In a span of 5 years from 2015-2019, the mighty FC Bayern Munich won the NBBL title 3 times and one could say had amassed a pretty dynasty. Then Covid was unleashed on the world and the NBBL top 4 took a 2 season break until 2022. In the last 2 seasons FC Bayern Munich reached the NBBL top 4, but had to tip their caps to the Young Rasta Dragons in 2022 suffering a brutal 68-64 loss and last year were demolished by Alba Berlin by 17 points. Moments after the buzzer sounded, I witnessed a very down Ivan Khartchenkov of FC Bayern Munich. He had loads of family and friends there. He is a hard nosed competitor that has that constant no fear attitude and winning mentality, so losing must have been the most difficult thing ever. He may have been the missing piece in 2022 had he been able to play, but he was injured and couldn´t play. While last year, he did play, but wasn´t at 100%. Currently he is 100% healthy and roaring to go. He hopes that this season will be three´s a charm. Three is a charm simply means when you failed twice and the third time could be successful. “I was practicing twice a day at times with the BBL and pro B team. I am also doing extra shooting and individual training. I want to win so badly. I am doing all I can every day to get the title”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov (198-SG-2006).

FC Bayern Munich had a so so regular season with a record of 8-6. They were swept by IBAM including losing the first game of the season by 34 points and were swept by Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg even if both games were close as they only lost combined by 8 points in both games. A big problem for FC Bayern Munich and also the Young Dragons Vechta was that they just didn´t practice much as a team together. Both teams have many talented guys that played with Regio, Pro B and Pro A teams. “It isn´t easy playing games together when you never practiced together. I couldn´t really look in the eyes of some guys and say I knew every thing about their game. Now we are taking the last week and a half as a time to practice together every day in preparation of the top 4 and get to know each other´s games better”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. FC Bayern Munich average 80 points per game, allow 75 points per game and grab 32 rebounds per game. They weren´t always at full strength during the season, but will be at the top 4. “We showed at the Pro B level what the NBBL guys are capable of. Plus we are very experienced and agile as a team. We play small ball and match up well against our opponents”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. He and Martin Kalu are the 2 main go to guys as in the NBBL, they averaged 36 of the team 80 points. Despite both of them being big German talents, they are 2 guys that harmonize well on the court. “His athleticism is unbelievable. Everything he does looks so easy. His jumping ability is amazing. The good thing is that whenever one of us is struggling, we pick each other up”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. It is obvious that the Young Rasta Dragons will do all they can to slow them down. But FC Bayern Munich have other weapons that will be capable to step up like Ivan Volf and Dominik Dolic. “ombined they average 27 points per game and could be the unsung hero´s in the game. “We will be doubled all day long, so Martin and I will look for them on kick outs. I don´t want to put pressure on them, but if we are closed down and they don´t step up, we will have difficulty winning. I´m positive that they can cope with pressure. If Martin and I are limited scoring, then we will have to create”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. Another player that will be asked to step up is Ukrainian Desmond Yiamu who is only 198cm and the team´s only true big man. He is a force on offense, but can also be that defensive stopper. “We expect a lot from him in the paint and getting rebounds. It will be a tough battle against Johan Gruenloh. But I have a lot of trust in Desmond. He has to be focused and work hard against him. He has to play smart basketball. Important will be making the first punch. He can´t go into the game thinking well let´s see what happens”, commented Ivan Kharchenkov.

FC Bayern Munich will battle the Young Rasta Dragons in the first semi-final game. In a way it is a pity that this has to be a semi-final as it could have that final magnitude. “This would have been a nice final, but at the same time, it will be good preparation for us”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. A big battle in the game will be the guard play between Kalu and him against 2023 NBBL champion Jack Kayil and 2019 U-14 German champion Joshua Bonga. He has seen the best in the world in the Euroleague so showing his best against these talented young players is nothing special. “I´m really not excited for the challenge. We all have good chances to meet in the Euroleague again one day. I´m mostly excited that I´m healthy again and have the opportunity to play for a title”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. The recipe for winning the game is quite simple. “The team that plays the best team defense will win. We will have good chances if we can bring them out of rhythm. Defense wins championships”, added Ivan Kharchenkov who believes that the Ludwigsburg will reach the NBBL final over Oldenburg.

Going into the NBBL Top 4 Ivan Kharchenkov has played a total of 41 games including 4 ANGT games. In the BBL he played 8 games averaging 4,3ppg, played 4 Euroleague games and 20 Pro B games averaging 22,6ppg, 5,2rpg, 4,3apg and 2,0spg. This season has been refreshing for the 17 year old as he has finally remained healthy. “It feels really good to be playing injury free. I don´t have to watch my teammates play like other seasons. When your injured, you lose rhythm and it´s tough to find it again when you return. This season I built a rhythm and was able to ride the momentum all through the season”, expressed Ivan Kharchenkov. He only played 5 NBBL games averaging 24,2ppg, 7,2rpg, 4,0apg and 2,4spg. Even if he played only 5 NBBL games, it isn´t that tough finding a rhythm mainly because half of the team was on the Pro B team. In the 96-87 win over IBAM that clinched FC Bayern Munich´s ticket to the NBBL top 4, he had a massive game netting 35 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 8 dimes. Did he do anything special for this game to be able to register such outstanding stats? “I did nothing extra special. It was a big game for us and I stepped up. I played all the situations like I always did. This was the biggest youth game of my career”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. The young scoring guard is extra motivated to top this game especially if it means winning the NBBL title, but as always will do the things needed to win. “I will do all I can to help us win. If it means I have to play better than that game, then I will, if not I won´t. We will see”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. This will most likely be his last 2 German club youth games and will he be capable to showcase his best basketball? “No matter what happens, I don´t think that I will be able to showcase my best basketball there. The reason is I will showcase my individual game and not necessarily my team game. The NBBL team expects me to do so much for the team. I think next season is when I will showcase my best basketball in the easyCredit BBL”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 28 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

BG Hagen lost a game 1 to the ETB Miners 91-80. What is your summary for the 40 minutes?

I think we didn’t start the game how we wanted to but in the second half we definitely had a chance but some things didn’t go our way along with us just not being smart.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was there ever a moment where BG Hagen was in control or was it a game of catch up all night long?

It was definitely a game of catch up but we caught up but just couldn’t get the lead and keep it. We know where we made the mistakes and we will be prepared for it next game for sure.

BG Hagen drilled home 13 three´s, but got pounded on the offensive glass. Was this game lost on the glass?

I think at the most crucial time when we needed a rebound and didn’t get it could’ve been where we lost the game but it was definitely more than that.

BG Hagen did a Ok job on Andrew and Bryant, but couldn´t contain Kharchenkov and Selimovic. What improvements will the team have to make in game 2 on the defensive end?

The key is to not let Andrew and Bryant have their way but also not let any other players get more than they’re used to and I think kharchenkov is that person that we didn´t contain. We must be way more disciplined and smarter on defense on who we want taking shots and containing the stars as best as we can.

Only 3 guys of BG Hagen scored in double figures. Will there have to come more support from others in game 2 for a chance to win?

100%. We are already working on getting more production from everyone and I think everyone is more motivated and ready for next game.

You were close to a triple double, but I know your 7 turnovers robbed you of your sleep. Was it their aggressive defense or were you simply careless with the ball?

I was just careless with the ball for sure or some unlucky situations happened in the game that caused a turnover in the books. I’ll make sure to go over the film and tighten up for the next game.

BG Hagen has to win 2 games in a row. I´m sure you will save your best for last. How confident are you of a positive weekend happening?

