Sometimes returning back to an ex stomping ground can be as painful for a professional athlete like it is for a once cute Jerry 
Maguire kid Jonathan Lipnicki getting blasted by Family Guy for growing into something less than attractive, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler falling on his face in a Paraguay hotel room shower loosing a few teeth suffering from dehydration or ex NFL star Terrell Owens giving a topless try out for NFL teams and not getting a thumbs up from NFL legend Jerry Rice and Keyshawn Johnson. This weekend marked the return of Baldi´s Angels who are the three ex Skyliners Derrick Allen who will always have hero status in Frankfurt and 2004 Beko BBL champion head coach Gordon Herbert and 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood who left on less friendly terms sneaking out the back door to the German capital last summer. Charlies Angels is a popular American detective series from the 70s and had a successful movie a decade back who were a trio of hot women solving crimes, while the 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin have Baldi´s angels who solve ways to win on the court and had little difficulty getting run off the court, but moreover solved quickly how to lead their team to a demolition of their ex team 83-57. “ We three have fought hard to have a career in Berlin and now are in the process of bringing titles to Berlin. Herbert and Allen have played for
titles in Frankfurt and I being the current MVP, we hope that these three angels can come together and bring titles to Berlin”, warned Detroit native Dashaun Wood. “Those angels bring much to the table. Herbert leads them, Wood does so much setting team up and creating for himself and Allen is a tough player that brings energy and goes hard to the glass”, stressed 2011 Milwaukee Bucks Draft pick Jon Leuer. “Herbert, Allen and Wood are agreat combination. They play well together like basketball angels”, added Skyliner guard Michael Thompson. Second year man Bryce Taylor had to watch from the bench nursing a shoulder injury, but watched Baldi´s angels with enjoyment. “We have a great coach who is tough on us, but gets the best out of each player. Allen and Wood are our leaders and we know that we can count on them. They lead by example, but can be vocal. They solved a way to lead us to victory, but each guy on the team helped tonight. They didn´t need me tonight. We have a deep team. When a guy is out, others step up”, commented Bryce Taylor.
Can The Fraport Skyliners Slow Down Alba Berlin And Baldi´s Angels
When making tasty American Tollhouse cookies, delectable Frankfurter Wuerstchen or scrumptious maultaeschen and Spaetzle from the Schwabenland, you cant just add ordinary spices, but you need that special mix that will get your stomach itching for more and more. In sports its no different as in order to be successful, a team needs the right gusto. The ex Skyliner trio of Gordon Herbert, Derrick Allen and Dashaun Wood want to follow trios like Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen who won 6 NBA Tiles in Chicago, Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Adam Vinitieri that won 3 Superbowls in Boston and Fox Broadcasting Company, Matt Groening and Homer Simpson that have been on the air for 24 years and be successful and get that first title together with Alba Berlin together. Only Herbert has won a title in the BEKO BBL while Wood has his 2011 Beko BBL MVP trophy and has stated that winning is the first order on the agenda for the road runner who will go that extra distance down the long and lonely road is looking for his first and Derrick Allen who has supplied the league with his beautiful ballerina moves for years and is itching for that first title and is as motivated as Karl Malone once was with the Utah Jazz. Alba Berlin last won a title with the Beko BBL Cup in 2009 and with this trio have as much motivation and heart as any team would ever want to have. Any male that has watched TV will have seen reruns of the well knows 70s detective show Charlies Angels or the movie version with Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu with the man in the backround Charles Townsend pulling the strings. It is no different in Berlin with Marco Baldi who brought in his trio of basketball angels Derrick Allen, Dashaun Wood and Gordon Herbert who don´t solve crimes, but solve ways to bring titles to the Spree. “I think these guys will help Berlin out a great deal this season and as far as who you can compare them to is hard to say. DA does deserve a title as hard as he plays and what he has done for the BBL. He is a reps Ted player around the league and hopefully he will get his chance before his time is up”, warned TBB Trier guard John Bynum. “Baldi has done a good job getting his angels. First it was Derrick Allen and now Gordon Herbert and Dashaun Wood. Frankfurt has shown in the last years doing a good job developing basketball talent. Herbert always has a trick up his sleeve and I think this year that a title is in the making for Alba Berlin”, stressed Skyliner Fabian Franke.
