals in our play which carried over to the team as a whole”, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Ramon Galloway. After the loss, Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert exited the locker room with his hair standing up as if he had seen a ghost on the court and was also positive about the Mallorca training camp results up to that last play. “We came together as a team in Mallorca.  We focused on roles and goals and team building. I think we made strides with that, but we worked also much on free throw defense, but it didn´t help us at the end with the Waleskowski bucket which is just frustrating”, commented Canadian Gordon Herbert.

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Virgil Matthews(Erdgas Ehingen) If We Want To Be A Real Contender And A Playoff Team, Then These Are The Games Against Giessen You Have To Win Especially At Home

Virgil Matthews is a 30 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing in Germany in the PRO A for Erdgas Ehingen now in his fourth season. He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played  31 games: 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 29 games: 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL, starting five): 21 games: 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. In 2011-2012 for Ehingen, he played  28 games: 11.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.1%. Last season for Ehingen you played  Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 70.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Giessen 46ers.

 

Virgil thanks for talking to eurobasket.com again. Congrats on sweeping Science City Jena this season and winning the last game 85-82. How good does it feel sweeping this team that belongs to the top three teams?

Thanks! It feels good to win more so because of our place in the standings we are just trying to get as high as we can so we just try to win every game.

Out of the last seven games, Erdgas Ehingen have won three of seven games by only a combined total of seven points. How important is this ability to win close games at this juncture of the season where the playoffs are coming closer?

I think playing in close games and winning them are important most games in playoffs and late in the season will be close so its good to get those wins. The more you experience the situation the easier it becomes the more confidence you get.

So far Erdgas Ehingen is 0-3 against BG Goettingen and Crailsheim. You still have a chance to upset BG Goettingen. When you look at these two teams, what do you feel is missing in the game of Erdgas Ehingen to get you to that level?

We actually lost to both of them twice already. I don’t really know what it is we played Goettingen tough just couldn’t get over the hump, and both Crailsheim games were not good don’t know whats missing but we don’t see those teams in the near future so we don’t worry about that.

How has Ehingen current top scorer and combo guard Carlton Guyton and yourself made each other better throughout the season? You guys are often on the floor at the same time and seem to feed off each other very well.

I think we do feed off of each other we both are point guards so we do a good job of controlling the team. He probably makes me better more than I do him. Guarding him every day in practice is tough he is probably the toughest 1on1 guard in the league so it just lets me work on defense. For as much as we are on the court together we are mostly going head to head in practice.

With the season winding down, you are currently averaging 10,3ppg, 4,4rpg and 4,8apg. You continue to be a major force in steals. With the stretch run in full swing how happy have you been with your game? You are near 40% from outside and I am sure you want to get that back up in that range.

I’ve been ok with my game I haven’t been shooting the percentage I want from 3 or from the field but I’m actually feeling better about it coming down the stretch, but that 40% from 3 is a good goal to have.

The next game is against the Giessen 46ers who you lost to 82-75 in Giessen earlier this season. Ehingen lost the rebounding battle badly. What else do you remember from the loss?

They got out early on us we weren’t ready for their intensity on the boards that was a big deal. But I mean this game means a lot for both teams and if we want to be a real contender and a playoff team these are the games you have to win especially at home.

Lebron James recently scored 61 points. Do you think any of the other top players in the NBA will break Kobe Bryants 81 points in the future?

I don’t think 81 will be happening soon 81 is a lot of points when you think about it, its crazy!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 Watched a classic, Snatch with Brad Pitt.

 

Thanks Virgil for the chat.

 

Brian Qvale (medi bayreuth) Phoenix Hagen Can Score A Lot Of Points In A Hurry So We Will Need To Slow Down Their Weapons On Offense

Brian Qvale is a 24 year old 210cm center from Williston, North Dakota that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL with Medi bayreuth. He played at  Montana (NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 116 NCAA games and in his senior year played  32 games: 14.9ppg, 8.8rpg, 3.0bpg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 64.5%. In 2011-2012, he started his professional basketball career with  Aliaga Petkim (Turkey-TBL): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 58.3%. Last season he played for : Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 31 games: 9.8ppg, Reb-4(6.1rpg), Blocks-2(1.1bpg), FGP-2(65.3%), FT: 66.7%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.3ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 71.1%, FT: 57.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Phoenix Hagen

Congrats on the 82-70 win against SC RASTA Vechta. How thrilling was it getting a huge win in the fight to stay in the league and was this the best season effort of the club?