I’m more than confident in us. It’s going to be a fight but we worked all season for this moment and we deserve it and we’re going for it all or going to die trying.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

How often does one hear those famous words in sports with “what could have been”. The Fraport Skyliners had game 2 in their hands with 20 seconds to go and the last shot, but couldn´t execute as ex Carleton guard Aiden Warnholtz missed. Frankfurt could of wrapped up the series against Jena tonight, but instead entered the game with the series tied at 1-1. Frankfurt should of won game 2, but also had problems with foul management allowing Jena 35 free throw attempts. In game 3, there was a new dimension in the series as whoever won game 3 would have a match ball in Jena on Friday night. Both teams had a few days to watch film and make the needed adjustments as game 3 shifted back to Frankfurt and this time the Fraport Skyliners stepped up their defense to another level and fans witnessed the Coplin and Muenkat show as they nailed the big shots whenever the team needed it winning 74-63 over Jena and 2-1 series lead. “It was huge for us to react the way we did tonight after allowing 35 free throws in game 2. We were physical, but at the same time kept our identity and played smart. We defended very well and often held them to low in the shot count. We were efficient on offense and our defense allowed us to have extra possessions with their 22 turnovers”, expressed Fraport Skyliners guard Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG). Medipolis SC Jena never had a consistent flow on offense as the Frankfurt aggressive defense forced them to more 1-1 play and to many turnovers which allowed Frankfurt to control the game for the most part. “If you have 22 turnovers and only 7 assists, then it will be difficult to win. We had difficultly getting open shots and took too many contested shots. Frankfurt did a good job getting open shots and Muenkat pushed them with his three´s. We just didn´t have enough to get over the hump”. Stressed Medipolis SC Jena forward Stephan Haukohl.

Justin Onyejiaka at the FT line

3,050 people were in the Skyliners living room and observed a very hard fought first quarter as no team led by more than 6 points. Both teams found to their rhythm quickly whereas Jena was playing very physical and got going by ex Skyliner Rasheed Moore who scored twice and always seems to be playing with a chip on his shoulder against his old team. The Fraport Skyliners did a super job moving the ball and finding the cutters and extra passes for easy hoops inside as German Justin Onyejiaka made the dunk from the extra pass by Booker Coplin and Coplin made the lay in with the extra pass by David Muenkat. Ex Schwenningen center Jacob Knauf also got hot scoring twice including an old school hook shot, but the game was tied 8-8. The three´s weren´t falling well for both teams, so boht concentrated trading buckets inside. Haukohl and Colorado native Alex Herrera scored inside while Frankfurt got to the free throw line well. Frankfurt was defending aggressively and forced Jena to 6 turnovers, but couldn´t profit too much leading 18-16 after 10 minutes. California native Ife Ajayi scored a floater to close out the first quarter. “It was important for us too stay patient early. We didn´t want to do too much and just stick to the game plan. They are a talented team and we were focused to try to wear them down”, stated Minnesota native Booker Coplin. The Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 20% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 1 turnover while Medipolis SC Jena shot 58% form the field and 0% from outside and had 7 rebounds.

Amir Hinton

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to break open the game in fine Skyliner fashion with explosive and efficient offense while on defense they continued to defend with passion. A technical foul by Joshiko Saibou and 3 free throws by Bruno Vrcic gave Frankfurt a rapid 4 point play and 22-16 advantage. However Jena didn´t let that burst of power deter their game as sharp shooter Vuk Radodjicic who once hit Alba Berlin for 48 points and FC Bayern Munich for 35 points in a NBBL game nailed a trey as Frankfurt led 22-19. Ex G-League player Amir Hinton who is a freak athlete made a left handed lay in and Coplin a lay in to Keep Frankfurt ahead 24-21. Then came the turning point of the game which would give Frankfurt the big lead and one that they would never relinquish in the game as they produced a lethal 21-8 run to close out the second quarter with a severe bang and 45-32 advantage. The run was started by back to back three´s by Muenkat and Onyejiaja for the 30-21 lead. Frankfurt´s offense was in a flow while Jena was playing that 1-1 play and contested game that they weren´t going to beat Frankfurt in any way with. Frankfurt continued to overpower Jena as now their three´s were falling as Muenkat struck 2 more times for the 40-25 lead. Booker Coplin continued to be a force at both ends as he made a steal and drove home the two handed dunk and on the next play lifted the perfect lob pass to Knauf for the hard 2 handed dunk. “I couldn´t really see his dunk as my defender was on me, but I´m looking forward to watching that dunk on film”, smiled Booker Coplin. Radojicic closed out the second quarter with another big three pointer at the buzzer. “When we get steals and can run, then we are all happy and having fun. We built the momentum in that run and that fed of everyone”, said Booker Coplin. The Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 42% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 41% from the field and 22% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Kevin Mcclain from down town

In the third quarter Medipolis SC Jena made a massive run, but it wasn´t big enough to get over the hump, but they still trailed only by 7 points after 30 minutes. Ex Carleton guard Aiden Warnholtz began the third quarter with a trey to give Frankfurt the overwhelming 48-32 lead. But then Medipolis SC Jena really turned up the intensity which carried their offense which was led by Mr 1-1 Amir Hinton who brings that NBA flair to the court. He scored 4 times with each bucket more difficult and pretty than the one before. He had no problems taking on contact and finished with ease in traffic. “I always like to watch Hinton operate. He has acrobatic finishes and we really needed that from him at that moment”, added Stephan Haukohl. Jena also received 4 points from Rasheed Moore and free throws from Virginia native Blake Francis as suddenly Frankfurt led only 48-46. Jena really had come back through great individual plays while Frankfurt couldn´t find that sweet offensive flow from the first half. But they finally did get some energy and aid and finished the third quarter strong with a 7-2 run to lead 55-48. Frankfurt´s depth once again helped as the second unit gave support. 2 time NBBL champion Bruno Vrcic scored as did ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Cameron Henry. “We came out flat and didn´t get any good looks. Shots weren´t falling”, comemented Booker Coplin. “We got 1-2 easy baskets and some stops in our run. We did a good job, but only for 5 minutes. It wasn´t enough”, expressed Stephan Haukohl. The Fraport Skyliners shot 37% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 41% from the field and 17% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

Rasheed Moore at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Medipolis SC Jena continued to fight, but couldn´t cut Frankfurt´s lead down any lower than 7 points as Frankfurt simply executed too well on offense and Jena was unable to get over the hump. The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first with a massive Ife Ajayi dunk after he had missed a dunk on the previous possession. Haukohl then suffered a technical foul which Bruno Vrcic iced with free throws and the 58-48 Frankfurt lead. Jena then got 5 points from the sniper Radojicic, but Frankfurt always had an answer as Muenkat and Vrcic nailed three´s for the 64-53 lead. “Vrcic works so hard. It´s really a joy to watch his hard work pay off”, said Booker Coplin. Jena got buckets from Hinton and Moore, but once again Frankfurt had an answer as Knauf made 4 free throws and Coplin a trey for the 71-57 Frankfurt lead. Frankfurt continued to play consistent defense and just wanted to play strong until the end. Jena couldn´t get stops while time was running out. Hinton scored 2 more times and Moore while Coplin hit another three pointer to close out the game. “Our second unit came in and did a good job. We wore them down. Defense wins championships”, warned Booker Coplin. “Frankfurt played consistent defense. We were too one dimensional. They knew what we were doing and read our game well. They took away our inside game and we played into their hands”, expressed Stephan Haukohl. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Booker Coplin and David Muenkat with 16 points a piece while Medipolis SC Jena was led by Amir Hinton with 21 points and Rasheed Moore with 15 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 36% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 43% from the field and 19% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 22 turnovers.

Pic credit: FC Bayern basketball

Federico Perego is an Italian coach that is currently the head coach of the FC Bayern Mun ich NBBL (U-19) team. He gained experience in Italy with Prima Veroli, Bennet Cantu and Pesaro. In Germany he was on the Bamberg coaching staff for 5 years. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the NBBL Top 4 tournament in Berlin.

