When visiting games in the Dragon Dome in Bad Honnef, you are always bound to see some noteworthy basketball heads. Seeing players from easyCredit BBL team Telekom Baskets is nothing unusual when they have a night off. However sometimes you also see other basketball figures like a Kamil Novak, the Executive director of FIBA and who played with the Dragons Rhondorf more than 20 years ago or on other occasions seeing basketball 221 meter giant Rolf Bibo Mayer who is the father of current Dragons center Daniel Mayr and at a time was the tallest German alive. But there is also another well known German basketball player who is often seen in the Dragon Dome and that is ex German national player Yassin Idbihi. He is currently a scout for Europe for NBA team Charlotte Hornets and when his job isn´t occupying his time, he loves watching his son Khalid who won the German JBBL (U-16) title in 2026 and rookie of the year and 17 year old Malik whom plays for the Dragons Rhondorf and NBBL (U-19) team Bonn-Rhondorf. He isn´t at all games, but his presence in the ´Dragon Dome is very special for Malik. “Having my dad watching me play in the Dragon Dome is like a gift for me. He is very helpful and supports me like a coach and always tells me what I can improve”, stated Malik Idbihi (193-PG-2009). It was the second home game in a row where Yassin found time to observe his son. His dad who was born in Cologne Germany and also has the Moroccan citizenship played at the University of Buffalo (NCAA) and had a fruitful easyCredit BBL career in Germany with elite teams like Alba Berlin, Bamberg and Munich and won 4 titles was a 208cm center while his son is a 193cm point guard. Do the different positions pose a problem with the learning effect? “Not at all. My dad has so much experience and coached here some years ago. He knows how to coach all positions”, smiled Malik Idbihi. In the summers, they don´t only work on his game, but take family vacations to Morocco. “That is also a gift spending time with my family there. We never play basketball there, but may play some football on the beach”, smiled Malik Idbihi.
The second home game didn´t play out as well as the team win over Erfurt as BG Hessing Leitershofen smothered the Dragons Rhondorf 82-68. Rhondorf had an awful shooting day and didn´t come to terms with the aggressive Leitershofen defense despite dominating the boards 55-36. “We couldn´t hit our shots consistently and had no solutions against their defense. They switched all and we relied too much on our three pointer. On offense, they could do what they wanted. We also couldn´t match their physicality”, stated Malik Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf also had problems containing Leitershofen´s veterans Bobby Arthur Williams who hit very instrumental three´s as did ex easyCredit BBL player Joanic Bacoul. The club also got valuable support from young German Connor Anderson who had his Pro B break out with 11 points and also gave impulses on defense as did Jannik Westermeir who´s on ball defense gave Rhondorf´s guards fits. The club doesn´t have much time to think about the loss as they have the next game on Wednesday in Frankfurt and then are back at home against top team Fellbach on Saturday. They will have to be on their toes in the coming week. “We have to play better defense, be more aggressive and physical. We also have to find quicker solutions when our shots aren´t falling”, warned Malik Idbihi. As a young player, he has some veterans who are instrumental for the team and also his game like Canadian Mychael Paulo who can create a shot out of nothing or Sahmi “Dennis Rodman with a jump shot” Willoughby who once had a massive Kevin Love like game at Marietta (NCAA 3) against Baldwin Wallace of 22/24. “I love being teammates with both of them. Mychael is such a great player. He seemingly does everything right on the court. He hits shots and always makes the right decision. Sahmi hits shots and plays strong defense. It is a huge pleasure playing with both guys”, smiled Malik Idbihi. He is also teammates with many young guys. Last season it was Dusam Ilic, Carlo Schmid and David Bonning that made big strides in their games and this season, the club hopes it will be guys like Idbihi and Tom Viehofer.
Last season Malik Idbihi played with Team Bonn/Rhoendorf U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 10.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 83.3% and had good games against Giessen scoring 16 and 14 games while in the Pro B played 9 games averaging 1,8ppg and scored 8 points against Rostock already showing his talent at that level. This season his game really took off in the first 2 games as he came into the Leitershofen game averaging 11/5/4/1 stats. He had a solid 12/5/3 game against Erfurt and then upped his game against FC Bayern basketball with a very efficient 10/5/5/3 game in only 15 minutes and in the two games shot 36%. However against Leitershofen he was brought back down to reality as he had 2 points an 1 assist in 9,53 minutes and shot 0/6. “I wasn´t happy with my game. I missed all my shots and I rushed my shots. My shot release was too quick. I have to work on that. I have to make offensive decisions quicker. My defense was solid”, commented Malik Idbihi. His role is to play 15 + minutes coming from the bench, but his desire for more is huge. “I want to increase it. I´m very ambitious and want to play even better than what I have shown. My organizing got better over the summer., I´m playing the one more. It is all a learning process”, warned Malik Idbihi. Was his consistency in the first 2 games a surprise since he is still such a young player? “No not at all. Actually the way I played against Leitershofen was more surprising. I am super confident in my abilities. I had a bad game, but that is part of the game. I just have to jump back in the next game. I have that next game mentality”, warned Malik Idbihi. He will definitely have that chance on the weekend in the youth sector and this week when he battles many young talents in Frankfurt.
There was a lot of excitement after the Dragons Rhondorf big win in their home opener over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt 96-74 and that didn´t change after they won again this time in their first road game in Munich against Fc Basketball 2. They had demonstrated in their first 2 games that they can rely on their potent offense, but this season´s team doesn´t seem to be one dimensional as they want to defend hard and well as a team as they have allowed only 78 points per game. Their opponent for game 3 in the Dragon Dome was the always powerful BG Leitershoefen as they have belonged to the top Pro B teams the last 2 seasons. This season they arrived in Rhondorf with a 1-1 record in their luggage. They were destroyed by top Pro B team Fellbach on the road and then answered well at home beating the weak Speyer team. They have as usual a very talented team, but are still finding themselves. On a cool Autumn evening, BG Lessing Leitershofen finally came together as a team and gave a great defensive performance for 30 minutes smothering the Dragons Rhondorf 82-68 as both teams moved to 2-2. The guests also had a solid offensive performance having 6 guys score in double figures in the attack. “We played great defense and had each others backs. Our philosophy was to play hard defense as much as possible and limit mistakes. We got the job done tonight”, stressed BG Lessing Leitershofen forward Bobby Arthur-Williams (201-F-1997, college: Pitt St., agency: Starting 5). The Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t repeat their fabulous offensive performance against Erfurt as they couldn´t muster any consistent offense against their opponent. “We didn´t play together and couldn´t generate defensive stops the way we wanted to. Their defense gave us problems which resulted us in playing 1-1 and 2-2. We ran our heads through the wall. We had some good moments where we showed signs of coming back, but it wasn´t enough”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf center Daniel Mayr.
Bobby Arthur-Williams at the FT line
In the first quarter the first half was a back a forth slug fest as there were 9 lead changes, but in the second half of the first quarter, the Dragons Rhondorf were able to get away thanks to a run and lead 25-19 after 10 minutes. BG Hessing Leitershofen did a good job getting German Leon Geissler involved early as he scored 6 of the team´s first 10 points. Young German Kenan Reinhart was aggressive in the early going scoring 7 points of the team´s first 12 points to lead 11-10. His trey wasn´t falling early, so he resorted to his drive which has been greatly improved in the last season. The three wasn´t falling for either team as the guests also had to resort to getting to the rim as ex easyCredit BBL player Joanic Bacoul made a lay in as did ex Lok Bernau forward Friedrich Feldrappe to dead lock the contest at 15-15. The Dragons Rhondorf then made the first run of the game ending the first quarter with a lethal 9-4 run to lead by 6 points after one quarter. In the run, Rhondorf did a good job attacking the rim getting lay in´s from ex Skyliner Justin Onjejiaka and ex Skyliner Daniel Mayr. Rhondorf were dominating the boards especially the offensive glass while the guests had 7 fouls. Bacoul made the last shot of the quarter count as he banked a jumper off the back board. “We executed well and played solid defense. They struggled with our pressure”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Josh Petteno. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 39% from the field and 14% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 2 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 43% from the field and 14% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers.