Corey Stokes (BBC Bayreuth): Dwayne Anderson Was Like A Big Brother To Me
Corey Stokes is a 23 year old 195cm guard from Bayonne, New Jersey that is playing his first season for BBC Bayreuth. He 
played at Villanova from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 29 games: 14.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 89.4%. He reached the NCAA Final 4 in 2009. Recently, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 16.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg. Corey took some time to talk to German Hoops about his rookie season in Germany.
What was it like being on the same court with ex NBA player Bobby Brown and 2004 NBA Draft pick Rickey Paulding?
They are great team players and it was exciting playing against them. They both kept telling me during the game on the court to keep my head up and keep shooting.
BBC Bayreuth have started the season slowly. On what things does the team still need to work on?
We need to work on our team chemistry, but we are very motivated and work hard in practice each day.
Chris Kramer(s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg) Is Mr COOL With That All Business Touch
40 minutes after Justin Gray had sent the s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg home with a beautiful fade away buzzer beater giving the
faithful Wurzburg fans brewing nightmares on the horizon for consecutive days to follow, Chris Kramer departed the locker room with a hat on seemingly trying to hide his face as if he had been responsible for some cheap shot on the court, not covering Gray on the last shot or having dove into the first row and doused a fan by mistake with their coke. He had not been responsible for any of that, but that was just the spur of the moment nature of the American who had quietly led his team in scoring with 16 points and shown his versatility in so many other aspects of the game as he retrieved 5 rebounds and dished out two assists as well. If it hadn´t been for his strong play in the fourth quarter where he led the s.Oliver Basekts back on a furious come back on a 10-2 run where he scored in the penetration three times looking like a second Dashaun Wood who was returning to haunt Frankfurt in a new uniform, it may never have come to the last possession play where Frankfurt was able to win the game. In many ways, he was the best Wurzburg player on the court and after a bitter loss like that it is only understandable that players will be down have problems finding the right words or even not wanting to speak, but the second year professional was Mr cool, but with that business touch as he answered the questions as if he had been playing for 10 years. He has showed his scoring skills early since the Frankfurt loss leading the team to a win against BBCBayreuth and being second top scorer in a tough loss in Artland.
Dane Watts Leaves His Surfboard At Home Riding The Basketball Wave Elegantly With ratiopharm Ulm Past The Fraport Skyliners 85-79
All good and sometimes less pleasant things come to an end sometime like the wild baby hit me one more time days of 
American singer Britney Spears before becoming a mom, actor Jaleel White famous for his whining line “Did I do that” from his days at the sitcom Family matters to finally getting some respect at age 34 for a new sitcom called “Love that girl” or Alba Berlin losing their seven year Beko BBL champion title run in 2004 to the hands of Bamberg. On December 9th ratiopharm Ulm will move into the new ratiopharm arena across town in Neu-Ulm and will depart from the Kuhberg Halle which had a small like American style high school gym where the loudness and fan presence near the court will always be remembered. With the good play of ratiopharm Ulm perhaps the team should think twice about leaving the loved Kuhberg halle. “I feel very good in this gym, but I am sure that we will feel good in the new arena as well”, smiled ratiopharm Ulm headcoach Thorsten Leibenath. Young Skyliner Danilo Barthel has had a great season so far, but found himself with a big DNP, but still had memories of the Kuhberg Halle. “I always had good games here with the NBBL teams, but never played in front of so many people as tonight. If they can get an atmosphere in the new arena like here then that should be good”, commented Skyliner forwar Danilo Barthel. For Skyliner Jon Leuer, he was more used to playing 15,000 NCAA arenas, but liked the high school gym atmosphere. It was a very small gym and the fans were really in to it. It would have been nice if we had won, but I am glad that I am not coming back”, expressed Jon Leuer.
