Brian Harper is a 27 year old 206cm forward that recently completed his first season in Germany in the Beko BBL for TBB Trier. He Played 33 games for TBB Trier averaging 11,0ppg and 4,8rpg and 1,0apg. 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 during the last season about basketball.

You are playing your first season for TBB Trier. How do you like it so far?

I love it here. I love the city, enjoy the people and the TBB Trier organization. The organization really takes care of all the things off the court which makes it easier to concentrate on basketball

Trier is a beautiful area. What are the biggest geographical differences to Stone mountain, Georgia?

I think it is colder in Trier and there are more hills here. In Atlanta is very flat and also no body of water. In Trier there is the river.

You played three seasons in Japan. What was the biggest transition that you had to do coming to the Beko BBL?

Just the style of basketball. In Japan there is more isolation and more like the NBA and team orientated. But I have to say that I have enjoyed my time in the German league and it has been a good experience for me.

Is defense before offense in Trier a mentality that you could become friends with?

Yes I got used to it early. Coach Rodl stressed at the start of the season. We have many great athletes that can play multiple positions and because of that we can do so much on defense. The more defensive stops that we get the better chance we have to win.

What do you like most about the coaching style of Henrik Rodl?

He is a tremendous coach. I like how he is able to relate to his players and is able to get his point across. He is a players coach. He knows exactly what he needs to get out of his players. I really enjoy playing for him.

What is the secret of the early success of the TBB Trier?

I don´t think that there is really any secret. We just give very much effort and put in a lot of hardwork. Every guy just wants to sacrifice his body to play defense. Coach has a good scheme and all the players abide by it.

You can play the 3 and 4 position. How much fun is it to play with American Nate Linhart? How do you guys compliment each other best on the court?

Linhart is a great player. He has a great knack for playing defense and getting steals and being in the right place. We both can play multiple positions. We both understand what each guy does which gives us so much more room to do things. If one of us makes a mistake then the other guy picks up the slack.

Who has been the unsung TBB Trier player so far?

Jarrett Howell has been our unsung hero. I don´t think he gets the credit that he deserves. He is our floor general and gets everybody going and makes sure that everybody is in the right place.

You have very skinny legs. What were common names that people called you?

I never really heard any names.

Not even chicken legs?

No not that either or at least not to my face.

A hidden strength in your game is your shot blocking. Who was your role model defender?

Scottie Pippen was because of his determination and tenacity to be able to guard all players.

You leave many players behind you when you penetrate with your quick first step. Do you hear trash talking on the court?

Every now and then, because everybody on the court is competitive, but usually not. The Beko BBL is very professional and everybody is very focused on doing their job.

Vitalis Chicoko is a very athletic player. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do?

He is super athletic. He reminds me  a lot of me. He can play many different positions and can do so much. I think the most amazing thing that I have seen him do is just the way he uses his long legs. He has grabbed some rebounds that I never would of thought that he could of reached.

Who was your NBA idol as kid?

Kevin Garnett was always my favorite player. I liked his intensity and how hard he played. I never saw him not play hard.

What was your nicest memory at Paine?

Getting player of the year and reaching the conference final.

Your toughest opponent in the NCAA was Cuxhaven American Monya Pratt. What made it so difficult to play against him?

He was one of those players where you knew that he could play. He was just a very tough player and we had many nice battles against each other in college.

What was your biggest advantage being an American in Japan where you played three years?

That I was taller than everyone else.

What is still missing from your ex teammate Devin Searcy to reach the NBA who played shortly with the 76ers?

Nothing is missing. He is very young and will be in the NBA. It is just a matter of time.

What NCAA story would you like to hear from Henrik Rodl from his time at North Carolina?

I asked him how it felt playing at a stage like that where you were always expected to win.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row without missing?

50.

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

I hit two full court shots once with a swish and the other a bank shot using one hand like a football quarterback.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

End of watch. A great football movie.

Thanks Brian for the chat.

Simon Cummings is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Port St Lucie, Florida that is looking to start his second professional season. He played at  Florida Tech (NCAA2) from 2008-2012. Lasts eason as a rookie he played in England for the  London Leopards (United Kingdom-EBL D1, starting five): 17 games: 18.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 75.5%. Last season he almost played in Germany, but then took the offer from London. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Thanks Simon for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how are you enjoying your summer vacation?

Right now I am in Florida enjoying the sunshine that this states has to offer, and also I am going to take a two week vacation to Canada in a week or so

You played as a rookie in England for the London Leopards (United Kingdom-EBL D1). Why was this one of the worst experiences for you?

I wouldn’t say playing for the London leopards was the worst experiences of my life. Iwould say that adjusting to the way the game is played in England and the Fiba rules was a tough transition.

What was it like as an American to live in London? What was the coolist experience that you had there?

It was very different. I would say the people the culture the climate. Even the basketball was different but it was worth it and it was fun. The coolest experience I gain from living in London was the connectivity to Europe I got to travel a little and see Europe which most people don’t get to do

In pre season, you had an offer from German Pro B team SC Rist Wedel. Why didn´t you take that?