Thank you, beating Vechta was a huge win for us. It gives us confidence, puts us in a much better spot in the standings than if we would have lost, and it was great to win a game and give something back to the fans and community who support us.

Medi bayreuth had a nice lead going into the fourth quarter, but SC RASTA Vechta made a run which is always typical in basketball. Did medi bayreuth get a bit tired or just lose focus a bit in closing out the game?

We did not finish the game as strong as we could have. We held on for the win but coach made sure to tell us that we did an awful job of closing out the game and we need to finish the game stronger next time.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) I Just Feel Like Some Teams Have The Ability To Throw Them Off Their Game And Are Not Caught Up With The Fact That They Are FC Bayern Munich

Larry Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm forward that is playing his second season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he helped the team reach the playoffs playing 37 games: 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.2%He played at  Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005 to 2009 playing a total of  116 NcAA2 games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 15.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.7%. He was a CCAA Player of the Year and NCAA D2 Finalist in 2009. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe as a rookie and played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and in his last season played  38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against medi bayreuth.

Phoenix Hagen suffered a tough 82-76 loss at home against FC Bayern Munich last weekend. How much pain was it being able to stay with them for 30 minutes, but then not being able to close out the game?

It was a bad feeling, we had them beat. But with good teams like them you have to do something extra to Win

Phoenix Hagen was up by two points going into the fourth quarter, but allowed FC Bayern Munich to go on a run. What was key for FC Bayern Munich pulling out the road win?

They started to hit shots and calls starting going their way towards the end.

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Brian Harper(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) We Just Have To Come Out And Try To Make Isaiah Swann Work For Everything He Gets And Stay Locked In On Him The Entire Game

 

Brian Harper is a 28 year old 206cm forward that is playing his first season for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Last season he played for  TBB Trier (Germany-BBL, starting five): 33 games: 11.0ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 60.3%. He started off playing guard at 6’5″ at Paine and grew to 6’10” and never changing positions. Brian’s a smooth shooting wing with explosive athleticism. He has tremendous lateral movement with a wing span of 7’4″. Brian is a talented ball handler. He adds an extra advantage as he utilizes his size to rebound over smaller defenders. He played at Paine(NCAA2) from 2003-2007. He turned professional in 2007 and played for Gimle BBK Bergen (Norway-1Div., starting five): 15 games: Score-3(25.1ppg), 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2.0bpg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 66.3%. In 2008-2009, he played for KCC Egis (Korea-KBL, starting five): Korean League: 9 games: 15.1ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.7%; released in Nov.’08, in Feb.’09 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 8 games: 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg; in March ’09 signed at Reno Bighorns (D-League): 5 games: 1.2ppg. In the last three years, he played in Japan for  Toyama Grouses (Japan-BJ League) playing a total of 102 games. Last season, he played 49 games: 16.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 61.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Braunschweig.

 

 

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven sustained a tough loss in Bonn. It was the fourth close loss of the season. Does one ever contemplate where the team may be resting in the standings had you won those four games, or do you try not to dwell on it?

 

It’s always hard losing a close game like the one in Bonn. Like you said we’ve had a few close ones this season where we have only lost by a few points but we don’t have time to dwell on that. What’s important at this point in the season is that we learn from those situations and allow them to help us down the stretch.

Describe the last play of the game where Derrick Allen missed the last shot. Was the play designed for D.A or had their possibly had been an even better option on the floor?

 

We executed the last play exactly how we wanted and got a great look. Coach Oldham drew up a play and Derrick had a good look. When the game comes down to the wire like this one did all you can ask for is the kind of quality shot and were confident that the next one will drop.

What was your impression of new point guard Eugene Lawrence? Does he give the team a new added threat that Jared Jordan didn´t have?

Eugene Lawrence is a good point guard and I think he is really going to do well in Bonn. It’s never easy comparing two players both are talented and everyone knows how unique and valuable Jared Jordan is to any team. I’m sure both will be successful during the remainder of the season.

A loss is a loss, but is there any positive thing that the team can take out of this game to build on the next game?

Yeah I think it’s always important to try to learn from each game. With that said we wanted to win the game and I felt like we played well enough to do so. At this point in the season every game is crucial and even though there is no such thing as a moral victory there’s still a lot we can take from a game like this one.

 

The next game is against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Bremerhaven suffered one of those close defeats 77-73 on the road. Do you have some of the 32 points from Isaiah Swann in your mind?

