Marquez Haynes(Gran Canaria): My Sweetest Memories Of Ilian Evtimov With Chalon Are When He Dunked Against Roanne.

Marquez Haynes is a 24 year old 191 cm guard from Irving texas that is playing his first season in the ACB for Gran Canara as is their current leading scorer. He played at Boston College from 2005-2007 before transfereing to Texas Arlington (NCAA) where he played from 2008-2010. In his senior year he was the third best scorer in the NCAA averaging (22.6ppg), 4.3rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 74.6%. Last season, he started his professional basketball career for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 14.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 73.1%. Currently he is averaging 12,1ppg, 1,8rpg and 2,4apg. He played at the 2011 European championships for Georgia playing 8 games: 8.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 53.3%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 with Boston College in 2006 and won the French Cup with Chalon in 2011. German Hoops spoke with the American before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners November 22nd.

A tough 69-65 loss in ACB action against Fuenlabrada. What were the main reasons for the close loss?

Tonights loss was a combination of many things. It is always hard to win on the road in the ACB. I think tonight we were just a step slow energy wise. Their activity and size inside gave us some problems as far as rebounding and scoring easy points. We shot a lot of 3’s tonight. in the future we have to do a better job attacking the paint and the rim. Along with taking better care of the ball. They forced us into many turnovers.

Kirk Penny led the opponent with 17 points. What was your impression of the ex NBA player from Australia?

He is one of those guys that you can´t leave open, because he can shoot out the lights. Kirk Penney is a hell of a player. I saw on film that he does not need much time to get his shot off and he is a very deadly shooter that does not need much space. I think we did a solid job making him take some tough shots. He is a guy that is going to take shots regardless, you just have to make his looks as tough as possible.

(more…)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Hansbrough

Ben Hansbrough is a household name among basketball fans in the US – and not just because he is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough. He happens to be an excellent basketball player himself. After averaging 18.4 PPG and shooting 43,5% from three-point range in his senior year for Notre Dame, he was voted the 2010-2011 Big East Player of the Year.

Although he was projected as a possible secound-round pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Hansbrough went undrafted (which some called “the biggest snub of the year”). There were lingering doubts about his ability to defend quicker, more athletic NBA guards and to create shots at the next level. He also missed the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago due to an ankle injury, which certainly didn’t help his stock.

Soon after the draft, Hansbrough announced that he had signed a one-year contract with FC Bayern München of Germany’s BBL, the highest division in Dirk Nowitzki’s home country. Ben’s signing caused quite a stir among basketball fans in München (or Munich, as you Anglophones call it) and Germany. He was even anointed an early candidate to win BBL MVP in 2011-2012 by some over-enthusiastic fans in online discussions. That may have been a bit too optimistic, but all experts agreed that Hansbrough would be a very good BBL player. And he should be.

Yet nine games into the 34-game BBL season, Ben Hansbrough has been turned into Bench Hansbrough. He hasn’t started a single game yet. In FC Bayern’s season opener in early October, Hansbrough logged 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 23 minutes – a good debut. Since then, his playing time has steadily decreased. Here’s an overview of his BBL minutes so far:

23:22
19:17
15:17
DNP-CD
10:20
2:22
8:05
DNP-CD
DNP-CD

A grand total of 78 minutes in 9 games – or less than 9 minutes a game. Officially, he’s averaging 13 minutes, but that doesn’t take into account the three DNP-CDs. And even the 9 MPG are skewed by the fact that most of those minutes came in the first three games of the season and he hasn’t had any significant playing time in the last six games. (Seven, if you count the Eurocup game against Benetton Treviso last week, in which Hansbrough collected another DNP-CD).

So … what happened? Why is Hansbrough not playing? There are several answers to this, an “official” one and two “intelligent guessing” ones. Let’s break them down:

(more…)

Je’Kel Foster Connects With The Money Ball Shot And Unseemingly Impossible Offensive Rebound Leading FC Bayern Munich Past The Fraport Skyliners 58-57