Well right after my college season was over. I was approached by Rist Wedel with an offer. This was my first pro contract offer and I didnt know what to expect, and since I had 3 more months of summer to gain exposure I felt like weighing my options was a better fit for me at that time.

You had good stats in England averaging 18.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 75.5%. How would you compare the style and skill level of that league compared to the NCAA 2 level?

I would say playing NCAA division 2 at the time was more demanding of my time. We had practice 6 days a week plus classes. Playing in England its tough to get gym time so most of the time practice was cut short. I wasnt a big fan of that because in college my gym was available to me whenever I wanted which is why I shot a better % from behind the arch and the FT line in college.

What was it like playing playing for 43 year old player/coach Robert Youngblood?

Playing for Robert Youngblood was a good experience. We both wanted to win and would do anything to win on any given night so playing for a competitor like that is always amazing. It was my first year as a Pro and also his first year as a coach so it was definatly a learn curve for both of us in our young careers.

Youngblood has been playing in England since 1994. Wasn´t he able to make you a bit more comfortable there?

Youngblood did his best to make the situation as home as possible. The most important thing to me was gym availability, and with the way our club was set up this year it wasnt much he could do to get me extra gym time to work on my game.

The Leopards reached the semi finals of the playoffs. How happy were you with the team season and what was missing from winning a title?

Well this year was full of ups and downs. But with our backs against the wall we came together the second part of the season and put together a great run down the stretch wining 8 out of 11 games to win the National trophy finish top four in our league and make it to the final four. We went into overtime to against the best team in the league after controlling the whole game and lost by 5 on some questionable calls. But all in all we put our best foot forward and im proud of the guys.

You played four years at Florida Tech for Billy Mims. What was the most important thing that you learned from him that has gotten you prepared for a professional career?

Playing for Mims was amazing. Ever since day one he drilledt thing I would say I learned from Coach Mims was a professional attitude and work ethic. a professional attitude into me. Once I walked onto campus he made sure I approached every workout and everyone lesson like a professional. Not just basketball, when we went into the community to do volunteer work he made sure that I acted and looked professional. so the most important thing I would say I learned from Coach Mims was a professional attitude and work ethic.

You got an NCAA 2 record making 10 consecutive three pointers against Trinity. Did you know early on that you would have a big day from outside?

The funny things about that day that I hit 10 in a row, me and my assistant coach Ryan Ballard was joking around during shoot around. Ryan said to me “Cinco when are you going to get your self in the record books” I replied to him before the year is over im going break the record for most 3s made in a game at Florida Tech. and that night I broke both records most 3pts made in a row and most made in a game with 12.

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

I would say my passing. People who watched me play know I can shoot/score and they know I have a strong body that can finish through traffic but I think those skills amaze people more than my court vision.

Who is your point guard role model and too what player could you compare your game to?

Growing up I admired Jason Kidd he is the reason I wear number 5 to this day when he played for the New jersey Nets. I would compare my game to Will Bynum. We have the same body frame and the same ability to penetrate and score through contact.

Your nickname is cinco. Why do people call you this? In Spanish it means five.

Well ive been wearing number 5 ever since I started playing basketball and one day in high school sitting in spanish class I wrote all over my book “Agent~Cinco” and the cinco just stuck but the agent fell off just as quick as gilbert arenas did.

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

I played against some good players during my college career like Tony Denison from FSU Jermaine Taylor from UCF and Chandler Parson from UF but the best I would say is Tony Denison because that was my match up, but as far as success in the league till today. I would have to say CP the way he played for the Houston Rockets this season was unbelievable.

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Julius Reid?

This question is probably the funniest of them all because till this day me and Ju Reid go at it on the court! He was my sidekick for 3 years and us playing one on one came up plenty of times. Even though i wont most of the battles I would say its always a tuff match up because he knew my game just as well as I know his.

Would you like to come to Germany to play? What do you know about the league and country?

I would love to come to Germany and play. I have heard great things about the country and its basketball. I know the Beko Basketball Bundesliga is respected all through Europe and the countries ProA and ProB is a great chance to play against so great players.

Do you have any friends playing in Germany now?

I know a couple of people who played in Germany and who is playing in Germany. Im close friends with Dejuan Collins, he started his pro career in Germany. Also I have spoke to Augie johnston a couple of times. My good friend Willie Withfield also played last season in Germany.

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you would be a good fit for a team how would you describe yourself as a player?

Im a team player first. What ever the team needs done ill do it. If its locking down the opposing teams best guard ill do my best. If its score ill do it, if im asked to set people up and get them open looks ill do it. Im willing to do anything that will help my team win a championship. The last two programs I played at I walked away with the MVP honors and a Championship that the program has NEVER won. In college Florida Tech has never won a conference championship and my senior year  I helped deliver that. At the Essex Leopards a team that won the treble last year has never won the “national trophy” and I help deliver that.

How does a typical Simon Cummings work out day look like in summer?

