Marcus Bingham Jr. (213-C-2000, college: Michigan St.) is a 24 year old 213cm center from Grand Rapids, Michigan that is playing his second professional season and second in Israel and first with Hapoel Holon (Israel-Winner League). Last season he played with Hapoel B Cure Lazxr Haifa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 14.5ppg, Reb-2 (8.1rpg), 1.1apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 20.4%, FT: 67.6%. He played twice for the Dallas Mavericks at the NBA Summer League playing 8 games. He began his basketball career at Catholic Central high school and then played 4 seasons at Michigan State (NCAA) and averaged : 9.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 74.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Wurzburg.

Thanks Marcus for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel about playing the game you love. You didn´t blossom until high school in basketball and the rest one can say is history.

I feel very blessed to play the game I love.

Your playing your second professional season in Israel and first with Hapoel Holon (Israel-Winner League). You must have fallen in love with Israel. What is so great about the country besides it´s weather and food?

Israel is a great place with great people and great weather. I like how hard everybody works and how they cheer hard for their sports teams. The food is nice too!!

This is your first season where you will play in 2 competitions with the Basketball Champions League. After your great season as a rookie, you must be sky high with self-confidence. Do you feel like you can be an impact player in that league?

I think I can be that this year I just have to go out and do it. I feel more confident than I ever been.

Your playing a game in Wurzburg, Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you ever had friends or teammates play there?

I don’t know much about the country. I’ve never been to Germany before but I know they love basketball out there

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 213cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Christian wood, Jaren Jackson those type of builds

You can score, rebound and block shots really well. What other strengths do you have?

I think the more experience I get the more my game grows

You made another jump in your game as a rookie in Israel. How did your game grow overseas last season?

It grew a lot, I was just happy to be on the court after a year and half. I think I just picked back up on what I was already good at.

You have always been a super shot blocker. How would you like to continue to develop as a shot blocker and how far away are you from being an elite shot blocker?

I’m not far from being elite I think I can get to that level this year

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

My shooting, I focused on getting mechanics back together. My conditioning I think I am strong and faster this year

Last season you played with Hapoel B Cure Lazxr Haifa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 14.5ppg, Reb-2 (8.1rpg), 1.1apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-2 (1.8bpg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 20.4%, FT: 67.6%, What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

After the first week, I never have been so far from my family before so it was a real change of everything

You played 2 summers back to back NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks. What kind of an experience was that? What do you remember being the most important piece of advice from coaching besides the usual keep working hard?

My experience was ok, the advice I took from there is to always be a professional because you never know who’s watching

You played at Michigan State (NCAA) from 2018-2022 playing a 115 games and reached 3 NCAA tournaments. In your second season you scored 13 points in 12 minutes in a loss against powerhouse Duke. You held your own against future NBA player Vernon Carey. What memories do you have from the game and him?

I just remember it being a big game and college game day was showing the game, but we battled it was fun.

You had many great games at Michigan State like against Duke and Wisconsin in your senior year. What was your favorite game there?

My favorite game my senior year was against Duke it was my last game as a spartan, even though we lost I think it was my best game of the year.

How did Tom Izzo groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He taught me how to work hard for what you want

Who would win a 1-1 today you or Dereck Lively?

Me over anybody

Who was the best player that you battled in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

Anthony Edward’s

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT?

Kevin Durant

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

No

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tim Smith Jr in the Dragon Dome

Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama) is a 23 year old 201cm forward playing his first season overseas with the Dragons Rhondorf. He began his basketball career at Lakewood high school and then played at 3 Universities. He began at California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 88.9%. He then played 2 seasons at Walsh University (NCAA2) averaging 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.1% and 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He then finished at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win in Fellbach.

Congrats Tim on the big 78-75 win on the road over Fellbach. How does it feel to get your first pro win under your belt?

It felt good. I really wanted it. We really had to work for it. It was a good win seeing that we could come back from behind. Good teams always find a way to win even if it´s ugly.

How fortunate can the team feel getting the win despite coughing up the ball 20 times and having 9 more turnovers?

Yes we were very lucky. It wasn´t only the turnovers, but they missed a lot of free throws as well. They missed 17 free throws.

How tough was it losing captain Kelvin Omojola after 2 minutes. Who do you believe tried to take on that responsibility as leader on the court?

It was tough losing Kelvin. He was on the sidelines seeing if he could come in. We didn´t have his voice on the court which hurt. We didn´t really have a leader then, but I took it apoun myself to take on the leadership role. I told the guys that we have to play together. I think that my play in the fourth quarter lit a fire and we played the way we should of. We stuck together and all it really takes sometimes is a few plays to get back into it.

You guys started off strong making 2 three´s, but gave up lay up after layup. What did head coach Stephan Dohrn try to make adjustments in that area?

Coach was telling us whole game we have too defend better 1-1. We were really bleeding in that area. They got straight up lay ups on us. We knew we had to lock up on defense and did in the fourth quarter.

Alex Lagerman hit a crucial three late in the first quarter and finished with 14 points. How important will his input be this season`?

He made big shots early, but was also in early foul trouble. He made big plays in the fourth quarter and played great defense especially on Zaire Thompson. He has size and length and we will really need him this season to defend well.

You finally found your scoring groove in the second quarter. Were a bit nervous in the early going?

They began face guarding me in the first quarter. I just didn´t get any touches. I wasn´t nervous at all. I was wanting the game to come to me. At some point assistant coach KJ Sherrill told me to please score the ball.

In the third quarter Fellbach made their move to lead 67-58. Getting stops on the penetration continued to be a problem. Did the Dragons lose some of that fire?

I think that we didn´t really have a good first half either. It was ugly. We didn´t play our brand of basketball in the third quarter. We just couldn´t get stops.

Zaire Thompson was a menace and led his team in scoring. Was finding his spots one of his biggest strengths that night?

He didn´t shoot the three well, but got to the rim and free throw line well. But he did find his spots well.

How tough was it defending top undersized center Brian Butler. That guy is very difficult to move out of the zone.

He is really athletic and strong. I had to guard him 1 or 2 times and he scored on me once. He is big and quick and hard to stop. He has good spin moves as well.

What did head coach Stephan Dohrn tell the team heading into the fourth quarter to do better on the defensive end?

He told us to play harder and more aggressive. Regardless of what happens, I feel like if you can do that as a team then you can get stops and find a way to win.