Kenan Reinhart to the hole
The turning point of the game occurred in the second quarter as BG Hessing Leitershofen took a 180 degree turn and exploded for 31 points and led 50-36 at half-time. BG Hessing Leitershofen finally got their offense rolling by moving the ball better and executing better and went on a lethal 28-6 run to lead 47-30. In the run, they got support from many guys like Leon Geissler who added 6 points and was a wrecking machine inside that the Dragons couldn´t contain. The guests also got 7 points from Swiss forward Gael Barman who showed his inside out qualities, got 2 three´s from German Brendan Gregori and three´s from Bacoul and little used young German Connor Anderson. The guests came into the game shooting a miserable 23% from outside and it was only a matter of time where they had to break out. BG Hessing Leitershofen had better spacing and shot selection, but the Dragons also had lost intensity in their defensive game which allowed the guests to finally find that groove. Rhondorf was still getting open shots, but couldn´t execute and began to force more shots. The big Leitershogen run was stopped through a lightening 6-0 run in the last 2 minutes by the Dragons Rhondorf as Onyejiaka nailed a trey as did Ohio native Sahmi Willoughby, but the home team still trailed by 14 points at the break. BG Hessing Leitershofen stepped up their defensive intensity and a mix out of zone and switching was stifling the Dragons with their offensive sets. “They upped their pace and tightened their defense. We weren´t able to scramble the way we wanted to. They also made the right decisions and we couldn´t handle their pressure”, commented Josh Petteno. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 51% from the field and 35% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 30% from the field and 21% from the three point line and had 27 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Leon Giessler with the lay in
In the third quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to manage their lead well and didn´t allow the Dragons Rhondorf over the hump as they won the quarter 17-16 and led comfortably 67-52 after 30 minutes. Arthur-Williams who came in the game averaging only 3,0 points got going making a trey while young German Dusan Ilic finally got his first field goal of the game after going 0/6 in the first half, but Leitershofen led 53-38. The Dragons Rhondorf then had their best offensive phase of the second half going on a rapid 12-5 run to get under 10 points again trailing 58-50. In the run, they found some cracks in the Leitershofen defense getting another trey from Reinhart, 3 points from German Carlo Schmidt and 4 points from giant Daniel Mayr who was put into better spots by his teammates. It looked like the Dragons Rhondorf might now have that momentum and make a new turn in the game, but then came the major dagger in the heart of the Dragons as BG Hessing Leitershofen closed out the third quarter with a 9-2 run led by two back to back three pointers by Arthur-Williams. Bacoul also made a floater as his experience was simply too much for the Dragons on this night. His facilitation skills as well as Jannik Westermeiers defense gave the Dragons Rhondorf fits. The Leitershofen defense didn´t allow any open three´s or penetration by the Dragons. “We knew that they would come out fighting. We did a good job limiting turnovers and got big shots from Bacoul and Anderson”, stated Bobby Arthur-Williams. “We couldn´t get stops and gave up way too many easy things. They kept punching back when we scored. When we had momentum, we would give it up”, said Daniel Mayr. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 44% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 29% from the field and 19% from the parking lot and had 45 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
Malik Idbihi at the FT line
In the fourth quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen had no drop down in their game, but finished the game strong never leading by less than 10 points. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to play exceptional defense and when the Dragons scored it was more on isolation as there was little team play to be seen. Reinhart and Onyejiaka scored with drives in traffic while the guests countered with three´s Williams and Bacoul and led 73-59. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to get good production from Onyejiaka and Willoughby, but couldn´t make ground on the guests as they always had an answer. German Connor Anderson had his break out game in the Pro B with 11 points and scored 7 points in the last 6 minutes, but also left an impact on the defensive end with a steal and block. Anderson scored the last two buckets of the game closing out the win for BG Hessing Leitershofen. “Even when we didn´t hit shots, we couldn´t find any solutions against their defense. We weren´t bale to get them tired after Gustrau and Geissler were out”, added Daniel Mayr. “We switched everything and were flying around. Our defense was the big difference in the game”, stressed Bobby Arthur-Williams. BG Hessing Leitershofen had 6 guys score in double figures led by Bobby Arthur Williams. Leon Geissler and Joanic Bacoul had 13 points a piece while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kenan Reinhart with 17 points and Justin Onyejiaka had 15 points. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 42% from the field and 34% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 31% from the field and 17% from outside and had 55 rebounds and 19 turnovers.
Gabriel Jung (185-PG-2001) is a 25 year old 186cm guard that played the 2025-2026 season with the ETB Miners Essen (ProB) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.8% and helping the team win the 2026 Pro B title. He began his basketball career in the Phoenix Hagen organization playing NBBL and also with Regionalliga team Hagen-Haspe. He got his first Pro B experience with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (ProB) and also played with Regionalliga team Herten. He played with Regionalliga team BSV Wulfen from 2022-2025 playing a total of 82 games and averaged 12/3/3 stats in the 3 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
You played with Phoenix Hagen Juniors (NBBL)from 2017-2020. How do you remember these years? Did you have a kind of mentor then? Yes these years were very important for my development as a player. Actually I wouldn´t say that I had a mentor there since you play with new guys every season, but some of them I faced during this season and I had a good relationship with them.
In your last 2 NBBL years in Hagen you averaged 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 51.7% and 15.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.0%. How did your game grow further in the NBBL? In the NBBL I learned how to fit in different systems and to take different roles on a team. As a younger player you just try to deliver in the minutes you get. And as you get older you learn how to take responsibility and maybe even lead a team.
You also played a season with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Regionalliga) averaging 4.1ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.1apg. How vital was this season playing with men? It was my first season in the senior league and I got to know the physical part of playing against men. How much quicker the game is and how much more work you have to put in to survive.
How vital was American point guard Jordan Rose? What could you soak up from his game then? Jordan was the first real vet I had that tried to teach me a couple of things. He is a really shifty guard which I like and I tried to add to my game, but generally just how he plays with patience was my biggest take away.
You then played parts of 2 seasons with Bochum and helped the team move up to the Pro A in 2021. What was so special about that team? With successfull teams the team chemistry plays a big role. In that team everyone knew his role and played it perfectly.
How valuable was being teammates with top German Pro A point guard Niklas Geske? How vital were his leadership skills? What could you take from his game?
Niklas just showed professionalism and discipline in every workout and every game. It just showed me the consistency you need to play on a high level for such a long time. Basketball wise it´s just incredible to see how he gets everyone involved but knows also when to take over and score on his own.
The next season you played with the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Regionalliga) averaging 9.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 82.0%. This was your break out season. How valuable was this season for your basketball development? You finished the season really strong? I wouldn´t really say that this was my breakout season. This season was important for me since I got to an age where I needed to learn to take more responsibility and I got the chance in Herten in the 1. Regionalliga, but since it was my first season I really struggled with that role, which was also helpful for me as a player.
You then played 3 seasons with BSV Wulfen (Regionalliga) averaging 11.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 73.7%, 11.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.0%, and 12.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 72.9%. You demonstrated incredible consistency. What kind of a player did you become there? In Wulfen I think I took the biggest steps in my career. I learned what it meant to be the leader on the court as the point guard and how to develop my game to help my team.
How vital was a player Juhwan Harris-Dyson? How did he help your defensive game most? Juhwan came to the team when we were in a difficult situation and from there on we could turn it around. The energy he showed in every game and every practice and just the dedication to make life difficult for his opponent helped the team tremendously.
You then came to the ETB Miners Essen. Was that the best decision in your basketball life? I feel like I made a couple of good decisions in my career and how the move to Essen turned out it seems like it was one of them
What is the next step for you? Not sure right now. I’m trying to focus and lay the foundation for life after basketball at the moment.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague? I don´t think I ever played against current NBA or Euroleague players
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Tobias Wegmann, Tarik Jakupovic, Nils Peters, Niclas Sperber, Ben Uzoma
Milo Murray (199-G-2007) is a 19 year old 198cm forward playing with the Rostock Seawolves Academy (Germany-ProB). Last season he played with Orange Academy Ulm (Germany-ProB) averaging 3.9ppg, 1.3rpg, played also at BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 9.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 55.6%, played also at ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 62.1%. In 2024-2025 he played 5 Pro B games with Orange Academy averaging 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg, played also at ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (NBBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 72.2%, played also at BBU 01 Ulm (Regionalliga) averaging 8.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 60.0%. He also played also ANGT with ratiopharm Ulm U18 team (ANGT) winning the title averaging 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 50.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his time with the ratiopharm Ulm organization during the 2025-2026 season.
Thanks Milo for talking to germanhoops.com. You also have had success in the Pro B as the team keeps rolling in the playoffs. What is it like playing for the Pro B team? You only average 10,0 minutes. What kind of a role did you have in the Pro B with Orange Academy? Pro B my role looks a lot different. I have the ball less in my hands and have to find a way to impact the team without necessarily having the ball. I’ve improved my catch and shoot three point shot a lot in comparison to the last years and I do what I need to do to stay on the floor under coach Flo. 3 and D sort of guy I would say
What do you believe is the biggest strength of the Orange Academy team? How vital is the combination of experience and youth in one? We are young, but we run fast get along with each other and have a structured system that allows us to be successful night in a night out. Experience is important with veterans in our team like Marko Dordevic and Lenni Kunzewitsch. We are able to stay serious even though we are a young development team. ULM has done a great job putting this roster together.