On a typical day of workouts I would get up get breakfast. Then hit the weight room for about an hours and a half. Then After the weight room I would get up about 500 shots and work on certain moves and floaters to better my game. Then I would grab some lunch and take a 2 hour break. Then go to a local gym for open gym for cardio and game like simulation.

Your favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant. Do you feel that he will return and be the old Kobe Bryant?

I feel like Kobe is battling father time, and saying that father time is undefeated. But taking time off to heal properly I think this can pro-long his career for 2 years and he will still be a scoring threat. But the same Kobe Bryant, I doubt it.

What is your alltime basketball dream that you would like to see come true besides being an NBA player?

My all time goals for hoops is just to be a winner. A lot of players get all the fame and attention while they are playing but if you dont win anything you wont be  remembered.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I Watched honestly was “kobe doing work” by spike lee.
but the last movie I saw was Fast 6

Thanks Simon for the chat.

Sean Mccaw is a American/Austrain that had  along playing career in Europe and has got into coaching some years ago. The 39 year old played in countries like Austria, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and the UK. He won a league title in Austria with Arkadia Traiskirchen  in 2000 and was a three time slam dunk contest winner at the Austrian All star contest. He started his coaching career with BBC Bayreuth working with the youth for three seasons. Last season he was an assistant coach for German Pro A team Cuxhaven Bascats. This season he will work in the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweog organization coaching the NBBL, JBBL and pro B teams. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Sean thanks for talking to German Hoops. You signed with the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig some days ago. You had a two year contract with the Cuxhaven Bascats. In the Cuxhaven Bascats press release, it was stated that you wanted out of your contract because you had a better contract offer from Braunschweig?

It isn´t important for me when they write, but I do care about WHAT they write. I did not decide to leave Cuxhaven because I got an offer from Braunschweig. I actually had two other offers. I was sure I would leave Cuxhaven long before any offer came. I won´t go into the reasons why, but I will say that it wasn´t a good fit between me and the club almost from the start.

Cuxhaven was very successful reaching the playoffs. In the past in your short coaching career, you strived to stay in one place as you did in Bayreuth for three seasons. You have a big family so I am sure moving back and fourth isn´t something you want to do. So what were the main reasons for leaving Cuxhaven after only one season?
You are right, I am not the type to move all around the country when I feel comfortable somewhere, especially because of my family, but Cuxhaven was not the right fit for me and my family so I made a choice as a father first, and as a coach second. My family and I actually loved living in Cuxhaven and the fans were great.

It says on the Cuxhaven home page that you left despite getting an offer from Cuxhaven. Why didn´t you take it?

Well actually I had a contract for another season. Things are still not totally resolved between me and the club which is very unfortunate but I will let my lawyer handle those unresolved issues. I am just happy to move on to the next part of my coaching career.

After a season in Cuxhaven, what will you remember most out of this learning experience to help you in the future when dealing with teams?

I have to say it wasn´t all bad for me in Cuxhaven. I met some very nice people and the players we had last season were all really professional and took their job seriously which made things a lot easier. Coaching wise, it was new for me to be an assistant coach and I saw a lot in my role. That alone will for sure help me in my future. The team was much better than most expected so that was also great to experience. On the business side, I will just make sure to choose more wisely, but there are some things a person can never know until you are actually there.

What things were you able to learn on the court from head coach Kristis Plendiskis that you will take to Braunschweig?
Krists and I had a solid working relationship in my opinion and I believe he has a bright future as a coach. There is a lot I can take from this past season but of course we are two totally different coaches so I will stick to my own personal coaching philosophy.

How proud are you off American Scott Thomas that made the jump to the first league in Belgium. Will he be able to make the adjustment there?

Scott did an amazing job this season and I am sure he will be successful in Belgium. Actually I am really proud of all the guys we had this season and I am sure they will all find their way. A few have already signed and I couldn´t be happier for them. It was a joy to work with them.

Monyea Pratt had a very good last two months. Is he a guy that could make the jump to the Beko BBL?

Monyea probably had to adjust the most out of any player we had on our team. In the Pro B he was a go to guy, and with us he came mostly from the bench and his minutes were usually dependent on others, but he really took it well and continued to work hard in practice and play his role in games to the best of his ability although we all knew he should be playing more. At the end, he got his chance and really did well. Because he is so variable as a player, I would say that he is a guy that COULD play in the Beko BBL. It all depends on what a coach is looking for. In my opinion, he would deserve the chance.

How well did German Maurice Plukota develop? In what area did he develop the most?
Maurice did a good job for us. I think he has the skill set to be a decent player someday. He just needs the right setting and maybe an experienced coach to bring the best out in him. He hasn´t been playing basketball for so long but his athleticism is incredible. I think he doesn´t know how much potential he really has. To make the next step, he needs to learn the finer points to the game that have nothing to do with pure athleticism. I think he got better with that as the year went on though.