Thanks Federico for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the NBBL Top 4. How proud are you of the team for reaching the TOP 4? It had a very up and down season?

I think that we did a great job the whole season with the boys. We played the season until the playoffs with super young guys. Many guys didn´t play with us as they were with first team or Pro B team. We changed how we run our youth program. We focused heavily on the individual development of our players. Everybody worked very hard and I´m very happy the guys can live this experience in Berlin.

You lost the first game of the season by 34 points to IBAM and then lost the second game of the season, but swept them in the playoffs. I call that a great turn around.

Yes for sure. This shows how much the players improved. I feel like in the playoffs we controlled 75% of each game against IBAM. This tells the story of how far we came despite never practicing as a team together. I give a lot of respect and thanks to Emir Mutapcic. We all worked hard and followed one path.

What is your summary of the season? You enter the 2024 Top 4 with a 7game winning streak. Is the team playing it´s best basketball now?

I don´t know if it´s our best basketball, but we are playing solid. Now we are trying to put together ideas and form the right chemistry for the top 4. We have to improve our defense as we are playing the best team with Vechta. We need to be focused.

FC Bayern Munich scores 80 points per game and allows 75 points per game. What is the team´s biggest strength?

I believe that if we can move the ball well, then we have many weapons to score the ball. Everybody knows Khartchenkov and Kalu, but we have the possibility to score much with many other guys. I feel like if we can balance our offense then we could be a problem for all.

FC Bayern Munich as usual have very talented players especially with Ivan Kharchenkov and Martin Kalu. Are these 2 guys the top 2 guards in the NBBL?

They are two very talented players, but the top 4 will also showcase other very talented players. Vechta also have two very talented players with Kayil and Bonga. Ivan and Martin are very interesting for German basketball. I don´t remember ever seeing any young players in the last years that had a body like Kalu or guys that have the pure talent of Ivan. They are still young and have all the tools together with hard work to become great players. We will see a lot of good young talent at the Top 4.

I love to watch Ivan Kharchenkov. The kid is fearless. He will be so motivated after losing in last years semi-final. Could a tournament like this up his draft potential?

I believe that any high competition like the Top 4 will attract scouts and others. I think the Top 4 will also be important for us to see how they react and then to know how we can help them improve. It will be a good showcase for everyone.

I like to watch Ivan Volf and Dominik Dolic. How have you seen their development this season?

These 2 guys are good examples of guys that came from playing less last season to getting more minutes this season and taking advantage of it. They worked hard this season and got minutes right away in the Pro B. They were main guys in the NBBL for us this season. Volf worked on his body a lot this season and had a big impact in the IBAM playoff series.

How raw is Desmond Yiamu. How valuable is he in your offense?

He is very talented on offense. He has great basketball instincts. He is a big threat on offense. When he is connected on defense, then he is a modern day big. He can switch, guard almost all positions and is a very good rebounder. He was one of our other guys that stepped up in the NBBL and was our main 5 man in the Pro B.

You have won 8 titles in Italy and Germany at the pro level. Was it a tough adjustment coaching boys?

I actually began to coach youth basketball 20 years ago in Italy. The biggest adjustment now was that much has changed in coaching boys from 20 years ago. I have coached many great players the last years. Guys that played Euroleague or went to the NBA. For example in Bamberg I coached Zisis. I try to take things from players like that and try to incorporate it into my teachings with the young guys. I tell the boys that it is a long way to become a great player. They have to be able to control what they can control. Making sacrifices is part of the journey. It is a challenge trying to help young players. We are trying to help them reach their dreams. It is difficult, but it gives me energy.

How do you feel did you grow as a coach having experience coaching young men?

It was a new experience. We never practiced together as a team during the week, but met on Sundays for games. I had to find a way to adapt and find solutions during games. I had never experienced this in my life. Important for me was having a very close relationship with Mutapcic. Every day was different and you had time to improve. We stayed together all day for 15 hours.

The Young Rasta Dragons will battle FC Bayern Munich. In a way this is like a final. Is it not a bit disappointing that this is the semi-final and not the final?

To be honest, you may think that, but Ludwigsburg won our division. We lost both games to them. One doesn´t necessarily have to think that this game is the final. Ludwigsburg can be seen as the favorite. I however feel that Vechta is the best team. They have the most players. If you want to win the title, you have to beat them. This will be a big challenge, but we will take matchup in best way. We embrace the challenge and will try to be as competitive as possible.

This will be a very interesting game. FC Bayern Munich have a very deep roster, but I feel like the Young Rasta Dragons Vechta roster is deeper. What kind of a game can we await?

I think that the game will be of high intensity. I hope that it will be a fancy game where all the fans will have joy to watch.

This game will pit the top guards Jack Kayil and Joshua Bonga against Ivan Khartchenkov and Martin Kalu. Do you feel like this game could be decided by the guard play? Rasta Vechta have a deep roster and more experience than FC Bayern Munich. What will be key to getting win?

I believe that these 4 players will be very important for both teams in this game. We will prepare for it as if we are expecting their best team. We will prepare as if Gruenloh were to play. We will have to create a defensive system where we are aggressive and be aware of guys like Petric and their other wings. I think that the team that plays the best team defense will have the biggest advantage to win.

Who will win the other final between BBA Porsche Ludwigsburg and Oldenburg?

I know Ludwigsburg well, but haven´t really followed Oldenburg yet. Ludwigsburg is very aggressive and athletic. They also have 2-3 dangerous players like Esli Edigin. I see Ludwigsburg as one of the candidates to win the game.

How did your 5 years in Bamberg shape you as a coach?

Bamberg was an amazing experience for us all. It was a time where it was the right moment for right people in the right place. I will always remember these years. The time shaped me as a coach, because I worked with so many amazing players together. It was a life experience.

You won 3 BBL titles. Which was the sweetest?

The first 1 I think. The first title was kind of a surprise as nobody expected us to win. It was super emotional. Who can forget the crazy shot by Dwan Robinson against Munich.. It was so special because it was the first title for many.

In 2008 you coached rookie Kyle Hines. Since he has won 4 Euroleague titles. If someone had told you in 2008 that he would become the greatest American Euroleague player what would you have said?

I coached Mike James in 2013 in the third division and I remember him telling me that he would play Euroleague one day. I told him hold on Mike, cool down a bit. And now he is the leading scorer in Euroleague. It is crazy how it sometimes goes. When Kyle Hines arrived in 2008, he helped us win the second division. What was clear right away was his unbelievable work ethic. He was always the first at practice and the last to go. He also had high energy. On top of that he was a super nice guy as well. He earned every success that he has. I have only heard good things about him from people that worked with him. He is a great story for the young kids. Nobody expected him to become the Kyle Hines that we all know. He didn´t come to Italy as a known player.

Thanks Federico for the chat.

pic credit Rasta Vechta

Harm-Ubbo Horst is a German head coach currently coaching the Young Rasta Dragons NBBL (U-19) team. He began his coaching career in Vechta and then coached 2 years in Dresden where he was an assistant coach with the Pro B team Titans and also the NBBL coach. This season he led the tYoung Rasta Dragons team into the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin and spoke to germanhoops.com about the season.

The Young Rasta Dragons are back in the NBBL Top 4 for a third straight season. Alba Berlin is out. Is this the season that the Young Rasta Dragons finally win it all?

That is the goal. We reached the final the last 2 years and finally want to win it in our third try. We had a tough series against Alba Berlin, but that prepared us well. Our goal since the start of the season was the NBBL title.

The Young Rasta Dragons finished 11-4 in the regular season. Alba Berlin was only 7-7 and not as strong as other seasons. This years roster seems a bit stronger than last season despite not having Johan Grunloh. What was your summary of the season? Did it underachieve? Didn´t this team have the talent to go undefeated?