How proud were you of the incredible defensive effort in the fourth quarter allowing only 8 points? In the last 6,31 you allowed only 2 points on free throws and no field goal

It was really incredible that we could pull out a win like that in a hostle environment. We showed that we can stop a team when we need to and just lock in as a team. But we have to show now that we can do it for 40 minutes and not only 6 or 10 minutes.

How exciting was the last minute? The Dragons made free throws and there was a big block from and steal with 37 seconds remaining.

I have been in this type of situation more than I have wanted to in my career. It is just stressful especially for my family who is watching. We knew that we just had to make plays. On my block, I was actually out of position, but sprinted over and got it. Your body just moves on instincts in do or die situations.

Could one say that the Dragons Rhondorf wanted it more at the end?

Yes for sure. Our energy was amazing. Everyone on the team had the mindset that we could win the game. We battled out our hearts.

You finished with 27/5/3/1/2 stats. How contest were you with your pro debut?

I can´t complain, because we got the win. I played pretty well. I didn´t shoot the three ball well which is my staple, but I got to my spots well. I played hard. I got like 8-10 points on offensive rebounds. I was just battling hard. I wanted to make those last free throws so much. I just didn´t want to lose the first game of the season. The worst loses are when you battled your heart out, and the best wins are when you battled your heart out.

The next opponent are the RheinStars Cologne who is the big rival. The Dragons are favorite on paper. A lot of respect as they play 2 16 year olds. What will be key to getting win?

We have to come out with the right energy. We have to play the same way we did in the fourth quarter. Just flying around, talking and having much energy. We have to feed off the energy of the crowd.

How confident are you in the play of Marko Rosic? These next games could be big in his development in Kelvin Omojola´s absence.

Marko practices with the BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn and holds his own. He does get tunnel vision sometimes, but he is a great passer and knows how to find his spots well. He just needs to learn the game a bit better, but that will come with experience.

How wins a 1-1 in practice you or Marco Rahn?

I do. I will always take myself because nobody can guard me.

Thanks Tim for the chat.

KeyShawn Feazell (206-F-1998, college: Creighton) is a 25 year old 206cm forward that was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that will play his third pro season and first in Germany for easyCredit BBl team Brose Bamberg. Last season he played for CSO Voluntari (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 11.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 67.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.2%. He played his rookie season with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.9ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg, Blocks-5 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 72.9%. He began his basketball career at Lawrence County high school and then enjoyed a 5 year NCAA career at 3 schools playing a total of 127 games. He played his first 3 NCAA seasons at Mississippi where he never averaged more than 1,5ppg. He then moved to McNeese State University (NCAA) averaging 13.1ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 76.4%. He played his last season at Creighton University (NCAA) averaging 3.1ppg, 2.3rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after getting the first win of the season in Frankfurt over the Skyliners 66-58.

Congrats on the massive 66-58 win in Frankfurt. How good did the first win feel after the horrible loss against Braunscwheig?

Thank you. Having that first win under our belts felt great, we know we have to continue to build on it, but overall just happy to have a win in the books.

With what kind of a focus did the team come to Frankfurt with? You obviously showed that you can let up 38 less points the next game?

We played them twice in the preseason already so we were familiar with the team. I feel as if we were more focused on being the more aggressive team and locked in defensively.

Was this game a nice old fashioned grind out win? Did it remind you on college rival games?

I would say it felt more like a playoff game because of the pace and familiarity with the team.

How big was the focus to slow done the guard duo of Calvin and Parsons who only combined for 25 points. How big was containing Parsons to only 9 points?

Well we knew they would be aggressive like always so we just wanted to make it difficult on them as much as possible.

The game was pretty even in the first quarter as Bamberg led 19-15. Both teams executed ok offensively. What was the difference?

Just felt like we were settling in and trying to catch some type of rhythm.

In the second quarter Frankfurt fought back and Bamberg had problems executing. What adjustments did Frankfurt make defensively?

I don’t think it was necessarily what they were doing, I feel as if we had great looks and just missed some good shots. We did a good job overall taking care of the ball.

After 3 quarters, Bamberg led 50-43. The game was a real dog fight. What do you enjoy most about these kinds of games?

The best part about these games is that you really feel the importance behind each single possession.

Then the game was tight in the fourth quarter. How key was your tip in for the 59-52 lead. After that Bamberg had control even if Frankfurt did make some three´s.

It was just a hustle play, being in the right place at the right time. It was a big bucket though, gave us a bit of breathing room.

How vital was Anton Gavel´s in game coaching in crunch-time? How much of a factor was he?

His coaching is always a factor, does a great job of feeling out what’s best in each situation, whether that’s play calls, lineups that work well together, or even defense adjustments. He does all that well especially when it matters most!

Does Bamberg have the potential to be a very good defensive team? What was the biggest strength defensively today?

I definitely feel as if we can be really good defensively, we have a lot of tough minded players and I feel like a lot of defense stuff starts more mentally, just wanting it more. I would say we did a good job of limiting them to one shot and grabbing the boards.

How much fun is it playing with Ronaldo Segu? He had 5 turnovers but made key buckets and played the way a point guard should.

Always fun to have someone like him on your team. A great talent.

You didn´t have a great scoring game but was a force on the boards with 11 rebounds. Is a game like this worth more to you than scoring 19 points in a loss?

Whenever we win I feel like it’s always worth more. Of course everyone wants to score but it’s not going to be your night every time so rebounding was my way of trying to impact this particular game.

How much fun is it playing with Filip Stanic? Could you guys be a real duo force in the easyCredit BBL?

I love playing alongside Filip, I feel like we are definitely a great duo. We are both good rebounders and both bring two different dynamics to the game as well.

How excited are you to be playing in the ENBL which kicks off this week.

Very excited, I´m definitely familiar with Dinamo so it will be exciting to play against them once again.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you of Filip Stanic?

Filip is great but I got to go with myself.