How excited are you to be working for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. This seems like a place you will enjoy. I remember seeing you there at games in the last years.
I am incredibly excited to have the chance to work within the New Yorker Phantoms organization. I understand their vision for the future and appreciate their trust in me to do my part to develop their young German talent. Over the years they have put out some incredible talent but now its time for us not only to develop talent but to make sure that these players identify with the club/city and want to be a part of it for many years! That is what I look forward to being a part of.

How strange is it already being part of the organization despite no new head coach yet?
Actually it doesn´t affect my work at all at the moment. I do not know much about what the club has planned about their new head coach, but I am sure Oliver Braun and the rest of the management are doing all they can behind the scenes to bring in the best possible coach. It isn´t always an easy process though.

You will have three duties as NBBL, JBBL and assistant to the Pro B team. How will you prepare for these duties in the next months?
Well with the NBBL it has already started. I am going to coach them in the NBBL Qualification round on the 22nd and 23rd in Hamburg. Although I am getting a late start with the team, I am confident that we will qualify in a tough group. After that my most important thing to do will be to meet with the youth coaches and develop a good working relationship. There is so much for me to learn and I have so many ideas, but without having a good relationship with the people I work with, it would be difficult. Liviu Calin will be a big help to me and I hope to learn a lot from his vast experience as a coach to help me grow as a coach. A day without learning is a wasted day.

You were three seasons with BBC Bayreuth working with the youth. What is your biggest strength as a basketball teacher for the youth?
Because I still have contact with many of my former players in Bayreuth, I would have to say that one of my biggest strengths is the ability to teach and gain respect without the players having the feeling that I don´t understand them. I was like them when I was younger, and I am not so old that I don´t remember what it was like to be young and at times wild. I believe respect is earned on a day to day basis and not just because I have the title of Coach or because I yell at them. I have a different approach, and so far in my career, I have always had good relationships with my players.

How disappointed are you that you most likely won´t be coaching Dennis Schroeder this season?
I am not disappointed at all. Even though I don´t know him, I have followed his career and believe he has an incredible chance because of the talent he has and how hard he worked for it. As a basketball fan, I am excited to see how his career develops. I wish him all the best, even though I won´t have an opportunity to coach him.

Where do you see him landing in the NBA draft?
I look at the draft boards just like everyone else and of course its difficult to for see what place anyone will land. There are too many factors involved in the NBA draft, but because this isn´t the strongest draft, and because of how he impressed the scouts, I have a feeling he will go higher than most draft boards have him listed.

When was the last time you watched your buzzer beater against Bremerhaven?
Come on Miles, that was ages ago, no one is interested in that haha! No seriously, I showed it to my kids a few months ago because the topic came up about the longest shot I ever made. I told them, but they didn´t believe me so I used YouTube as a way to prove myself. The look on their faces was priceless! The only thing I really remember about that game is that we lost.

Will the Spurs be able to dethrone the Heat?

I am not a “Heat Hater”, but a Spurs fan…and that since I was a young kid rocking the David Robinson jersey and trying to play like Sean Elliott on the playground. I think it will go to 7 games with my Spurs winning.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
A movie DVD? Whats that? You think a father of 3 and passionate basketball coach has time for DVD´s unless its a basketball game? Haha…actually I haven´t watched a DVD in a while because I´m too busy watching reality trash online like Love & Hip Hop. Terrible isn´t it?

Thanks Sean for the chat.

In the last few weeks, the big wide smiles of Mr FC Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeness  who had been as tame as a kitten in interviews and appearance recently  and German national player blond sunny boy Bastian Schweinsteiger had been all over the TV with the only thing missing being the two making a follow up video duet to the comical, but authentic video greeting that FC Bayern Munich soccer player Dante had made following the cup win. But in the waning minutes of game five in Bamberg, the happy and gregarious complexions of both who were in the Stechert arena had taken a severe nose dive into the Bamberg  Regnitz river as Bamberg were leading easily by 16 points and the only one who was flashing that typical winner Bamberg smile was Mr Bamberg Wolfgang Heyder who probably hadn´t enjoyed the last few minutes as much since years despite all the success they have had, but to slam the door so obnoxiously into Germanys most famous sports team in the last quarter must have been like winning the final before the final. Even if Bamberg didn´t get to the series like usual stomping over their opponents as if they were helpless gnats being suffocated by the breathing of Nathan Jawai on a hot summer day in New South Wales, but in the end the Brose Baskets Bamberg are back where they belong in the Beko BBL final for the fourth year in a row.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg really had their hands full with FC Bayern Munich having to go the distance having to win in their own living room. After an embarrassing 98-85 loss in game one at home, they rebounded well winning the next two games to take a 2-1 lead in the series.  However instead of closing out the series in Munich where they were controlling the game and leading 69-63 with 4.14 to play, they totally collapsed in crunch time letting FC Bayern Munich finish out the game on a 17-2 run as Tyrese Rice gave the clutch a new name as he hit two deep big three pointers as they tied the series 2-2. In game five, fans in Bamberg saw a very exciting and tight game in the first half as the game was dead locked at 40-40 at halftime. In the second half, the Brose Baskets Bamberg shifted up a few gears on defense and took a big lead where FC Bayern Munich couldn´t react. Bamberg finally was hitting shots, while FC Bayern Munich was being held to very tough shots and they shot dreadfully from outside at 33,3%. Bamberg won 85-66. Ex NBA player Bostjan Nachbar hit two giant three pointers  ultimately sealing the fate of FC Bayern Munich. After averaging giving up 85 points in the first four games, the Brose Baskets Bamberg finally clamped down and played their typical aggressive defense holding Munich to 26 points in the second half.  Bamberg also did a good job controlling the boards 43-37 and their 23-8 assist rate speaks volumes demonstrating their healthy mix of successful offense and defense.