The Fraport Skyliners entered the Kuhberg Halle having a less than satisfactory 2-3 record since ratiopharm arrived in the Beko BBL in 2006 and wanted to leave the small place with their first win as the Fraport Skyliners and somehow escape being trampled by the Incredible Hulk John Bryant and getting flooded by the waves of the surfer dude look alike Dane Watts, but returned back to Frankfurt with their second loss in a row with a bitter 85-79 loss in the last minute. After the game new coach Thorsten Leibenath had a grin as wide as three Michael Hakim Jordans put together and didn´t need to give difficult analyse about why ratiopharm Ulm won. “We hit tough three pointers all night long and were very consistent at the free throw line which helped us win a close game like this. We also won the rebounding”, stressed ratiopharm Ulm head coach Torsten Leibenath. The Fraport Skyliners played a lot better than again Bonn, but were missing that added luck and making the big play down the stretch. “We couldn´t execute our offense at the end or get the needed stops. Dane Watts hit two tough running shots at the end”, stressed Skyliner guard Justin Gray.
Can John Bryant And Dane Watts Sail ratiopharm Ulm On A Green Wave Into The Beko BBL Playoffs?
The Beko BBL have had many strong 4/5 combo punches the last years like Hines/Pleiss in Bamberg, Fenn/Boumtje Boumtje in Artland or now with Allen/Francis in Berlin, but if you happen to see a white incredible hulk and surfer dude look a like Jeff Spicolli from classic 80s movie Fast Times At Rindgemount high making the paint area in the Kuhberg gym a stomping ground misery situation for opponents with a likely wreckage and totally awesome cries after a block, then it wont be the two fictional characters from TV, but Americans John Bryant and Dane Watts going about their business and just playing the game that they love. Bryant was one of the most effective players in the Beko BBL last season playing 34 games: 14.6ppg, Reb-1(10.9rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2(1.5bpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 74.2%. He was one of the top centers in the league and was never a pleasant opponent to have. Dane Watts has belonged to the top power forwards the last years last season playing for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 33 games: 13.7ppg, Reb-4(7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 54.5%. Watts however always seems to have been a bit underrated possibly because he never played for a playoff team. “They are a great combo and they compliment each other very well. Bryant does a good job controlling the middle on both ends and watts is a great inside outside guy who does well at both ends of the court as well. If I had to describe them from a movie it would be Paul Bunyon and I cant think of one for Dane Watts. They complement each other very well and both are very talented players. They both do so much for that team and if you look how affective both of them and go by what they are doing so far, then yes they could be one of best 4/5 combos in league”, warned TBB Trier guard John Bynum.
Michael Thompson(Fraport Skyliners): The Most Important Thing Is To Win Games
Michael Thompson is a 22 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played : 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: Chicago Public League All-Academic Team -07, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11, Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11, and NIT Elite Eight -11. He took some time to talk to German Hoops about his rookie season with the Fraport Skyliners.
Does Muli Katzurin pull a lever when he wants Justin Gray to take control?
No coach doesn´t pull a lever when he wants Gray to take control. Gray has a lot of experience and a great understanding of the game and always knows when its time to step up.
You played four years at Northwestern and now had a three week try out phase with the Fraport Skyliners. What kind of experience was that for you?
It was a great experience, because I had the chance to play for a great team that has great players. I gave 100% each day and am very happy that my contract was extended.