It is never nice losing the home opener to a season at home, but what´s even more worse is stinking up the own living room. But that exactly what happened to the EPG Guardians Koblenz getting hammered by Bochum last weekend. They didn´t stay true to their new name Guardians as they didn´t protect their own home court, but rather allowed the guests to trample all over them. They needed a positive response in their second home game, but that didn´t get any easier with the Dresden Titans. They are an up and coming program that paid their dues for many years in the Pro B, but since arriving in the Pro A have really played well and just barely missed the playoffs last season. They are a team led by up and coming German head coach Fabian Straus that has a knack for bringing in the right Americans and for stressing team basketball. The EPG Guardians Koblenz had to be on top of their game to reach 500 for the season and were at least for a half as after a poor first half turned the game around 180 degrees in the second half finally showing their fans what Guardians basketball really is winning a come from behind nail bitter 79-76 over the Dresden Titans. Team leader Ty Cockfield Jr. (183-PG-1996, college: Arkansas St., agency: BIG) led all scorers with 28 points and took over the game in the fourth quarter scoring 3 buckets in a row to get the momentum and get the massive win. “In the first half we had our minds too much on last game and worried too much about it. In the second half, we played Guardians basketball. We frustrated them and tapped in as a unit”, stressed ex Arkansas State (NCAA) guard Ty Cockfield Jr.. The Dresden Titans controlled the game in the first half, but couldn´t come to terms with the Guardians heightened physicality in the second half and couldn´t sustain a good offensive rhythm and 8 missed free throws that didn´t help their cause either. “It was a tale of 2 halves. We had a great first half where we did everything right. In the second half, we got to confident and took our foot off the gas pedal. They punched us back in the face. We got away from our principles”, stressed Dresden Titans forward Wes Dreamer.

Maurice Pluskota at the FT line

The Dresden Titans were without their floor general Grayson Murphy while the EPG Guardians were without Bryce Workman who was back in USA due to personal reasons and Alin Blunt who is still out. The Dresden Titans got off to a hot start and totally shocked the Guardians taking the rapid 8-2 lead as their defense was spot on. Their very physical on ball defense was brutal as they got 3 steals in a row which led to 3 transition baskets by Sapwell who scored twice and nifty speedster Daniel Kirchner. But Dresden also got good execution on offense from their German role players as Lucien Schmikale nailed a trey and Lukas Zerner made a lay in for the lethal 13-4 advantage. The only Guardian who was spot on was Cockfield who showed his incredible 1-1 skills scoring twice. The Titans execution continued as ex Florida AtlanticUniversity (NCAA) guard Pablo Bertone got a perfect back door pass from ex Skyliner Aaron Kayser who obviously learned passing in Frankfurt. But the Guardians finally found some energy nailing back to back three´s from ex BBL player Leon Friderici and Pro A veteran Maurice Pluskota as suddenly they only trailed by 3 points. But Dresden didn´t relinquish the lead as they kept the lead continuing to execute well getting production from everyone. Schmikale scored in the paint and rookie Adam Paige who played at the University of Alberta hit a clutch trey. Cockfield continued to keep his team in the game with 4 points, but Dresden still led 23-17. Then with a few seconds remaining, Daniel Kirchner heaved up a bomb ala Tom Brady that was right on the money as Bertone got the easy lay in. “We don´t practice that. They were guarding the front side, so we could do it. Plus Kirchner has a high IQ and we communicated well as a team”, added Wes Dreamer. The Dresden Titans led 25-17 after 10 minutes. “It was an up and down quarter for us. We had no stability and had many turnovers. We had problems on 1-1 defense. It looked worse than it really was”, stated EPG Guardians sport director Thomas Klein.

Sebastian heck floater

In the second quarter the Dresden Titans continued to play their game while the EPG Guardians had to play pick up basketball. Dresden began with a quick 6-2 run as Kayser, Bertone and Kirchner all got in the paint easily and scored easy lay up´s to lead 31-19. Now there was a phase of a few minutes where both teams went back and forth executing very well. The 3 ball was falling well as Dreamer connected twice while ex BBL player Dominque Johnson scored as did ex MercyhurtsNCAA2) guard Michael Bradley, but Dresden still led comfortably 37-27. Dresden then upped their defensive intensity a bit while still executing well on offense with a 7-0 run as Kirchner and Kayser scored easily in the zone and American Matthew Ragsdale who played at Black Hills State University (NCAA2) made a big three pointer for the 44-27 advantage. But Koblenz held their composure and continued to fight, but just couldn´t get stops. Ragsdale hit another three pointer while Lukas Zerna made a big dunk. The EPG Guardians had their moments as ex Assumption (NCAA2) guard Kasey Draper connected on a trey while big man Moses Poelking made a lay in and Cockfield continued to be productive with 4 points, but Dresden led 50-36 at the break. “Dresden shot really well. We didn´t really defend that bad, but when our first guy was beat then they got a three pointer and they were all spot on. We still weren´t physical enough and gave up too many offensive rebounds”, stated Thomas Klein.

Ty Cockfield with the fade away

In the third quarter came the turning point of the game as the EPG Guardians finally played their game with protecting their home court. Dresden did have the better start going on a 5-2 run to lead 55-38 as Dreamer scored with ease inside and Kirchner nailed a trey. But the EPG Guardians then finally had their first run of the game of 12-3 as they crept closer trailing only 58-50. Koblenz was more aggressive on the boards getting 2 offensive rebounds and put backs from Pluskota and Cockfield while Bradley added a three pointer. Cockfield carried his team scoring 2 more times with a jumper and massive slam dunk. “We were more physical on defense and played better 1-1 defense while on offense we found a flow”, stressed Thomas Klein. But Dresden recovered well from that run making 3 stops and getting 4 points from Bertone and Kirchner and 62-50 advantage. Koblenz didn´t let up, but played Guardians basketball finishing the third quarter with a 9-3 run. Koblenz shared the ball well and got hot shooting from Leon Friderici who scored 5 points while Bradley made a runner and Cockfield free throws. “We played more as a team and were more physical. We played better 1-1 defense which gave ús more self-confidence”, commented Thomas Klein. The EPG Guardians trailed only 65-59. “We didn´t come out ready. They were more physical and did a good job getting offensive rebounds”, expressed Wes Dreamer. “Our goal coming into the second half was to switch our defense wanting to get 3 stops in a row. On offense we played our game and found a rhythm”, said Ty Cockfield Jr..