The last time the EWE Baskets Oldenburg were in the Beko BBL final Chris Kramer  was finishing up his junior year at Purdue, Lebron James friend Dru Joyce was finishing up his second professional season with ratiopharm Ulm placing second again in the assist ranking, Adam Chubb was with Alba Berlin and won his second cup title in a row and Konrad Wysocki and Dominik Bahiense De Mello were with Frankfurt and lost in the quarterfinals to Oldenburg. The only current Oldenburg player that was on the floor now celebrating the 2009 Beko BBL game five win against Bonn was Mr Oldenburg for life and 2004 NBA draft pick Rickey Paulding. Paulding will have that chance again to play in a Beko BBL finals and one thing that the Detroit native will have in the back of his mind is the fact that he departed the floor in the 2009 semi finals flashing a big smile while rookie Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming left with a sullen face as Oldenburg swept Bamberg.  Paulding has a 3-1 record in playoff game 5 series only losing to Alba Berlin in 2011 where current teammate Julius Jenkins was an opponent. Paulding now has a very motivated Jenkins on his team who is in the game shape of his life and playing against his ex team Bamberg.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had their second five game series and actually could of wrapped up the series quite rapidly on May 29^th and had a week of recovery time had they not lost game one at home 86-84. Oldenburg had some fortune in game two as German national player Per Guenther went down with an injury playing only two minutes in game two and missing game three and game four. Oldenburg won game two and game three keeping ratiopharm Ulm to 59 points and taking a commanding 2-1 game lead. Ratiopharm Ulm at the brink of summer vacation won  a hard fought game four battle despite an Oldenburg comeback and 29 points from Julius Jenkins to force a game five 81-79. In game five, Oldenburg was more clever in crunch time as Dru Joyce hit big free throws, Rickey Paulding a big three pointer and taking advantage of a  key John Bryant turnover. The key in the series was the big play of Julius Jenkins who could have MVP as his middle name as he has been MVP at the 2008 Beko BBL all star game and playoff finals and 2009 cup final four. Jenkins was Oldenburg top scorer in every game and averaged 21 points in the series. Jenkins clearly out MVPed 2012and 2013 Beko BBL MVP John Bryant who only had five points in game five. Bryant may be big country, but Jenkins was clearly more big than the California native who did average 10 rebounds in the five game series.

With so many top teams this season in the Beko BBL, in the end there was no surprises entering the final as the top two teams Bamberg and Oldenburg will meet for the championship. Before the season, many experts had Oldenburg as a team that could challenge Bamberg for the championship and here they are. Bamberg have a small edge on paper and did win both regular season games, but by only a combined total of 13 points. Oldenburg lost the first meeting at home 75-68. It was a very tight game for 30 minutes, but Bamberg then tightened up the defense in the fourth quarter holding Oldenburg to nine points while shooting  49% from the field and 50% from outside. In Bamberg, the fans saw a high scoring shoot out as Oldenburg lost 94-88. Ex Bamberg forward Jeremiah Massey had a huge game scoring 18 points and hitting some big shots early in the fourth quarter helping Bamberg gain control of the game. The key match up in the finals will be Julius Jenkins against Anton Gavel. Jenkins played like an MVP in the Ulm series and is hot at the moment while Anton Gavel also had a typical strong series against FC Bayern Munich and is often the guy that gets his team going when they are going through tough phases of a game. Oldenburg has  a chance in this series. Bamberg are more vulnerable then ever as teams really have felt that they can beat them this season. Oldenburg might have has two tough five game series in their bones, but they are as focused as ever to win that second club title. This is a series that also will go four or five games. Oldenburg has defended very well this season and will need to keep that balance between the Bamberg snipers and their inside beasts of Ford, Zirbes and Neumann.  Bamberg has to be careful not give away a game at home. Bamberg needs to keep that guard tandem of Joyce/Kramer  wrapped up and close the paint on Adam Chubb. Paulding could also be an extra deciding factor in this series. It has been a while since he tasted title champagne and his big shoots could make a difference as he shot 48% against Ulm and 42,6% from the parking lot in the playoffs so far. The series poses two of the leagues most professional players with Casey Jacobsen and Rickey Paulding. Only a shame that one of them will go home without hardware.  Jenkins may have exploded in the Ulm series showing that Tyrese Rice effect and go to guy mentality, but he wont finish off Bamberg alone in this series. He will need much support, but if Oldenburg will be able to tip toe around the Bamberg pressure defense and play successful structured offense is the question. Bamberg will be too much in a  four/five game series and win with their experience and home court advantage. Bamberg might have lost some routine and more games than usual in the last two seasons, but one thing is for sure, teams still need to be on top of their game for 40 minutes and that is something Oldenburg will have to do consistently in each game to have success.