Mario Kasun(KK Zagreb): Gordon Herbert Is My Favorite Coach Of All
Mario Kasun is a 31 year old 213cm Croatian that is playing his second season with KK Zagreb. He has a phenomenal body for the position, and knows how to use it inside. Also, has fighting spirit, isn’ t afraid of contact and likes to dunk. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA,2rd(41) in 2002. He then played for the Frankfurt Opel Skyliners from 2002-2004 winning the Beko BBL title in2004. He played in the NBA from 2004-2006 playing for the Orlando Magic playing a total of 73 games. He then played two seasons for FC Barcelona and two years for Efes Pilsen before going home to Croatia to play for KK Zagreb. Last season he played Croatian League: 9 games: 8.4ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 64.4%, FT: 78.3%; Croatian League: EuroChallenge: 2 games: 17.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0bpg; injured in Nov.’10 and was off for 1 month: EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 11.5ppg, 5.5rpg; Adriatic League: 21 games: 13.3ppg, Reb-5(6.4rpg), FGP: 63.3%, FT: 67.5%. He has played for the Croatian national team playing at the 2005, 2007 and 2009 European championships. He also has won the Spanish and Turkish cups. He is returning back to Germany to play Euroleague against The Brose Baskets Bamberg and spoke to German Hoops.
You are playing your second season for KK Zagreb. How does it feel playing in your country so late in your career?
Playing at home is good feeling and good for my wife to see where im from. Happy to be where I started my career, but it but I would still like to play out of Croatia, now reason is to stay home because my wife if pregnant.
A Conversation with Josh Young (Walter Tigers Tuebingen)
Josh Young is a 23 year old 185cm guard from Saginaw, Michigan. He played at Drake from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he
played 32 games: 14.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.0%. Last season he came to Germany and played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 11 games: 26.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 79.0%. He spoke to German Hoops recently about his new team The Walter Tigers Tuebingen.
How was your summer Josh? Was there anything you could do this summer which you were unable to do the last summers?
The summer was great. I got to spend a lot of time with my family while being able to work out. I also took a mission trip to Africa this summer. It was awesome
How does a typical Josh Young off season workout day look like?
offTypical season workout involves a morning run. I like to lift weights and then do some cardio. After that, I do shooting, skill workouts, and hopefully play some 5 on 5.
The Fraport Skyliners Can´t Find Their Horse Shoe On The Rim As Bonn Display Fine Kochian Team Basketball Winning 79-64
Despite the strong 3-0 start by The Telekom Baskets Bonn this season, Michael Koch might have entered the Fraport arena with an eerie feeling, because 6 months ago, the last time he had set foot in the Skyliner living room, Bonn was on the verge of not making the playoffs for only the second time in their history and the club was closing out the miserable season with a 2-14 record and he was undergoing a personal basketball nightmare as sad as the attitude of Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon who was caught partying shortly after the most epic September slide in baseball history who had blown 18 of their last 24 games not reaching the playoffs, a fan who had nothing better to do then launch a hot dog straight at golf legend Tiger Woods, who was concentrating on a putt or actress Lindsay Lohan racking up a 90,000 Limo bill and not having the decency to pay it. In their last meeting last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners trounced Bonn 78-60 and Michael Koch had some revenge on his mind and left the Fraport arena with a very satisfying 79-64 victory. The difference between last years team and this years team is like night and day. “As a opponent you should always be happy to leave Frankfurt with a win. We started off well and I was happy with our play. It is obvious that not everything was working for Frankfurt. It is always nice in life when you can learn
from your mistakes. We are playing team basketball and that is always best. We still have a long way to go, but am very happy with our play after four games”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn sport director Andreas Bottcher. Bonn not only is a totally new team from last season, but already has made big strides from their last meeting with Frankfurt in the Maritim Cup in September. “Bonn is a very good team that is coached well and has improved a lot. They had a very nice inside/out game, but we didn´t do a good job defending”, stressed Skyliner guard Michael Thompson. The eyes of Bonn quarterback Jared Jordan lit up when he described the Kochian team basketball of Bonn. “This style is so different from when I was here two years ago. It is more European style. It reminds me of the offense we had at Marist. I had two wings and athletic guys that I could just throw the ball up into the lane. It is funny, we were so awful in our first pre season game, but since then we have improved every day. I have never seen a team in my playing career improve in such a short time like this. We just want to always win and have a lot of fun playing together”, commented Jared Jordan.