Daniel Kirchner at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the come back attempt of the EPG Guardians continued as their defense was top as after allowing 50 points in the first half allowed only 26 points in the second half. Koblenz jumped all over Dresden to start the fourth quarter as they went on a 7-0 run to get their first lead of the game of 66-65. In the run Dominque Johnson hit a trey while Draper and Pluskota added free throws. Now it was a dog fight as both teams would change leads 4 times. Sapwell scored with a lay in as Dresden led 67-66, but Bradley struck back with an off balance shot for the 68-67 advantage. The guard play of Dresden found some daylight as Kirchner dropped free throws and Sapwell made a lay in for the 71-68 lead. But Ty Cockfield Jr. had seen enough. A competitor like him doesn´t like to lose as he led his Guardians on a brutal 10-0 run to extend their lead to 78-71. Cockfield just took control and it seemed that with his 3 buckets, he was taking on the whole Dresden team and there was no stopping him. Friederici added a put back and free throws for insurance. But the game wasn´t over as the Dresden Titans led a late comeback as Schmikale made a clutch three pointer to trail 78-74. After another stop, Schmikale made free throws to trail 78-76. Pluskota made one free throw to seal the win and the CGM arena was in pandemonium. “We played Guardians basketball and just kept hammering them. It is my job to lift the team when we need it. If I can give energy at both ends then I´m happy. I will do whatever it takes to help my team win”, warned Ty Cockfield Jr.. “Cockfield is a great player that is fast and shifty. We had trouble controlling him”, stated Wes Dreamer. The EPG Guardians were led by Ty Cockfield Jr. with 28 points. Leon Friederici added 12 points and Maurce Pluskota had 11 points while the Dresden Titans were led by Lucien Schmikale with 14 points while Wes Dreamer added 13 points. The EPG Guardians shot 46% from the field and 38% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Dresden Titans shot 47% from the field and 29% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

After a long summer vacation, it was finally time for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to kick off the Pro B season. The club as usual is there to showcase their young German players and give them minutes, but one thing was different than in previous years. They were even younger this season. They lost veterans like Marco Voeller, Nils Leonhardt, Alvin Onyia and other younger players like Leif Zentgraf, Trevian Bell, Calvin Schaum and Jordan Samare. They were also very brave going into the season without an American. The good news was that Philipp Hadenfeld was back after taking 6 months off to full-fill a University obligation down under. On the first game day, Frankfurt met another really young team with Team Ehingen who brought in some new players from Spain, USA and Sweden to help bolster the roster of mostly young Germans. It was a close game through out and it came down to a last Skyliner shot that just didn´t want to fall. Frankfurt seemed in control as crunch-time came, but then it was the Aav and Martinez show who combined for the last 8 points to seal the narrow win. “This win showed the kind of personality that we have this season and what we are capable of doing. We didn´t find our groove in pre-season, but showed tonight that we can fight for 40 minutes. We played for each other and we executed the pick and roll defense very well. We helped each other well and moved the ball well and found our spots well”, stressed Team Ehingen guard JJorke Aav (184-PG-2005). The Fraport Skyliners Juniors are a young team that showed they could get out of adversity many times, but when it counted at the end, they were stopped on the last possession on a shot that could have won them the game. “After our 8-0 run, we allowed something like a 22-7 run. You can´t let that happen. This was a tough loss for us, but we stuck together well. Ivan Crjnac was ejected which didn´t help our cause either. All in all, we can be happy with how we played in our first game. We are a young team and it can only get better”, warned Fraport Skyliner Junior Malik Kordel.

Malik Kordel at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were missing 3 guys with Marvin Esser, Florian Dietrich and Jaime Edoka while Team Ehingen was without Finn Doentgens. Frankfurt began with a fury going on a lightening 8-0 run as their 3 ball was popping as veterans Felix Hecker and Bruno Albrecht connected while Philip Hadenfeldt dished up a nice alley oop dunk for Kordel. The veterans were leading the charge and the team was sprouting with nonending joy. But that joy and energy didn´t hold long as the guests slapped a 8-0 run right back n the faces of Frankfurt as Ehingen attacked the paint and got relatively easy baskets twice from ex Swedish youth national player Rickhard Rietz while Aav and ex Hanau guard Tim Martinez scored. Frankfurt had problems finding an offensive rhythm as their 3 ball was totally shut down and just allowed the guests to get past them and get the 15-12 lead as they continued to get easy buckets inside as Spanish big man Albert Prior scored as did Rietz again. Diminutive 173cm guard Travis Davis drilled a trey for the 3 point lead. Frankfurt had problems with Ehingen´s changing defenses as they would throw everything at Frankfurt with press, man and zone. On the offensive end they continued to get easy baskets as Prior and 204cm big Man Leon Geissler scored and Davis closed out the first quarter with a lay in and 22-15 advantage. “Ehingen did a good job locking up on defense after the 8-0 Frankfurt start. Ehingen played tough and their press messed up Frankfurt and their aggressiveness disrupted Frankfurt´s offense”, commented ex Giessen Pointer Chris Miller. Team Ehingen shot 48% from the field and 13% from outside and had 12 rebounds and no turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 33% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Jorke Aav from outside

In the second quarter Team Ehingen controlled the game leading by as much as 12 points, but in the latter part of the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors staged a comeback and trailed only by 4 points at the break. Team Ehingen began with a 10-5 run to extend their lead to 32-20. In the run the guests got production from Aav with a trey while Rietz and Martinez scored in the near distance. Frankfurt continued to struggle with offensive execution while on defense couldn´t contain the paint area well enough as they allowed easy baskets. That basketball is a game of runs is no secret as Frankfurt finally found some daylight and closed out the second quarter with a lethal 13-5 run to trail only 37-22 at half-time. The run was started by veteran Felix Hecker who nailed a trey, but then it was the young German kids that showed real responsibility. The universal genius Ivan Crnjack supplied 5 points with real key baskets scoring on transition and then making a real heads up play getting an offensive rebound and put back. Namori Omog made a lay in as did Malik Kordell who was given the extra pass from Ivan Crnjack. “At the start of the quarter, Ehingen continued to attack the mis matches and get easy baskets. Hecker picked up the energy and the others followed. Ivan Crnjack gave great energy. Frankfurt wasn´t using their big man Kordell enough”, stated Chris Miller. Team Ehingen shot 43% from the field and 13% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Caleb Bellach at the FT line