Gray Mcghee is a 24 year old 208cm center from Anderson, Indiana that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Pittsburgh from 2007-2011 and played with future NBA players like Dejuan Blair and Sam Young. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 6.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 48.5%. He played a total of 120 NCAA games. In the summer of 2011, he played at the well known : Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 2 games: 9.0ppg, Reb-5(8.5rpg), 1.0bpg. Last season as a rookie he played KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje (Croatia-A1), only pre-season, then moved to Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey-TBL: 30 games: 10.5ppg, Reb-4(7.8rpg), FGP: 56.3%, FT: 45.6%. This past summer he played  AirTran Orlando Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder): 2 games: 2.5ppg, 2.0rpg and NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Los Angeles Clippers): 5 games: 4.8ppg, 5.0rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You played your first season for BBC Bayreuth. How did you like the Beko BBL?

I liked it very much. It is a very competitive league where you have to come to play each night. It is a very physical league with very good players.

Are there any areas on the court in the Beko BBL where you  had difficulty getting used to?

Not really. I played in Turkey last season and am used to the European style. If anything maybe the fats paced game in the Beko BBL. It wasn´t as fast passed in Turkey last season, but I like to run and get easy baskets.

What is the biggest geographical difference between Anderson, Indiana where you come from and Bayreuth?

Not much. Both are small towns. Bayreuth has maybe 20,000 more people and both places are cold in the winter.

BBC Bayreuth started very strong into the season. Was a reason for that with the early team chemistry?

Yes I think that is true. We came together early in preseason and had a very hard pre season. We play for each other and have no ego players on the team.

What was your role on the team?

The big man in the middle and anchor on defense. I am the guy that rebounds and who gets the ball down low and can produce.

What do you like more a crashing dunk or a monster block?

I like to do both, but I think I like to dunk a little more. I think a dunk is what gets the crowd and bench going the most.

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

My knowledge of the game. I know how to read the game and have a good basketball IQ. Especially out of the double team, I am good at passing the ball to the open man.

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

I need to improve my free throw shooting, touch around the basket and develop my post moves.

You played against German Stefan Schmidt each day in practice. What do you like about his game?

I like his game. He has a nice touch around the basket and is a motor on defense. He rebounds very well and he pushes me to get better each day.

What is the most incredible thing that you saw Joe Trapani do?

He really gives everything each game. He is very athletic and He has done some nice double clutch reverse and windmill dunks.

You are from Indiana. What was your childhood like?

I had a nice childhood in Indiana. I started to play basketball with seven years old. My  dad taught me too play. Since Indiana is known for basketball, it was always an important part of my life.

Do you know where French Lick is? Have you ever been there?

I have never been there and I am not really sure where it is Indiana, but I know that Larry Bird is from there.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

My favorite player was Shaq. I watched him with Orlando and the Lakers. I liked how dominant he was and how he could dunk whenever he wanted to.

You played at Pittsburgh that had great teams. Why wasn´t the team able to get further in the NCAA tournament in your time there?

We had many tough close loses. In my freshman year we lost to Michigan State, then lost on a buzzer beater against Villanova from Scottie Reynolds and my senior year lost a tough game against Butler in the second round. I thought that we had a chance to win it all my senior year.

What was the most incredible thing that you saw Sam Young do on the court?

He was a great player. He was so athletic and could jump out of the gym. We really relied on his scoring and leadership.

How did Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon prepare you for a professional basketball career?

He helped me find my nitche in my game which would be defense and rebounding. He taught me how to love to play defense. He told me that if you work hard and play defense that there will always be an opportunity to play somewhere.

What was your wake up call in Turkey to the professional ranks?

Turkey was a very good rookie experience for me. We didn´t have a very good team and were very young. We struggled to win, but I kept working hard and this experience helped me grow as a player and person.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Jason Cain?

We play one on one each day and we push each other, but I have to say myself. I would never go against myself.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row?

22.

What was your most crazy shot that you have made in your career?

I made a buzzer beater three pointer in college to win a game.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Flight with Denzel Washington.

Thanks Gary for the chat.

Josh  Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that recently was a rookie for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and helped the team win the Pro B title. With Leverkusen he 33 games: Score-1(28.5ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-2(7.1apg), 2.2spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 80.3%He played at Drake from 2007-2009 and then played for Dayton(NCAA) from 2010-1012. He played a total of 130 NCAA games. Currently he is tearing up the German PRO B. He scored in double figures 33 times scoring over 20 points 26 times, 30 points or more 15 times and 40 points or more four times including a 48 point explosion against Dresden. He cleaned out the Eurobasket awards as well getting Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Guard of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Import Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -13, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -13. Many teams were aware of his stellar play in the pro B including the Mitteldeutscher BC who signed him for the 2013-2014 Beko BBL season. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Josh thanks for talking to Eurobasket.com Where are you currently and how have you been enjoying your summer vacation so far?

