baseball

2026 AST Champion Lucai Anderson´s Sniper Qualities Continue To Grow Not Through Quantity But Moreover Through Quality

Pic credit: Iamwosz

It was about 10 minutes after Germany had totally destroyed Bahrain in the opening contest at the 2026 Albert Schweitzer tournament. I wanted to interview Germany´s top scorer Lucai Anderson (190-G-2009). I stopped him and he said he would return back after coaches talk in the locker room. I waited and there were some kids shooting on one of the basket´s as well as also a young man that looked a bit familiar. I asked a young kid if that was Christian Anderson and he said yes. Anderson´s second season at Texas Tech had ended early and it was only logical that he would be in Germany on Easter supporting his younger brother at AST. Then after a few seconds, I recognized a man next to me and that happened to be the dad of Christian and Lucai. We rapped for a few minutes and it was nice knowing that he had read my work at Eurobasket for decades. That was very cool to hear from him. It was Easter in Germany and the Anderson men were all together. It just couldn´t be any other way. “It was pretty cool having both of them there watching me. We move together as a unit. We go everywhere together”, smiled Lucai Anderson. Brother Christian is 3 years older than Lucai and will be a projected 2026 first round pick in the NBA. Does Lucai feel any pressure having to follow in his brothers footsteps? “I don´t feel pressure. For me it is observing his path. I can see his mistakes and learn from them. I also get more opportunities watching his path. I´m always trying to learn from his game. I have learned how he plays on and off the ball”, stressed Lucai Anderson. Winning the AST title was a big title in his young career. “I had total joy and celebration when the buzzer sounded in the final. This was my first title with Germany and that was pretty special”, said Lucai Anderson.

The Anderson family with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Mannheim Germany at AST

Germany played Bahrain first at AST and used it as a warm up destroying the Asian team 116-59. Germany totally controlled the boards 55-31 and had 6 players score in double figures led by Lucai Anderson with 16 points. “It was a good thing that we had an easier opponent like Bahrain in the first game. That gave us the opportunity to find our faults and then be able to fix them so we would be ready for more difficult opponents”, stated Lucai Anderson. Jamie Edoka had a solid first game scoring 11 points and filled the stat sheet and was on his way to becoming one of the best players in the tournament. “Jamie is a very solid player. He always plays hard no matter what. He has the ability to impact the game the way he needs to”, warned Lucai Anderson. Germany next faced Slovenia and had their toughest challenge of the tournament. Germany started slow and had to play catch up basketball for most of the game. Germany picked up the intensity in the fourth quarter at both ends and won it with the masterful game winner by Jamie Edoka. “We learned from that first Slovenia game to play more as a team. He also learned to move the ball better as well as playing better against ball pressure”, stated Lucai Anderson. Edoka closed out the game with a pretty step back jumper on the baseline where the basketball God let it bounce around on rim and back board before finally rolling in. “I knew Jamie´s shot was going in. It was crazy how it was in and out and then fell in”, said Lucai Anderson. Germany controlled the boards again 41-33 with 16 offensive rebounds and had 4 guys score in double figures. Lucai Anderson was top scorer with 16 points and nailed big three´s when Germany needed it in their come back. Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points and was one of those silent hero´s during the tournament stepping up in so many ways. “Caspar was really important for our success. He always brought a lot of energy. He always got us going with dunks”, remembered Lucai Anderson. Germany next faced Turkey where many Turkish fans showed up adding to a beautiful atmosphere. Germany was in control in the first half, but had a horrible third quarter being outscored 24-4, but retreated in the fourth quarter demonstrating that they can flip the switch at any time exploding for 29 points and winning easily 95-80. “We struggled a bit against Turkey with rebounding. We got a little laid back and lost our principles. That was our wake up call and then we got going”, remembered Lucai Anderson. Germany once again dominated the boards 44-26 and offensive rebounds 20-8 and shot a potent 46% from outside. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 26 points and had 4 players in double figures. Fin Borczwanoski had a solid game of 13 points, but was in the shadow of Lucai Anderson´s brilliant scoring game. “Fin was also a vital piece for our success. He always found a way to help us get rhythm on offense. He had the ability to score and rebound well”, remembered Lucai Anderson.

Germany then faced Sweden in the fourth game and won 91-56. After a tight first quarter, Germany then played consistent ball in the last 3 quarters averaging 22 points and allowing only 11 points on the way to a comfortable victory. Germany led by as much as 35 points and won the rebound duel 61-32. They also forced them to 6/37 shooting from outside. “We really dominated the boards at both ends. I think that the second chance points was a big reason why we won the game”, added Lucai Anderson. Germany spread the love around with scoring once again totaling 5 players in double figures led by Edoka´s 15 points. Not only did Kiehlneker have a dominant double double, but so did Alba Berlin talent Anton Kemmer. “Felix is a great rebounder and lob threat. He helped us a lot with his rim protection, presence and being able to alter shots”, remembered Lucai Anderson. The German domination continued against Japan winning 103-78. After a tight first quarter, Germany then exploded for 62 points in the second and third quarters paving the win. “They played fast like we did, but we had the size advantage. Mentally we were strong and didn´t take them for granted”, said Lucai Anderson. Germany was led by Caspar Vossenberg with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again easily 61-32 with 20 offensive rebounds. Germany was 5-0 and now met Brazil in the semi-finals. Was any one going to stop them? Germany witnessed a tight scoring first half leading 51-50, but stepped it up in the third quarter exploding for 31 points and took it up another notch in the last frame with 39 points winning 121-98 “We had a good first half and then their defense put more focus on me. We didn´t let that hurt us. We got others involved and there was no stopping us”, added Lucai Anderson. Anderson and Edoka combined for 47 points as Anderson led all scorers with 26 points. Another key player for Germany at AST was Ludwigsburg guard Kenan Youdom who chipped in with 11 points vs Brazil, but was one of the team´s best defenders. “His defense always gave us energy and got us going. He always got all to play defense, but his offense was also vital”, stressed Lucai Anderson. Germany won the rebound battle again 40-24, shot 42% from outside and only coughed up the ball 9 times.

The final was a close battle against Slovenia. Germany led 46-38 at the break, but in the second half Slovenia led briefly until Germany got the lead back and never looked back despite winning the second half only 41-37. “I think that Slovenia rushed to much at the end and couldn´t hit shots. We sped them up more than they wanted to. We also wanted it more than they did”, warned Lucai Anderson. Germany was led by Edoka with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again 49-36. ”I think our biggest strength during the AST was our ability to run transition. We wore out all the teams. Our depth also was really important in our success”, remembered Lucai Anderson. After the win, coach Alan Ibrahimagic was greeted with a massive shower in the dressing room. There was a team dinner and then most guys were on their way home except for Anderson and Dopfer who left Sunday to travel back to the states. The German who lists players Alessanco Vazquez Dos Santos of Brazil and Slovenian players Igor Stjepanovic and Lukas Bojovic as the playesr that impressed him most during the tournament had a solid tournament averaging 15/1/2 stats and shot 15/35 from outside. “It was a lot of fun playing against so many familiar faces that I had seen at the Next Gen tournament. I think that more team ball was played at AST, but the players were more talented at Next Gen. I think I played well, but could have been more consistent. I could of impacted the game more in 2-3 games. When shots aren´t falling then you try to do other things to help the team win. I´m just happy that we won”, expressed Lucai Anderson. He played against 6 different nations and against the best youth players on earth which helped his game make another step. “I struggled at the start with the ball pressure, but then it got better. I also learned to finish better against bigger bodies”, stated Lucai Anderson. All his teammates were impressed with his incredible shooting and it is something that helped carry Germany in so many times during AST. “My dad has taught me to shoot the ball a different way since I was 2 or 3. I think what separates me from other shooters is not focusing on quantity but quality. At the next level, shooters all have quantity, but it´s all about quality”, warned Lucai Anderson. It was the first time that he played for head coach Alan Ibrahimagic and was able to learn so much in such a short time. “Coach Alan gave me good tips like how to bring the ball up with less effort as well as challenging me on defense”, said Lucai Anderson. He had so many incredible moments on the court with his play, but what was his favorite? “I think my fondest moment was hitting the three´s against Slovenia after struggling at first”, remembered Lucai Anderson. It will be interesting to see where the career of Lucai Anderson continues to go in in the next years. One thing is for sure. The focus and hungriness to win the next Title with Germany will only continue to grow.

Jalen Harris(BC Nokia) Didn´t Feel Great In Warm Ups But Has Learned To Never Lose Confidence As He Exploded For 51 Points In A Game In Finland

Jalen Harris (185-G-1999, college: CS Fullerton) is a 27 year old 185cm guard from Los Angeles, California playing his second professional season and first with BC Nokia (Finland-1st Division B). He played his rookie season with the Manchester Giants (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 6.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 62.5%. He began his basketball career at Windward High School and then played 2 seasons at Casper College (JUCO) averaging 5.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 74.6% and 16.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 73.7%. he then played 3 seasons at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 5.2ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 71.4%, 9.3ppg, 1.0rpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 81.0%, 12.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after scoring 51 points in Finland

Thanks Jalen for talking to eurobasket.com. You recently scored 51 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in second division Finland. What does this feat mean to you?