One player I really like is Swiss army knife Joel Cwik. What do you appreciate most from his game? Joel is an important factor to the team he brings a presence on defense and has really stepped up his offensive game this year allowing him to be more versatile and keeping the defense and offense on their toes also a guy I get along with one and off the court quite a lot.
What have you enjoyed most about the Milicic brothers Teo and Zoran? How competitive are these 2 guys?
They are great guys to have on your team. Zoki and Teo are both guards that bring high IQ a great feel for the game and are responsible for a lot of the great team chemistry we have going on. Both of them are great competitors on the court and bring a fire mentality especially in big games.
Teo Milicic is an unbelievable talented player, but how mature is his mentality at this level already?
Teo is an amazing talent who can score pass but one of his most underrated aspects is his leadership despite his young age he continues to lead us on the court and feed us and put us in great positions Me as a wing player I enjoy playing with him because he reads the defenses and sets guys up while being able to create for himself too.
You also play with the Ulm Regionalliga team and play heavy minutes. Is this an opportunity for you to work on other aspects of your game?
Yes, definitely Regio is a time to work on your game while also taking it seriously. It is great because you play with a bunch of different guys ages ranging from our youngest guy Marko Volf to our oldest Lenni. it has helped me mature because at the end of the day it is a men’s league and being able to compete against all the guys is always beneficial
Last season you were teammates with Jervis Scheffs who moved on to Wurzburg. You guys have similar games. What was your fondest moment with him? Jervis is a tremendous player who I’ve learnt a great deal from. He can tell you himself the amount of times we have played against each other one on one late at night early in the mornings and the hours that we have put in together bettering our games on the court. We spent a lot of time off the court too and he’ll be one of my greatest friends for a long time. His mid range game really is something you don’t see a lot. My fondest moment with Jervis was probably the times in the summer playing national team and those long journeys on the train
You played some years for the German youth national team, but now play for the UK. Why did you make that change? Germany and the UK have very different playing styles and systems. The UK relies much more on little set plays whereas Germany plays very fast in transition shoots tons of three pointers and is a heavy guard orientated system. I enjoyed playing for both and will have all my teammates and coaches who have played with for both teams in mind for a long time
You played at the 2024 AST in Mannheim averaging 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg. What memories do you have playing for Dirk Bauermann? Was it challenging playing for such a legend? Dirk Bauermann was one of the most experienced coaches I’ve ever played under. His philosophy was very interesting to be able to learn and is playing a tournament like the AST and being part of such a talented squad will always be an honur for me. My best games were against Italy and Egypt both dropping 10 points.
You also played at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul (Turkey) -2024 averaging 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg. What memories do you have of that tournament playing on such a big stage? Istanbul was an experience of a lifetime seeing all these great players with names who are entering the NBA draft this year and playing on the team with some high level German talent. I think a lot of of those guys playing in that tournament will have a long career whether that is in the NBA Euro league or Euro cup I will look forward to playing some of these guys in the near future
In 2024 you played Adidas Next gen with Ulm and was teammates with Noa Essengue and played against Real Madrid and Hugo Gonzalez. What do you remember personally taking from that tournament? That tournament was full of great players. I remember in Berlin watching the final match up between Madrid and a strong INSEP team a lot of great players who are making noise in the NBA right now Egor Demin being a guy who’s game I really appreciate.
You played at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B in Romania -2025:playing 7 games averaging 3.6ppg. How is the state of youth basketball in the UK? What young guys from the UK can we look for in the future? The state of basketball in the UK, especially in the youth differentiates itself a lot from that of which occurs in the rest of Europe. It’s still got a long way to go in terms of reaching the standards that we witness across Europe. But there are some amazing coaches out there who do everything to make sure it continues to grow. My childhood coach and longtime mentor is Coach Isaac Omirin who has been such a key in my development and I wouldn’t be in this position if he wasn’t there. Obinna Ekufu, Tejan Rugette, Emmanuel Ahamefule are 3 young players I enjoy playing with and have extremely bright futures ahead of them. Jack Walton my 2nd favourite point guard (after Dante Patel) who’s game is top tier. Kimbe N’Gabala a young player who’s work ethic I really like is one to keep an eye on too.
Your 18 years old. What are your biggest goals as a player in the next years? At the top of the list is definitely to play in a great division one system in America playing a high major school in front of the crowds and making my family proud of things that I’ve dreamt about as a kid
Who was the toughest player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA? Pacome Dadiet a great friend of mine who now plays for the New York Knicks it’s definitely one of those players who I had a lot of trouble guarding while playing one V one or in the practices for ANGT. Flynn Broadmann Raffet is a player who isn’t in the NBA but now plays in the SLB putting up ridiculous numbers in the UK and is a player I could never figure out.
Please name your 5 teammates of all-time? No particular oder – Tejan Rugette, Dante Patel, Ay-Dan Moloney, Jervis Scheffs, Endurance Aiyamenkhue are my favourite teammates of all time. Special mention to Niko Jerkic and Oliver Kullamae some of my favourite hoopers who’s games I could watch on and on!
Please list your personal NBA and German Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time? Personal NBA is my list not necessarily the greatest but my favourite. Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy, German – Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Isaac Bong and of course Dirk Nowitzki
Who is your GOAT? .My goat is most definitely Kevin Durant, I’ve always enjoyed his game how he gets to his sports in the mid range his ability to close out games and I’m most especially appreciate his workout videos where you can see in detail how he betters his game and how every repetition looks identical. One guy that definitely aspires me to meet one day and have a conversation with.
Raymond Somerville (211-C/F-2000, college: Delaware St.) is a 26 year old 211cm forward/center from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania playing his second pro season and first with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Last season he played his rookie season with KK TFT Skopje (North Macedonia-Super League) averaging 7.7ppg, 5.8rpg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.4%. He began his basketball career at the Shipley School and then played at California State University from 2020-2022 an dthen played at Delaware State University from 2022-2025. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz.
Thanks Ray for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season overseas and first with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas and Eurocup a top league in Europe? I am grateful for the opportunity to be at this wearing a Neptunas jersey and thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to play here. I’m thankful to all my teammates and coaches and family members, and everyone that supported me along the way.
After your rookie season in North Macedonia, now your in crazy basketball country Lithuania. How have you experienced the love for basketball so far in Lithuania?
While I am still new to the experience, what I’ll say so far is that the fans and community here are the best. To have such strong support in the arena and the city makes everything just better. We also have a development program and the kids are always excited to see us on our way to practice and on the way home.
What were the main reasons for joining Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). What is your main goal with your game? I joined this team for the opportunity to compete at a high level everyday both in practice and in games. Along with the ability to learn and grow my IQ for the game. For me at this point I know I haven’t actualized my full potential with basketball. I think that there’s a lot more for me to go in terms of both on and off the floor with learning how this game works and being a professional.
How vital has it been having 2 big man vets like Einaras Tubutis and Martynas Echodas? How have you gotten adjusted playing and learning from them?
It has been great like I said working with and against Tubutis and Echodas has been great. It’s been a great learning experience in the time that we have been able to practice together. Being able to watch, ask and then figure out certain moves or actions with two high level players is exactly what I need.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 211cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I think that is kind of difficult because NBA players play their roles at the highest of elite levels but if I were to say anybody, I feel like somewhere around Mitchell Robert and Nick Claxton with the fact of this rim protection to be a pick-and-roll five
You’re the classic rim protector that can rebound well. You have never averaged double figures in scoring in the NCAA or overseas. Is becoming more of a scoring threat a goal of yours? Becoming a great basketball player is my goal. I mean, I think scoring will become a part of it and give me a broader skillset but that’s never been my role and that’s never been a role that I gravitated towards. I love my role and I love what I can bring to teams.
What other strengths does your game incorporate? How is your passing out of the post? I believe my physical tools are my best attribute. I am a fast center and can create things for my team with just movement or good screens. My post passing is definitely something that has been developing and I’ll be able to work on but to be honest, I am not a traditional post-up big. I try to focus on understanding my teammates and by them communicating where they’re at to make everything simpler
Your the classic rim protector that can also block shots well. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I’ve always believed that my best role is being an anchor for a defense. Somebody that my teammates can rely on in to protect the paint while also be able to switch and guard on the perimeter. My switching defense is the next step that I want to work on. I want to work on being comfortable learning how to adjust my guarding to this level and be able to stop any single person on the floor no matter who it is because I do believe I have the capability to do so.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I would say my biggest thing is just consistency. Consistency is the biggest thing and then you know these increasing levels of basketball, you get to learn more about the smaller details and understanding the ins and outs of cuts and spacing and where to move on the floor, I’d say for me, my biggest thing to work on is understanding and mastering the short roll game.