No problem thanks for the interview. I am currently home in Chicago. My summer vacation had been great just been enjoying my time with my family.

After a  very successful season in Germany what was the first thing you did when you got back to Chicago? For some reason many basketball players go home craving a yummy Burrito.

The first thing I did when I arrived back in Chicago was get a pizza from Beggars Pizza it is my favorite pizza place here so I had to get it!

You were the best player in the Pro B, perhaps the best player the league has ever seen. Did it feel at times like you were a man playing with kids at a play ground in terms of the skill level?

No, not at all the competition level was very good and the Pro B really had some very skilled guys with a lot of talent. So I just was blessed to play the way that I did.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen started the season slow at 3-4, but then got going. What was the deciding factor that got the team going?

Starting off the way we did was tough and no one would have thought that we would be Pro B champs not even me after the start we had, but we as a team stuck together, fought and worked hard every day and believed which led us to have the run that we had.

You led an underdog type of team to the Pro B title. Where did you get your leadership qualities from?

I would have to say my father. Just watching him on a day to day basis and him teaching me the ways of life as a man have really helped me translate those same qualities to the basketball court.

On many nights it was you and American Jack Eggleston that paved the way for the Leverkusen game. How important was he to the success of Leverkusen. He was in the shadow of your overwhelming success and play.

Jack was a huge part of our success if it was not for him I don’t know where we would be. He played hard on both ends the whole season and always came with a will to win that rubbed off on us. He gets overlooked a lot but he was like the glue to our team that kept everything together, whatever we needed a rebound or a clutch bucket he was there. Glad I had the chance to play with him.

Besides winning the Pro B title, what was your fondest memory of this season in terms of your individual play? You scored 40 points plus four times including a 48 point explosion against Dresden.

I would have to say the Licher Baeren game right before Christmas break it was a huge game for us that really helped us to start coming together as a team!

What will you always remember from your last meeting with head coach Achim Kuczmann? You came to Leverkusen with a lot of talent, but I am sure the German head coach had some part in your dominating play.

It was tough saying goodbye to coach Achim. He definitely was a huge part of the success I had in my first year and words can’t even express how much I appreciate him. He trusted in my ability and let me play the game the way I knew how. Not only on the basketball court but off the court as well he was always there for me. He is just a classy guy and a great coach! Glad I had the chance to play for him.

I never had any doubt that after such a big season that you would land at a higher level. The off season is still young, did you jump at that first good offer from MBC or what were the main reasons for taking the MBC offer?

MBC is a great club that followed me the whole season and really showed a lot of interest in me. I liked the style of play and also the opportunity to come in and make an impact right away. Just felt like they are a really great fit for me.

What do you know about the small town Weissenfels? It is very small, but the club did win a international tournament, only three German teams have ever won an international title and legend Wendell Alexis ended his career there?

I know a little bit about the town did some research on it. They have a good tradition there and I know they love their basketball there in Weissenfels so I’m excited to be a part of the family.

Head coach Silvano Poropat has you planned in as a combo guard. You obviously won`t be as dominant as in the Pro B, but will it be a bit difficult having  a new role and not always scoring 40 points?

I’m just looking forward to the opportunity and being able to play and compete at this next level. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for our team and anything Coach Poropat needs of me. Just going to focus on getting better everyday.

One Beko BBL club mentioned that athletic ability was lacking a bit and was one of the reasons why they didn´t look at you further. Does criticism like that make you work even harder this summer? On what things will you work on most?

Of course it pushes you more just being a competitor but right now I’m just focused on getting better each and everyday and looking forward to getting to work with MBC. Being a complete player has been a focus this summer.

How does a typical Josh Parker work out day this summer look like?

A typical Josh Parker workout day consist of skill training in the morning and then weight training and playing in the evenings.

What is something that you will treat yourself to this summer? Something that you have been wanting to do but have never done before?

I have been wanting to treat myself to a little vacation somewhere. I want to go to a NBA Finals game I never been before.

Do you think that Derrick Rose will ever be the old Derrick Rose when he steps back into the NBA jungle?

Yes I believe he will be the old Derrick Rose! I know his competitive drive and believe in his ability he will be ready!

How did the Germany experience make you a better and stronger person on and off the court?

My German experience has really made me a better and stronger person on and off the court learning a new culture, experiencing a new way of life, and to overcome adversity.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Taken 2

Thanks Josh for the chat.

Caleb Willis is a 188cm point guard that just completed a four year college career at Pepperdine. He played  a total of 91 NCAA games starting 51 games. In his four years he averaged 3,7ppg, 2,5rpg and 2,2apg. In his senior year he played 15 games: 5.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 51.4%. His highlights in his last season were  started 14 of 15 games, then missed the final 15 contests. Led, or shared the team lead, in assists in 12 of his 15 games . Scored 12 points at Utah Valley (12/1), playing a career-high 41 minutes and adding a career-high-tying nine rebounds. Scored 11 points at Hawaii (12/8). Had five or more assists eight times, including a career-high-tying eight vs. Washington State (11/16) . Had six points and eight rebounds in his next-to-final game vs. Gonzaga (1/3). Recorded a career-high four steals at Cal State Northridge (11/9). He spoke to German Hoops about his future in basketball.