That feat means a lot to me as this is the most points I have ever scored in a game, and in winning fashion. I credit my teammates for continuing to find me when I had the hot hand.

You demonstrated good scoring qualities in Juco scoring in double figures one season and one season in the NCAA, but last season in England didn´t surpass double figures. This season your averaging 31,0ppg. How do explain that? Did you always know you were a walking bucket?

I have always had a natural ability to score the ball. The stats may not demonstrate it, but England was a great learning experience for me. Without that season, I don’t experience the success I am having now.

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?

The one thing I did differently was get a lift in pregame. I normally like to do just mobility and stretching, but I feel like lifting some weight helped activate my body and my mind.

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?

Going into the game I actually didn’t feel great. In warm ups I was missing a lot of shots and felt out of rhythm. With that being said, I have learned to not allow warmups to affect my confidence and aggression level going into games. I put the work in so I trust it no matter the conditions.

How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?

I feel like I got into game flow pretty quickly. I had 2 free throws to start the game, and my first two 3’s I was essentially wide open. Once that happened it did not matter what the defense did because I was already in the flow of the game.

The team had 23 assists in the game and you 6. How many of your buckets were made on the isolation?

I am not sure how many isolation buckets I had, but iId argue that many of them were assisted as I ran off a lot of pin downs this game.

You netted 12 three´s in the game something very little guys have ever done. How does it feel hitting 12 three´s one less than Steph Curry´s best total ever?

Making 12 three’s felt amazing – although in the moment I wasn´t aware of what was happening. I was just taking the shots as they came to me, and I happened to make 12 of them this game.

After scoring 50 plus points does that raise one´s zeal to do it again?

As much as it would be nice to score 50 again, I like to go into games with very little expectations. Those being to have fun, and compete at a high level no matter what happens in the game.

Do you give a special shout out to Darryl Jordan who had a monumental 25/21 game which is also extreme rare.

Yes I do! Shoutout to my guy DJ – awesome player who is deserving of recognition as well.

What was your favorite own basket of the 51 point game?

My favorite had to be the step back 3 I made in the corner in front of my own bench. My teammates were hyping me up and the energy was amazing.

Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?

That night my phone was ringing a lot, but I would say all of the people who reached out have always showed love and supported me.

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

Unfortunately no donuts !

Thanks Jalen fort he chat.

Versatile Josh Harris Is An Underrated Defender Who Knows How To Win Titles

Josh Harris (196-F, college: Illinois Coll.) is a 196cm guard that was briefly overseas in Germany for his rookie season with the TuS59 Hamm Stars and team Nikola Tesla in Hamburg. He played at Illinois College (NCAA3) form 2021-2025 playing a total of 98 games. In his freshman season he averaged 5.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 61.1%. In his second season he averaged 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 60.8%. In his junior season he averaged 13.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 63.7% and as a senior averaged 15.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 74.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas? Not many former NCAA 3 players get a chance to become professional?

I am extremely blessed with all glory to God. And yes I know there aren´t many people from division 3 but there have been some and I always thought I was next.

Your playing your rookie season with TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). What did you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

If you want to be honest before looking it up I knew not a lot but watching some youtube videos I found out that Germany along with some other countries is a good starting point to begin your career

Did you ever have former teammates or opponents ball in overseas?

Yes I have a bunch of former opponents and teammates that currently play overseas to name a few Troy Burrows is in China, Keenon Cole is in the Czech republic, and Duane Goodman is heading to Malta.

What were the main reasons for you joining TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). What really stood out for you most about this organization?

I love how professional they are with things. When I talked to coach they had dreams on being champions and I like to compete for championships when I play.

How did the talks go with head coach Ivan Rosic? What did you appreciate instantly about his basketball philosophy?

I love my talks with coach Rosic. He let me know right away their expectations are to win a championship and let me know clearly what my role would be on the team when I got here. Love how he talked about offense will come, we want to be the best defensive team in the league.

You had a great college career. In the German Regionalliga it is the imports that usually have to carry the team. Do you feel any pressure?

I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel any pressure but I trust the work I put in to get to this point and the work I’m going to continue to put in throughout the season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say I play a lot like Austin Reaves a combo guard who can play on or off ball

Coach Ivan Rosic defines you as a great leader. How developed did you leadership skills get at Illinois College where you won 2 MWC titles?

I would say my last two years in school, I was considered one of the leaders so if I wanted to or not I had to be the one to push my teammates to be the best they can be every day.

You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well. How much of a versatile player would you describe yourself?

I would consider myself very versatile I can move off the ball and play that way but I am also a bigger point guard who can control the offense and create for others

Is it fair to say that your 3 pointer is still a work in progress? What is your biggest goal this season with your outside shooting?

I would say just being confident in my shot. If you check I shot almost 40% from 3 my junior year of college and senior year I just lost a little bit of confidence in it but I know I can shoot the ball at a high level.

How would you describe your defensive game? Is it fair to say that your still a raw defender? What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I would say my defense is a very underrated part of my game. I would say yes I would love to improve to be better but I am not a liability on that end of the floor. If you check high school and college my teams are some of the best defenses in the state or nation and I am a part of that. I would say I can hold my own on that end but I want to get to a point where you don’t even want the ball around me.

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

I would say my strength the game here is a lot more physical and I want to get stronger to last over here. I want to get more athletic and also want to improve my shooting.

You played at Illinois College (NCAA3) from 2021-2025 playing 98 games. You improved your scoring average each season. How did your game grow in your 4 years? What kind of a player were you in 2021 and what kind now?

I would say the game slowed down for me throughout my 4 years and understanding how to play within the system picking my spots. I would say I was strictly a slasher in 2021 trying to beat people with my speed and that’s it. Now I am scorer that knows when to shoot or drive and get to my spots.

You won 2 MWC titles. Which one was sweeter?

I would say the first one was sweeter from my sophomore year because it was the first time in school history so that was a special moment.

You had so many great games at Illinois College including a 30 point explosion against Wisconsin-Lutheran. What was your best game in school?

I would say my 36 point game against Knox I just feel like I showed all parts of my game in that game and we won with a clutch shot made by me.

How did head coach Steve Schweer groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

I would say just prepared me as a man to be out on my own in the real world.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jake Mazrimas?

Aye he won’t tell you but I won

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

No one in the NCAA reached that I played against but in high school I played against Max Christie

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ben Vanderwal, Jake Mazrimas, Buzz Ritzel, Will Rogers, Jemari Moore

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

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

I haven’t seen this

Thanks Josh for the chat.

41 Year Old Billy Mcdaniel(Etzella Ettelbruck) Never Worried About Being The Best Player In Luxemburg But Just Wanted To Help His Team Win And Have Fun

Billy McDaniel (199-F/C-1984, college: UAM) is a 41 year old 199cm forward playing his 20th professional season and first with Etzella Ettelbruck averaging 11,0ppg, 7,1rpg, 1,0apg and 1,1spg. Last season he played with BBC Residence Walferdange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 16.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT-2 (46.4%), FT: 88.2%. He is playing his18th seasons in Luexemburg and played one season in Iran and one season in Germany. He has won 6 titles in Luxemburg. He began his basketball career at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (NCAA2)´playing a total of 120 NCAA 2 games. In his best 2 seasons, he averaged 20.8ppg, RebNCAA2-1 (12.8rpg), 1.0apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 76.5% and 20.0ppg, RebNCAA2-9 (10.9rpg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 67.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Billy for talking to germanhoops.com. Your 41 years old and in your 20th season as a professional playing for Etzella Ettelbruck. You just don´t stop. How are your wheels feeling at the moment?

The wheels are still turning, so to say, of course I have the normal amount of body soreness that’s expected this time of the year, but I do what’s needed to take care of myself as best as I can.

Your in your 18th season as a pro in Luxemburg and have played more than 400 games in your career. How quickly did Luxemburg become like a second home to you?

It’s even funny reading that I’ve been here for 17 years, it’s amazing how fast time flies. My wife came over from Germany a year after I arrived in Luxembourg, 2008 for me and 2009 for her. So I would say around 2012, we kind of figured that we could see ourselves settling down and making Luxembourg our home. It’s a great place and I can’t imagine many other places in the world that are better to raise kids than in Luxembourg.

What 10 years went quicker? From 20-30 or from 30 to 40?

I would definitely say that the 10 years from 30-40 have gone by faster.

You began your basketball career in 2002 with University of Arkansas at Monticello (NCAA2). If someone had told you in 2002 that you would still be a pro in 2025 what would you have thought?

Of course, if someone tells me back in 2002, that I’m still doing what I love 23 years, I wouldn’t believe it.

What memories do you have of college basketball from almost 25 years ago. It was a lot different than than today. What were some major differences?

What I remember most about college is never being sore from all of that practice time that was put in. Those college practices seemed like they lasted forever. I remember the shot clock being 35 seconds and the game being slower back then. I remember long bus rides to conference games out of state, getting back late and having to go to class the next morning. I really enjoyed my college basketball experience and it helped shaped me into the player that I am today.

You would of come out of school in 2025 and begun your pro career, how do you feel would your career have gone? Do you feel like you could have had a different kind of career?