Last season as a rookie you played with KK TFT Skopje (North Macedonia-Super League) averaging 7.7ppg, 5.8rpg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.4%; Adriatic League 2 averaged 7.1ppg, 5.6rpg, Blocks-1 (1.4bpg), FGP: 68.9%, FT: 56.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
Overseas, I think for me, that experience came with the blend of being in TFT Skopje. It was a great experience with my teammates and then the culture and everybody. A big piece was having Darren Govens and Stanley Davis Jr. They’re from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, just like me having that familiarity eased things. I guess the realization came in December. There was a short period of time I had a break and without going too far, a few life things didn’t go my way and it was kind of at that point time. I realize I’m out here on my own so I have to make the most of it
How vital was it having a veteran and allrounder around in Justin Gordon? Was he like a mentor for you? Yeah, so funny enough, Justin was the other piece of that puzzle. When it came to the familiarity, he was our other import from North Carolina and having him around was a major piece of understanding how to be a professional the way he carried himself and the way he treated his body was, I mean, it was great to be able to learn from and see, because that’s something that I had to take away and it’s the biggest piece of my game that I understood.
You beat Madzari in the playoffs and then lost to Pelister in 3games. What did you learn from your first pro playoff series? At that point, I think that would’ve been about our fourth or fifth playoff series after all our ABA 2 playoffs, but with that the main thing I learned is adjustments and consistency are the two biggest things to be able to win games being able to adjust on the fly and react to teams, whatever teams do well or whatever teams don’t do well and also learning to just move on not only from the next play or from the next game, you can’t allow the emotions of one game to drag into the next and you can’t allow the emotions in the eyes of one lead to the next year
You were 3 years at California State University Bakersfield (NCAA) and only played 16 games. How challenging were these 3 years especially mentally? What positives could you get out of it? I would say those three years brought a lot of challenges, but I don’t necessarily look at them as challenges, just obstacles. When I decided to go to Bakersfield I went because the staff there had everything I needed to develop and become a high level basketball player. I am thankful because I look back and know that they gave me the formula for success. I’d say the challenging parts came from just having to understand that it wasn’t my time and I was young, so it was frustrating. I think that was the biggest hurdle for me to overcome. They taught me how to become a pro. I just wasn’t able to recognize it.
You then moved to Delaware State University (NCAA) averaging 4.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.2bpg , 3.4ppg, 2.6rpg and. 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. How did you experience these three years as a player. What was surprising your minutes dipped every season from start to end. For me, that moved when I left Bakersfield and moved to Del State it was for the opportunity, one, to be a part of the rotation, but I also moved there to help start and reestablish a culture, successful culture that builds good men and a good basketball program, and on the second, I’m glad to say that I was a major piece in getting that done and in my time there my minutes and all my play on the floor didn’t necessarily reflect what I wanted to get done or achieve I still was able to make an impact. Dealing with my father’s health and death at the time led to me not being able to focus on basketball or much of anything outside of that really, I call it a secondary lesson, having to learn that now wasn’t the time, but in terms of those things, I just move forward
You had great games against Lamar and Norfolk State in losing causes. What was your fondest moment on the court at Delaware State?
I would say my most enjoyable moment on the floor probably would’ve come from our run in the MEAC tournament in 25′ after we had finally gotten through a somewhat rocky season, but we were able to pull through and show that we were a good team and then we were able to get down to our conference tournament and make a run while unfortunately, we weren’t able to win the championship and win the crown it still was a great experience just being able to be consumed by basketball with nothing but the guys I’ve called my brothers for the past two years
How did head coach Stan Waterman groom and prepare you for a pro career?
I am thankful to Coach Waterman for the time we spent together. For me, I was able to learn a new side of how players can interact with coaches and coaching styles.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Alston Andrews?
I figure, out of the fairness and respect I have for AA, I’ll say it’s even. He had some days where he got me and I had some days where I was pretty decent but beyond that was honestly one of my greatest teammates, and I still look at him as a brother to this day and I’m wishing the best for him
Who is the toughest player that you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?
I played against a lot of people that have now or have played in the NBA Funny enough, I think the toughest experience didn’t come from college, but from my first year playing varsity basketball. I ended up playing against Mo Bamba when he was the number-three-ranked player in his class as a senior and I think that was a tough experience, but although it was tough, it was great because I wasn’t scared but when you do that at 16, not much else really scares you.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Okay, but some of these are skill and some are family.
Sam Sessoms
Taze Moore
Kyle Johnson
Stanley Davis
K’vonn Cramer
Who is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Kevin Garnett, LeBron, Shaq, Kyrie
Who is your GOAT?
LeBron without a doubt
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? No, I did not watch the sequel. I’m going to be honest, I didn’t even watch the original.
The EPG Baskets Koblenz finally did that what they did in their Pro A debut 3 seasons ago this season and that was winning their first game of the season which was a high scoring explosion against Bayreuth. However the club hit reality big time again something that haunted them so much the last years when they followed up a big win with a loss. The EPG Baskets Koblenz traveled to Nurnberg 48 hours ago and lost 85-75 and saw that when their offense isn´t on, it will be difficult to win. Their three pointer didn´t fall and they had massive problems taking care of the ball. Koblenz had to show their true colors against Artland as they followed up the 91-87 loss to Giessen with a big 81-69 win over BG Goetingen totally buckling down on defense. The EPG Baskets Koblenz needed to be wicked sharp and get their offense rolling again and find a way to string along more stops. On a mild early fall day, the EPG Baskets Koblenz came into their living room without their starting point guard Tyren Moore who had injured himself in Nurnberg 48 hours earlier, but still stuck together for 40 minutes and played good team basketball and played a solid second half never allowing the Artland Dragons over the hump winning 92-80 and improving their record to 2-1. “It was a great team effort. We all came together for 40 minutes. We gave good energy in our comeback attempt in Nurnberg and wanted to take that into this game and did. We played more to being ourselves than not. Playing defense was a lot of fun and switching a lot. We played aggressive defense forcing them to tough lay ups and mid range shots”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz American Jayden Williams (198-F-2003, college: Dartmouth). The Artland Dragons didn´t bring their A game or their energy from their big win against BG Goettingen 48 hours ago. “This wasn´t a good game from us. We had no energy and weren´t able to execute our game plan”, stressed Artland Dragons guard Dominic Dolic. One guy who was totally thrilled was EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein who hasn´t been used to winning so much in the last years. “That was a very high level attractive basketball game. We were aggressive at both ends and a great team effort. They all stayed together”, added Thomas Klein.
Ferenc Gille at the FT line
Both teams came out aggressive in the first minutes as there was little scoring seen, but more missed shots. Ex Dragon Rhondorf center Ferenc Gille gave Koblenz early energy with a few baskets while Artland got baskets from German Elijah Ndi and Canadian overseas rookie Jamal Fuller to tie the game 4-4. However the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the better offensive execution and were able to get into better position to score. Canadian rookie Mason Kraus added 5 free throws while Jayden Williams displayed his microwave abilities nailing back to back three´s off the bench for the 18-8 advantage. Koblenz was doing a great job stopping Artland´s pick and role with leader Buzz Anthony while dangerous scorer Jonathan Klussmann couldn´t find his spots due to tezhnaggressive on man defense from Koblenz. The Artland Dragons were already showing early that they couldn´t match the intensity of Koblenz as well as coming to terms with the physicality and switching on defense. Ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld added free throws and ex Kirchheim forward Jonas Niedermanner made a basket in the last seconds to secure Koblenz the comfortable 22-12 lead after 10 minutes. Then point guard duo of Mason Kraus and Chase Johnson also sparkled as both were able to make an impact at both ends. “That was great defense. I never saw better defense than that from our team. Our pick and roll defense was great. Our 1-1 defense was also incredible. Our rotations were good. Our offense was ok”, added Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 40% from the 2 point area and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Artland Dragons shot 36% from the 2 point area and 0% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Elijah Ndi from outside
That basketball is a game of runs is no secret in basketball as in the second quarter the Artland Dragons found better to their offense game and got back into the game and trailed only 46-38 at half-time. Koblenz began well getting a jumper from ex Santa Clara (NCAA) center Camaron Tongue and a lay in from Chase Johnson, but that didn´t faze the guests as they finally let it ran three´s as Klussmann connected twice and Anthony once as Koblenz only led 26-22. However Artland still wasn´t able to get over the hump as Koblenz continued to punch as did Klussmann. Klussmann was hot and also showed his mid range game scoring twice, but Koblenz countered with a Kraus trey and pretty fade away jumper from Tongue as Koblenz had the slim 32-26 lead. Both teams were executing very well on offense as Koblenz´s aggressiveness had worn off a bit and Klussman was getting to his spots better and not getting bumped around as much. The Artland Dragons then had a strong 2 minute faze stringing along stops and suddenly had tied the game 37-37. They got energy from the bench from ex Speyer forward Dejan Bruce with a lay in, 15 footer from Anthony and a trey from Klussmann. However the close game moved from that to a 8 point lead out of seemingly nothing for Koblenz as Jayden Williams unleashed the microwave exploding with 3 three´s at the end. Williams finished with a Pro A career high 26 points and 5/5 from outside. “I was feeling it today. But my teammates were putting me in great position today. I felt like a microwave”, smiled Jayden Williams. “Jayden played great. All his shots were contested or on the move. Plus he played real aggressive defense on Klussmann and Bohannon”, stated Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz led 46-38 at the break. “Klussmann brought Artland into the flow. He had too much room. They were more aggressive while we were less aggressive”, commented Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 38% from the 2 point area and 40% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Artland Dragons shot 50% from the 2 point area and 27% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 7 turnovers.