We are looking forward to the game against Braunschweig this weekend. We expect another close game and are confident that if we come out and execute our game plan we will give ourselves a great chance at winning. When it comes to a guy that can score like Swann we just have to come out and try to make him work for everything he gets and stay locked in on him the entire game.

 

Every win now in the down stretch is huge. You will face Braunschweig at home. What kind of game can we await and what will be key in getting the win?

 

When it gets to March every game is big and this weekend is no exception. We are expecting a fight and know that it’s going to take us coming out ready to play in order to get the win.

Lebron James recently hit for 61 points. Do you think that he will ever break the 81 points of Kobe Bryant?

 

If anybody in the League can its Lebron, KD, or Melo. I wouldn’t put it past any of those three guys.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Gravity.

 

Thanks Brian for the chat.

 

The Grant And Harris General /Protégé Connection Trying To Lead The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg Into the 2014 Beko BBL Playoffs

The basketball world in the small quaint  88,200 populated Ludwigsburg where yummy Spatzle tastes even good for breakfast for some hasn´t had a real uproar since the 2006-2007 season where they were the second best team in the regular season and reached their last playoffs with a club of more or less lesser known players. Since then they have moved into a new bigger arena, but with many different coaches and ex NBA players were hanging out in no mans land and even worse where near the bottom at 16 and 17 the last two seasons. This season, the club has John Patrick again with a new hand picked roster, very talented players and the interesting duo of Grant And Harris, the  General /Protégé Connection Trying To Lead The Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg Into the 2014 Beko BBL Playoffs. Currently the club is fighting for the playoffs and the questions is where would the team be today without the services of Keaton Grant and CJ Harris. The club has been up and down the whole season never having more than a little three game winning streak, but the current position not only has to do with the mastermind coaching of 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Patrick, but the Grant and Harris pair. Grant is a 27 year old combo guard from Florida that played at Purdue with NBA players like Robbie Hummel and Jajuan Johnson and has vast experience having played in the D-league, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Greece. He is like Ulysses Grant  who was the 18th American President and was a general in the American civil war. He is the commander of the Ludwigsburg offense having scored in double figures  18 times and had big games in the wins against Frankfurt, Artland and Tuebingen. Grant is still looking to fill his title case as so far he has only won a Big Ten tournament in 2009 with Purdue. His desire to get better and help Ludwigsburg to the playoffs is relentless. “I think my season is going well, but I can always rebound and defend better. I want that we win more games in the second half and I want to take my game to a new level. I want to be able to put myself to be a better player each day and just reach my fullest potential”, stressed Keaton Grant. CJ Harris on the other hand is a 23 year old 191 point guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina that played at Wake Forest. He is like a basketball version of Neil Patrick Harris who was known as Being Tv´s Doogie Howser who had a genius intellect and was the youngest licensed doctor in the country at age 14 that couldn´t buy beer, but prescribe drugs. Harris may not be the total equivalent of what TV doctor Harris was as a doctor, but so far as a rookie, he has had a very strong  season where at times his genius play on the court is superior to other players of his age. He has scored in double figures 12 times and had a stretch at the start of the season where he scored 20 or more points in three straight games against Frankfurt, Oldenburg and Ulm. Who could forget his 26 point shooting clinic in Frankfurt where he took over the second half like ex Skyliner Dashaun Wood in his former Frankfurt days and without his production his team wouldn´t have won. He has been in a little slump as of late, but those are always meant to be broken with hard work. His development as a rookie is credited to John Patrick. “I have learned that you have to play tough every night whether your playing the best or worst team in the league. Every team will come at you and you have to be ready. He takes no game for granted and he preaches good preparation for each game”, stressed CJ Harris. The American also has the praise of teammate Grant. “Harris has been our unsung hero player. He is shooting over 50% and just does his job each day”,added Keaton Grant. It will be interesting to see where the general Grant and kid basketball protégé Harris have the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg in May 2014.