It’s very possible that my pro career could have gone in a different direction, especially since year after year is just so different as to which country you play in and things that you sometimes can’t control. In all honesty, I think the style of game that I play is suited to adapt to any playing style, so whether it’s me coming out of college in 2006 like I did, or now in 2025, I think my career follows a similar trajectory.

You were a double double menace your first 2 seasons at University of Arkansas at Monticello (NCAA2). How do you remember your game developing there? You got a good gripe on consistency early on didn´t you?

I remember having to be more physical stepping into the game, especially as a true freshman. Hitting the weights and learning about defense and schemes helped develop me as well. I did get a good grip on learning how to be consistent, because early on in my college career I was asked to be a scorer and a rebounder which was what I did best, so it was a good situation for me.

What was your fondest moment in the NCAA 2? You had many monster games. Which was your best game?

My fondest memory from school was definitely reaching the NCAA2 Sweet 16 my senior year. Being a small D2 school and playing schools like Fresno State, LSU, and Cincinnati were also great memories.

What memories do you have of Benas Matkevicius? He had a short pro playing career, but then went on to become a well known scout having scouted for CSKA Moscow and now the Boston Celtics. He also has a podcast.

My memories of Benas were of him being a great teammate and a fighter through adversity. He suffered a few knee injuries in school and he always fought back and found his way back to the court. It speaks volumes about the type of person that he is.

How did your head coach Mike Newell groom and prepare you for a pro career?

First off, Mike prepares you for life. After being in his program for four years, I feel like he had me prepared for anything and everything that life had to throw my way. As far as my career goes, he put the ball in my hands very early on and kind of gave me the green light, which gave me a lot of confidence.

Who won a 1-1 in practice back in the day you or Nate Newell?

I’d say the 1 on 1 battle with Nate and I was about even, he could score the ball pretty good.

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

The toughest guy that I ever matched up with was Joe Johnson, in the Dunbar league back in Arkansas. After my senior year he was home and came to play in the league. He gracefully cooked everyone that guarded him. Let’s just say it’s a good thing that the game wasn’t recorded, yea he was definitely like that and I got to see first hand why they call him Iso Joe!

Not many players from Monticello have landed overseas. Guys like Sharif Hudson and Derylton Hill played in Germany. Have you followed the paths of guys that came overseas that played at your school?

Yes, UAM is a small school and not many guys have gone on to play overseas. I did follow Sharif and I kept in touch with him during that time as well.

You began your professional career at Shahrdari Gorgan Municipality (Iran-Superleague). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My first Pro season was certainly an eye opener. The first and the biggest eye opener was actually during the flight over to Iran and thinking, man this flight is taking forever

What was your coolest experience in Iran? Did you celebrate any team parties in a palace?

My coolest experience in Iran was probably making the playoffs and winning the first round series. Just gaining that type of experience was nice, especially with being a rookie. We actually did have a teammates wedding that year, but not at a palace.

You played your second pro season with the Paderborn Baskets 91 (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 34 games averaging 4.1ppg, 3.2rpg. What memories do you have of that season? You had so many great teammates like the big 3 of Tim Black, Steve Esterkamp and Marius Nolte and others. Which player had the biggest impact on you?

Yes, second season spent in Germany, where I would eventually meet my wife. Great memories in Germany, probably the biggest were playing against teams like Alba, in Berlin, the atmosphere in there was amazing. Bunch of great teammates there, but just seeing the commraderie that Tim, Steve and Marius had on and off the court was special. The way they all prepared for each practice and never cut any corners was something that I always tried to emulate. They were literally the ultimate professional players and I was very lucky to spend a season with guys like that early on in my career.

You played against many great players in Germany that season like Rickey Paulding or Dru Joyce or Romeo Travis. Which player that season do you remember being your toughest cover?

There were so many great players that season, and the guys that you mentioned were certainly up there, but man, Jeff Gibbs at Ulm was unlike any guy I had ever seen on the court. I don’t remember his name, but Frankfurt also had a guy that season that was tough.

You then went to Luxemburg and never left again. What did you learn to appreciate the most about the country on and off the court that has allowed you to be there more than 15 years?

There was something about Luxembourg that immediately made me like it, maybe it’s because I’m from a small town in Texas, Hearne to be exact, and a lot of the places here remind me of that, small communities where everyone knows everyone. The Luxembourgish community has always treated me well, I appreciate how players and fans interact with each other after games.

You played the first part of your pro career in Luxemburg with Black Star Mersch. What was so special about this club?

Yes, my first four years here were spent with Black Star Mersch. It was a family type of atmosphere and they treated me well.I learned a lot about the league during that time. Our team was really young and we grew together. I will always think back to those days in Mersch because we certainly weren’t the most talented team, but we worked and fought for each other.

How vital was coach Mike Smith early in your career? He gave you the freedom for you to play your game didn´t he?

Mike had an unbelievable impact on my career. He actually just came and watched my game last week, and I bet he’s the person that knows my game the best. Depending on where I am on the court he probably knows exactly what I’m going to do with the ball once I get it. We spent so much time working on and refining my game it’s crazy. Four years that I will remember forever, I am very thankful for the impact that he had on me.

You then played 5 years at Amicale Steinsel (Luxembourg-Total League) and had your best years winning many titles. What was it like being part of a dynasty?

Steinsel was amazing! I’ve been very lucky to have been with some great organizations and they were certainly up there. We won 6 titles, 3 cups, and 3 championships in a row! Being part of a dynasty like that was without a doubt the best time of my career. Finally getting over the hump with losing the championship two years in a row and then winning three in a row was something special. Winning a championship is so difficult, but winning three in a row with almost the same guys is something that I’ll always cherish.

What title at Amicale Steinsel (Luxembourg-Total League) was your favorite title?

It’s way too difficult to say which title was my favorite. Certainly the first cup title of 2015 was nice, because it was my first title as a pro, and unfortunately it came against Mike Smith. The first championship in 2016 was like finally proving to yourself and your teammates that we were good enough to get it done. The last championship was bittersweet because we knew the team would be different with losing coach KD, but we finished it off right with two doubles in a row and completing the 3peat!

What was the secret to the success of the dynasty? Did guys like Samy Picard and Bob Melchor become like brothers to you?

There really wasn’t a secret to the success. Yes, we were very talented, but we went to work and practiced hard. Coach KD got the best out of us. Practices were always competitive and we wanted to be great! Our whole team was like a brotherhood, but certainly guys like Bobby and Samy were very close to me as we were maybe the only guys who were there the entirety of the dynasty! With a guard that pushed the pace like Bobby and a shooter and scorer like Samy, it made my job very easy.

You were a walking bucket averaging 21,0ppg and 11,0rpg in those years. How did it feel for you being the best player in the league? What was your secret to being so consistent?

When you have a team like I had in Steinsel it was a perfect fit for me to come in and be myself. I was immediately put into a role that I was very familiar with and that allowed me to be successful. I never worried or cared about being the best player in the league, I just wanted to play my best, help my team win and have fun doing it. The key to consistency for me was doing the things that had always helped me, which were to always practice hard, take care of my body and perfect the things that I was good at. I never went outside of my boundaries as a basketball player, I know what I’m good at and I stick to it.

You then played 6 years with BBC Mambra Mamer (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). How do you remember these years? You didn´t play in the first division anymore. How much of a challenge was it for you mentally? You still were a walking bucket.

I then moved on to Mamer in 2018. The year that I joined them, they promoted from the 3rd to the 2nd league. After the 5 years in Steinsel, I felt like I needed to take a step back and go to the 2nd league. I remember the years playing for Mamer as me still being able to enjoy the game of basketball. By that time I was already working as a PE teacher, so having to go to work during the day and practicing at night wasn’t an easy task. Two of the seasons were cut short due to the pandemic, but it was still at great time in my career. Going to a lower league wasn’t really a challenge for me mentally, it was more so a challenge physically, because by that time I was getting up in age and my body didn’t feel the same as it did during my younger years of course. All in all, Mamer was another good stop in my career. We did some amazing things there that I’ll forever be proud of, moving up the first league is certainly up there in my career as things I’ll never forget.

Mike Smith came back to coach and you were reunited again. Did he become like a second dad to you?

Yes, Mike came back and helped us make club history by promoting to the first league in his first season as our head coach. He is most definitely family to me, he cooked the food at our engagement party and his daughter, who is an adult now, was our flower girl for the wedding.

You returned to the first division with BBC Residence Walferdange (Luxembourg-LBBL) and averaged 37 minutes and 16/8. That is amazing considering there are many other Americans on the team. How much longer can you still play?

Yes, back in the first league now. I wouldn’t mind cutting down on some of those minutes, but it is what it is. I’m not sure how much longer I can still play. I do know that I still love it, so as usual, after the season I’ll take time with my family and see what’s best moving forward.

You were 15-16 years older than some of the Americans on the team. Are you like a mentor to guys like Ayers and Green?

I have always considered myself a lead by example type of guy. I offer advice from time to time, but for the most part I prefer showing the way over talking about it.

What are you goals after your playing career? Will you go into coaching or do something else and could you imagine staying overseas?

My goals after my playing career are to definitely travel a bit more. I’m sure I will eventually get into coaching, but for now I’ll stick to teaching PE, I really want to spend more time at home with my wife and kids before I jump into something else. Luxembourg is home now, my daughters were both born here, so this is where we will be.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

There were a bunch of really good teammates, but if the list has to be cut to 5 I’ll go with Tim Black, Leon Ayers, Nathan Peavy, Shavon Coleman and Greg Jenkins.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Magic, Jordan, Kobe, Tim Duncan and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

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

Yes, I saw the sequel and like most classics it should have been left alone.