Alex Moeller with the lay in
In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz had their best scoring 10 minutes scoring 28 points while the Artland Dragons weren´t too shabby either scoring 25 points, but still trailed 74-63 after 30 minutes. It was a quarter of both teams punching back and forth. Ex Clemson (NCAA) forward Naz Bohannon scored twice in the first minutes as he got good position and scored while Koblenz continued to share the ball well getting another trey from Tongue and a lay in from Gille as the bigs were producing well as Artland trailed 50-42. The EPG Baskets Koblenz also displayed their will to win which was bigger than Artland´s at this juncture. Koblenz was more attentive on the glass getting offensive rebounds and also making big defensive plays and hustle plays. Inside out player Jonas NIedermanner hit a big trey to keep the lead going well at 60-47. The Artland Dragons did a good job getting to the free throw line getting baskets from Dolic and Fuller to stay in the game, but overall could have been closer had they connected better from there. After 40 minutes they had missed a total of 8 free throws. The Artland Dragons just couldn´t find that defensive consistency from the BG Goettingen game allowing a try by Mason Kraus and pretty baby hook shot from Tongue for the 74-61 lead after 3 quarters. Kraus had a solid game with 13 points and 4 dimes in 20 minutes and celebrated his real Pro A break through. “Mason had a great game. He made the game fast, hit big shots and his agility helped him play great defense”, stressed Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 43% from the 2 point range and shot 45% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 57% from the 2 point area and 26% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 9 turnovers. “Our focus was on Klussmann on defense and did a good job against him. On offense we did a good job having longer possessions and slowing down at times. We like to paly fast, but when in the half court look for good shots”, warned Jayden Williams. “We had a bad start with too little energy. We did a good job getting to the free throw line, but missed too many”, explained Dejan Bruce.
Dejan Bruce at the FT line
Both teams stepped off the scoring pedal in the fourth quarter combining for 37 points as the Artland Dragons never cut the lead down closer than 9 points. The first few minutes was a real turnover party as both teams coughed up the ball on a regular basis. The game had become sloppy. German American Grant Tecihmann who once hit 9 three´s and 28 points in Koblenz with Pro B team Dresden now has a very reduced role this season connected on a trey while Williams and Johnson added lay in´s as Koblenz led 78-67 and Artland just couldn´t get closer. After a Bohannon lay in, the EPG Baskets Koblenz then put a stamp on the win with a lethal 13-2 run to extend their lead to 91—71 and ultimately decide the game. In the run, the EPG Baskets Koblenz got back to back 3 free throws from Jayden Williams for a total of 6 while Sonnefeld added a lay in as did Chase Johnson. Koblenz had a few more minutes to go and couldn´t end the game in total immaculate fashion as the Artland Dragons ended the game strong finishing with a brutal 9-0 run so their end result didn´t look quite as bad. Bruce and Bohannon added lay in´s while Klussmann got a few more points, but couldn´t tie his Pro A best 28 points against Bochum and ended with 27 points. “We had better energy and wanted to try to get back into the game with better defense”, said Dejan Bruce. “We brought so much energy in the fourth that it would have been impossible not to go on a run”, added Jayden Williams. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Jayden Williams with 26 points. Mason Kraus added 13 points and Camaron Tongue 12 points while the Artland Dragons were led by Jonathan Klussmann with 27 points. Jamal Fuller added 14 points and Naz Bohannon 10 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 42% from the field and 39% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 43% from the field and 25% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 12 turnovers,
It was January 12th, 2018 and I was back home in Boston for a visit after having lived overseas for 18 years. I liked coming home in the winter to visit my mom and brother while also being able to check out the Boston Celtics. I also checked out the college calendars and was real happy when I saw Colgate playing Boston University on this day. The reason was that Michael Hakim Jordan was an assistant for Colgate and he had been a guy I had covered in Germany for years when he was balling professionally. I had always had a good bond to him and now I was able to finally see him again after 7 years. We had some nice small talk before the game reminiscing about the good old days in the BBL. Then the game began and little did I know, but there were two guys with Will Rayman and Max Mahoney from Colgate who would later go on to play in Germany. Mahoney would play in the second division Pro A with Kirchheim while Raymon reached the first league with BG Goettingen and some years later even reached the Euroleague. But there was another guy with Javante McCoy (196-G-1998, college: Boston U.) who would also go on to a professional career. Now in 2026, I had the opportunity to interview him. When I did more research on him, I found out that we actually had some things in common. He went to Phillips Exeter Academy as did my step sister, I went to Boston University for two years and I saw him play that day when he was a freshman. If someone had told me in 2018 that I would interview him one day, I probably would of believed it since I interview so many guys, but it is still crazy how small the world is. I remember living on West Campus at Boston University when I was there. “I lived in the freshman dorms near T-Anthony. That is crazy how small the world is and you saw me play back when I was a freshman and now your interviewing me”, stressed Javante McCoy. I also remember seeing him play in the smaller Case center. I remember having seen Michael Hakim Jordan also in 2013 at a Boston University when he was with Colgate, but back then the game was played in the bigger Agganis arena. “I remember when I was recruited, they played in the bigger arena, but they then moved to the Case gym when I began as a freshman”, remembered Javante McCoy. The reason why they changed arenas was because the Agganis arena was too big for them to produce a lively atmosphere. By the way Boston University really buckled down on defense and beat Colgate 72-58 as Javante McCoy produced 10/3/2 stats in 23 minutes that day.
Javante McCoy who lists Lonnie Walker and AJ Lawson as his toughest opponents in the NCAA was born on January 28th, 1998 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He got early basketball experience at Wakeland high school in Texas and then at Phillips Exeter Academy. He then headed to Boston to play at Boston University from 2017-2022. He played a total of 146 games wining the Patriot Title in 2020 and was named to the All-Patriot League Third Team and Patriot League All-Tournament Team -twice in 2020 and 2022. It isn´t difficult to understand that playing ball at BU and going to school were some of the best times in his life. “I created a lot of bonds. That 2020 team was very special. College was just different. You were living with guys and spending time with them 8 hours a day. We went to meals and also had study hall”, remembered Javante McCoy. He won the Patriot League in 2020 upsetting Colgate 64-61. It was the first Patriot League title in BU history. “I remember that they had the chance to tie. Jordan Burns of Colgate took a trey having a clean look and missed. The buzzer sounded and it didn´t feel real. Walter Whyte lay on the ground stone cold. All rushed the court. Everybody was hugging each other. My family and friends were there hugging each other. It was a great feeling”, remembered Javante McCoy. He showed consistency averaging scoring in double figures in his last 4 seasons and in his last 2 seasons averaged 16/4/2 in his last and scored in double figures in 48 of 51 contests. He had big scoring games hitting Navy for 30 points, Loyola MD for 30 points and Binghamton for 27. He was fortunate being able to learn from head coach Joe Jones for all 5 years. “I love coach Jones. He did such a great job with all. He gave me a lot of playing time as a freshman. He was always brutually honest with me and also got in my face and made you work, but at the same time would tell you that he loved you. He was tough and pushed me to limits where I was able to grow mentally and physically as well as a person”, said Javante McCoy who remembers winning the majority of the 1-1´s in practice with Walter Whyte.