The focus wasn´t on the NBBL this season. Our players concentrated more on the Pro A and Regionalliga. It was tough since the NBBL team never practiced together. That showed in games when the team had no flow. Often guys played different roles in the pro teams and the NBBL. In the first half of the season we won many games through individual class and in the second half of the season the opponents had found their rhythm better and all wanted to beat us. We put guys in cold water which forced them to develop. The team practiced together for the first time before game 3 against Alba Berlin.

The Young Rasta Dragons Vechta kept many guys from last season and added talent with guys like Joshua Bonga and Jack Kayil. What is the team´s biggest strength?

Our strength is our depth and good character and team chemistry. We have many that practiced and played Pro A and Regio games and youth national players.

How did you see the development of Joshua Bonga? In 2019 many said he was more talented than brother Isaac at age 14, but now 5 years later he wasn´t able to make the steps that his brother did. He missed a year in his development with an injury. How much upside does he still have?

We truly feel that Joshua will make big steps. He still needs to get used to the German level after being in Lithuania and being injured for a season. He is getting back to peak before injury. He still has much upside.

One player I have enjoyed watching is Karl Buehner. He may be the best rebounder at his position for his age. What steps has he made?

He has added physicality through his Pro A experience. His role changed a lot. Last season he played behind Brockhoff and Gruenloh and this season he had full responsibility at his position. This season he is a real leader. He had 0 points in game 2, but he was fit. The day before he was in Trier and came home at 3AM and left the next morning at 8AM for Berlin. In game 3 he had a great game after being rested.

2 of the biggest talents in their year are Michel Schillmueller and Moritz Gruess. You coached them last season in the JBBL. What steps have they made this season?

Schillmueller had a brutal injury where he was out 3 months. He is fit again now. He made the biggest gain in his personality. The injury taught him how important his body is. He was in the JBBL last season and has gotten used to the NBBL level this season. He also got responsibility in the Regio. Gruess became more adult in tactics and reading situations. Being able to play in the Regionalliga helped him get used to the physicality at the men´s level.

Another player that adjusted well to the team is ex Frankfurt player Noah Koch. How did you see his development and how much potential does he have?

You saw in the last games just how clever he has become this season on the court. In the JBBL he lived off his athleticism and tempo, but now in the NBBL he understands the game better. He is still explosive and will go coast to coast, but he needs to improve his shot. When he does that sky is the limit.

Did you feel a lot of pressure taking over for Hendrik Gruehn after all his success the last 2 years? How was the step from the JBBL to the NBBL for you?

This season was nice but also tough. In the JBBL we had 3 practices per week and the games and this season the focus was on the Pro A. I was an assistant in the Pro A for Hendrik Gruehn. I coached the NBBL games with no NBBL practices. The NBBL games were used to develop the players. Of course Hendrik and I worked with the Kids that practiced with the Pro A.

How do you view your own development this season? What is the toughest adjustment going from JBBL to NBBL?

The biggest challenge was playing the games with no practices. The tricky part was helping the players find solutions on the court the best way possible.

What kind of a relationship do you have with Hendrik Gruehn. Can he give you pointers this season despite not coaching in the youth anymore?

We have a great relationship. We think a lot about the Pro A, but at the same time, he always supported me with my questions concerning the NBBL. We are very close and talk about everything.

The Young Rasta Dragons will battle FC Bayern Munich. In a way this is like a final. Is it not a bit disappointing that this is the semi-final and not the final?

I think so. We are preparing for them. It will be an intense game. The team that has more energy and will will win. It won´t be the most beautiful game.

This will be a very interesting game. FC Bayern Munich have a very deep roster, but I feel like the Young Rasta Dragons Vechta roster is deeper. What kind of a game can we await?

Munich is very big 1-5. I think that there will be much switching which will make the game more static and more 1-1 will be played. We have to find a solution to combat that. That is what I´m most afraid of. We have to find a way to slow down Ivan and Martin. It will be a fast game where both will get out on transition.

This game will pit the top guards Jack Kayil and Joshua Bonga against Ivan Khartchenkov and Martin Kalu. Do you feel like this game could be decided by the guard play?

I don´t think so. I think that the focus will be more on the positions 3-5. They will make the deciding plays.

As a vechta coach how do you scout a guy like Ivan Kharchenkov? He is fearless and quite unstoppable at the NBBL level.

I think key will be that the team as a whole always know where he is on the court. We have to defend aggressively and try to keep ball out of his hands.

Who will win the other final between BBA Porsche Ludwigsburg and Oldenburg?

Ludwigsburg have the same traits as the BBL team in that they are a good defensive team. Oldenburg has had a great development this season. They play with so much energy and push each other and play for each other. They are well coached. It will be an exciting game. I think Oldenburg will be a bit hotter.

Thanks Habbo for the chat.

Avery Sullivan (203-F/C-1999, college: Lamar) is a 24 year old 203cm center from Texas playing his third professional season and first with the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 16.0ppg, Reb-3 (11.0rpg), 1.6apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.5%. He played his rookie season with at Depiro Rabat Imtarfa (Malta-BOV League D1). He began his basketball career with Pflugerville High School and then played 4 seasons and 102 NCAA games at Lamar averaging 12.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, FT: 74.0% and in his senior year averaged 9.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 44.3%, FT: 77.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 90-82 do or die win over the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt to clinch a semi-final berth.

Thanks Avery for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf are in the semi-finals of the Pro B playoffs. How good does it feel being 2 wins shy of moving up?

It feels real good to have won another do or die game. It was our goal from the start to move up. But we don´t feel satisfied yet. We still have a job to do.

Congrats on the great game 3 win over the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt. Do you feel that the team was locked in going into game 3 more than ever?

Yes I think so. We knew going in that game 3 wouldn´t be an easy game. We knew that they were a very physical team and good rebounding team. We knew that it would be a game where we would have to go to the limit and that we would have to bring a total team effort.

In the second quarter Wolmirstedt was up by 7 points. It was still early, but how did you personally feel about being down? Did you think much about it or were you just locked in?

We all knew that it would be a game of runs. We knew that we would have to regroup and find something that would help us win the game.

You have come upon many different kinds of players, but how unorthodox was Bill Borekambi for your taste?

Bill is a real good player. He loves taking that fade away jumper. Not many take that kind of shot, but when a player like he can make them at a high level, you need to respect it. I have nothing but praise for his game.

In the third quarter Badu Buck hit 3 three´s which changed the game drastically. This scenario showed that anyone can step up at any time?

We have trust in every player. We try to feed that guy that is hot or who has the best matchup. They switched a lot on him, so he called some sets for himself and he hit them to perfection.

Kelvin Omojola said that when Buck plays great than the Dragons are unstoppable. Do you agree?

Yes I do. Badu sees the floor so well. When he is rolling then he makes it so much easier for us on the court.

In the fourth quarter, the Dragons game lulled a bit in the first minutes, but you then brought the win home with good team play. Did you feel like you wanted it more than they did?

We knew at that point that they weren´t going to give us the game. We knew that it was our time to take it and make plays.

You have scored in double figures in 24 of 31 games and only scored 6 points. How tough is it for you mentally when you only get 3 shot attempts in 29 minutes?

That´s basketball. There just are some games where you aren´t meant to score. There are so many different aspects to the game where you can affect it in many different ways. My teammates still told me after the game that my presence on the court was seen. I just try to impact the game in some way. It isn´t always about scoring the points.

Your averaging 14/9 during the season. On a team that has so much scoring are the scoring stats ok for you?

Yes I think so. We have so many offensive threats that you can´t get caught up in the stats. I don´t care if I score 25 points or 6 points. All that matters is that we win and keep rolling. I just go with it and continue to love the process.

What kind of Avery Sullivan will we see in the semi-final? Will you heighten your game?

I plan on doing whatever the team needs me to do.

You next play against the Berlin Braves who played in the Regionalliga last season. What kind of series can we await?