Thanks Billy for the chat

Basketball Globetrotter James Eads(Sabah BK Baku) Shooting Has Helped Him Carve Out An Illustrious Career Overseas

James Eads III (193-G-1997, college: Tuskegee) is a 28 year old 193cm guard form Orlando, florida playing his sixth professional season overseas and first with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). He began his basketball career at Edgewater High School and then embarked on a 4 year stay at Tuskegee University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 101 games and as a senior averaged 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. He turned pro in 2020 and has played in countries like Romania, Poland, Hungary and Taiwan. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan[1]ABL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about playing for this organization?

It’s been a great experience. Sabah is a very professional club and it felt good returning to the same club for the first time in my career

Last season you won the league title with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). How big is the hunger to repeat? Is the team as talented as last season?

There is definitely a big hunger to repeat being that Sabah has won the last three championships so we just want to keep the streak going. We truthfully might be a more well rounded team this year the team mesh’s wellThere’s

The team has 2 really talented guards with Americans with Hassani Gravett and David Nichols. What exactly is your role on the team?

I would say my role is knocking down shots and using my athleticism to help the pace of the team, and being a good defender as well

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would have to say someone like a Jimmy Butler

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet well. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength is my ability to shoot the ball/ physicality

You always have been a solid three pointer. Last season you reached the 40% plateau and now shooting near 40% in the BCL. What has been key for reaching the next level as a shooter?

I try to always remain confident in my shot and abilities. That even when I’ve missed a few shots in a row or had a bad game or two in a row I still feel like I’m a great shooter.

Your also a very good defender. How have you seen your development as a defender overseas. What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Coming overseas from college it was definitely a big learning curve of how to play defense in the European game but over the years I was able to get better and better. I still feel like there’s room to grow in pressuring 94 feet every game, every possession.

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

The area of my game that needs the most improvement is rebounding, that’s something I’m trying to be more intentional about.

Last season you beat Neftci in a 6 game finals series. You had many good games. What memories will you always have from winning the title?

I enjoyed our ability to regather ourselves and come together as a group to finish out the series. It was very cool moment winning that championship

You played briefly with New Taipei CTBC DEA (Taiwan-TPBL) averaging 24.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg. What was it like playing in the far east? What was the biggest adjustment for you on and off the court?

I really enjoyed my time in Taiwan! It was a nice place to live and the league was exciting to play in. My biggest adjustment on the court was the 48 minute game instead of only 40 minutes. I don’t think I really had any big adjustments off the court

You played the 2023-2024 season with NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.4%. You won your first chip with the cup. How special was this title for you? The cup is such a special competition. How did you experience it?

It was really special winning the cup with all that the team went through that year. Even though we won the cup it would’ve been even better finishing out a real championship but we fell short in the finals to Falco

You split the 2022-2023 with 2 teams with King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 6.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 47.6% and with Rawlplug Sokol Lancut (Poland-EBL) averaging 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.9%. It was your second season in Poland. What did you learn about the business side of it that season?

That season taught me that not every situation or every season will be perfect but you have to remain professional and consistent in your approach.

You played your first season in Poland with Twarde Pierniki Torun (Poland[1]EBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 65.3%. You lost a tough playoff series against Anwil. What do you remember being the hardest thing to do as a team to try to win that series?

Trying to win on the road was the toughest challenge because Anwil’s fans give them a great home court advantage

You played your rookie season with CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 72.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Getting off the plane in Bucharest and then not having phone service on the 3 hour drive to Galati. I was a bit shell shocked. My first year overseas was definitely rough but it prepared me for the rest of my journey

You were teammates in the second half of the season with American Drew Brandon. How vital was it having a vet like that as a rookie. What could you soak up most from his game?

Drew was a great vet when he came the team and we did a 180 and was able to make it to the playoffs. I think what I took from him was his approach to the game. He was very sharp mentally

You played at Tuskegee University (NCAA2) playing 101 NCAA 2 games. You were able tó improve your scoring and rebounding averages each season. Your game really grew in your last 2 seasons averaging 16.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 71.9% and 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. How did your game grow in your last 2 seasons?

I think it was really just my approach to the game, I wanted to be the best player in the conference that year and I think I accomplished that

You had so many great games in the NCAA 2 against schools like Albany State and Spring Hill. What was your personal favorite game there?

I think one of my favorite moments was the game I reached 1000 points. I think I needed around 27-28 points and before the game I told my teammates I was going to get it.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travis Flagg?

Love him to death but he’s too small so I’d say me lo

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

At the D2 level there’s not many people that reach the NBA but Rodnerius Lewis and Tyrius Walker were some of the better players I played against

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Maurice Watson, Anfernee Simons, Myles Thomas, Demajeo Wiggins, Trevor Thompson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron is the best player to ever touch a basketball!

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

I think I seen it once, and I honestly don’t think it was that bad. Definitely not close to the first one but it’s a decent movie.

Thanks James for the chat.

Raymond Cowels(Trefil Sopot) Knows That Studying Ray Allen And Having That Unwavering Belief In Himself And Repetitions Will Always Help Him Be A Great Shooter

Raymond Cowells is a 35 year old 191cm guard from Minnesota playing his 13th professional season and 6th in Poland and first with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). He has celebrated a real basketball globetrotter career having played in countries like Holland, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, France and Hungary while strapping on the jersey for 13 organizations. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 130 NCAA games for Santa Clara(NCAA) between 2009-2013. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock SeaWolves.



Thanks Raymond for talking to germanhoops.com. Your in your 12th professional season and in your 7th season. Back at Santa Clara you were teammates with Kevin Foster who was a walking bucket in the NCAA averaging 19,0ppg every season where you were there. His career overseas was very short.  If someone had told you in 2013 after Santa Clara(NCAA) that you would still be grinding overseas in 2025 what would you have thought?

 Kevin did have a talent to put the ball in the basket. As for your question.  I would have believed them. I know how hard I worked to get to where I was in college and I intended to work that hard or even harder as a Professional. 

Even if you have played in 7 countries in 13 seasons, you have spent half your career in Poland. Has Poland become like a second home for you?

Yes, Poland is my second home. My beautiful Fiancee is Polish. I have learned to love the culture and landscape. I have also found a way to help the polish basketball youth and any players that want to come through Poland. Mainly in Warsaw. 

Your playing your first season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been for you. You won the double 2 seasons ago and Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL) have won a few titles the last few years. What kind of a feeling do you have with this years team concerning adding new rings?

I have great feelings with this Team! The organization and team culture of winning is present and alive here. I am very excited to see what we can accomplish this season. 

You’re a very experienced player that has been a consistent scorer wherever you have been. This season you have many other talented guys around you?  Your still putting up solid stats at age 35. What exactly is your role this season besides being a mentor?

My main role is to play basketball. I am on the team to contribute and shoot the ball like I have always done. I still have a lot to bring to a team even at my age. Which is only a number.  Mentor is for sure part of it, but I wouldn’t put too much weight on that word.  It’s more of a lead by example situation. I am always there for the guys if they need me for advice, secrets, or just to vent too. 

You have been an amazing three point shooter and have shot 40% or better in a season in Holland, France, Finland, Poland, Basketball Champions League and Fiba Europe Cup. What has been your personal secret to being able to shoot so well in so many different places and competitions?

My personal secret isn’t really a secret, most shooters and great players already know this. It is the unwavering belief in yourself and the repetitions over the years that get you through anytime as professional. This is what keeps you shooting the ball well, or from being in a slump to having that break out shooting game. 

You also have been an amazing free throw shooter shooting above 90% many times. Is the 90/50/40 mark something you shoot for?

I have goals in mind and they are higher than the 90/50/40 mark. If I ever get below 90/50/40 then I will use that as a mark. Until then I am just trying to make all the shots I take. 

Last season you played with  MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-OBL) averaging 14.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT-4(95.1%). What kind of an experience was it playing for this organization? What did you enjoy most about this season?

This season was a rollercoaster of emotions. It is very hard to describe and as you can see I didn´t shoot that well from 3 point land. However, we completed our goal and I learned a lot about myself as a player and person. So I am forever grateful for this experience and every experience. There was something special about playing to stay in the league. It always becomes more meaningful when you have a clear goal as a team. 

In 2023-204, you played with Legia Warszawa (Poland-OBL) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 89.7%. This was your second tour of duty with them. You played King in the playoffs and your minutes were drastically reduced. What memories do you have of that playoff series?

That was a tough series for me professionally. Until this day I do not know why my minutes decreased or what circumstances lead to me not playing as much. All I could do was look in the mirror, remember that I am a great player, and keep working to make sure that I don’t ever end up in a situation like that again. 

In 2022-2023 you won the double with  Falco-Vulcano Energia KC Szombathely (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 82.5%. You beat Arconic-Alba in the finals and scored 22 points in game 4. What was so special about this team?