When going to the beautiful Bavarian city of Munich for a day trip, one has a bundle full of delightful options to pick from like going to the October Fest beer festival and seeing which German celebrities are drunk, experiencing if one is permitted entrance to the famous P 1 club and seeing what models are gawking at German soccer legend Oliver Kahn, hanging out that the pretty Marine place and counting how many different nationalities are taking photos in the gap of an hour, going to the Bavarian Film studios to witness how film is made in German style or just relaxing in the English garden and observing the beauty of the Chinese tower, but until recently the choice to go to a Sunday matane basketball game and see top class basketball has been more of a dream than reality. However ever since FC Bayern Munich has returned to the Beko BBL this season since the departure in 1974 when Germany won the World Cup and FC Bayern Munich soccer was starting its rise, it has become an option for basketball fans to go to games. What is nicer than to run elbows with an Uli Hoeness philosophizing about Thomas Muller against Mario Gotze, but never losing touch with the Davidson-Troutman battle underneath or sharing a Hot Dog with German soccer stars Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jerome Boateng or Holger Badstuber. Even though Basketball is slowly trying to become a house hold name in Munich, it is other things that one thinks about first before thinking about dunking home a ball in the Audi Dome. “I like Munich, because you are so close to the mountains and lakes only 30 kilomters away while in Bamberg I had to drive 300 kilometers”, joked FC Bayern Munich youth coordinator Volker Stix. For 2008 cup winner Darius Hall who is in the later stages of his basketball career, it is like night and day to Quackenbruck. “I first think of the soccer team when I hear the word Munich. It is a great place for Americans, because you have such a diverse choice of eating places and movie places. Munich really has a lot to offer to Americans”, joked Darius Hall. “I like the parks where I can spend a lot of time with the kids and the beer gardens as well”, smiled Serb power forward Alexsandar Nadjefji.

FC Bayern Munich remained undefeated at home after they followed up their big Eurocup win against Benetton Treviso five days earlier with a big, but also very fortunate 58-57 win. It was a game where the defense intensity seemed to pick up with each quarter. Sometimes playing at home and coming off a big win gives a team that extra kick to make the right plays and win that luck in the waning minutes to help propel a team to victory. “This was a classic win for us. This was a tough win and a kind of knock down grind out win. We had the better luck at the end getting those offensive rebounds. However this was win we wanted to get more”, warned FC Bayern Munich center Darius Hall.

(more…)

Marcus Slaughter (Brose Baskets Bamberg): The Win Against Panathinaikos Athens Was The Biggest In My Professional Basketball Career

Marcus Slaughter is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Riverside California. He played at San Diego State from 2003-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 16.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49%, FT: 76.2%. He started his professional basketball career in Turkey for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir playing 29 games averaging 13.3ppg, Reb-3(10.2rpg), 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 67.2%. In 2007-2008, he was with the Miami Heat in preseason and then played in Israel and France for Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, Israeli League: 8.0ppg, 6.4rpg, ULEB Cup: 5 games: 5.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, waived in Dec.’07, in Jan.’08 signed at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral 15 games: 9.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP-3(63.2%), FT: 58.9%. in 2008-2009, he started with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven(8 games: 18.8ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.6spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 60.0%) before moving to France to Le Havre playing 21 games: 16.0ppg, Reb-1(9.5rpg), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.4%; Eurocup: 6 games: 12.2ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg. In 2009-2010, he played for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA): EuroCup: 6 games: 8.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.8spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 76.7%; French League: 29 games: 12.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-5(1.4bpg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.1%. Last season, he played for Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five): 34 games: 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 67.5%. He is back in the Beko BBL with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. He spoke to German Hoops after the 79-76 win against 2011 Euroleague champion Panatinaikos Athens.

Congrats On the 79-76 win against 2011 Euroleague champion Panathinaikos Athens. Was this the biggest win for you in your professional basketball career?

Yes it was and I think it was the biggest win in my professional basketball career and for Bamberg in their history as well.

In the first half Panathinaikos Athens was getting much damage done inside. Why couldn´t Bamberg stop them more?

They have a great point guard with Diamantidas who was able to find players all throughout the game. It was tough all throughout the game. They were working the screen and roll very good, getting second chances and offensive rebounds which hurt us throughout the first half.