In the third quarter both teams executed their offenses fairly well, but no team could escape the other as the game was very close. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors began motivated with a 11-2 run to lead 44-39. In the run it was 17 year old Ivan Crnjac who proved he is a 3 level scorer as he scored with the drive and a trey while Hadenfeldt hit a trey and then dished out a pretty behind the back past to Kordel who made the thunderous dunk. “I see those kind of passes from him all the time. He does a good job always seeing me. He has a really good IQ which helps”, stated Malik Kordel. But Team Ehingen came back and chipped away at Frankfurt´s lead going on a 6-0 run to grab the lead back at 45-44. Aav led the offense as playmaker and scorer as he made a fade away and Montana native Caleb Bellach made a lay in. It was now a real game of runs as Frankfurt retaliated with a 8-2 run as now it was Bruno Albrecht that took charge scoring twice for their 52-47 advantage. But the runs didn´t stop their as Team Ehingen took charge one more time closing out the third quarter with a 9-2 run to lead 56-55. Team Ehingen wasn´t having any fortune with the 3 ball, so they just continued to get the ball inside as Drago Crnjac, Bellach and Geissler connected for easy baskets. “We had problems in the first minutes how to rotate on Kordel. It was really a game of runs. On our runs, we were more physical on defense and took advantage of our quick hands”, commented JJorke Aav. “We got beat on the rebound. They were more physical. We are a young team and have to improve on that. We have to work harder and hustle more”, warned Malik Kordel. Team Ehingen shot 43% from the field and 9% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 40% from the field and 26% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Dusan Nikolic from downtown

In the fourth quarter it was a real dog fight where no team could break away from the other. The fourth quarter began with a bang as Mr magician Travis Davis made an incredible acrobatic lay in for the 58-55 lead. The small German guard couldn´t break into the Ludwigsburg rotation, but in Ehingen is focused and hungry with the chance he is getting. “He came from Ludwigsburg to us for a chance in the Pro B. I work with him everyday. He is an amazing player that reads plays so well. He makes up for his small size more than you would think”, warned JJorke Aav. Frankfurt hit back with Omog and Kecker baskets, but Davis continued his aggressive play dropping a trey to dead lock the game at 61-61. Frankfurt then took charge getting a left handed lay in by Hecker, a lay in by Kordel and a clutch three pointer from 2023 JBBL finalist Maximillian Peters as Frankfurt led 68-62. Kordel finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in 25 minutes. “I can always get better and have to work harder”, added Malik Kordel. Frankfurt had the momentum, but Team Ehingen was still alive. The guests battled back as aggressive Estonian guard JJorke Aav got to the free throw line twice and Tim Martinez made a clutch jumper to tie the game at 70-70 with 1,37 to play. Aav then scored for the 72-70 lead, but Bruno Albrecht tied the game at 72-72 with an off balance shot with 35 seconds to remain. Frankfurt had one last possession with 11 seconds to play, but Hadenfeldt´s last shot flew right and jumped off the rim for the loss. “We knew that they would take the 3. We switched on the screen and denied Albrecht the last shot. We wanted Hadenfeldt to take the shot”, expressed JJorke Aav. “We didn´t have a good eye on the clock and didn´t have good timing. They knew we would take the 3 so the odds were against us”, stressed Malik Kordel. Team Ehingen was led by JJorke Aav with 20 points while Albert Prior had 11 points and Tim Martinez had 10 points while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Bruno Albrecht with 15 points while Felix Hecker and Ivan Crnjac added 14 points a piece. Team Ehingen shot 42% from the field and 11% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 41% from the field and 23% from outside and 44 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Wes Dreamer (201-F-2000, college: NW Missouri St.) is a 23 year old 201cm forward from Lincoln, Nebraska playing his rookie season for German Pro a team Dresden Titans. He began his basketball career at Lincoln high school and then played 159 games for Northwest Missouri State University from 2019-2024 winning 6 titles. In his last season he averaged 17.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 78.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Wes for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we begin to start to talk basketball, I have to ask you about your name Wes Dreamer. I don´t often just like a name off the bat, but when saying Wes Dreamer, it is a name that just sounds cool. Have you heard reactions like that before or is it just me?

I have gotten a lot of reactions to my name, over the years I have gotten used to it.

Congrats on signing with German pro A team Dresden Titans. When did you exactly know in the last years that you would want to pursue a professional career one day?

It has always been a dream of mine to continue to keep on playing after college but never expected it to actually happen. It would’ve been my sophomore year of college when things started to turn out and look for the best.

It isn´t self-evident for Division 2 guys to turn pro, but you did it. How blessed do you feel to be able to come overseas and hoop for a living?

I am beyond blessed to get this kind of opportunity. There aren’t many people who can say they are or have done something like this so I just need to cherish every moment.

You won an incredible 6 titles at Northwest Missouri State. Is that special winning gene captured inside you?

I have just been lucky enough to have been surrounded by a great group of coaches and teammates and I believe if you work hard enough at the little things, that is where the winning comes from.

What do you know in general about Germany and it´s basketball? How appealing is it to be able to play in this country?

I don’t know a whole lot about the country and it’s basketball but what I do know is that it is going to be very competitive and not easy. Germany has so many great players and is going to be a tough challenge which is appealing to me.

A great ex player from Northwest Missouri State with Elijah Allen has played in Germany for 10 plus years. Have you ever heard of him or even met or spoken to him?

I have heard of Elijah, but have never met or spoken to him.

You met head coach Fabian Strauss in Madrid. What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy`?

I really liked how coach Strauss visualized the game and how he thinks I will be able to help out the squad this year with the way I play

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward from Nebraska. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would be the best description? I have heard Ben Simmons.

I think Ben Simmons is a good comparison, him with a better shooting percentage would be pretty accurate, with his passing ability, defense, and knowledge of the game.

You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet with ease. How big is versatility a staple in your game?

It is a huge part of my game. Being able to shoot the 3 and play from the wing and then also being able to post up any defender really helps me and makes it hard on defenses.

You have more than just a stable shot but shot 40% or better at the NCAA 2 level twice and was at 39% last season. What NBA shooters have you always liked to watch and what is your goal as a shooter in your rookie season?

I have always liked watching Steph Curry shoot the 3, just the way he is able to create his shots off the ball is something I like to watch and follow. My main goal as a shooter my rookie season will just be able to make as many threes at a good percentage. Not just shooting the ball to shoot it, but making sure it is the right shot each time.