This was a great learning season for me as it was the first time that I ever came off the bench and I realized it’s not about if you start. It’s about how you impact the game. I realized that my impact could be could be the same or even better from the bench and I adjusted my mindset to do just that. The atmosphere of the team was a winning attitude and everyone could feel that. We all worked toward that goal of winning a championship from day 1 and that´s what made my time there special. 

You played the 2021-2022 season with Legia Warszawa (Poland-EBL) averaging 14.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 84.7%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 15.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, SPG-5(1.7), FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 84.2%. You had a strong series against Slask, but lost. You lost 3 close games. What made it so hard to get over the hump?

This was a great year for me personally and the team we had was strong and we put it together at the right moments. Going into the finals we suffered a couple of injuries within our team and we were exhausted from trying to play multiple roles and minutes that we were used to going up against a fully loaded team in Slask. It was a series that is hard to forget and leaves a lot of “what if’s” in your mind as a player. 

Except for a short stay in France you played with  PGE Spojnia Stargard Szczecinski (Poland-EBL) from 2019-2020 averaging PPG-4(18.3), 5.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.3%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 80.5%
and 13.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.6%. What was so special about this organization? You played 2 seasons with them something you didn´t do so often in your career?

This was an opportunity that I had to take full advantage of. I built a good relationship with the city and with the management as also had unfinished business because the covid year was right in between these seasons. I didn’t think I would end up in Poland after playing in France the year before and didn’t think I would find myself back with the same team. However, It goes to show you how unpredictable this life can be for a foreign basketball player trying to create a career. I took was I was given and started to go where I was appreciated and celebrated. Rather than chasing the money or the big clubs. 

In your second season you dropped 28 points in a win over Anwil with 8 three´s. Is that a game you remember or are there simply too many games that have occurred in your career?

I remember most of my big games as I think any player would. I didn’t realize until later how big that performance actually was. I have always felt like I belong and that I am one of the better shooters in any league. So when I have a performance like this I feel it is normal until I look back and understand that these games don’t happen everyday. 

After paying your dues early in your pro career in Holland and Finland, you then made the next step to a top league in Europe with the Pro A in France where you played two seasons. The first stop was Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA) where you averaged 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 76.5%. How did you like the Pro A? You proved right away that you could hold your own with anyone.

This was one of the more proud moments in my career. To make it to this league and to be able to prove to myself that I was indeed as good as I thought I could be. We know the French league is not short on talent. So to be able to play against some of the best that that ended up playing in euroleague or even NBA is a special moment for me. I am lucky to be able to have had such an opportunity. 

In your second season you played with Boulazac Basket Dordogne (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 9.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT-1(96.4%). You had many great games in both seasons. What was your fondest moment there?

I would have to say the best moment for me was when I made the classic toss of the back out of bounds play for an and 1 against a solid contender in the league. Its small but it´s something that I will never forget. We were also only 1 win away from making the playoff and history for the club as they had only been in the top league for 2 years at that point. 

You twice played NBA Summer League with Memphis in 2015 and 2017. What memories do you have of both times. The NBA looked different then than now. Back then you had older guys playing whereas now it seems like it´s all very young guys.

This was an experience that you dream of! I just remember coming out for warm up an seeing greats like, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and many others just waiting to see who was going to put on a show. The competition was great and the experience was better than your best dream. 

You also played a season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.7ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 84.5%. You were teammates with the great Jason Conley that had some fine seasons in Germany. What memories do you have of him?

Jason was a great guy first and foremost and college basketball legend. So to be able to have him on my team as a veteran was everything I needed. He gave me a lot of wisdom and always reminded me to enjoy and have fun on my journey because it wouldn’t last forever. 


You also played a season with the Mike Pero Nelson Giants (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 25.7), 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT-2(87.8%). What kind of an experience was it playing in New Zealand and living there? What was your most memorable experience off the court?

This was a one of a kind season for me. The people in New Zealand are beyond friendly and relaxed. They treat you like family and show that life is to be lived. Not just to grind so hard that you can’t enjoy a coffee or brunch with family and friends. It was bigger than just basketball in that city. It was a true community with history and landscapes that everyone in the world should try to see in person. I remember my time when the team took me to a natural spring spewed out from the middle of a mountain. I can’t remember the name but it was a spiritual and fulfilling experience that I will never forget. 

You played your rookie season with the The Bright Kings Den Helder (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 10.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 85.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call, that made me realize that I wasn’t in California anymore, was getting off the plane and not understanding a single word. The jet lag along with the crazy spelling of signs had me tired for at least a month. There were so many different things. The size of the stadiums to the snacks that were considered customs. All of these things came as a complete culture shock that I soon learned that I needed to welcome and adapt to if I was going to find some sort of comfort in a foreign land. 


You played at  Santa Clara University (NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 130 NCAA games. You scored more than 1000 points in your career there. You had some big games in the NCAA like scoring 20 points in a 65-64 win over Villanova or having 2 good scoring games in losing causes to Gonzaga What would you rate as your biggest achievement in the NCAA?

Our biggest achievement as a team was winning two championships in the lesser know end of season college tournaments. The CBI and CIT. Personally, I remember having a huge game in the 76 classic tournament that was nationally televised so all of my family and friends could watch. 

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kevin Foster?

This was a battle that never ended. He was an amazing talent that could shoot the lights out as well. If you as me it was close but as the coach saw it he was better so he got the start and bigger green light over me. 

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

So many tough players to name, from Klay Thompson to a young Kawhi Leonard. I think a player that was toughest was Steven Gray from Gonzaga. He knew what kind of player he was at an early age and had the size and skill to play against anyone. 

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Ray Allen (because he was the player I studied the most and idolized, especially young Ray) 

Jordan 

Lebron 

Keven Durant 

Who is your GOAT?

Ray Allen 

Thanks Ray for the chat.

Kenny Goins(Trefl Sopot) Remembers Miles Bridges And Xavier Tillman Working Harder Than Most So To Keep Up They Pushed You To Work Harder

Kenny Goins (201-PF-1996, college: Michigan St.) is a 29 year old 201cm forward that is playing his sixth professional season and first with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). He has gathered valuable experience playing in countries like Italy, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Mexico, France and New Zealand. He began his basketball career at Warren Mott High School. He then played at Michigan State (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 131 games and in his last season averaged 7.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against German team Rostock Seawolves.

Thanks Kenny for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 7th season in your 8th country. Do you feel like the ultimate basketball globetrotter?

I definitely feel honored to have traveled and seen as much of the world as I have.

Your playing your first season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL)What kind of an experience ha sit been so far? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It’s been a great experience both on and off the floor and I’m excited for the next few months.

Congrats on reaching the next round of the Fiba Europe Cup. The club has won 2 titles in the last 2 seasons. Do you sense a special culture in the organization in terms of having that will to win?

It definitely feels like the front office knows how to win it and we feel like we have the tools to do it.

What kind of a role do you have on the team? You are a guy that is very versatile. What special assignments do you have when you step on the court?

I feel like I try to fit in where I’m needed per game. It’s not always the same assignment.

You have never been that scorer in your career, but always can if needed. Are you a type of a Swiss army knife?

I try my best to win and it usually isn’t scoring that is lacking.

You played last season with the Manawatu Jets (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, BPG-5 (1.5), FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 70.6%. How vital was this experience coming off a tough season in France?

It was nice to pick it back up in a bigger role after a bit of time off with the birth of my child.

You played the 2023-2024 season with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 3.6ppg, 2.8rpg. You had 2 good games in wins over Nancy. How tough was this season? What did you learn from it?

It was tough as a personal experience playing a lesser role in a minutes sense but I still tried my best to stay ready and active when I had my chance

You were with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) only in pre-season in the 2022-2023 season and then finished the season with Correcaminos UAT Victoria (Mexico-LNBP) averaging 5.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP-3 (68.8%), 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 84.6%. What kind of an experience was Mexico? It is a rising league isn´t it? Americans like playing in Mexico.

I would say it’s nice because it’s close to home and a much more familiar culture being so close. It is a tough league physically and talent wise as well.

You split the 2021-2022 season with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.6ppg, 3.9rpg: and in Dec.’21 moved to Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 28.6%. How did you experience Greece the second time around? Why was it a short stay?

Greece is always a good league to play in. It just wasn’t a fit for the team and me. I don’t have any hard feelings as I was able to play better in Hungary personally.

You finished the season strong in Hungary. It was another stamp in your passport. How do you remember Hungary? Is it a place where you would play again?

I can’t ever say I won’t play anywhere given my past.

You played the 2020-2021 season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-A1) averaging 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 71.0%. Despite Covid being there, you had a successful season. You had an incredible 34 point explosion against Aris. Was that one of your best pro games?

That was definitely one of my best pro games. I think outside of the offense, it was a well rounded game and even more important, a win in a needed part of the season.

You were teammates with top defender Kevin Tumba. Was he a guy where you could soak up some of his defensive qualities?

He was a menace in the paint on defense.

You played your rookie season with 2B Control Trapani (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 11.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 73.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think every pro experiences the lack of foul calls compared to domestic players and that was the first time I really had felt some sort of difference consistently.

You spent some time with Denver at the NBA Summer League playing 1 game scoring 8 points against Houston. What memories do you have of that time? What was your coolest moment there? Did you meet any NBA legends?

It was a great experience to see how basketball at the top level operates and just be a part of.