I don´t know too much yet about them. We will start prepping tomorrow. I think that it will be a hard fought physical game like the other series. We can´t expect this to be an easy series. They upset and swept Leverkusen. They aren´t afraid of the moment and we need to be ready.

They have some very talented guys with Andreas Seifert, Marley jean-Louis, and Jacob Mampuya. But on a whole they don´t have the depth that the Dragons have. The Dragons are the favorite. Are you ok with that?

That’s cool. We have to be ready and just play our game. Action speaks louder than words.

How excited are you for the battle against ex BBL player Andreas Seifert who amassed 338 games. He has the same stats you have? Will you watch videos on him?

I will be watching enough videos this week. This will be another huge opportunity to show my game against a great player. I will embrace the moment. It is fun for me to battle guys like that. If you don´t play against good players than it wouldn´t be fun.

The Berlin Braves give up 73 points and make 78 points. What will be key to reaching the final?

We have to paly hard and push the pace and play at our tempo. We have to play our offensive game and also get stops.

Who will win the NBA east and west and win it all?

I see Boston meeting Minnesota and Boston taking it all.

Thanks Avery for the chat.

One thing is for sure, the Dragons Rhondorf have definitely made this years playoffs very exciting as after the Rostock series, they entered a second do or die game this time with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt. After eking out a nail bitter in game 1 in their living room, they were easily defeated on the road as they were crushed on the boards again despite getting a combined 39/21 game from Ferenc Gille and Avery Sullivan, it wasn´t enough to sweep the series as they didn´t get enough support on the boards and shots didn´t fall. The Dragons Rhondorf had a second playoffs do or die game and wanted to successfully move into the next round against Berlin 2000 who had surprisingly upset the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. In Game 3 the Dragons Rhondorf came together and used the home court advantage and won their second do or die game in 2024 upending the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt 90-82 and reached the semi-finals. It was a game at eye level in the first half, but in the second half the Dragons Rhondorf were sparked by Badu Buck´s three ball from which Wolmirstedt could never recover from. “We upped our physicality and rebounding. In the flow of the game, our physicality and defensive presence was amazing. Even if they scored 82 points, this is the playoffs. We knew that we had to make our shots. We ran our plays and made plays”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest). The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt played a solid game, but just couldn´t get over the hump in the second half to make that possible last run. “We didn´t have enough fire. We couldn´t match their intensity and gave up too many key offensive rebounds. We also gave them too many easy baskets and they hit some deep three´s”, stressed SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt guard Maxe Begue.

Martin Bogdanov at the FT line

In the first quarter, it was a back and forth with runs, but Wolmirstedt made the last run to lead by 5 points after 10 minutes. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt made the first punch leading 6-0 as Mr walking bucket Bill Borekambi hit 2 pretty step back jumpers from the mid distance that are his bread and butter and ex BBL player Modestas Paulauskas made a tip in. “Borekambi has a great motor. He looks unorthodox but is a great player”, said Kelvin Omojola. Rhondorf seemed a bit shocked as they had problems adjusting to the aggressive defense of Wolmirstedt, but they countered quickly scoring 6 unanswered points as Kelvin Omojola was the spark plus at both ends making 4 points while 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck made a lay in. But Wolmirstedt recuperated and scored 7 points as Borekambi continued to be a scoring menace scoring twice while ex Schwenningen guard Marcel Hoppe dropped a trey. Rhondorf had problems giving up too many easy baskets and didn´t have Borekambi under control. However the runs kept coming as the Dragons punched back with a 11-4 run to dead lock the game at 17-17. In the run, Rhondorf were carred by ex Nurnberg big man Ferenc Gille who was a massive presence inside scoring 8 points while Tyreese Blunt also added a three pointer. However Wolmirstedt had the last run of 7-2 of the first quarter to lead 24-19. Borekambi scored with ease again inside while Paulauskas hit a trey. “It was a fast paced game, but also sloppy at times. But that is kind of expected in a playoff game. The game was definitely very up and down and very physical”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Sam Griesel. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 63% from the field and 50% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33% from the field and 22% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers. “We brought physicality from the start. We had a sense of urgency and didn´t want to get bullied like in game 2”, commented Kelvin Omojola.

Badu Buck

In the second quarter the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were able to lead by 8 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf upped their game to lead by 1 point at the break. Wolmirstedt took that momentum from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter executing well as ex Lok Bernau guard Marc Friederici hit a trey while Lennart Winter and Borekambi made lay in´s. Rhondorf also added buckets from ex Tuebingen center Jekabs Beck and a 20 footer from energizer Matej Silic, but Wolmirstedt still led 31-23. This was a dangerous phase for the Dragons Rhondorf as their defense was sputtering a bit as they allowed too many easy baskets and didn´t have somebody to take responsibility on offense. But that changed quickly as Kelvin Omojola took charge adding 5 points to trail only 33-30. However Rhondorf were unable to hold the short lived momentum as Rhondorf allowed a mini 4-0 run as their 1-1 defense was too little against athletic players Begue and Borekambi who scored on drives to up the guests lead to 37-30. However the game continued to have that run atmosphere as Rhondorf closed out the second quarter with a lethal 10-2 run sparked by the energy from 17 year old German gem Janne Muller who added 4 points off the bench. “Janne has amazing potential for his age. His skill level is really high for his age. It is cool to see how well he competes. He has a good head on his shoulder”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Sam Griesel. Gille and Blunt also added lay in´s while Antonio Pilipovic closed out the scoring making a heads up play catching a Blunt airball and making the put back at the buzzer as the Dragons led 40-39 at the half-time. “Muller´s energy at the end was very important. He pushed us. I told him on the bench to keep his energy high”, stated Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 47% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Maxi Begue

In the third quarter there was a little lull in the first few minutes, but then the game changed and the turning point came as Badu Buck let it rain three´s as the Dragons Rhondorf led by 12 points after 30 minutes. Maxi Begue got the guests on the score board first with a trey for the 42-40 advantage, but that was quickly erased with a Omojola 20 footer to tie the game at 42-42. Omojola continued to play with unbelievable high intensity and just led his team the way a leader should. He was aggressive and got to the free throw line and also added another trey for the 47-45 lead. Sullivan and Borekambi traded baskets as nobody could make a run in this phase as Rhondorf led 49-47. But then came the turning point of the game as the Dragon Rhondorf went on a big 13-4 run to lead 62-51. In the run, it was Badu Buck who demonstrated his sharp shooting skills nailing back to back three´s and then added a third that looked like it might hit the ceiling. “Badu has a lot of arc on his shot. He had to get that high rainbow off over that big man. That shot was huge and broke open the game”, warned Kelvin Omojola. Rhondorf could of done more damage, but the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were carried by Martin Bogdanovic who has 55 BBL games on his resume who added 6 points down the stretch to keep his team with the Dragons. The Dragons also got buckets from Gille and Muller in the paint and a clutch trey by Blunt. The Dragons Rhondorf was in a flow and led 69-57 after 30 minutes. “Buck set the tone. He hit big shots. We have so many great players, but I really love his game. He was the difference maker and when he plays well, I really feel that we are unstoppable”, stated Kelvin Omojola. “Buck´s three´s changed the game. We were unlucky at times. We pressed twice and they overran us. They were simply more physical and had more heart”, stated Maxi Begue. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 49% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 15 rebounds.