You can guard many positions which made you very valuable to the Titans. What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I am a player that can mostly guard every position on the floor. I might not be fast like the guards but I am smart and use my knowledge and scouting to my advantage to know what moves they will make.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game as best as possible?

The one thing I want to keep improving on is my post moves. Just knowing how I am being guarded and making counter moves to what the defense is doing.

You played at Northwest Missouri State from 2019-2024 and won 4 MIAA titles. Which one was the sweetest?

They were all just a sweet, but my favorite one was from my freshman year in 2019-2020. I had 18 points off of the bench as a True Freshman in the Championship game.

You won the NCAA 2 title twice in 2021 and 2022. Which run was most memorable to you? I can imagine the first one was where you had a double double in the win over West Texas?

That West Texas game was for sure the most memorable because not only did I have a good game, it was the first national championship that I won there.

You were really consistent in your game in your third and fourth years, but made a big jump in your fifth season and won player of the year. How did your game grow in Ben McCollum´s last season?

I think being consistent to what I was doing the years before that is what helped me out. I didn’t try to do too much and just let the game come to me and that is what made me have the season I had.

You had many great games in the NCAA 2 but what was your personal best game statwise?

There was a game I had this year where I had 30 points in only 17 minutes of playing. I had a game in high school where I had 42 points and 15 rebounds.

How did legendary head coach Ben McCollum groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I was blessed to have Coach Mac as a teacher and mentor for my 5 years of playing. The way he was able to develop me in the way of not completely changing my game and just going off of what I was already good at, made the player I am today.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Daniel Abreu?

We had our fair share of battles in practice but I think I came out on top most of the time.

Who is the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I played against Tre Jones at Duke, he is just a great all around player.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all.-time?

It’s hard for me to pick just 5, all of my teammates I have played with have been great and helped me out in so many ways.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron, MJ, Kobe, Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is LeBron James because he has been so dominant for so long and continues to show why he is the best.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the sequel unfortunately.

Thanks Wes for the chat.

The Frankfurt Skyliners surely learned last season that you don’t go wrong hauling in a Carleton University boy to sustain success. Almost 10 years ago the Skyliners signed an unknown rookie Philipp Scrubb for the stretch run of the season and prompt he helped the club win their first international title with the Fiba Europe Cup. Last season Frankfurt brought in rookie Aiden Warnholtz and he aided the organization in helping them move back to the easyCredit BBL after a season in the second division. This season the Skyliners are trying it again by testing a school with a rookie with Trey Calvin (183-PG-2001, college: Wright St.) to see if he can bring the same kind of magic as a former player did. The school isn’t Carleton, but Wright State. For those Skyliner diehard fans, no one will ever forget the name Dashaun Wood, who helped Frankfurt reach the semi-finals and won the 2011 BBL MVP trophy. He was a walking bucket that loved to feed Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson with back door alley-oop passes. Wood had a stellar career overseas and played at Wright State 20 years ago winning a Horizon League title and player of the year in 2007. ‘He came to our school last season and spoke to us. I learned that he was a really good player and leader. I hadn’t known too much of him, but had heard of him’, said Trey Calvin. Will he feel pressure to uphold the great Wright State tradition in Frankfurt that Wood had begun? ‘I really don’t feel too much pressure. I’m not going into this situation with any expectations. I will just work hard every day and try to contribute in any way I can. I will do what I can control’, stressed Trey Calvin.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Dashaun Wood in

Trey Calvin who lists Jaden Ivey and Bennedict Mathurin as his toughest foes in the NCAA was born on June 29th, 2001 in Chicago, Illinois. He began his basketball career at St.Viator and led his school to a perfect record in his junior season in the East Suburban Catholic Conference while averaging 16/5/3 for the season. He already showed a knack for hitting the three pointer as a kid winning the 4H IHSA three point shootout. He then commenced an illustrious 5 year career at Wright State (NCAA) in 2019 playing a total of 153 games. He went from his freshman year averaging 4,7ppg in 18 minutes to 9,7ppg in 31 minutes per game in his second season. In his third season he averaged 14.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 85.1% and helped lead his team to win the Horizon Conference title in a thrilling 72-71 win over NKU where he supplied 21 points. After disposing of Bryant in the NCAA tournament, they lost a difficult 87-70 contest to Arizona where he contributed 16 points. ‘It was a tough loss. We were down 3 points with 10 minutes to play. I still feel like we had them and could of won the game. But they were #1 in the country. We put up a big fight and never hung our heads’, remembered Trey Calvin. He had his best statistical season in 2022-2023 averaging 20.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 88.2%. He improved his three point shooting again from 38% to 39%. He had 2 memorable games that season hitting Louisville with a buzzer beater to win 73-72 adding 17 points and then exploding against Youngstown with 44 points, but losing a heartbreaker in triple overtime 91-89. ‘The Louisville game is top 3 in best games in my career. It was my first buzzer beater. The loss against Youngstown was tougher than the loss to Arizona the year before. We were all gassed at the end. We had so many chances to win the game, but blew it missing easy lay ups. I had made game tying shots. I was totally gassed’, stressed Trey Calvin. When one rewatches his buzzer beater, his shot fake and calmness is always present. ‘The shot fake just popped up as the play continued The help came from the left, so I had to fake. I was lucky, because I got it off with 0,2 seconds on the clock’, stated Trey Calvin. He continued his consistency in his fifth season averaging 19.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.6%. In his last 2 seasons he scored in double figures in 58 of 63 games and scored 30 points or more 6 times. One person who was very instrumental in his basketball development there was head coach Scott Nagy who helped in so many ways not only on the court. ‘With him it was less about basketball, but more grooming me to become a man and helping me prepare me for life after the game’, stressed Trey Calvin who doesn’t remember having so many 1-1 battles in practice with 2 time first team Horizon teammate Tanner Holden, but would pick himself every time. After 5 years he left Wright State with the most games played there, scoring the second most points with 2,139 while he was first in minutes played and field goals attempted and second all-time in field goals made and three point shots made and attempted. He also was named twice to the Horizon league first team and is 8th all-time in Horizon league in scoring and reached the 2000 points plateau.