You played at Michigan State from 2015-2019 playing a total of 131 games. In your first 3 seasons you averaged 2/3 but made a huge jump in your senior year averaging 7.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. How did your game grow in the NCAA?

The confidence became much more apparent and trusting my own skills

You played 2 seasons together with future NBA players Miles Bridges and Xavier Tillman. What memories will you always have from them? How did they help make your game better in the daily battles in practice?

They were always great to compete against. They worked harder than most people I know so to keep up they pushed you to work harder.

You won 2 BIG 10 titles. Which one was sweeter?

You can never compare one from the other because I’m proud of both.

You reached the Elite 8 as a senior. What memories do you have of the big 68-67 win over Duke where you had a 10/9 game and faced Zion Williamson who had a big 24/14 effort in the loss.

All good ones. Feel like I can remember every play my teammates made as much as the shot I made at the end.

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

He always pushed you to be better than you were the day before. So the work ethic is always instilled in you.

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

Probably Caleb Swanigan

Thanks Kenny for the chat.

German Sebastian Heck(Dresden Titans) Was Never A Scorer Or Athletic But His Versatility Has Helped Him Carve Out A Fruitful 15 + Professional Career

When you cover guys in the German Pro B, you see players come and go. The Pro B is a league that features many young Germans who use it as platform to get minutes and make the next step. Others guys that aren´t as talented either continue to make a career of it there or play in lower leagues like the Regionalliga. Seeing Americans play a long time in the Pro B isn´t typical either as often they are rookies when they arrive and then move on to other countries. But every now and then you will experience Americans who will remain for a long time. 2 guys that come to mind right away are DJ Woodmore and Omari Knox. The latter retired recently while Woodmore is still in the pro B playing his 8th season with the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB). But there are even Germans who play in the Pro B for a long stretches and one of those in Sebastian Heck (201-SF-1995) By way of the Pro A where he played 5 seasons, he has also seen his time in the Pro B where he is in his 8th season and in his 10th season with the Dresden Titans. I saw Heck play the first time in January 2015 in the BCM in Frankfurt as he was teammates with Woodmore with the BIS Baskets Speyer where he steered 8 points and his teammate DJ Woodmore had a productive 15/7/6 game, but lost a nail bitter in the last seconds 75-73 as Benjamin Kaufold suffered a turnover to end the game. More than 10 years later, I witnessed Heck again in November 2025 in the BCM in Frankfurt as he came there with a 1-3 record in that building, but this time he helped Dresden beat Frankfurt convincingly 80-63 with a great 15/3/5/5 game that featured 2 incredible trick plays including a lob pass that never reached teammate Duje Putnik, but instead counted as a three pointer that saw nothing but net. That play would surely have given Steph Curry a smile. He would have had a few more games in Frankfurt, but since Dresden played in the Pro B north some years didn´t get to play more in Frankfurt. He did remember how many wins he had had in Frankfurt. “I only remember one win. Playing at BCM is always unfamiliar and difficult. Maybe that’s why I haven’t won too many games there yet”, stated Sebastian Heck I also saw Heck play when he played in the Pro A with Hanau and Dresden during other years. Heck will meet his former teammate DJ Woodmore again in the next game. The German is in his 16th pro season and was never a scorer or athletic, but his versatility has helped him carve out a fruitful 16 year professional career.

pic credit: Daniel Madlung

Sebastian Heck who mentions Domantas Sabonis as being his toughest opponent that he has ever faced in his career was born on August 29, 1995. He began his basketball career with the BIS Baskets Speyer and played in the Regionalliga from 2010-2013 and then played 2 seasons with them in the Pro B averaging 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.3%, and 9.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 59.7%. That second season was the best scoring average that he would ever achieve in his professional season up to now. In those early years in Speyer, he had some incredible veterans on board like Marcus Smallwood, Tobias Soll, Jay Thomas and Benjamin Kaufold. Was there a player or coach that was like a mentor in that early period? “I had a lot of good youth coaches that saw my potential. Benjamin was actually first a coach and later a really good teammate and friend”, said Sebastian Heck In his last season in Speyer in 2014-2015, he would be teammates for the only season with then rookie DJ Woodmore. “Speyer is lucky to have a guy like DJ. A Leader and someone they can always rely on. Also you always have a good time with him. I’m looking forward to see him again. Every game against Speyer is special for me. It’s my hometown. Family and Friends will be there. And a lot of good memories”, explained Sebastian Heck After a second potent season in the Pro B with Speyer, he made the next jump with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA). However he couldn´t make the next jump there as he played only 17 games averaging 1.6ppg, 1.2rpg. Up to then he gathered valuable experience with the German U-15. U-16, U-18 and U-20 teams and had played at the U-20 European Championship (FIBA EuroBasket) in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Italy) -2015 playing 8 games averaging 4.5ppg, 2.4rpg. “As a young player who was eager to turn pro and had a great summer with the U-20 national team, it was difficult for me to play so little. It felt like a wasted season. But I learned that you have to keep working on certain things and make the most of every opportunity”, remembered Sebastian Heck In Hanau he was teammates with Luke Loucks and his assistant coach was Ryan Pannone. Both now are employed by NBA clubs. Did he notice then that they had something special about themselves that could help them make gigantic steps like that? “They were always big in players skill developing. And have found their way into the NBA through individual player workouts”, added Sebastian Heck

The versatile player who mentions Daniel Kirchner, Grayson Murphy, Andi Obst, Christian Sengfelder, and Georg Voigtmann as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made the next step and right one moving to the Dresden Titans in 2016 where he has been now for 10t seasons. He hasn´t regretted making the decision to move to Dresden. “Speyer is my hometown and will always be special for me. Dresden is the Home I chose, I’m very grateful that I was always welcome and able to build a family here. The mixture of gratitude, solidarity, and the feeling of having experienced a genuine piece of club history”, commented Sebastian Heck His first season in Dresden, was definitely one to forget as the team went 2-28 having one 10 game losing streak and another 14 game losing streak to end the season. He played 30 games averaging 4.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg. Losing a tough 130-125 OT game at the start against Paderborn kind of set the tone. “It was a terrible season with a lot of different players and coaches. We lost a few close ones in the beginning like Paderborn and then we couldn’t stop the downward spiral”, remembered Sebastian Heck He then moved down to the Pro B where he played for 5 years. This was some of his most productive years in the Pro B with his scoring as he averaged 8/4 one season and twice 7/4 seasons. He was back in Frankfurt in the BCM in the 2017-2018 season to battle future NBA player Isaac Bonga where had his typical filling the stat sheet game with a 8/5/3/1/1 game, but suffered a 79-68 loss and saw Bonga register a 4/3/3/1 game. “Bonga was already a huge talent back than for a good reason. Playing different Positions, good athlete, very agile. He just wasn’t a good three-point shooter yet”, explained Sebastian Heck In the 2021-2022 season, he helped the Titans move back to the Pro A averaging 7.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, BPG-5 (1.3), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 67.5%. “It was kind of a cliche, but we had no egos no star Players. The whole Team was a group that loved to hang out together almost 24/7. Team chemistry was great that made it easy in the court”, remembered Sebastian Heck The Titans finished first that season in the Pro B south with a 19-3 record having a 8 game winning streak and 7 game winning streak and swept the 49ers and Wolmirstedt in the playoffs and beat Duesseldorf in the fínal.

Pic Credit: Patrick Klix

The ex Hanau forward who mentions Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, and Steph Curry on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf, and Satou Sabally on his German Mount Rushmore then played in the Pro A with the Dresden Titans from 2022-2025. In this period, the organization had a great run finishing a surprising 5th in their first season back reaching the playoffs and being swept by Giessen and then reaching 9th and 11th place. The German played 92 Pro A games in this span averaging 5/4. He had some very special teammates in this time like Mr triple double Grayson Murphy. “Grayson had a great season with us. Even though he missed a third of the season injured he was always a Triple Double threat. It looks Like he knows exactly where the ball is going to be”, said Sebastian Heck He also was teammates with energetic guard Daniel Kirchner who was long off the radar after paying his dues in the Pro B and Tanner Graham who plays like Larry Bird. “I guess coming from Alba Berlin he had tough competition on his team and like you said it took him a little longer to develop. I’m excited to see If he can move up to BBL with Göttingen. I would love to see him in the first League. He deserves it. Tanner is a great player even greater personality. His way to approach the game, just smart and obviously his ability to space the floor is something I admired”, remembered Sebastian Heck He was also teammates from 2016-2022 with Max Von der Wippel and now is reunited again with him as he is back with the team in a special role playing mostly for the second team, but having a license to play Pro B games as well. “I spent a lot of time with Max. I’ve known him the longest. Even when he played two seasons with Coburg we stayed in touch”, said Sebastian Heck He had so many great memories in the Pro A, but was there one that was most memorable? “Our first derby against Jena was one of the best. And last season against Nürnberg I had a double double with assists and rebounds”, remembered Sebastian Heck Now the Titans are back in the Pro B despite having still been able to compete in the Pro A as their results were more than good, but last summer the club decide to continue to play in the Pro B. Sometimes basketball politics outweigh the success on the court. “It was frustrating to have done everything right in sporting Terms and yet to be denied the chance to compete at a higher level with our Club”, added Sebastian Heck The team is currently 4-6 and still finding it´s rhythm, but early season injuries have hindered their success. This season farm teams like Munich and Orange Academy have started off strong mainly because years of young guys playing together has really sharpened the team chemistry early on. Has the league gotten stronger or weaker in his absence? “I wouldn’t necessarily say that the League is stronger or weaker. I have the feeling it got a bit younger, with a lot of farm teams. As a result, it’s less experienced, but also faster and more athletic”, said Sebastian Heck