Kelvin Omojola at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf struggled in the first minutes to execute as the guests went on a run, but that was stopped and from then on they came together as a team and managed the lead well and stuck together until the end. Tyreese Blunt began the fourth quarter with a bang and a three pointer as the Dragons led 72-57. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt then went on a 7-2 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 74-64. In the run Chris Rollins was key at both ends of the court and got to the free throw line while Borekambi scored again. The Dragons Rhondorf found their offensive rhythm again and just shared the ball and executed well. Buck scored twice while Omojola made a trey and Blunt a lay in to lead 83-70. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt executed well, but just couldn´t get stops and get over the hump. They got some big buckets from Paulauskas, but Blunt also scored and Rhondorf led 87-78. Begue scored in the last minute, but Antonio Pilipovic scored for the 90-80 advantage. Lennart Winter closed out the game with a lay in, but it was too little to late. “We were a bit to anxious to win the game in the first minutes. We wanted to put them away too early. It took us some time to calm down and find our rhythm. We found our groove in the last 5 minutes and got the win”, added Kelvin Omojola. “They struggled at the start, but then found their groove and we just couldn´t get over the hump”, commented Maxi Begue. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kelvin Omojola with 20 points and 10 assists. Tyreese Blunt added 19 points and Badu Buck had 18 points while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were led by Bill Borekambi with 18 points. Martin Bogdanov added 14 points and Modestas Paulauskas with 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 34% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the SBB baskets Wolmirstedt shot 48% from the field and 35% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

               

Going into the playoffs strong is always something a team wants to do, but for the Fraport Skyliners, it was definitely not the case. They ended the season with a brutal OT home loss to the Artland Dragons who were near the bottom of the standings and fell from second to fourth place and now had a very difficult 5 game series against Medipolis SC Jena. Jena had been a club that had swept them and now they had a lot of soul searching the last days and head coach Dennis Wucherer had to find a way to get them in the right frame of mind. They had to find a way to get into playoff mode as Jena had come into the series having won 4 of their last 5 games. The Fraport Skyliners had to get a lot more physical and active on the boards and somehow slow down their scoring guard duo of Amir Hinton and Blake Francis. Medipolis SC Jena came to Frankfurt for game 1 and the Fraport Skyliners erased their poor showing form the Artland game and finially beat Medipolis SC Jena showing a destructive three point fire works 89-74. “We had great energy and showed that we wanted to be here and win. The first 2 loses left a bad taste and we knew we had to lock down. We had outstanding three point shooting, rebounded the ball well and just had great effort”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Cameron Henry. Mediplois SC Jena had a solid first quarter, but were washed away in the second and third quarter by the Fraport Skyliners three point rain fall and just never recovered. “They were a lot different team than what we saw in the first 2 games. They had guys hitting three´s that normally didn´t do that. When you shoot close to 55% from outside, then it´s going to be tough not to lose. We didn´t have the needed energy or physicality. We gave up way too many offensive rebounds. We will have to clean that up in game 2”, stressed Medipolis SC Jena forward Rasheed Moore.

    Joshiko Saibou at the FT line           

Medipolis SC Jena jumped all over the Fraport Skyliners in the first minutes taking a quick 13-6 advantage. The guests took advantage of some nice isolation plays as ex Skyliner Moore and ex Richmond(NCAA) guard Blake Francis hit fade away jumpers. Haukohl made an easy lay up while Francis was left open again for a three pointer. Frankfurt didn´t have that aggressive energy and gave up easy baskets. However Frankfurt needed some time finding their energy and got going sparked by Cameron Henry´s 5 points and three pointer as well as Marco Voeller´s three pointer as they grabbed the lead back at 17-16. Frankfurt calmed down after the first few hectic minutes and upped their defensive aggressiveness that led to a Ife Ajayi block on ex G-League player Amir Hinton. “That block was amazing. He is so strong and his presence is known. He plays with so much heart”, stated Cameron Henry. Ex Belmont(NCAA) guard Kevin Mcclain added a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners led 20-18 after one quarter. “Both teams were feeling each other out in the first quarter. It was a matter who would give in first. We remained focused. I feel like we did a good job taking the shots that we wanted to”, added Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 50% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 40% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

 Booker Coplin at the FT line              

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners took control of the game and would never look back as they led by 14 points at the break. In the first few minutes though it was Medipolis SC Jena that jumped on Frankfurt going on a 8-3 run to lead 26-23 as it was the Rasheed Moore show. He scored all 8 points and demonstrated his valuable inside out game hitting a trey and scoring in the paint twice showing how well he can insert his body to his advantage. However the Fraport Skyliners didn´t let that run bother them as they exploded nailing 6 three´s enroute to a 21-7 run to close out the second quarter and lead 47-33 at half-time. It seemed like one three pointer was made and the next time the hole looked even bigger as it just kept raining threes. In the three point fireworks, Frankfurt was aided by Minnesota native Booker Coplin who hit 2 as did David Muenkat while Marco Voeller and Justin Onyejiaka also connected. Frankfurt was calm on offense and really had great shot selection while on defense they continued to make shots difficult for Jena as they tended to go to 1-1 play more than team play. Frankfurt also got buckets inside the paint from Canadian Aiden Warnholtz and Booker Coplin. “We fed off each other. They had a good start and when I came in, I knew I had to bring the needed energy. We took great three´s and not ones that they gave us”, said Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 69% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 34% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

   Vuk Radojicic from outside            

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners offense continued to be on fire as they scored 29 points and led by 23 points after 30 minutes. Frankfurt kept up their hot shooting going on a 13-6 run to lead 60-39. In the run, it was the consistent hot shooting of 2022 JBBL MVP Justin Onyejiaka who amassed 9 points and 3 three´s. “Justin took the three´s that he wanted to. He was the youngest guy out there and he played with so much poise”, commented Cameron Henry. Jacob Knauf also added a three pointer in the scoring attack. In the next minutes the guests would score some baskets as Rasheed Moore was their anchor as he hit 2 three´s, but Frankfurt always had an answer and simply had everybody on the same page. Knauf hit another three as the hole must of looked real big for him on this day and Ife Ajayi remained physical and in attack mode making back to back lay in´s as Frankfurt led 67-53. Then came the Cameron Henry show as he put the exclamation mark on the win early as he scored the last 9 Frankfurt points for the 76-53 advantage. He made a trey, but really dominated with his mid range game making 3 baskets. “That span was very fun. It was great seeing my teammates give me the ball and believing in me. I love that and that is what we play for. My teammates gave me the confidence to keep going”, added Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 59% from the field and 63% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 39% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 9 turnovers. “We continued to defend really well. We did a good job sinking in and guarding the paint well. We made them take three´s that they normally wouldn´t take”, commented Cameron Henry. “Frankfurt defended well. We weren´t physical enough on the box out and we gave them too many second chances”, commented Rasheed Moore.

  David Muenkat from downtown             

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners didn´t execute as well anymore scoring 13 points while the guests executed better, but the damage had been done as Jena was unable to get over the hump. In the first few possessions, it was Aiden Warnholtz who scored 5 points and Vuk Radojicic who nailed back to back three´s, but Frankfurt still led 81-59. Both teams got their 5^th team fouls early as both teams would get to the free throw line often. Knauf and Haukohl made three´s, but Frankfurt still led comfortably 84-64. Medipolis SC Jena made a little run in the last minutes of 9-2, but it was too little too late. In the run the guests got to the free throw line 3 times, but missed a few shots while Robin Lodders buried an old school hook shot. The Fraport Skyliners had pretty much wrapped up the win early and were saving a little energy for game 2 on Sunday which most likely will be an ugly game. Vuc Radojicic closed out the game with a three pointer. “We played well in the first 5 minutes, but at the end took our feet off the gas pedal. That wasn´t good. We need to stay focused for 40 minutes”, warned Cameron Henry. “I don´t think that they took their feet of the gas pedal. They had had a comfortable lead. It was just too little too late for us. We can´t put ourselves in a situation like that in the first place”, warned Rasheed Moore. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 17 points. Cameron Henry added 15 points while Booker Coplin scored 12 points while Medipolis SC Jena were led by Rasheed Morore with 20 points and Vuk Radojicic added  12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 53% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 39% from the field and 44% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

pic credit: Artland Dragons

It was the biggest game of the season for the Artland Dragons as a win in Frankfurt could save their season and remain in the Pro A. Artland came with a lot of talent with guys like exeasyCredit BBL veteran Brandon Thomas or Mr triple double Buzz Anthony or rookie Jake Forrester, but there was also another talented kid coming from the bench with power forward Jordan Ratton (203-F-2001) from Monaco. He was actually playing his second season with Artland and in a way saved his best for last even if he didn´t find that statement as accurate or amusing as he totaled 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench. “I’m not really the type of guy to save anything. I would just say that I’m always ready to grab an opportunity so every time they give me one I’ll do my best. I had one here that I wasn’t going to let slip”, warned Jordan Ratton. The game had highlight after highlight plays and Jordan Ratton wasn´t missing. At the end of 45 minutes he had amassed 3 massive dunks with one prettier than the other. He had a great alley op dunk, but where did his rare thunderous reverse alley op dunk rank for him? “It’s a nice one for sure but I would put it in the top 5 maybe 10, because some of the dunks I had were way harder to do compared to this one”, warned Jordan Ratton. But Jordan Ratton is so much more than just a powerful dunker, but has so much more to offer especially on the defensive end.

