pic credit: Artland Dragons

Buzz Anthony (180-PG-1998, college: RMC) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard playing third professional season and second in Germany and first with Pro A team Artland Dragons. Last season he split time with KB Bashkimi Prizren (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 11.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg, in Nov.’23 moved to Artland Dragons (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-2 (6.8apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 83.2%. He played his rookie season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1 (7.3apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT-2 (92.6%). He began his basketball career with Archbishop Spaulding High School and then played 5 seasons with Randolph-Macon College (NCAA3). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the huge 109-96 win over the Dresden Titans.

Congrats on the huge 109-96 win against Dresden. Artland is 3-0. How good does it feel starting this well after last season?

Winning is better than losing. It really pays to be a winner. I want to always play to a good standard of basketball. I think that it is easier to come together as a team when your winning. It is really good to see the guys buying in already so early in the season.

How big is this win? You won against a playoff type team like Dresden that is very disciplined.

They made us pay with some mistakes. They shot the ball really well. We are still trying to find our identity to see what we are really good at. Our defense still isn´t tight, but what is good that we can able to answer off mistakes and make plays.

It was the second shoot out win in a row. I´m sure coach and everyone knows relying on shootouts isn´t the best thing or could Artland be that kind of a team this season?

We definitely have offensive talent. I feel like good offense can beat good defense at this level. If we want to reach the next level and be a contender than we have to be able to win in the 60s and 70s and when it gets ugly. We have been able to already lock in this season and prove we can win.

The Artland Dragons led 60-56 at the break. Was this one of those games where defense just wasn´t on the menu?

Defense was a major topic at halftime. I´m really proud how guys found solutions after they scored. We want to be a better defensive team. We definitely don´t want to rely on outscoring teams every week. We want to have an identity where we are better well rounded.

The Artland Dragons led 84-74 after 3 quarters, but it could have been more. What was key for the big run and having better control of the game after 3 quarters?

Were up 12-15 points twice in the game. We have to show a sense of urgency on every possession., Learning to win and dominate at the Pro A level is difficult. The Pro A level has much talent and teams that know how to make plays. We could of done a better job of extending our lead and secure it earlier, but we let them climb back twice.

How key were the many free throws by you and points by Yasin Kolo before crunch-time? That seemed to give the Dragons a bit more breathing room?

Yes it was. Dresden is a team that will foul early, because they have a lot of trust in their three point shooting. They foul early and try to get 1 point more off 2 free throws with a three pointer. That is how they think that they can come back. We were still able to execute. Yasin was big in his minutes.

How tough is it playing a team like Dresden that really lives with the small ball. What do you feel was key for 40 minutes for the win?

I think that we have taken good steps to be able to take advantage of our spacing. Being able to put a Brandon Thomas in the post at times while other guys can drive and getting to the free throw line has been a good step that we have taken. We attack teams well and have well balanced scoring and guys that have confidence. Our good spacing allows guys to have more options.

Obviously defensively there is a lot that the Dragons have to tweak. What is the biggest area?

The biggest thing is being in 2 places with the help and the closeout. We have to also finish possessions better and rebound better. It is difficult on three´s when the ball comes off harder and longer. At the end of the game Dresden played with more sense of urgency and we gave up too many offensive rebounds and couldn´t secure the game faster. We have to be more disruptive.

How enjoyable is this season compared to last season? It must seem like day and night?

Joy is an interesting thing. The joy last year was getting it coming out of a battle and this season you find fulfillment each day. There is joy this season playing with new guys, scoring a lot and playing an exciting style

What has been the secret of the early success? Some guys went and there seemed a bit of turmoil weeks ago. But now it seems like all are on one page?

The success is that everyone buys into the system. We have the right guys on the bus. We have a good group of guys that want to play coaches style. Our success also has come from having many veteran players and guys that have had success in other places. We have to continue to play well and flip the page. We are playing well with a sense of urgency, but have to keep getting better

How dangerous is it not to get too euphoric with the start? Is head coach Vincent Macaulay keeping all down on earth?

It is important to echo what goes on in the locker room and what we do in practice. Each team practices each day, but what separates us from the others will be our output. Coach does a good job watching many games so he can prepare us best with his scouting.

What has been the biggest strength so far to get through adversary early and begin 3-0?

I think a certain consistency of some players that one hadn´t expected it from has been key. I feel confident they show up every day and that also makes the group confident. I like consistency and security has helped guys find their roles easier. Finding spark plus has made us more dynamic and helped our depth a lot.