Caleb thanks for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. You just finished your college basketball career at Pepperdine. How excited are you to test the waters overseas and to start your professional basketball career?

I am really excited. Talking with friends like Taylor Darby and Alex Acker that are currently playing overseas, I’m looking forward to experiencing a new culture and playing basketball in a new place.

You are from Georgia. You met Kevin Garnett in a gym there at Pepperdine. It is always amazing to see players liking a player that plays another position. What made Garnett so appealing to you as a kid?
Kevin Garnett plays with an attitude and energy that I have never seen anyone play with. He just loves the game of basketball and his work ethic goes without question.

You played at Stockbridge high school in Georgia averaging 21ppg, 7rpg and 8apg. What were the main reasons for going to a school Pepperdine on the west coast?

The East Coast and West Coast style of play are very different. My mentor, Cloy Barnwell, was from California and wanted me to adopt the West Coast style of play as well. Also I felt that the basketball network was bigger in California than in Georgia.

Before going to Pepperdine, you took a year off and lost 50 pounds. Did you learn discipline in this year off?

I learned a lot of discipline my year off. I became a self -starter. I had to motivate myself and change things within my life. I changed what I ate and the style in which I ate. I also worked out at L.A. fitness twice a day while playing basketball and working a job.

As a freshman, you started the last six games of the season. How important was this phase of your first year and your development?

It was a difficult process my freshman season adjusting while coming off a year sitting out and then not playing most of the year. Those last six games helped me prepare for the next season and what I needed to do to get in the rotation.

You are a point guard. Would it be correct if one would call you a classic point guard?

I wouldn’t call myself a classic point guard but more of a well-rounded guard. I can post inside because I’m usually bigger than most guards at my position while still playing outside the paint.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?
My mid-range game. It is something I have worked hard at. I try to display my mid-range game within the context of the offense.

To what NBA player could you compare your game to?
Deron Williams. He is big guard that can really penetrate the defense effectively.

Your career really took off as a junior as you averaged 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and a team-best 3.7 assists in 29.4 minutes. What were you able to improve most in this season?

Junior year I moved to the shooting guard due to Lorne’s ACL injury. I improved my playmaking ability and being a well-rounded player because I was involved in making a lot of plays that year.

How tough was it missing the last 15 games of your senior season. Who was able to help you get through this time most?

It was one of the toughest times I have ever had to face in my life. My mother helped me get through it with her motivational encouragement. Two other people who helped me also were Coach Jason Hart, a ten year veteran, who played in the NBA, and Rick Fois, a graduate assistant for Pepperdine. Coach Jason Hart continued to share his knowledge about the game of basketball and life. Rick Fois worked with me day in and day out even after the decision was made that I wouldn’t be returning to play. I am blessed to have met two individuals with such great integrity and willingness to serve.

What was the most important thing that you were able to learn from head coach Marty Wilson?

The most important thing I learned was Defense. I learned how to defend the pick & roll by going under or over depending on the type of player I was guarding. College teams incorporate the pick & roll game more into their offense which will really help me at the next level. He taught me that in order to be a great player I will need to be able to play both ends of the floor effectively.

How disappointing was it never reaching the big show. What was your most memorable achievement with Pepperdine?

It was very disappointing not making it to the NCAA tournament. It was always a dream of mine to make it to the big show. My most memorable achievement was beating ASU my junior year. Beating a PAC-12 team on their home floor was a great feeling.

Who won a one on one in practice, you or Lorne Jackson?
I would have to say we were pretty evenly matched but I won more.

If you had to sell your game how would you describe yourself in a few sentences to make teams interested in you?

I am a competitive leader, who leads by example. I will do what is necessary to win whether that is defending the best player or accepting the pressure to take the last shot to win the game. I play with consistency and bring my competiveness every time I step on the court.

Chase Griffin and Robert Hollywood Turner that went to Pepperdine all played in Germany. What do you know about Germany and would you like to play here?

I don’t know much about Germany. All I know is that Pepperdine has an abroad program in Heidelberg and I always wanted to go. I would definitely like to play there.

How will a summer workout day look like for Caleb Willis?

My day would start with 6:30 a.m. lift at ProActive Sports Performance Lab with Ryan Capretta. Right after that I will have a court workout from 8 a.m.-10a.m. with my trainer A.J. Then I would rest until I have a game in the Drew League or attend an open run around the Los Angeles area or have another court workout.

What was the most crazy shot that you made for Pepperdine that went in?
My 35 foot shot against Arizona State University with the shot clock winding down. It took the life out of the fans in the building.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row?
20

What was the last movie that you saw?
The Great Gatsby

Thanks Caleb for the chat.