Anthony Watkins and Brandon Thomas celebrating after beating Frankfurt and staying in the Pro A

Jordan Ratton who lists NBA player Victor Wembanyama as his most difficult opponent so far in his career was born on December 16th, 2001 in Monaco. He began his basketball career with AS Monaco in 2017. He was a really talented kid that also at the same time received invitations to the U-16 and U-18 Monaco youth national teams. He showed that he was a massive talent playing the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U16 Division C in Andorra averaging 13.7ppg, Reb-3 (15.3rpg), 1.2spg, Blocks-3 (2.8bpg), FGP: 46.9%, FT: 24.0% and at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 Division C in Andorra winning the silver averaging 18.2ppg), Reb-3 (13.8rpg), 1.6apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-1 (2.4bpg), FGP: 52.4%, FT: 71.4%. His 5 seasons with the up and coming AS Monaco were memorable. “I remember when I started, I wasn´t talented and all the people wanted me because I was tall and I worked my butt off to make people want me for who I am and not only my size. I think my best memory will be the European championship u18 that I played for Monaco in 2018 which was one of the first steps that made me realize that I could really achieve my goals”, stressed Jordan Ratton. He had the rare opportunity to play for the legendary Sasa Obradovic and it was no surprise that he remembered one of the coache´s biggest attributes most. “I will remember him as a strict coach that was very intense and passionate. He had patience with the young guys even if he was still strict with us”, said Jordan Ratton. His game was able to grow mainly with the day to day battles with top big men like Mathiais Lessort, Elmeden Kikanovic, Donatas Motiejunas, John Brown and Will Thomas just to name a few. He must of felt in awe a bit as there wasn´t just 1 player that impacted him most. “Too be honest we were not that close between pros and young guys but it was very inspiring to be around big names like this so I don’t have one player in mind but they all were a great motivation to try to catch up and play at the same level one day”, warned Jordan Ratton. Every young player is different while some will know exactly who their teammates are while others may just be so locked in with their game that they can´t even understand with just what kind of names they were teammates with guys like ex NBA champion Norris Cole with the Miami Heat and Lebron James and future alltime Euroleague leading scorer Mike James. “I wasn’t realizing the chance I had at that age to have the chance to play around those guys and be on the court in the same team as those guys. The first times I got on the court with the pros will always be great memories”, added Jordan Ratton who lists Lebron James as his GOAT.

The athletic forward who lists Vincent Vermillac (we went through a lot of things growing up together), Roman Tomatis ( He will always be a brother and was an amazing teammate), Anthony Watkins (I know I will be able to count on him at any time as much as he can count on me too), Nicolas Vanel (a young guy who’s still in Monaco working on his game with his career that is going to start) and Jeremy Ngandu (another young guy that was really funny too and motivated)as his 5 best teammates of all-time is one of those rare players that doesn´t jump right away at naming the NBA players that he compares his game to. “I hate comparing myself to other players because I think depending of which aspect of my game you’re watching, you could see different players I try to take the best of a little bit of everybody to be the best version of myself”, warned Jordan Ratton. He is a very athletic player that can score and rebound, but also has other attributes. “My main strength is my mentality. I think this year has been a great proof of it. In terms of basketball skills I would say my defense and my energy”, commented Jordan Ratton. He is also a very talented young defender that wants to be able to make an impact just as much there as on the offensive end. “I think I’m a defender that my teammates can trust. I’m really looking to help them and try to be solid and active. I try my best to be able to play defense at every position because I want to become a defender you can trust no matter who I’m defending or which type of defense were using so that I can really be helpful for my team”, expressed Jordan Ratton. This summer just as everyone else, he will be locked in the lab improving on the areas where he hopes will help him continue to move up the basketball ladder. “I’m working on my ball handling and my shot but also trying to improve my mobility”, expressed Jordan Ratton. He averaged 6,1ppg and 2,4rpg in his second season with the Artland Dragons.

The ex Monaco youth national player who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Vasilis Spanoúlis, Guershon Yabusele, Miloš Teodosic, and Mike James on his Euro Mount Rushmore left AS Monaco in 2022 and played with the Merelbeke Hawks (Belgium-Top Division I) averaging 17.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.3spg, and in Jan.’23 moved to the Artland Dragons (Germany-ProA) averaging 6.2ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 71.1%. He stayed with the Artland Dragons and suffered a tough second season. The team began with a tough 10 game losing streak and from then on had to play catch up basketball. The club came together in the last 2 months to construct an amazing comeback in order to force a do or die game in Frankfurt on the last game day. “The main key was to believe. We repeated that word a lot these last months, the only way to make it happen was to believe that it was possible and we did it because even at the end of the last game when we were losing by 3, we believed and went in overtime in the last seconds to win it at the end. We definitely believed”, warned Jordan Ratton. It was one of his top 3 biggest games in his career so far. The game could have ended with a Frankfurt win had sniper Bruno Vrcic hit the last open shot, but he missed. “I think at the end the last rebounds and the last opportunities to stay in the game and take the lead all of those opportunities happened because we made the extra effort, the extra sprint, the extra box out etc. We knew that we needed to give whatever it takes to win this game. We wanted it and we did the job until the last second. It was not perfect, but the energy and the hustle was there until the end”, said Jordan Ratton. Two teammates that will forever be in his mind were Jake Forrester and Brandon Thomas who impacted him from day 1 until the win in Frankfurt. “It was fun with Jake. We were both trying to take our game to another level so we were pulling each other up. Being one of BT’s teammates was great, he’s a great leader but also a great person always there to help but also always trying to get better even after the great career he had. He keeps working on his game and since day one his work ethic and he’s mindset were so inspiring. I’m glad to have been able to witness it. I learned a lot around him there and is no doubt that it will help me in my career and my life in general”, stressed Jordan Ratton. Another player he also won´t forget was teammate Anthony Watkins who landed on his best teammate list of all-time. A very special bond developed between them. “If I exclude myself I would say Anthony Watkins without a doubt was the most improved player this season. The time he spent in the gym people can’t see that but he is definitely the one who, like me, worked the most to prove that everyone should trust him and that’s why I trusted him the whole year at 100% and he knows he will always have all my respect”, added Jordan Ratton. When I ask a player who the toughest player was that they faced that season, I get an answer 99% of the time, but sometimes I don´t as Jordan Ratton had a fascinating answer. “I really have no names coming to my mind, I never felt that I should really be scared of anyone. I kept focusing on myself and worked as much as I could to be ready to give my best each game”, warned Jordan Ratton. It will be interesting to see where Jordan Ratton´s journey continues to. He has no fear of anyone or trying to get better, because he will continue to grind to become the best version of himself.