The 201cm small forward who can´t decide between Jordan and Lebron for his GOAT is a player that compares his game to Golden State Warrior Draymond Green, but without the off court antics. He found his niche early on that scoring wouldn´t be his meal ticket, but rather being versatile. “Versatility is very important for me, because I’m not a scorer and not a good Athlete. So I have to find other solutions”, stressed Sebastian Heck This season he is averaging near 10,0ppg a career best and close to 10,0rpg a massive rise from 4,0rpg which was his best for a season in his career. “I have a different role in this team, play more on the center position than I used to. I try to give the team what it needs and this season so far we struggled with our rebounds”, stated Sebastian Heck He is also a very active defender, but wouldn´t call himself a 2-way player. “I’m playing defense with pride. But on offense I need help from my teammates”, said Sebastian Heck He definitely is a different player in 2025 than in 2022 before he got 3 more additional years of experience in the Pro A. “It was a lot of fun. I was lucky to have great teammates for all 3 seasons. I was able to find my role as an undersized big who had the ball in his hands a lot and can initiate the offense. And on defense guard multiple positions”, stated Sebastian Heck Even if scoring never seemed important to him, he does take in those moments with immense glee when he has a great scoring game like in Frankfurt recently with 15 points. “Scoring was never my strong side, so I’m enjoying those games”, smiled Sebastian Heck who remembers not losing to Tanner Graham in 1-1. Heck is 30 years old still has many more good years in front of him. The question will be how much longer does he still want to play and how much longer will his motor still be charging? “I go from season to season and see how well my body is doing and then I will make my decision”, stated Sebastian Heck He also knows exactly how he would like fans to remember him one day when all is said and done as a player. “I hope that fans will always remember me as a guy that always gave all and always put the success of the team first”, said Sebastian Heck I hope that he will play many more seasons so I can keep witnessing his versatile play. I will never forget that great game in Frankfurt this season where he pulled a combination of Doncic/Curry with a few trick plays. I´m sure he will unravel a few more trick plays and woo everyone in the arena before he hangs it up one day.

Grant Golden(BAXI Manresa) Will Never Forget Being Able To Witness Nikola Jokic On A Day To Day Basis And Soaking Up As Much As Possible

Grant Golden & Jacob Gilyard

For Americans getting prepared for that grind overseas happens mostly with their experiences playing at the university and college levels in the United States. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the NCAA or JUCO or somewhere in between in the NCAA 3, every baller lets those years affect them in a special way. That unique time in their lives is often some if not their best times of their lives. The whole experience gets a bit sweeter when you can spend that time with your teammates. It is very rare for guys to be teammates for the whole 4 years mainly because guys will transfer or even leave early for the NBA. It is even more uncommon when 2 guys are teammates for 5 years. That was the case for Grant Golden (208-C-1998, college: Richmond) and Jacob Ginyard, 2 exceptional players who right away made an impact as freshmen in 2017 and left leaving an impact as their 5 years definitely left a mark on the school. Both were as consistent as only they could be averaging scoring in double figures all 5 years as Golden averaged 14,0ppg and 6,0rpg and Gilyard 12,0ppg and 5,0apg. Both spent time in the G-League while Gilyard even reached the NBA with Memphis and both are living the dream overseas now with Gilyard in Italy and Golden in Spain. Even years after being teammates, the collective memories and feelings towards each other still remain strong. ‘Jacob is my brother. I talk to him almost everyday and I am hoping I can go see him in Italy during one of the international breaks if we have some time off. He is family for me and my favorite person I have ever played with’, stressed Grant Golden. It is only logical that the feeling is mutual. ‘Calling him a best friend would be an understatement. He is like a brother for me. We met when we were younger. Through basketball we had similar ideas on and off the court. Living together and spending so much time on the court brought us really close. We talk all the time. I’m super happy for all the success that he has had. I love the guy. He will be at my wedding and be the God father of my kids. He is an incredible basketball player but even better human being. I can’t say enough good things about him. His family is like family to me. I love the guy’, stressed Jacob Gilyard.

Golden who names John Collins from Wake Forest as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on January 15th, 1998 in Richmond, Virginia and first played high school basketball at Sherando high school and then transferred to St James school in Hagerstown, Maryland. In his senior year he averaged 17,2ppg, 10,3rpg and 3,5apg leading his team to the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference title and was named the Washington county Co player of the year. He then embarked on a illustrious career at Richmond University (NCAA). He was able to play so long mainly because he was a red shirt freshman in 2017 on account of a irregular heart beat so he had to get a cardiac Ablation to correct his heart rhythm which only allowed him to play 9 games in 2016-2017. In his years at Richmond, he reached 2 NIT Elite 8’s and even reached the Big Dance. He left Richmond having the magical 2000 points and 1000 rebounds. It was only apparent that his years at Richmond were very special. ‘My time at the University of Richmond was definitely some of the best years of my life. My teammates there have become my best friends. We enjoyed playing with each other and accomplished a lot together. I wouldn’t trade my time at Richmond for anything’, warned Grant Golden. In his last 5 seasons from 2017-2022, he played 151 NCAA games and displayed his massive consistency scoring in double figures in 122 games. He had some great games against Wyoming scoring 33 points, 26 points against UAB, 24 points against La Salle and 24 points against Wake Forest. He is very blessed to have had a coach in Chris Mooney who not only helped groom and prepare him for a pro career on the court, but also off the court. ‘Coach Mooney not only made me a better basketball player, but a better person as well. He treated us like we were part of his family during our time at Richmond. I know I can count on him for anything and that he will always be there for me’, stated Grant Golden. Who remembered senior TJ Cline winning 99% of their 1-1 battles in practice when he was a freshman. Awards and achievements that he gathered up at Richmond were being named to the All-Atlantic 10 Third Team -2018, 19, 21, Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team -2018, All-Atlantic 10 Second Team -2020, NABC Division I All-District 4 Second Team -2020, 21, Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team -2022, and Atlantic 10 Tournament Winner -2022

The Virginia native who lists Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his rookie season in 2022 playing 4 NBA Summer League games with the Atlanta Hawks where he averaged 3/3. He then played his rookie season with the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League) averaging 14.6ppg, 9.3rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 69.4%. He will never forget his wake up call to being employed by an NBA team and witnessing a player that so many guys would love to practice with. ‘I was able to earn an exhibit-10 contract with the Denver Nuggets which allowed me to participate in their preseason and training camp before I went to the g-league team. Seeing Jokic up close in personal every single day, seeing how effortless everything seemed for him, and watching how it felt like he knew things before they even happened was incredible. It is an experience I do not take for granted’, remembered Grant Golden. He was very fortunate to share the court with some NBA guys like Chasson Randle and Jared Butler who like him are overseas now as well. ‘ I got to play with some great players while in the United States. Jared and Chasson were certainly towards the top of that list. Really high level guards with a great control of the game. They made me a much better player during my time in the g-league’, said Grant Golden. He took full advantage of his time in the G-League scoring in double figures in 37 of 50 games including scorching Greensboro with a 31/13/8 game and had 2 triple doubles against Delaware and Cleveland. He showed that he was a versatile modern day big man in the G-League. ‘Versatility has definitely always been a part of my game. I have certainly never been the fastest or strongest person on the court, especially at my position. So I have always had to find different ways to be effective and have success’, stated Grant Golden. Even if he is a versatile big man like a Jokic and Isaiah Hartenstein, he never really felt like his versatile game would get him an automatic ticket to the NBA. ‘ Those guys are on a different level. Sengun is another one in that category of versatile bigs that I enjoy watching. Their natural feel for the game is something that is unmatched and really fun to watch at that level’, added Grant Golden.

The versatile big man who lists Michael Jordan as his Goat and Jacob Gilyard as one of his 5 best teammates of all time played his first season overseas with Vanoli Basket Cremona (Italy-Serie A) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 74.5%. It isn’t always easy for Americans coming overseas getting used to the culture and language and sometimes not finding a Mcdonalds when you need it, but for him, he discovered something special that you don’t see in the NBA so much as a wake up call. ‘I think the wake up call in my first season in Cremona was seeing some of the crowds and fans for the first time. We had our very first preseason game against Brescia and their gym was almost full and it was loud from beginning to end. To see that level of passion at a preseason game is not something that you would ever see in the United States. So very early on you realize how much these teams mean to the people in the respective city and very quickly you realize that every game, every possession matters. That is what makes it so special here in Europe and why I love playing here’, warned Grant Golden. He was fortunate to have Wayne Mcullough as a teammate in his first season Italy who really showed him the ropes. ‘Wayne is a great guy. He was certainly a great teammate to have as a foreign player being in my first year abroad. He was super helpful both on and off the court. Our team in Cremona was very close and we all spent a lot of time together. I got the privilege of getting to know his family well. I couldn’t say enough good things about him and I am glad I got to play with him in his last year before he decided to retire and move to a new chapter in life. He played his second pro season with AEK Betsson Athens (Greece-GBL) averaging 7.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 56.2%, FT: 72.4%; and in the Basketball Champions League averaged 10.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 61.3%, FT: 71.1%. He had the fortune to play against great high level players in Greece and had 2 really good games against Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiacos in losing causes. He netted 14 points against both teams. ‘I have great memories from my entire season at AEK. We had a great year and I think certainly shocked people by making the Final Four for Champions league. The games against Panathinaikos and Olympiacos were certainly a lot of fun. Any time you get the chance to play a Euroleague team it is a great challenge. So to go up against two of the best over the last couple of years was a great experience’, remembered Grant Golden.