The sniper who lists Louden Love, Grant Basile, Tanner Holden, Alex Huibregste and Cole Gentry as his 5 best teammates of all-time will begin his professional career in Germany with easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. I reach him on a Wednesday evening in Germany as he is back home in Chicago and had just completed a work out in preparation for his rookie season. ‘I’m really excited about starting my pro career in Frankfurt. I’m also a little nervous, because I will be leaving my family behind, but my excitement definitely outweighs my nervousness’, commented Trey Calvin. Not only Dashaun Wood played in Germany, but also some other guys that strapped on the Wright State uniform like ex Skyliner Seth Doliboa or ex Oldenburg guard Vaughn Duggins or ex Leverkusen player Grant Benzinger. The American got the best advice from new Wright State coach Clint Sargent. ‘I heard only good things from him. He played in Germany and really liked his time there’, said Trey Calvin. Sargent played only 2 years as a professional, but did that in Heidelberg back when they were playing in the Pro A. Coming to Frankfurt really was a no brainer for him simply because he and the Skyliners have one thing in common. ‘Coach Wucherer told me that the Skyliners are a type of underdog team. That is exactly how I feel as well. I also have that underdog mentality. I think because of that I fit in perfectly. I’m very hungry and want to prove that I’m not an underdog and play at a high level’, warned trey Calvin. Not only does he fit in great with the club, but also has the right coach for his rookie season. ‘I heard that coach Wucherer is a good coach. He pushes you hard, but in a good way. I really need that’, stressed Trey Calvin.

So what kind of player will basketball fans in Germany see in the Chicago native who lists Jordan, Lebron, Iverson, Kobe and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and has Jordan as his GOAT? When one lays eyes on the 183cm point guard, one sees a Chris Paul type of player that has a great mid range game and just enjoys and knows how to play at his own speed. ‘I just love to shoot the midrange and get my teammates involved’, said Trey Calvin. Even if he is an incredible outside shooter, it is his mid range that is his bread and butter. It is simply the shot he goes to the most. He also has a bit of Chase Griffin in him, a player that played many years in the German Pro A and belonged to the illustrious 90/50/40 club a few times. ‘The 90/50/40 club is definitely a goal of mine. I was a few % points short the last 2 seasons. I’m always in the gym trying to get better. I know I can reach it’, warned trey Calvin. But his offense isn’t the only thing that will sparkle this season, but he is extremely motivated to be a force just as much on the defensive end. ‘I’m a very hungry defender. A lot of pro teams passed on me, because of my size. I proved in college that I could defend bigger players. I’m a pest on defense and want to become one of the best’, stressed Trey Calvin. He wants to make an impact right away as a rookie with his offensive game and is focusing most on 2 aspects this off season. ‘I want to continue to keep my mid range sharp as well as working on my 3. In college, I primarily took the catch and shoot. Now I’m working more on getting off the screen and creating my own shoot. I want to be able to have many different types of shots in my bag’, added trey Calvin. And an interesting aspect is that he wants to add to the great team mentality of the Skyliners and showcase something he didn’t exhibit as much in the NCAA. ‘I have really been empathizing my pass game this off season. In college I was known as a scorer, but now want to be that pass first point guard’, warned trey Calvin. It will be interesting how Trey Calvin‘s rookie season pans out as the Frankfurt Skyliners look to make waves again in the easyCredit BBL. His scoring will always be on display, but if he can also become a big time passer, then that should only strengthen the team. The kid has talent and like with Carleton last season, things can only go well with an ex Wright State player.

Thomas Miles (190-G, college: WPU) is a 190cm guard playing his rookie season overseas with ZuS 59 HammStars. He began his basketball career at Jefferson High School and then played a season at the College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 71.7%. He then played a season with Midland College (JUCO) averaging 12.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 79.2%. He played a game with Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) before finishing at Warner Pacific University (NAIA) averaging 9.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.3% and in his last season averaged 19.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 88.3%. He got his first pro experience with the Vancouver Volcanoes (TBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.6%. Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Thomas Miles team up weekly to talk basketball.

Congrats Thomas on the 71-68 win over Wulfen. How did it feel making your rookie debut and then getting a win?

It felt extremely good, the atmosphere in the gym was insanely good and little nervous I was but that comes with the game. Hamm has a great fans and making someone from the states feel like home.

What is your first summary of how Regionalliga play is? How would you compare it to the NAIA?

I believe that competition wise it wasn’t to bad, I do feel like it’s a lot different from NAIA just like the pace in the game and everything moves at a quicker pace, but NAIA is also good competition.

Talk about the 40 minutes and the last minutes leading up to the win. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

I don’t think we played a whole 40 minutes, I do believe we did what we had to do to win. What was big for us though was rebounding. Coach was on us about the rebounding the ball and being one in done, that’s what he was emphasizing.

How key was being aggressive as a team and winning the rebound battle? How key was being able to control these areas?

It was big for us, that’s one part in the area where we see we need to get better and we will but the fact that we won the rebounding was impressive even though we can do a lot better I’m glad on how we played.

Holding a Regionalliga team to 68 points is massive as there is a lot of scoring at this level. How content were you with the defensive effort?

I believe defense this year will be a big part of us and I’m ready to work with the team to make the next step on our defensive side. I believe if we all lock in and buy in we can be a dangerous defensive team.

You had a great rookie start with 25/6/3/3/1/0 stats. What grade would you give yourself?

I would say it was a good showing more so because we won, I’m not sure what id grade myself just happy we won.

After a game like this, what do you do next in the lab on your own game?

Everything there’s not one area in my game that doesn’t need to improve I go back watch film and continue to work it will be a long season.

You next play DTV Cologne who are a experienced with 3 ex Pro B Germans. What will be key to getting the win

The same thing that was key this last game which was winning the rebounding war and making sure we show up with a chip on our shoulder.