Brandon Thomas told me last week that he believes you can be the best point guard in the Pro A. How valuable is Thomas? He is definitely one of the best if not best 30 + players in the Pro A.

He is the epitome of a pro. He is awesome. I have this funny video of him shooting with a broken ball machine. It takes 3-4 bounces of the ball to get to him. But despite the machine being broken, he is still there doing his routine and working on his shot. His day to day approach is great and he still plays at a high level. He has a good connection to the guys and he listens well. He also asks good questions and simply produces on and off the court.

Is the word beast correct for Tajh Green. When you see his game what NBA player comes to mind?

I would rather call him relentless or continual. He is great on the offensive glass and never stops. He is real fun to watch. He is very versatile that can switch, can shoot the 3, create off the dribble and catch the lob pass.

How valuable is it having another physical big man coming from the bench with Robert Ohle? He just seems to keep chugging along year by year?

Robert is great. He does a great job taking care of his body. I remember it always being a battle against him and Bremerhaven. Now I´m glad that we wear the same jersey. He sets good screens and I saw it in practice. That reminded me how it was to play against him. He is another player that has been consistent in the last years. You always know what you will get from him.

Just how much of a true leader is Yasin Kolo. I think this may have been the team´s best pick up this season?

Yes he is. He has a lot of experience. He has played in many places and brought a nice flavor to the team. He and Brandon Thomas aren´t the typical players that you will see in the German spots. We are still figuring out our court relationship. He likes to pop. What really stands out is that he knows how to use his body well.

Taylor Johnson was a late addition. He had a super game against Dresden. What has been your impression of him thus far?

I like Taylor a lot. He came from a winning place having won 2 titles in England. He is super focused on winning. He is very consistent and doesn´t try to do too much. He has fit in well. His communication with teammates and finding his spots have been his biggest assets.

You had a solid game with 20/8 but 6 turnovers. How much do those turnovers bother a point guard in general?

The 6 turnovers definitely hurt last game. It is like getting stabbed in the basketball soul. I feel like if the turnover was a good action and the right pass was made and it was a half meter off, then I can sleep well. The bone head plays are harder to rewatch. I watch it like 10 times and think what was I thinking. My teammates are supportive and keep saying to be aggressive and keep making plays. It is nothing toxic. I hope I won´t have too many more 6 game turnovers. The guys know that I try to do my all to get them the best advantage to score.

You came late last season and averaged 11/3/8. The team has more depth and scoring power this season. Will your role as a point guard change any?

I see myself having a high assist year. I really enjoy playing with different weapons. I want to have more efficiency. I think it is important to always have energy and have self-confidence so when crunch-time comes, I will be ready to take over. I want to be able to score the ball and make big plays and also transition more into a leader this season and help us get better. I also want to keep building my relationship with coach where we have extra meetings so we can continue to understand each other better. So when the fourth quarter comes, our minds are the same and we can make adjustments.

With so much scoring power, could you possibly have the best assist average in your career?

I see why not. I love to pass the ball. We have a lot of players that are so versatile offensively that will really help my playmaking.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Troy Cracknell?

We haven´t played yet, but I think I will challenge him when he returns from injury. I believe I would have the slight nudge.

Thanks Buzz for the chat.

After a tough defensive battle and bitter loss in Bamberg, the Frankfurt Skyliners returned back home sprouting a 1-1 record. Frankfurt is a relatively young team and are still finding themselves while showcasing a explosive guard duo with Try Calvin and Malik Parsons. They welcomed 0-3 team MBC, but they had to be ready as this club was reeling for that first win. The club from Weissenfels was still searching for their defensive identity and rhythm as in the last 2 games had allowed an average of more than a 100 points. Ex Skyliner Akeem Vargas was back in his old living room while John Bryant was also on the floor which is always a delight to observe since you never know how much longer a 37 old can play. MBC needed a big reaction in Frankfurt and had it really buckling down on defense having a night and day reaction in comparison to the last game against Rostock winning 79-69. It also didn´t hurt getting a precision shooting day from sniper Spencer Reaves (191-SG-1995, college: Central Mo.) and a great game from veteran 36 year old Tyren Johnson who filled the stat sheet like a young buck. “We knew that we needed a reaction. We came into the game as the most efficient offensive team, but also gave up the most points in the league. It was really important for us to hold Frankfurt to 69 points. We defended very well and were very physical in the paint area”, stressed MBC guard Spencer Reaves. The Frankfurt Skyliners had good stretches in the game, but for the most part had to play catch up basketball. They were in it in crunch-time, but a costly turnover and an offensive rebound and put back from MBC paved the road for the guests to the win. “We didn´t play with enough energy and they played harder. Our communication wasn´t good on defense. We have to move the ball better so we can find better ways to execute and find better shots”, stressed Garai Zeeb.