(more…)

Michael Jordan:It Would Be Very Exciting If I Could Play For A Team Like The Fraport Skyliners

34 year old Michael Jordan is a 183cm guard from Philadelphia. He played at the University of Pennsylvania graduating in 2000. His first two years found him jumping around leagues in France and Spain before he found a new home in Germany with TSV Quackenbruck. In the 2002-2003 season, he helped lead Quackenbruck into the BBL with exceptional stats in 30 games, 21.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.9 apg. He helped turn The Artland Dragons into a playoff team in the 2004-2005 season as they lost the BBL Quarterfinal playoff series to The Opel Skyliners in five games. That season he averaged in 34 games: 11.1ppg, 3.4rpg, Ast-1(6.4apg), 1.3spg, 2.6bpg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3FGP: 31.3%. The next season, he was released by The Artland Drgaons, but went to Rhein Energie Cologne and won the BBL championship in 2006 averaging in 33 games: 9.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-4(4.1apg), 1.0spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 52.2%. The next season, he went to Italy and played at Cantu where he led the league in assists and averaged in 37 games: 13.8ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-1(5.2apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 74.0%. The next season, he played in Belgium for Charleroi averaging in 15 games: 9.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 90.0%;. He had injury problems and finished the season in Greece with PAOK. In 2008-2009 after a very short stay in Israel, he played a few months in Bamberg before going to the Cologne 99ers averaging 10,5ppg, 2,4rpg and leading the BBL in assists with 6,2apg. In 2009-2010, he played for Phoenix Hagen helping the team remain in the BEKO BBL. He played 16 games: 8.9ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-5(5.3apg), FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 73.3%. Last season, he played for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 19 games: 9.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.6%; in Jan.’11 moved to LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 14 games: 7.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 72.7%. It seems like The Fraport Skyliners are looking for some help at the point guard position. Michael Jordan has no team and spoke German Hoops about the chance to come to Frankfurt.

Your still looking for team. How difficult has it been sitting at home and just waiting and waiting?

Sitting at home and waiting is probably the most frustrating thing for someone that wants to be out there playing. However, I am getting the opportunity to spend tons of time with my beautiful daughter. So that helps with the stress of not playing
The Fraport Skyliners have started very slowly and are in 16th place. Have you been surprised by their slow start?

I am very surprised at the slow start. Frankfurt has always been a middle of the pack to top team in Germany. I all my years I don’t believe they have ever been ranked 16th.

How exciting would it be if you had the chance to play for The Fraport Skyliners?

It would be very exciting if I could play for a team like the Fraport Skyliners. Frankfurt is a great city and they’ve always had great fans. Plus it would mean I can continue my basketball career. Not to mention I’d get to work with one of my favorite sports guys!

(more…)

The Fraport Skyliners Want That First Time To Be Memorable In The Audi Dome Against FC Bayern Munich And Remove Their Leather Breeches

The first time is always very special like getting that first autograph of Lebron James after waiting for hours during a grueling wicked wet Miami hurricane, seeing your photo in the school newspaper making a 99 yard touchdown, getting that very first text message form that special someone that you thought never knew that you existed, driving for the first time in a corvette as a gift from dad after getting your license, getting that first pay check and treating your friends to dinner, or a young kid seeing his first Michael Jordan highlight DVD and enjoying his god like basketball skills. FC Bayern Munich belongs to the most famous sporting team names in Europe and have won enough titles in soccer to let German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer who won 15 with the team forever be affiliated as Mr Bayern Munich. FC Bayern Munich is playing their first season in the Beko BBL which was made possible not by Beckenbauer, but the friendly guidance and assistance by Uli Hoeness who is the current president of the soccer club and they want to quickly leave a mark in the Beko BBL and European basketball community. The Beko BBL have had many highlights in the last years like increased attendance, BG Goettingen winning the Eurochallenge or Dashaun Wood playing one of the most dominating seasons since American Wendel Alexis did in the 90s with Alba Berlin, but for opposing players to see the red and white colors of Bayern Munich should especially give German players stimulating goose bumps as that first time playing against FC Hollywood should be memorable and cherished as if a player was playing that first time against the Boston Celtics, FC Barcelona or The New York Yankees. “It was great playing against FC Bayern Munich recently. They have a great winning tradition in that city and I wont forget that experience. A great first moment for me was playing my first Beko BBL game against The Fraport Skyliners. I thought a lot during that game of how last season I was playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the PRO B and now I am playing at a higher level and playing against some of the best talent in the world”, stressed Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Josh Young. A famous phrase in German is “Die lederhosen aussziehen) which is a common expression that opponents want to remove the leather breeches of the FC Bayern Munich soccer players and this is something that the Fraport Skyliner German players may have on their mind as well.