The Wisconsin native who lists the Patriot League title team starting 5 of Walter Whyte, Max Mahoney, Jordan Harper, Sukhmail Mathon and himself as his best teammates of alltime began his professional career playing NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers averaging 10.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 87.5%. He then played at the Lakers training camp and was a kid from Boston University who was suddenly doing drills with Lebron James and Anthony Davis and others. Did he feel in total awe of these legends? “Lebron James was my favorite player as a kid. I remember seeing him play against the Bucks in Milwaukee and scoring 55 points. A part of me on the court was going OMG it´s Lebron, but at the same time I had to keep some form of tunnel vision. Lebron was a cool dude that had lots of energy. I was always talking to him. I remember doing events and seeing how crazy the fans were”, stated Javante McCoy. He didn´t make the Lakers, but suited up with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) averaging 12.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.0%. Being in that kind of atmosphere really helped him shape his skills as a rookie. “It was a great rookie season. It was a totally different ball game. It was surreal for me having watched Lebron James and Russell Westbrook as a kid and now I was practicing with them. But at the same time, I played with one of the top teams in the G-League that season with South Bay. We were #1 for a time. I had to be iron sharp each day as I was playing against top players. Playing against a top defender like Shaq Harrison really helped me. I also remember guys like Jay Huff, Scottie Pippen Jr, Cole Swider and Devin Cannady as guys who also gave me good competition in practice. This experience helped me stay locked in and showed me just how close I was to the NBA”, remembered Javante McCoy. That season he scored in double figures in 24 of 42 games including nailing 27 points against Iowa as well as 25 points against the G League Ignite. In the 2023-2024 season he played with the Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 9.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 68.5%. His fluctuations with minutes was staggering that season. “That was a tough season for me. We had many guards and I was up and down with minutes. I could only control what I could. I had a plan about what I had to work on. I stayed patient and ready”, remembered Javante McCoy. He had some good scoring games with 24 points against Santa Cruz and 22 points against Birmingham. He even had a rare triple double against Memphis with a stat line of 22/10/10. “That was a good game for me. It was a testament of the hard work that I put in and showed me I could do this. I had always been a great scorer my whole career, but this game showed I could be a great rebounder and facilitator as well”, expressed Javante McCoy.
The versatile wing who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played with played with the Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 12.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 88.9%. His season was cut short on January 5th due to a season ending injury. “That was still a great season for me. I had good shooting percentages. I had a role as being that 6th or 7th guy off the bench as a scorer and defender. I really impacted the game and got good feedback from GM´s. I got a call up at the end of the G-League showcase and said I would get an opportunity, but then got injured which ended my season”, said Javante McCoy. He scored 23 points against Wisconsin and 22 points against Iowa. Last season he began with the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League) averaging 14.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 85.3%. It was you’re his fourth season in the G-League. After the stint, he headed overseas to Israel. Did he lose faith in the NBA? “I feel like I didn´t lose faith in the NBA. I knew then what I wanted from basketball. I wanted to challenge myself and step into a new situation and role overseas. I will know that if it is right then the NBA will happen if I continue to put in the work”, warned Javante McCoy. With Motor City he scored in double figures in 33 of 40 games including hitting the Cleveland Charge for 27, Maine for 25 points and the Raptors 905 for 25 as well. He was so consistent for 4 months, but still wasn´t rewarded with a NBA call up. “Everyone was telling me that I was close to a two-way contract. I was at the top of the conversation. I played really well in the second half, but I had a flair up with my knee which probably cost me that call up”, remembered Javante McCoy. After his last destination in the G-League he came overseas at the end of the 2025-2026 season and balled with Elitzur BRIGA Netanya (Israel-Winner League) averaging (18.3ppg), 3.4rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 75.0%. Most Americans coming overseas for the first time have a wake up call and it wasn´t any different for him. “It was the travel. The flight over to Europe was my longest flight ever. The jet lag was tough. Generally I´m a person who can adapt pretty quickly to new surroundings. All the people were great. I was on a mission and had no time to let it sink in. I had a game right away”, remembered Javante McCoy. He scored in double figures in 10 of 13 games and proved right away that he could be a potent scorer at a high level as he exploded for 35 points against H.Be’er Sheva and 30 points against H.Galil Elyon.
The ex G-League player who lists Lebron James as his GOAT is now in his first full season overseas playing for Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL) and also competing in Eurocup action. His self-confidence must be sky high after finishing so strong last season in Israel in the high level league Winner league. “I feel really good. I was already feeling good at Motor City after coming off my injury. I didn´t know what to expect when I arrived in Israel. Those two months really helped me in Israel. It was a test trial. I saw what it was like to travel across the world and play overseas. The experience helped me understand how different it is here and just to get on top of it”, stressed Javante McCoy. Like In Israel, he needed no real adjustment period in Bulgaria. “It is a great organization that is run pretty well from top to bottom. They are good people and I respect all of them. All have welcomed me with open arms and all are on the same page. That is what you need in order to be successful”, added Javante McCoy. The team has 2 Americans and then other guys from various countries like Bulgaria, Australia, Africa or Serbia. How enriching has all the different nationalities been for you on and off the court? “It is really crazy where basketball can take you. On paper, only Darnel Edge and me are Americans. I have created a good bond with the other guys. It is no problem connecting with them. We all try to go in the same direction and the dynamic is cool. We all understand that it isn´t about individuality, but what we do together”, warned Javante McCoy. He is a player that fills the stat sheet really well and a great shooter that has a big role this season. “My role is to be a leader and scorer. But I also feel like I still have to bring more. I´m one of the older guys on the team. I have to be able to bring my experience and get all on the same page. I have to play smart, aggressive, pass and make the right reads. I have to challenge myself on defense and be disruptive. I have to be a 2 way player”, stressed Javante McCoy. It will be interesting to see how the game of Javante McCoy continues to develop overseas. He made a name for himself in the G-League and now it´s time to do the same overseas. Plus he is still searching for his first pro chip.
Darnell Edge (188-PG-1997, college: FDU, agency: Slash Sports) is a 29 year old 188cm point guard from Saugerties,New York playing his eighth professional season and first with Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL). He is a real basketball globetrotter having played in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Romania, Kosovo, Dominican Republic, Israel, Cyprus and Germany. He began his basketball career with Saugerties High School and then played 4 years at Fairleigh Dickinson University (NCAA) averaging 16.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 88.7%. He spoke to Germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.
Thanks Darnell for talking to germanhoops.com. Your in your eighth season and playing in your 11th country overseas in Bulgaria. You must have an incredible Passport with all those stamps. If someone had told you in 2019 that your route overseas would have been like this in 2026 what would you have said? I would of said that I´m sure that a lot of growth would have happened for me to do that. I really wouldn´t have expected that then, I mean I have gone through so many obstacles and grown in the last years. So much has happened to me overseas and I feel like I always made the most out of my opportunities and continued to grow as a player and person.
You’re the ultimate globetrotter. What has given you the most pleasure overseas so far in living this kind of life style?
First and foremost I´m just so blessed to be able to play the game that I love and make a good salary. Being able to experience different cultures has always been on my bucket list. I feel like every culture that I have experienced overseas has helped to continue to shape me as a man.
Your playing your first season for Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL) and will play Eurocup which is the highest international competition you have ever played in overseas after Fiba Eurocup. Has having to have proved yourself every season make this season really special for you because you proved again that you can make the next step? I think that I have had to prove myself in my overseas career as well as being able to experience so many cultures. I was always open for a challenge. But I do feel like in the last 2-3 years me having that feeling of having to prove myself hasn´t been as prevalent for me. I know what I can do with my abilities and if I get that opportunity, I always do the best that I can. I have always worked hard to try to get to the highest level and just show my game as best as I can.
You won 3 titles in Kosovo. Does your drive to win titles get bigger each season as you get older? Of course. That is the reason why we play the game. The ultimate goal is to grow and get better and win titles. My biggest goal every season is to get better and reach the team goals and my personal goals.
What is your biggest goal with your personal game this season? What steps do you want to make this season concerning your game?
I want to continue to develop my game at the highest level. I want to continue to develop as a leader and be able to continue to knock down shots. I have showed over the years that I can get from the lower leagues to the higher leagues. I don´t take anything for granted. I want to also continue to travel the world and expand my horizons.
Last season you split time with Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-ECOMMBX BL) averaging 19.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 51.7%, FT: 87.5%, in Dec.’25 moved to MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 41.7%, then moved to Dziki Warszawa (Poland-OBL) averaging 16.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT-1 (48.3%), FT-4 (98.1%). How taxing was this season for you? You did finish the season strong in Poland. What did you learn about this season so deep in your career? I learned that nothing is ever certain and that you have to adapt quick where ever you are. In all 3 places, I was there within 24-48 hours. I had to adapt to a new system on the fly each time. I also had to learn each teammates tendencies and just always be open minded. I gave myself grace and transitioning isn´t always easy, but that’s part of the game.
In the 24-25 season you played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 12.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 85.3%. Every American that I have interviewed that balled in Israel loved it. What was your most memorable experience on and off the court?