Ed Croswell at the FT line

On a cool Sunday afternoon only 3,500 fans came out to support the Frankfurt Skyliners. Frankfurt got on the board first with a bucket from American Ed Croswell in the paint and gave Frankfurt the 3-0 advantage. But that didn’t phase the guests as they raced on a lethal 7-0 run as Tyren Johnson added 5 points with a three pointer and American Ty Brewer who played at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCAA) made a big dunk after getting a steal. Sniper Spencer Reaves showed that he can do a lot more than just shoot to make an impact as he made an offensive rebound and steal in the run. “We wanted to crash the boards and play tough defense”, stated Spencer Reaves. Frankfurt came back getting 2 baskets inside from ex Alba Berlin center Lorenz Brenneke and Lithuanian big man Einaras Tubutis as Frankfurt opted to attack inside with the bigs and were successful as Frankfurt led 10-8. But the guests got the lead back and held it after one quarter with 15-14. Weissenfels also attacked the paint getting baskets from American Charles Callison who played at Washington State University (NCAA) and German Aleksa Kovacevic who got a quick back door pass from Big man and 2 time BBL MVP John Bryant who continues to be a very underrated passer.”Bryant is a legend. It is always cool to paly against him. He still does little things that helps a team”, stressed Garai Zeeb. Ivan Tkachenko who last played with SC Prometey Kamianske (Lat-Est BL) showed his athleticism making a thunderous dunk. “Both teams didn´t shoot well. We couldn´t find a flow on offense, so we tried to reward ourselves on the defensive end”, stated Spencer Reaves.

David Muenkat fro 3

In the second quarter the Syntainics MBC took control of the game executing better on offense and tightening up better on defense to lead 39-28 at half-time. The guests raced out on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 23-15. In the lead it was Spencer Reaves doing what he does best which is shooting out the lights as he made a trey, lay in and free throw while John Bryant also made a lay in. Frankfurt weren´t moving well without the ball which didn´t allow good ball movement. Frankfurt opted for 1-1 play and were shut down well by the physical MBC defense. Ex Augsburg (NCAA3) guard Booker Coplin stopped the run with a timely three pointer, but MBC still led 23-18. Reaves continued to be super aggressive and scored 5 unanswered points all scored on free throws as Frankfurt trailed 29-18. Frankfurt then got some energy with Tubutis free throws and a clutch trey from Canadian David Muentkat as Frankfurt continued to chip away, but still trailed 29-23. But on this day, Frankfurt would have little opportunities to show their consistency as up and down could have been their middle name. The Syntainics MBC closed out the second quarter in a potent manner going on a 10-5 run to have the comfortable lead at the break. MBC showed that they could get suitable support from many guys as Ivan Tkachenko supplied 5 points from the bench with a trey and easy lay in as Frankfurt couldn´t stop his speed as their 1-1 defense continued to be non existent. Reaves sunk a catch and pop three pointer and Johnson chugged to the rim and scored a lay in as his big body gave Frankfurt problems all day to contain. “Frankfurt is very good at starting their possessions. We did a good job exploiting the switches to get the defense moving. That makes it tougher to generate ball movement. We tried to throw extra wrinkles when they switched”, stated Spencer Reaves. The Syntainics MBC shot 46% from the field and 24% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 32% from the field and 36% from outside and had 17 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

