Basketball life is never boring in the small eastern German village of Weissenfels as there have always been interesting things occurring like the amazing and unexpected Fiba Eurocup win in 2004 where BBL legend Wendel Alexis was in the twilight of his career helping the team get only the second international German title at that time, Chris Ensminger starting his career in Germany there, Michael hakim Jordan spending half a season there entertaining everyone on the court and off with his stellar play and heart warming smile, the ¾ full court shot by Vassil Evtimov or just the influx of players like a Josh Parker or Devin Uskowski who came from a few lower levels  and being able to make the next step at the top German level or this season seeing the rapid emergence of American Angelo Caloiaro that has the Italian name that sounds like that of a pizza chef from Napoli, but actually grew up in San Jose, California. If one has a tiny speck of dust in their eye, he could look like a very tall version of Mr American Pie Jason Biggs with the big brown eyes and black haircut that never needs that annoying brush through since it never gets unruly. Caloiaro is a 203cm forward that played four years at USF (NCAA) and as a senior played 33 games averaging 14.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 78.5%. Last season as a rookie, he played in a lower league at  Rilski Sportist Samokov (Bulgaria-NBL) playing 24 games and averaging 12.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.8%; Balkan League: 7 games: 9.7ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.8%. This season he came to the much stronger Beko BBL and has had no problems getting adjusted as he is averaging 14,8ppg, 7,2rpf and 2,5apg. He has scored in double figures 17 times including two double doubles and was top scorer in a 83-77 win against medi bayreuth with 25 points. Many players have stepped up this season for MBC with Americans Marcus Hatten and Josh Parker, but no one has been more consistent or versatile as Caloiaro. He leads MBC in scoring and rebounding and is second in assists and steals. He credits his time in Bulgaria and college coach and ex NBA player Rex Walters as getting him ready for his success now. “I learned the different types of basketball rules in Europe as well as the different speeds and the 24 clock shot was totally new to me. But most important was getting used too many new styles on the court. I think that I learned many good qualities and coach Walters gave me a lot of important things that he got from coached like Pat Riley and Roy Williams who he played for. I learned how to do everything in a professional manner on and off the court”, stressed Angelo Caloiaro. Caloiaro is a very hard worker and is never satisfied and a lot of his attitude has been rubbing off on his teammates. “We are playing very good basketball now and we continue to get better in practice. I feel that we are never satisfied and always want more. We are always in the gym and always hungry”, warned Angelo Caloiaro. His teammate Josh Parker who is having a very solid season knows how valuable the American has been for the success of the club. “Angelo is the type of player any player or coach would want on his team! For us he has been the glue that keeps this team strong and I as his teammate am impressed by his play and how he comes up big when his team needs it”, added Josh Parker. If MBC keep winning and get closer to the playoff places, then more people within will take notice as his MVP stock will surely rise.

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