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Dirk Mädrich (SC Rasta Vechta) Pat Elzie Never Stopped Believing In Me And I Grew Up As A Player

Dirk Mädrich is a 30 year old 212cm center that is playing his third season for SC Rasta Vechta after moving down two classes form the Beko BBL to the Pro B in 2011. He started his basketball career in 2001 with BG Dorsten (Regionalliga). He then played three seasons for Braunschweig. In 2004-2005 he moved to Bamberg where he helped Bamberg win their first Beko BBL title. He then moved back to Braunschweig for a season and in 2006-2007 left Germany and played for  Strasbourg IG (France-ProA): ULEB Cup: 13 games: 4.1ppg, 2.8rpg; French League: 31 games: 4.5ppg, 2.7rpg. He then played for the Artland Dragons form 2007-2009 helping them win the Beko BBL cup in 2008. In 2009 he played for AEP Olimpiada Patron (Greece-A2, starting five): 5 games: 8.8ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 75.0%, FT: 87.5%, then moved to Konstantin Elephants Grevenbroich (Regionalliga, starting five): 4 games: 12.5ppg. In 2010-2011 he played for  LTi Giessen 46ers (1.Bundesliga): 30 games: 3.4ppg, 1.9rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently.

The most asked question to you this season has to be, was moving to SC Rasta Vechta the best decision in your basketball career?

That has been asked often and it was my best decision and the turning point in my basketball career. I had the choice of having a small role for a big team or be a small fish in big water or go back a step and take on some responsibility at Vechta. The concept of Pat Elzie worked and we have a great team now. I made a big step in the last three years. I am more robust, conditioned and grew up as a player with Vechta.

Why has Pat Elzie been so successful with SC Rasta Vechta?

Pat Elzie is a players coach that gives you confidence and stands behind you when you make a mistake. Before I came to Vechta, I never got a real chance anywhere or was injured. Elzie never stopped believing in me.

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Angelo Caloiaro(MBC) If I Make Mistakes, Silvano Poropat Doesn´t Lose Confidence In Me

 

Angelo Caloiaro is a 24 year old 203cm forward from San Jose, California that is playing his  second professional season and first in Germany with the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at USF(NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 127 NCAA games and as a senior played 14.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 78.5%. Last season as a rookie he played for Rilski Sportist Samokov (Bulgaria-NBL): 24 games: 12.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.8%; Balkan League: 7 games: 9.7ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.8%. He spoke to German Hoops  recently.

The Mitteldeutscher BC stepped up their game at the end of the first half of the season. What have been the main reasons for the improvement?

 

We are playing very good basketball now and we continue to get better in practice. I feel that we are never satisfied and always want more. We are always in the gym and always hungry.

 

How important has MBC head coach Silvano Poropat been for the current success?

 

He has been very important for the success and is a really good coach. We have a lot of trust in him and we know exactly what he expects us to do.. He gives me a lot of confidence for my game and if I make mistakes he doesn’t lose confidence in me.

 

Who has been the unsung hero of MBC in the first half of the season?

 

It has been Marcus Hatten. When he came to us, he really sparked us and has led the team to success.

 

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

 

That is a tough question, but I would say posting up, because it is something I usually don´t do.

 

On what things do you need to work on on your game?

 

I can improve in many areas, but the most important areas are my pull up jumper and shooting off the dribble.

 

What was the most important thing that you learned from ex NBA player Rex Walters who coached you at USF(NCAA)?

 

I think that I learned many good qualities and he gave me a lot of important things that he got from coached like Pat Riley and Roy Williams who he played for. I learned how to do everything in a professional manner on and off the court.

 

You played a season with German Justin Raffington at USF. What do you remember from your teammate most?

 

He was the first contact that I had to a German person. He didn´t play much at USF and transferred to FAU and is having a break out year. He is a real big body that is always hard to defend

 

Coming from an Italian back round and growing up in San Jose that is a hockey town, how did you get into basketball`

 

Well Oakland is only an hour away where the Golden State Warriors play and my mom played who was the alltime leading scorer at Pepperdine. I really played all sports as a kid and as I kept growing, I felt that basketball was just best for me.

 

You played as a rookie in Bulgaria last season. What was the most important thing you picked up as a rookie that has helped you mature to the Beko BBL style?

 

I learned the different types of basketball rules in Europe as well as the different speeds and the 24 clock shot was totally new to me. But most important was getting used too many new styles on the court.

 

Your teammate Josh Parker has spoken highly of you in interviews. Now it can be your turn to laud the stellar play of the Chicago native.

 

He is a great scorer and hard to guard. He has been so big for us this season. When we need the big bucket or he has to score he can create for himself. He is just a good player.

 

San Jose isn´t New York, but like New York compared to Weissenfels. What do you like most about the village?

 

It is a different style of living. There isn´t much to do there, but the whole area is pretty and you can get aquainted to nature. Weissenfels is like a little community.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The hunger games.

 

Thanks Angelo for the chat.