John Bryant with the tap in

In the third quarter the Frankfurt Skyliners showed a reaction early, but couldn´t get over the hump as Weissenfels led by 7 points after 30 minutes despite it being Frankfurt´s best scoring quarter with 25 points. Frankfurt began with a lightening 8-0 run as ex Wright State (NCAA) guard Trey Calvin and ex Ulm big Christoph Philipps made back to back three´s and Coplin made a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 39-36. Johnson and Coplin then traded three´s and Calvin made a pull up jumper to dead lock the game at 42-42. Coplin continued to be hot stroking home another three pointer as Frankfurt led 45-44. But Frankfurt couldn´t play more consistent defense as they allowed a brutal 10-2 run by Weissenfels as they led 54-47. In the run it was the Bryant and Reaves show as their veteran leadership and production sparkled. You just can´t go wrong with Reaves shooting ability and Bryant´s high IQ. In the run, Reaves nailed 2 three´s while Bryant made a tap in off a pretty Reaves lob pass and Brewer made a lay in. “MBC does a good job to find Reaves. He moves very well without the ball. One second he has the ball and then it´s in the basket again”, expressed Garai Zeeb. Frankfurt kept fighting and got some vital baskets from ex Schwenningen center Jacob Knauf who scored with his left hand inside and Parsons made a lay in to cut MBC´s advantage to 59-53. Frankfurt turnovers down the stretch didn´t help their come back attempt trailing 60-53. “We came out sloppy and let our offense effect our defense in a negative way. If you give Frankfurt the chance to execute their offense, then they will. We have to limit them more in their offense. But we did a good job fighting back and keeping the lead”, added Spencer Reaves. “We had a good start, but couldn´t hold the energy. We weren´t consistent enough”, said Garai Zeeb. The Syntainics shot 51% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 47% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Ty Brewer at the FT line

The Syntainics MBC continued to keep the lead in the fourth quarter and just did a good job managing their lead and executing well at both ends. Coplin began the fourth quarter with a thunderous dunk from the wing and Johnson made a lay in as Weissenfels led 62-55. Ed Croswell then scored on transition as Frankfurt trailed 62-57. Frankfurt then made 2 big stops packing the zone well, but couldn´t execute on offense. Ex Georgia Institute of Technology (NCAA) guard Michael Devoe then made a clutch three pointer for the 65-58 lead. But Frankfurt never gave up but continued to fight and defended aggressively and got 2 key baskets from Tubutis as Frankfurt trailed 67-62. After free throws from German Martin Breunig, Frankfurt connected with a Croswell lay in and Tubutis free throw to trail only 69-65. After a clutch 20 footer from Johnson, Frankfurt gót key input from Try Calvin as he scored twice inside to trail only 72-69 with 1,52 to play. Frankfurt was ready to make their move, but instead the turning point of the game came from the guests and not from Frankfurt. Breunig stole the ball from Coplin and Coplin made a flagrant foul at the 1,19 minute mark. Breunig made the free throw and then made a vital offensive rebound and put back for the 75-69 lead with 1,05 to play. “I was so tired at that point. Frankfurt always found ways to get close again. I was quick on the steal and anticipated well”, said Martin Breunig. That turn of events had totally paralyzed Frankfurt as the guests closed out the game with a 4-0 run as Callison made a lay in and Breunig scored again on transition to seal the win. “The turnover and offensive rebound and score was the turning point. We couldn´t make plays on offense or defense against Rostock, but today we could. You have to be able to play defense on the road and didn´t let the crowd get to us”, stated Spencer Reaves. “You can´t blame Booker on that play. It was just bitter that it happened at the end”, said Garai Zeeb. The Syntainics MBC were led by Spencer Reaves with 20 points while Tyren Johnson added 18 points while the Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Malik Parsons and Booker Coplin who had 13 points a piece. The Syntainics MBC shot 46% from the field and 36% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 38% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

pic credit: Hakro Merlins

Vinnie Shahid (180-PG-1998, college: NDSU) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Minnetonka, Minnesota playing his fifth pro season and first with German Pro A team Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) averaging 14.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 40.5%, FT: 94.3%;in the Fiba Europe Cup and in the Italian Serie A averaged 7.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 40.0%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%, in Jan.’24 moved to Ferraroni Juvi Cremona (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 81.7%. In 2022-2023, he played with Thor Thorlakshofn (Iceland-Subway League) playing 27 games and leading the league in scoring and assists averaging 26.4ppg, 4.3rpg,8.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 88.2%. Two seasons ago he played with Entente Cergy Osny Pontoise BB (France-NM1) leading the league in scoring averaging 21.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 85.5%. He played his rookie season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 22.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 79.2%. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 2 years at Western Nebraska Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.0% and in his second season averaged 18.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 86.8%. He then played 2 years at North Dakota State University (NCAA) averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 84.9% and in his senior year averaged 1.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 88.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a 84-67 win over Nurnberg.

Congrats Vinnie on the 84-67 win over Nurnberg. How good does it feel to be 2-0 as well as beating a BBL team in cup play?

It feels really good. We don´t try to get to excited, but just try to get better every day. We are happy to have started off well, but we know that we still have a lot to do.