(more…)

Jon Leuer(Fraport Skyliners): A Good Shooter Needs That Quick Release To Be Successful

Jon Leuer is a 22 year old 208cm power forward from Long Lake Minnesota that is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He has great team mentality and defensive smartness. Knows how to score (and to gain fouls) in the low post, has a good outside shooting too. He played at Wisconsin from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 18.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 84.3%. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA,2rd(40). He spoke to German Hoops recently about basketball.

Are head coach Muli Katzurin and the players on the same page?

Yes we are. We are still trying to figure each other out. It hasn´t shown on the court yet. We just listen to what the coach says and try to get better in practice each day.

Who impressed you most with Alba Berlin?

DaShaun Wood impressed me the most. He did a good job controlling the tempo of the game. He has been one of the best players that we have played against. He does so much for that team. He distributes the ball so well and is a good defender as well.

How was it playing against Tony Gaffney recently? Do you think he can get back to the NBA?

Gaffney is a great player that does many good things for his team. He has the ability to play in the NBA, but it is tough because there are so many good players that want to play there. He just has to find the right fit.

(more…)

Keith Simmons(Banvit, Turkey): Quantez Robertson Is One Of The Most Athletic Player That I Have Ever Played Against

Keith Simmons is a 26 year old 196cm guard from Kingston, New York that is playing his fifth professional basketball season and fourth in Turkey. He played at Holy Cross (NCAA) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 16.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 34.9%, FT: 76.7%. In 2007-2008, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 30 games: 16.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.5%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 1 month: EuroChallenge: 8 games: 8.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg; German League: 33 games: 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.1%. He has played for Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL) since 2009. Last season, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 87.5%; Turkish League: 38 games: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 73-72 win against the Fraport Skyliners in Eurocup play.

Congrats on the 73-72 win against the Fraport Skyliners in Eurocup play. How did you like their new uniforms?

They were nice uniforms. It is nice them having the Airport the hub of travel as their sponsor. Deutsche Bank was a great sponsor, but the new one is a good one also.

After a five game losing streak in the Beko BBL, The Fraport Skyliners came out focused and were only trailing 39-34 at halftime. What was giving Banvit the biggest problems in the first 20 minutes?

Frankfurt hit many tough shots. I think they hit 7-8 shots in the game with the buzzer sounding or very near to it. Mckinney and Davidson hit tough shots and were hard to stop at times.

(more…)

Kevin Hamilton(BBC Bayreuth): Any Pass That I Can Get To Kevin Durant Should Be An Automatic Assist

Kevin Hamilton is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York that is playing his first season for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1(6.4apg), Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing 35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3(6.3apg), Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. In 2009-2010, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 for Braunschweig, he averaged 9,oppg, 4,1rpg and 4,3apg. Last summer, he played in Puerto Rico for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN) averaging 10,6ppg, 4,4rpg and 8,0apg. He spoke to German Hoops about the Kevin Durant rumors.

How is your injury rehab coming along? When can we see you on the court again?

I am not sure. My rehab is coming along well. It could be anywhere from 4-6-8 weeks.

BBC Bayreuth has won three of the last four games. How happy have you been with the play of point guard Danny Gibson?

Danny has done a great job. The team has responded well to his play. He has done a good job leading the team.

What has changed since new coach Marco Van den Berg taking over the reigns?

He has implemented a whole new philosophy on offense and defense. He is a very good basketball coach. He is a basketball junkie. He motivates the team well and we believe in his system. It has been great with him.

(more…)

Keith Simmons(Banvit, Turkey): I Hope The Fraport Skyliners Turn Their Season Around, Just Not Against Us In Eurocup Play

Keith Simmons is a 26 year old 196cm guard from Kingston, New York that is playing his fifth professional basketball season and fourth in Turkey. He played at Holy Cross (NCAA) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 16.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 34.9%, FT: 76.7%. In 2007-2008, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 30 games: 16.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.5%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 1 month: EuroChallenge: 8 games: 8.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg; German League: 33 games: 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.1%. He has played for Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL) since 2009. Last season, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 87.5%; Turkish League: 38 games: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners November 15th.

You are playing your 5th professional basketball season and fourth in Turkey. Did Murat Didin have something to do with your love for Turkey?

I got my first chance in Turkey and since my first year here, Turkey has been special for me. I have had successful seasons with Banvit and have always come back. I like it here and want to continue to be successful here.

You have the Turkish citizenship now. How did that come about?

I am playing my fourth year here and last year the team approached me about getting the Turkish citizenship so the team can have an extra import player on the roster.

(more…)