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

It is only logical that when you win a title that you don´t stop there but stay hungry and focused and win another. It wasn´t any different with the Boston Celtics in the 60´s or the Chicago Bulls in the 90´s. Who could forget all of the joyful faces of the Dragons Rhondorf in Cologne last spring as they heaved the Pro B title into the air. That feeling just won´t leave. Second year man and captain Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) knows that incredible feeling that was inside him and it´s only obvious that he wants to experience that again. “I am super hungry as is the team to defend the Pro B title. We know that it will be a super tough challenge, but we have the team to do it. Winning the Pro B title in Cologne was almost an indescribable feeling. I remember when I watched the Celtics win the title last summer and saw the emotions that Jayson Tatum showed, it hit me all over again. It was the greatest feeling winning our title”, warned Kelvin Omojola. This is the second season for Kelvin Omojola with the Dragons Rhondorf and being able to strap on the jersey of the organization is a very special privilege. However being captain of the team is even more special. “It is such an honor to wear the Dragons Rhondorf jersey. It is great being captain, but what is even greater is hearing the young players and their parents telling me that I´m such a great leader. That makes it even more special. Knowing that I´m a positive influence is nice”, stated Kelvin Omojola. He was a massive impact player last season and should step up his game tremendously especially being able to practice with the easyCredit team Telekom Baskets Bonn on a daily basis. “It is so important being able to have this opportunity and learn from the coaching staff-That team has such high level players. Being able to pick the brains of Mcghee or Fleming is really important. I may be older than most of those guys, but I´m never too good to stop learning. Being able to soak up leadership skills from a guy like Thomas Kennedy is huge as well”, stressed Kelvin Omojola.

The ambitious club couldn´t hold on to the whole roster as guys like Badu Buck, Tyreese Blunt and Avery Sullivan left for higher leagues. The ex Pro A team was able to hold on to 6 players to uphold some of that team chemistry. The most vital player to stay was captain Kelvin Omojola. He was that reliable point guard that just ran the team the way a great floor general should. His speed allowed him to get easy baskets, his three pointer was always on display and his playmaking allowed him numerous 10+ assists in games. But his most important strength was his incredible leadership skills. He is a guy that is always motivating the guys especially the youngsters. The club also held on to sniper Antonio Pilipovic. Without his hot shooting in the Pro B final against the RheinStars where he drilled home 13 three´s, who knows if the Dragons would have pulled it out in the final. His shooting stands out, but he is so much more than a so called 3 and D player as he is a great passer and versatile defender with a high IQ. The club also kept young German shooting star Janne Mueller who came back to the Dragon Dome this pre season with U-18 Euro Gold medal. He made massive strides last season in his game as his non stop aggressive energy pushed the whole team for 40 minutes. He should see his first easyCredit BBL minutes with the Telekom Baskets Bonn this season. Marko Rosic also remained. The 174cm bundle of energy has a heart of a lion as he is always giving 180% at both ends. He did a great job always keeping up the tempo and flow of the game with the second unit. The team also held on Mamadou Diallo who didn´t see many minutes, but whenever he played he gave all he had. He had 17 points in 23 minutes in a win against Ehingen and threw down 34 points in a Regionalliga game against Recklinghausen. 18 year old Youngster Dyami Janeck only averaged 4,5 minutes per game, but had his moments scoring 7 points in 10 minutes in game 2 against Rostock. His energy is infectious and he personally reminds me of Janne Mueller. He continued to sparkle in pre-season and should get more minutes this season.

The club brought in 4 new players with Tim Smith Jr from USA. He has vast college experience as he played at 3 schools with 2 Division 2 schools and one Division 1 school with N Alabama. He is a 3 level scorer with that touch of Jayson Tatum in his game, but his biggest strength is his deadly shooting. He is a player that has that feeling that every ball he shoots will go in. He also sprouts athleticism and can get to the rim when needed. He also knows what it feels like to win as he hoisted a GMAC title. The club also brought in much needed experience with Marco Rahn. Rhondorf fans didn´t forget him as he poured in 25 points in the Dragon Dome 2 seasons ago. He has 102 Pro B games on his resume and played a season of Pro A last season in Bayreuth and even managed 4 easyCredit BBL games with Jena. His game resembles a Pau Gasol as he is versatile and consistent and can defend positions 2-5. A big strength in his game is that he will keep a team together. The club also brought in young German Alexander Lagerman who began his career in the Fraport Skyliners youth system averaging 21,0ppg 2 seasons ago in the NBBL. He took a step forward last season to play with Pro B team Schwenningen, but health issues derailed his season. He still managed to average a potent 15,0ppg in the Pro B. His games resembles that of a Mario Hezonja as he is very versatile and can find many different ways to score. His long arms will spark the defense as his ability to get into passing lanes with help the team get on transition. The team also hauled in young Lithuanian prospect Danas Kazakevicius who played the last 3 seasons in the Bamberg program. He developed his game nicely there as he averaged 21,0ppg in the NBBL and 7/2 with Coburg in the Pro B lasts eason. The Domatas Sabonas type of player is another versatile player that is a superb rebounder, but also likes to pass the ball. He will continue to work on his three pointer and defense as he wants to be able to switch 1-5 one day. The club recently brought in talented 17 year old German Kenan Reinhart who comes from the RheinStars Cologne. He is a youth national player that averaged 25,0ppg in the NBBL last season. He models his game after Andi Obst and is an ambitious defender. I can imagine him following in the foot steps of Janne Mueller´s season last season.

On paper the 2024-2025 team doesn´t look as potent as the 2023-2024 team especially when you lose impact players like Blunt, Buck and Sullivan, but Kelvin Omojola is confident that this years team will still be able to put up many points. “It was obviously difficult losing so much fire power and experience, but we got good new players and have so much talent and potential. Smith is a mis match and Lagerman came from a tough situation is Schwenningen and is hungry. I expect a lot from our role players from last year. It will be important to get players like Diallo to go from 3-8 or 9 points per game. We have the potential to score”, warned Kelvin Omojola. One thing that will be different from last season will be the style of play of the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season you had an abundance of bigs with Sullivan, Gille and Beck, but this season are a bit undersized as small ball will be the name of the game. We have a lot of wings and don´t expect to give Danas Kazakevicius post touches. We will use our quickness and length to create mismatches. We have great shooters all around and will drive and kick as well. Our strength will be our ability to switch 1-4. We have so many good guards and wings that we will be very versatile”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Their high scoring last season allowed them to win many games despite allowing 82 points per game. This season a big focus will be on defense, but not much will change. “It will be pretty much the same as year with hard hedging and switching a lot. I think that Smith and Rahn will function well at the 4-5 positions. We have enough dogs this season to defend well. Everybody wants to take on the challenge. Defending well is not about skill, but effort and how much energy you give”, warned Kelvin Omojola. Even if many experienced guys have departed from last season, I think that this team will have their special own identity and give the Dragons fans much joy again in the Dragon Dome. They have a potent mix of guys from the winning team and new hungry guys that will take on the challenge of defending the Pro B title.