Zach Copeland (193-G-1997, college: Illinois St.) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Berkeley, California that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with Brose Bamberg currently averaging 17,7ppg, 2,6rpg, 4,1apg and 1,4spg. Last season he played with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 83.3%. In 2021-2022 he played for Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 33.6%, FT: 90.9%, in Nov.’21 moved to LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.8%. He played his rookie season with Bristol Academy Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 93.3%. He began his basketball career at Berkeley high school and then played 2 years at San Francisco City College (JUCO9 averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 79.5%
and in his second season averaged 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 86.2%. He then played at Illinois State University (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 85.2% and as a senior averaged 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Zach for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your fourth professional season and first in Germany with Brose Bamberg. How blessed do you feel about playing pro ball? If someone had told you in 2016 while you were playing Juco ball that in 2023 you would be playing in one of Europe’s top leagues what would you have thought?

I feel very fortunate to be able to be playing pro in one of the best leagues in Europe. Without Jesus Christ my lord and savior none of it would be possible. If someone would have told me I would be doing this back in 2016 I would have told them ‘no, I think I’m going to be in the NBA’

After playing in England, Ukraine, Finland and Italy, your now in Germany. What have you appreciated most about the country Germany?
I appreciate the style of play they play with, first off because most teams play off of their guards which fits right into my playing style. Also I appreciate how much people speak english here, haha that is definitely helpful.

It hasn’t been a great season for Brose Bamberg so far, Especially on the defensive end the team has had problems allowing 91 points per game. What will be key to making a turnaround?

The key to making a turn around for our defense to playing better is getting rebounds to finish possessions. We give up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points to other opponents. Every time we win our defensive rebounds play a huge factor.

What has it been like being teammates with Trey Woodbury? What have you appreciated most about his game?

I love Trey as basketball player on and off the court. Off the court we are super cool he loves to talk about the games and where he can improve, he is a simple guy and does not need much to make him happy. On the court he is great to play with because he takes pressure off me with scoring and I think we really feed off of each other. His game is blessed with many talents, IQ, Shooting, Driving ability, Defense, Passing, and of course he very athletic. I see a lot of similarities in our game and mindset the way we approach the game so it is always refreshing to have a guy like that on your team.

What have you appreciated most about German legend Karsten Tadda? He won countless titles with Bamberg with guys like Darius Miller, Brad Wanamaker, Daniel Theis and PJ Tucker?

Karsten Tadda definitely has a lot of experience in the league and just tries to help me out with being poised in crucial situations or when to calm down because sometimes I’m too hard on myself. He is always being a vocal leader and letting me know the little things to look out for to have an advantage in timeouts and halftime.

You had to pay your dues in your first 2 years overseas but made your breakthrough last season in Italy. How has your game progressed in the last 1.5 years?
I think my game progression has been based off of experience and getting used to the playing style overseas. It is much more physical than in the states. Once you get familiar about what you can and can’t do you start to be more successful.

Your shooting the best from outside since Juco. Have you done anything different this season in terms of reps or shot selection or shooting mechanics?

I have not really done anything drastically different to help my shooting this year. I really like the feel of the BBL basketballs and how they feel when I release. Also I think winning a championship in Italy has played a big part in my success shooting this year because we went so deep into the season. I didn’t get to go home until June 20th and I arrived in Bamberg in August so my summer was short I never took any time off from basketball.

Your 26 years old and not at your prime yet. On want areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

To improve my game I want to be better as a point guard when coach puts me in that position and making my teammates better along with my scoring. I want to be physically stronger, and I also need to improve my finishing ability at the rim through contact.

Last season you played with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 83.3%. You won the A-2 title. What do you believe was so special about this team?

I think my Pistoia team was so special because we had a great balance of guard scoring, inside play, defensive hunger and a great coach who always put us in great positions to be successful. Also we had guys with experience who knows what it takes to win.

Was the Cantu series one of the most incredible basketball experiences in your life? You were down 0-2 and won 3-2 beating Cantu and top player David Logan.

Yes Cantu was by far the best series I have ever been a part of. After we won that series I knew we were going to win it all. We showed that we wanted it more than anybody else in the league.

In 21-22 you split time with Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 33.6%, FT: 90.9%, in Nov.’21 moved to LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.8%. How crazy was this season. You left before the war broke out in the Ukraine. What kind of effect did the war have on you mentally? Knowing when war broke out there were people still there that you knew?

This season was crazy because in Ukraine my coach and I didn’t really see eye to eye with his system. So we agreed that it would be best for me to find another team. At that time I was leaving nobody was really talking about the war. That just shows you God works in mysterious ways because I happened to leave right before the war and I feel very fortunate for that. Mentally it didn’t affect me I was still talking to my teammates making sure they were ok and safe.

You had an insane 46 points against Kyiv Basket. Was that your best overall individual performance in your career? How quickly did you know that you would have an amazing night?

Yes this definitely my best performance of my career so far. I scored 20 points in the first half. Once I hit my first 3 pointer in the 2nd half I knew I had a good chance of having a breakout game

You closed out that season with a bang in Finland and scored 38 points twice. What was your nicest moment in Finland?

Scoring 38 twice was obviously fun haha but my best moment in Finland was feeling accepted by my teammates and coach because I arrived late and they took me in with open arms and for that I am very appreciative.

You played your rookie season for Bristol Academy Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly I didn’t feel a wake up call the moment I was a rookie I was used to being away from home because I went away for college. The biggest thing you notice overseas is the time difference, you can’t really talk to any of your friends and family like you want.

You only played a few months before getting injured. What do did you learn about yourself in these tough moments?

The biggest thing I learned from being injured was to never take this game for granted. Before I got injured I didn’t take recovery as seriously and I was more arrogant about my talents towards other people instead of being humble. I switched that mindset completely and started enjoying the game more and I think that has been a huge part in my success.

You played at San Francisco City College from 2015-2017. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have reported that JUCO was tough but an experience they wouldn’t have traded for anything. How was it for you?

For me JUCO was a moment in my life where I realized my life and I go either left or right if I don’t play well. So my mentality was to kill every opponent that stepped in my way. Off the court it was tough to eat and maintain because of money situations and not having time to work because of school and sport, but the struggle definitely made lock in more and work harder.

How do you feel did your game grow in Juco under Justin Labagh?

My game grew under coach Justin after he gave me some important confidence I needed for that season. I had planned on grey shirting at the beginning of my freshman year with him, because in my opinion the team was so good I didn’t think was going to be good enough to play with them. He told me to keep working and don’t worry I would be fine, and he was absolutely correct.

You played at Illinois State University (NCAA) from 2018-2020 averaging 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 85.2% and 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.6% in your last game. How did your game grow in your senior year?

At Illinois State my game grew because I was more locked in and stayed in the gym more. I know I am a naturally skilled player but when I work extra hard and put the time in it shows. Plus I feel like my junior year we should have been in the NCAA tournament. So I wanted to prove to everyone that I was good, and raise my stock for the NBA draft.

How did head coach Dan Muller help groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Muller was very hard on me but in a good way because he made my game efficient. He helped me minimize my mistakes because he put me on a high pedestal. He also helped me with my jump shot form one summer which help me shoot better as well.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Keyshawn Evans?

Me for sure I am the 1 on 1 King.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I played in college that reached the NBA was Nicolas Claxton.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Milik Yarbrough Jalen Canty Jordon Vanardo Elijah Clarence Madison Williams

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Shaquille O’Neal Steph Curry Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is Michael Jordan because his game and style influenced so many for the game of basketball. He has two 3 peats which will probably never be done again. He has an undefeated record for team USA. He averaged 30ppg for his career. He never lost a championship and he has the best shoes of all time.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I have only seen the first Coming to America and it was great and funny. When I heard a sequel was coming this late I knew I was not going to be that good, yes they should have just left it alone it’s already a classic.

Thanks Zach for the chat.