Israel is such a historic place. I remember going to Jesus´s tomb on Christmas morning. I also saw the dead sea and seeing the war was also something I won´t forget. I remember seeing the missiles from my apartment in Tel Aviv. Israel has been my favorite place to live in so far. The lifestyle is great. The beaches are so pretty. I also will always remember then practices, wins and the relationships that I built with my teammates.
In the 23-24 season you had your most successful season with KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging PPG-4 (17.9), 4.2rpg, APG-3 (5.8), 1.1spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT-1 (44.6%), FT-3 (87.1%). You came late to the team and helped them win 3 titles. Was this the best confirmation that you might have been that missing piece to the success. What was so special about this team? I think that I fit in perfectly into their system. They were looking for a point guard that could run the team well, run the pick and roll well and hit shots. They saw me as being the missing piece to bring the team to their potential. Winning 3 titles in one country is tough. We almost had a 20 game winning streak that season. I was ready to go that season.
How exciting was that finals series against Ylli where you won in 5 games and won game 5 67-66. What will you always remember from the deciding game? I just remember us being able to get over the hump. We ran through the league and when we reached the final, we were a different animal. Both teams won their 2 home games and in game 5, it went to the wire that we were able to pull out the win. We were so locked in. It was a great feeling that I will never forget. I also will never forget our team´s fan base. It was one of not the best fan base that I ever played for. Everyone was so excited. The club had been waiting 12 years for that moment. It was great for all.
You split the 22-23 season with CS Dinamo Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 60.1%, 3FGP: 38.8%, FT: 92.9 in Apr.’23 moved to Mersin BBGSK (Turkey-TBL) averaging 16.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 44.7%, FT: 95.0%. What kind of memories could you take from playing in Romania? How breathtaking was it living in Bucuarest? I loved that city. It was one of my favorite cities that I lived in overseas. It was a great culture and night life with nice restaurants. Anytime you live in a capital, there is always more to do. It isn´t just go to practice and go home. We visited Dracula´s castle and the largest Spa.
You finished in Turkey having your second tour of duty in the TBL. Talk a little about the TBL. It seems to be a bit underrated in Europe as a second league. Was that a league you enjoyed playing in? The TBL is a very competitive league. No one can just walk to the rim. It is a battle every night. There are only 2 imports allowed, so there is a lot of expectations on them. The guards are all high level that average 15-20 points per game. Their locals are also really talented. I think that locals from other countries like Czech Republic first division are as good as Turkish locals in the TBL: I was able to develop further as scorer and playmaker and run the team.
In the 21-22 season you played with Budo Gemlik Basketbol (Turkey-TBL) averaging PPG-3 (22.6), 4.0rpg, 4.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT-8 (92.2%). How vital was this season in your career? It put you on the map and was your break out season overseas.
Yes that was my break out season. That season allowed me to showcase what I can do with my game. We were a young team with mostly 18-20 year olds. I was young myself as well at 23. I took full advantage of the situation and led the team. I really worked hard that season on my game and diet.
You played the 20-21 season with MBC Mykolaiv (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 11.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT-8 (91.5%). This was the season before the war broke out. How do you remember this season of the court? Do you remember building long lasting relationships with Ukraine folk? I didn´t form long lasting relationships, but I still keep up with some guys on social media. The Ukraine people were all nice and friendly. The life style reminded me of old Russia. It was a real adjustment early on as no one knew English. The first month there, I was the only American and the system was in Russian. The Ukraine was one of my toughest seasons, but I made the best out of it.
You played your rookie season with Polpharma Starogard Gdanski (Poland-EBL). You only played 3 games. You remained 2 months and then headed home. How tough was this season. Did you have doubts then about the overseas grind?
It was a tough situation in Poland to start my pro career. At first I looked at the situation in a odd way thinking is this how it will be like overseas? But then I thought that this was just one situation and the next could be better. I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I actually went home and then played a month in Albania. That information isn´t on eurobasket.com. It was a tough rookie season, but I realized I had to dig out of the hole the next year. And I did.
In the summer of 2019 you played 3 NBA Summer League games with The Utah Jazz. How do you remember that experience? What special advice did you get from the coaching staff?
The NBA Summer League is great. It is a special event and being part of it was an honor for me to show my game on that kind of stage. I´m really happy that I got that opportunity. The coaching staff was big on me. They saw me as a young talent and told me to keep working hard and wanted to stay in touch. I had some G-League opportunities, but I didn´t want that. I wanted to go overseas and make more money.
You played at Fairleigh Dickinson University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 127 NCAA games and really broke out in your last season seasons averaging 14.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 94.4% and 16.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 88.7%. What kind of a player did you transform into the last 2 seasons there? I was a real worker there. I was in the gym all day and was using the shooting gun Dr Dish. I was totally locked in. The shooting gun would print out the shots you took and made. The whole locker room and my locker was full with those tickets. I was fortunate that upperclassman left and I was allowed to take control of the team. We went to March Madness. It was great times. I proved myself right and others wrong.
You won the NEC title twice and reached March Madness in 2019. You hit Prairie View A&M for 33 points. What memories do you have of that great game?
I just remember when the buzzer went off, I understood that we had just won the first game ever in school history at March Madness. I just remember everyone was hitting me up. My phone was flooded with messages. I was interviewed by Reggie Miller. Everyone was so excited on the flight to Salt Lake City to play Gonzaga. I remember landing at 2 or 3 Am and everyone being so happy.
How did head coach Greg Herenda groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
I will always remember the lessons that he taught us. I won´t forget when he said “Don´t wait to be great”. If the opportunity is there, step into the role and do it with all you got. The practices were always intense and he always held me accountable. He expected a lot out of me.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Darian Anderson?
We never really play 1-1 like that. I would say though that our battles were about 50/50.
Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Jalen Brunson then of Villanova. He wasn´t even their go to guy as they had guys like Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Ryan Arcidiacono, and Donte Divincenzo. But Brunson was my match up. He was already so poised then and super solid.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Me, Bryce Brown, Dante Ingram, Tony Farmer and Jordie Tshimanga
Who are your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaq
Who is your GOAT?
Lebron James
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yes they should of. The second one didn´t do the first one justice.
The Epg Baskets Koblenz entered their fourth Pro A season and this was the first season where the excitement for a new season was sky high. And why not, the club had produced an incredible pre season against Pro A teams posting a 4-1 record and really showed that they were ready for a possible successful season. The club had held 4 Germany and did a semi house cleaning adding primarily American rookies where you never know what to expect, but in the pre season, these guys all showed a special maturity and ability to gel together that had never been seen before in Koblenz in the last three seasons. On top of that, the club had really had had a focus on finding the top character guys and they seemed to have done that. Their first opponent was the always feisty Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth who also had added many new pieces and had a deep roster. It surely wouldn´t be a cake walk for Koblenz, but after that fantastic pre season were ready to battle. On a very mild late summer afternoon, The EPG Baskets Koblenz welcomed the Bavarian team in their living room and showed just how explosive their offense could be scoring 109 points and winning the shootout over Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth allowing 90 points. Koblenz found their groove in the first quarter took the lead and never looked back leading by as much as 20 points. “We played team basketball. We had a quick start and showed the type of team chemistry that we already have. We showed that we could play amazing. We gave great pressure from our guards, but struggled with scrambling. We know that we have to give up less points in the next game”, warned EPG Baskets center Camaron Tongue (201-F-2001, college: Santa Clara). The Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth had serious injury woes missing many key players including German veteran Moritz Plescher as well as Maryland native and sniper Matt Frierson, but really played hard and did the best they could, but in the end had no remedy to stop the lethal inside scoring by Koblenz. “We had a slow start and gave them way too many easy baskets. That helped get the lead up. Our transition defense also wasn´t good”, stressed Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth forward Simon Hildebrandt.
Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth actually stormed out to the rapid 5-0 lead as ex West Virginia State (NCAA2) guard Glen Abram Jr stroked home a trey while ex easyCredit BBL player Kevin Wohlrath made free throws. However it didn´t take long until the EPG Baskets Koblenz finally found a flow on offense as ex Dragon Rhondoirf forward Ferenc Gille found his groove scoring 8 points and two three´s. American rookie Tyren Moore from Kentucky hit a trey and suddenly Koblenz led 13-8. Kobnlenz´s ball movement and spacing were great and their execution rate as well. Bayreuth stayed close getting another deep three from Abram Jr and runner by Kelly to dead lock the gamer at 13-13. It was a high scoring spectacle with little defense present. The EPG Baskets Koblenz showed that WE feeling early just spreading the love around as ex Santa Clara center Camaron Tongue added 5 points and Koblenz led 22-15 However the aggressivenessv on defense and 1-1 defense wasn´t good by Koblenz as they continued to allow Bayreuth to get easy looks as ex Crailsheim guard Luis Wulf nailed a trey to trail 22-18. However Koblenz seldom didn´t have answers on offense as they continued their offensive punch as Chase Johnson and ex Kirchheim forward Jonas Niedermanner also scored as the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the commanding 30-24 lead after 10 minutes. Koblenz had just scored 30 points in the seasons first quarter and it looked so effortless. “Our defense allowed Bayreuth to stay in the game. Our focus just wasn´t good in that area. We also weren´t aggressive enough on the drives on offense”, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 83% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth shot 57% from the field and 44% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers.