Is there a massive ambition and a bit of pressure within the organization to get back to the easyCreditBBL

I don´t think that there is much pressure, but there is much ambition. Coach Mccray has done a really good job of letting our goals be known. The whole organization is hungry to get back to the BBL.

The first quarter was tight. With what kind of a focus did head coach David Mccray want you guys to enter the second quarter with?

We weren´t being ourselves. We didn´t play fast paced and physical on defense. We wanted to play like that in the second quarter.

In the second quarter the Merlins went on a little at the end and got 2 clutch three´s from veteran Maurice Stuckey. How vital is this German player for the team?

It is very vital to have veteran leadership with Mo. He is still super productive for his age.

In the third quarter the Merlins took the momentum of the second quarter and carved a nice 10 point lead with 10 minutes to play. How comfortable have you gotten to now finding your spots with your new teammates?

I think that it is still happening. I´m very comfortable with my teammates and they with me. I think we have yet to have played our best brand of basketball. We are still finding each other.

You guys put an exclamation point on the win in the fourth quarter. Nurnberg cut the lead down to 70-67, but you closed out the game with 14-3 run. How proud were you of the team making a big improvement on the defensive end in comparison to the first game?

I´m very proud how we finished the game. We gave up way too many points in the first game. We wanted to prove to the Pro A that we can play defense. We showed a bit of improvement in that second game

Are the Hakro Merlins a team this season that can develop into a top defensive team and one that can win the close ones?

We pride our game on defense. We are definitely a defensive minded team. We would rather be a better defensive team than an offensive team. It is a good goal to be want to be a great defensive team. That will help us get stops in crunch-time.

What was the key to the win? The three point shooting or crunch-time defense?

Our crunch-time defense was key. It doesn´t matter if you can shoot out the lights, because if you can´t get stops than you won´t beat anyone.

The Merlins have real great guards in Devin Goodman and Tyrese Blunt. Talk a little about what you appreciate most about them? Have you felt that Blunt has a big hunger to produce after coming from the Pro B?

We have a really good back court and have so much versatility. We all bring something different. Blunt is a great player and defender. He also brings so much at the offensive end. He is definitely hungry. Devon is lightening quick and a great decision maker. He is also a great on ball defender. He is a better shooter than most would think. Their games make my job easier. I´m really high on their abilities as well as everyone else on the team.

Americans Ladarien Griffin and Anthony Gaines will also be guys that will have to produce every night. How vital is it having 2 guys where you know will produce each night?

It is really great to have them on the team. They are both versatile players. Griffin is a 4 man that can shoot the 3 and post up. Gaines is a player that brings that down hill attacking ability. Both also have a defensive presence on the court.

You had a potent game with 21/3/5 stats and shot 9/15. How content were you with your game?

I was happy to get the win. There is always room for improvement. We did a good job of showing improvement from week 1 to week 2.

You had a great season in the Italian Serie a and B. Why did you choose to come to a second division team in Germany?

I felt like the Merlins had a very good idea and clear picture of what their goals were. I had the impression that they were building something special. It isn´t always about what type of league you play in, but moreover about being happy with the people around you. It is a great organization from top to bottom. We all believe in our goals and I believed it was a good fit for me on and off the court.

The Merlins have many potent guards. What is your role? Are you one of the leaders with Maurice Stuckey?

I would look at myself as one of the leaders on the team with Mo. I honestly feel like everyone on the team is a leader in some way. We all have a voice and respect for one another. I´m one of 13 leaders on the court.

What has it been like playing for head coach David Mccray. This is the first German coach you have played for. Have you noticed that German sense of discipline in his coaching?

Coach Mccray is great. He is really big on details. It is the small details that make a difference especially in the fourth quarter when you need stops. He does a great job of making us understand how important every possession is. He also does a good job of pushing us and challenging us each day.

You were a lethal scorer and guy that filled the stat sheet in lower leagues in Luxemburg, France and Iceland. What kind of a player do you hope to develop into this season?

I don´t want to say I want to be that type of player. The biggest thing for me is to win games. Some games it might be 30 points, another game 10 points and another game 0 points. I will always be happy when we win and play the right type of basketball.

You have seen so many beautiful places in Europe, but what have you appreciated most about Crailsheim?

I appreciate the group of guys most. We get along so well and have good relations especially off the court.

Who wins a 1-1 you or Devin Goodman or Tyreese Blunt?

Me each time. But if you ask them they will go with themselves.

Thanks Vinnie for the chat.