The ex Richmond forward who never saw the sequel to the classic Coming To America is playing his fourth pro season and first with BAXI Manresa (ACB) and couldn’t be happier about his new challenge. ‘It has been a great experience so far. I am grateful to be in another beautiful country, playing for a great organization. Our management, staff, and coaches are all top notch and super professional. I think we have a great group of guys that enjoy playing with one another. The best part for me is being at another organization with great fans and support from the city. It means a lot to the players when the people and the fans care so much about the team’, commented Grant Golden. He had a good BCL campaign last season and now wants to make the next step in a higher competition with the Eurocup. ‘I think both Champions League and Eurocup are great competitions with high level teams in both. The biggest difference for me is the fact that there are no bye weeks in Eurocup. We will for sure have two games every week unlike Champions league. So mentally and physically preparing yourself for that work load, and being able to learn from a game quickly and shift focus to the domestic league on the weekend I think has been the biggest difference. Every individual, and the team, has to try and be very efficient with our schedules and time on the court’, stressed Grant Golden. Currently he is averaging 11/5/2 in the ACB, and 8/6/4 stats in the Eurocup. He is demonstrating how efficient he can be in the ACB at 18 minutes per game. ‘I think my IQ and passing ability definitely is a big part of my roll with Manresa. We play at very fast pace, therefore there is some freedom and decisions have to be made quickly. So I think I am able to use my IQ and passing ability to help the team get quality looks on offense and be a threat in the pick and roll and helping people get open shots’, commented Grant Golden.

An interesting aspect to his game is that despite being a versatile player, he hasn’t really incorporated a three pointer into his game yet. Is that something that he just didn’t have to do because every team has more shooters than ever? ‘I used to be a very good shooter when I was younger and in high school. I shot it a little bit at university but overtime, as other parts of my game developed, the three pointer is something that I didn’t really use anymore. It is definitely something that I would like to regain. Our coaches here in Manresa are pushing me to work on it a little bit every day to regain the idea and the confidence to do so. Hopefully overtime, and with more reps, it is something that I could maybe get back to’, warned Grant Golden. This season he has a specific part of his game that he is working on, a system that he has never played in before. ‘Coach Diego has us playing at a fast pace here in Manresa. I think one of the biggest things that I want to show is that I am capable of playing in such a system. The teams that I have played on before have all played much slower and much more in the half court. So I am excited for the opportunity to hopefully show that I can play in these faster systems as well with high levels of intensity on both ends’, added Grant Golden. He is extremely fortunate to have a coach in Spaniard Diego Ocampo who is a hard coach, but fair. ‘I think Coach is extremely smart, detailed oriented, and certainly knows a lot about the game. The thing I appreciate the most is the fact that he doesn’t allow us to be complacent or satisfied with any success. He knows that we can always give more and continue to improve no matter what. It his job to get this type of effort out of us and make sure it is consistent for all of us. So the honesty in this area and the constant push for me, whatever that may be for any individual on the team, is what I appreciate the most’, said Grant Golden. He has reached one of the top leagues overseas with the ACB, but what is missing from reaching the Euroleague? ‘I don’t really think about that too much. If you would have asked me before I came overseas what one of my goals was, making it to the ACB would have been towards the top of the list and is definitely something that I am proud of. But for me, making sure that I continue to improve as a player, and give my all for the shirt that I wear any given year is what is most important for me. I am excited to be a part of a historical club like Manresa and hope to be a part of a team that the fans are proud of the effort we give every night’, warned Grant Golden. It will be interesting to see where the journey of Golden will continue to go in the next years. Who knows maybe one day, he will land in the Euroleague. Then the only thing missing would be being reunited with Jacob Gilyard again as teammates somewhere overseas.

Robert Brown (Aschaffenburg Baskets) Is Enjoying Learning How To Adapt To New Environments Overseas Which Is Building His Character

Robert Brown (203-F-1998, college: TxWes) is a baller overseas who has been used to nice weather climates in his life. He grew up in Dallas, Texas where he wasn’t used to balmy summers, but toasty summers in the 90’s while in the winters it got cold, but also warm in the 60’s in February. Now in November with winter around the corner, the power forward is living the dream playing his rookie season overseas with German Regionalliga team Aschaffenburg Baskets living in a historic old German city which sits on the Main river and has a beautiful castle named Johannisburg. The winters are cold and damp. But thankfully for him he got an introduction to cold winters when he was at Iona (NCAA).

‘The weather has gotten very cold I’m adjusting a little bit to it but I’m already used to this type of weather because I’ve lived in New York for 2 and half years and it gets pretty cold there’, remembered Robert Brown.

Americans who come overseas can get a real culture shock really rapidly after arriving. Imagine being in a country like Mongolia or Romania or Kosovo. Sure the big cities all have clubs, but imagine being 1-2 hours away from the biggest city and playing for an organization that has 8,000 inhabitants and no Mcdonalds or Burger King. Playing your rookie season in brutal conditions like that often can have a toll on Americans. Not being able to adapt to a new culture can even lead guys returning back stateside and giving up on the dream. Brown was simply very fortunate to have landed in Germany which isn’t only one of the best places for Americans to play, but also one of the most positive places for Americans to begin a career. Money usually arrives on time and finding a Mcdonalds or Burger King isn’t difficult either. But for him actually refraining from visiting a Mcdonalds isn’t tough.

‘Germany has been nice so far it’s been treating me very well the culture here is different and I’m embracing every moment of the people around here welcoming with open arms out here my teammates are the best and helping me with a lot especially when it comes to the language here but I love it so far! I don’t do fast food normally. The only fast food spots I visit are the Doner spots and I cook from time to time as well’, stated Robert Brown.

Most American ballers have a wake up call overseas where they knew that they were far away from home. One of the most popular answers is simply getting used to the time difference. But for Brown, that wake up call never came simply because the whole experience in Germany has been so enriching.

It’s very shocking just being away from home I Remember telling myself when I didn’t have a call I couldn’t wait to get somewhere new start fresh and start life from there now that it happened it’s a reality check on just cherishing every moment because I’ve been here since September and it’s already November so I’m just enjoying the process learning how to adapt in different environments an remaining humble over lovely experiences so far it’s building my character’, warned Robert Brown.

One of the great aspects of the exciting overseas life isn’t just the playing, but also being able to explore new cultures and just visit new fascinating places. Brown hasn’t had too much time yet to explore new cities, but he already has some destinations in the next months. ‘

‘I would like to visit Berlin. My old teammate from Iona Dwayne Koroma that currently plays for UConn this season ! He told me it’s a great scenery I want to check that out after the season but I have been traveling to other cities as far as with the team as well it’s been cool to see other cities and knowing the difference between them. I also will be visiting Jabari Rice in the Czech Republic most likely sometime in January we talk almost every day’, said Robert Brown.

Americans playing in lower leagues overseas have lots of free time. There are usually only one game per week on the weekends and perhaps 2-3 practices per week. Guys playing in higher leagues will practice twice a day and have 1-2 games per week. The teammates of Brown all have jobs or go to school, so he has a lot of time to work on his game.

‘Normally we practice throughout the week so I do weights and conditioning on our off days and get shots up when the gym is available. I also get a little workout around the basket before I go straight into shots. I get to take care of my body which is the most important thing it’s basically teaching me discipline and making sure my craft is at its best’, warned Robert Brown.

How often have I seen other pro ballers watching the Frankfurt Skyliners during a easyCredit BBL game. Guys from lower leagues will take some of their free time to watch former opponents from college or teammates from other years. Brown also has found time seeing what his peers are doing at other levels.

‘I have checked out a few teams with the Skyliners in Frankfurt and a team that’s in a different region than ours’, said Robert Brown.

A great thing about guys balling in lower leagues is that there is no other way then up for them. They have a lot of time to perfect their craft so that one day they can refrain from watching German BBL and Pro A games and possibly compete at a level like that. But at the moment he is focused less on watching the games, but more on himself. His self-confidence is sky high to one day play in the Pro A or BBL. ‘

I am focusing on myself because that’s a big goal of mine to keep working to play in those type of leagues. I believe I can play on that level I just need to keep working and remain humbled I know my time will come I’m just enjoying my process of where I am at as of now’, warned Robert Brown.

It will be interesting to see how the Aschaffenburg Baskets continue to develop and if they can reach 500 this season. As for Robert Brown, he will continue to play his game, grind in the lab and develop further. Off the court, he will continue to experience new things in his life that one day he can tell his grand children about. He is simply living the dream overseas and couldn’t be more blessed for the opportunity.