Glen Abram Jr at the FT line
In the second quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to score a lot adding 27 points while they tightened up their defense more allowing 18 points and leading 57-42 at half-time. Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth got on the board first as Wohlrath scored inside getting the perfect back door pass from Abrams to trail 30-26. But basketball is a game of runs and Koblenz then strolled out on a 10-3 run to extend their lead to 40-29. In the run, Koblenz showed again what team basketball means as four different players scored as ex Bonn center Alex Moeller connected on a 15 footer, Romanian national player Dragos Diculescu also added a 15 footer while ex Coburg forward Jannis Sonnefeld produced a massive dunk and Chase Johnson showed his ruthless penetration to the hoop with the easy lay in. Koblenz continued to move the ball well and their aggressive on ball defense by the guards hurt Bayreuth. Abram Jr continued to be hot from outside hitting a trey while 21 year old Joshua Bonga made a runner as he was on the way for his best scoring game in the Pro A as Bayreuth trailed 47-36. The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to control the game and just had so many weapons that came in off the bench and simply stepped up. One was Camaron Tongue who added 5 points. The inside out forward was also on his way to a big scoring game while sniper Jayden Williams who had suffered 2 rapid early fouls came back and scored 6 points as Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth trailed by 15 points at the break. “We had no break downs on offense. Every guy came in from the bench and contributed. The pass from Moore to Tongue was brutal. His has the perfect instinct to make an incredible pass in a second. Tyren conducted the game well. But I felt like we weren´t physical enough on defense. Bayreuth was scoring too much”, warned Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 79% from the two point range and 36% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth shot 53% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 12 turnovers.
Jannis Sonnefeld at the FT line
In the third quarter both teams played their best offense as a total 55 points were scored, but Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth couldn´t make any real ground as they still trailed 84-70 after 30 minutes. Koblenz began rapidly with a 6-2 run to lead 63-44 as Chase Johnson scored again on the drive as he was almost unstoppable, Gille used his athleticism making a lay in while Diculescu hit an off balance shot. Koblenz continued to control the game while Chase Johnson was instrumental with his creating and finishing. Joshua Bonga continued to be on a mission to show his home town a show as he made a runner and free throw. He would finish with 30 points and his smoothness in the play control was enriching as sky is still the limit for him at age 21. Bayreuth continued to create good opportunities as Miami native and rookie Emmanuel Prospere scored on a spin move while Simon Hildebrand hit another trey as Bayreuth trailed 71-59. It was a special game for him as he had a reunion with ex teammate Mason Kraus who played together in Canada at Manitoba (U-Sports) and in the CEBL with Winnipeg. Bayreuth just couldn´t get over the hump as Koblenz always had an answer. Tongue continued to be in the zone adding 5 points as his inside game just sparkled as Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth trailed 76-61. After Moore added a lay in for Koblenz to lead 81-64, the last minute was filled with a fury of three´s as Wulf, Bonga and Niedermanner all connected but Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth still trailed 84-70. “We wanted to have better spacing on offense. We slowed down the offense. We played better defense and created great offense. We caught them off guard”, added Camaron Tongue. “We still scored well. We gave up many points, but talked more on defense and moved the ball well”, stated Simon Hildebrandt. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 75% from the two point range and 35% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth shot 58% from the two point range and had 23 rebounds and 15 turnovers.
Joshua Bonga to the hole
There was no let down in the fourth quarter as the EPG Baskets won the last quarter as well 25-20 and even eclipsed the 100 points. Koblenz´s offense continued to roll as ex Dartmouth (NCAA) guard Jayden Williams hit a trey while Dragons Diculescu continued to be aggressive on offense and hit 2 three´s while Bayreuth continued to execute well getting buckets from Hildebrandt and Bonga, but still trailed 92-76. Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth had one last gasp for a comeback going on a 6-2 run to trail as 94-82 as Georgia native Taje Kelly hit a runner, Bonga made a lay in, and Hildebrandt made a lay in, but Koblenz still led 94-82. Chase Johnson then put a lid on the win with back to back lay in´s for the 98-82 lead. On the first lay in, he got the perfect bullet pass from Diculescu while on the second basket, scooted by Bonga easily and then made the off balance lay in. “Tyren is such a skilled guard. He sees the court so well. He can create for anyone. He plays ethical hoops making the right play. I always know that he will find me. He is one of the best guards I have ever played with”, warned Camaron Tongue. Koblenz then made the 100th points through Tongue while Bayreuth also got added baskets from Bonga and Hildebrandt to trail 104-89. Chase Johnson then showed just how incredible of a passer he can be when he whipped a bullet bounce pass perfect to Gille a la Luka Docnic for the easy two points and 106-87 lead. “Chase is so shilled. He also has a high IQ. He always finds the right read and pass. He also plays ethical basketball”, warned Camaron Tongue. After Abram free throws, Gille ended the game with the three point play and win. “We were complacent at times, but we noticed that early and were still able to close out the game strong. I´m really proud of the guys that we kept it going”, commented Camaron Tongue. “We were tired a bit in the fourth. We have a lot of things to work on. We have to get guys back and go back and fight in the next game”, added Simon Hildebrandt. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had 5 guys in double figures and were led by Camaron Tongue with 25 points. Ferenc Gille added 17 points and Dragos Diculescu had 16 points while Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth was led by Joshua Bonga with 30 points while Simon Hildebrandt added 15 points and Glen Abram JR 14 points. The EPG Baskets Kobelnz shot 75% from the two point area and 36% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth shot 61% from the two point area and 34% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 22 turnovers.
As usual it had been a long summer for Dragons Rhondorf fans as last season´s roller coaster season and last weeks was one that fans surely won´t forget. First a scare of having to move down, but then a long winning streak to slip into the playoffs only to be swept by Cinderella story team Orange Academy that was a talented team full of kids. The question was what would be in store for the 2026-2027 club? Once again head coach Max Becker had constructed an interesting roster keeping a good core of young players while bringing in three veterans with Mychael Paulo, Sahmi Willougby and Justin Onyejiaka. Their first test was against the Baskets Lowen Erfurt who also did a semi house cleaning losing veterans like Paul Albrecht, Noah Kamdem and German Prospect Musa Abra. On Paper the Dragons Rhondorf were the favorite, but could they also sparkle on the court in their living room debut? On a fairly mild late summer evening, the Dragons Rhondorf took their court and for 29 minutes, it was a very close battle, but the turning point came on the last Dragons play of the third quarter as Dusan Ilic (188-G-2008) hit a clutch buzzer beater giving them the 59-56 lead and momentum helping them explode for a crazy 37-18 fourth quarter to win 96-74. “We showed in this game with all the runs that we never gave up. We did a good job playing to our strength. We had great ball movement and had six guys score in double figures. We showed that we have a deep roster”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Dusan Ilic. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt played hard and well for 30 minutes, but totally caved in the last quarter as they witnessed their opponent finally hit their three´s connecting on eight. “We really played hard and fought against their runs and then to see that result really hurts. That does not reflect the hard work that we have put in in the pre season. We gave up way too many offensive rebounds. If we could of cut down on the second chance points better then we could have had a better chance”, stressed Basketball Lowen Erfurt guard Anthony Watkins.
Anthony Watkins at the FT line
The Dragons Rhindorf entered the game without Kenan Reinhart who was sick and Max Von Saldern who will be out a few weeks, while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt also were missing some young German players like Luca Foerster and Jeremie Fotso Sighom. Young German energizer Carlo Schmid gave the Dragons Rhondorf the first lead 5-0 with a trey and 2026 AST winner Dusan Ilic nailed a floater, but that didn´t faze Erfurt as they roared back on a 10-0 run to lead 10-5. Georgia native Anthony Watkins who played in the easyCredit BBL with Braunschweig took on responsibility adding 7 points with a trey and lay in. Rhondorf was getting little production from imports Mychael Paulo and Sahmi Willoughby. The aggressiveness inside and on the offensive glass was hurting a bit so Germans ex Skyliner Justin Onyejiaka and ex Tropic Benajmin Sadikovic made offensive rebounds and put backs to dead lock the game at 13-13. The Dragons were playing better upping their intensity while tagging up well and getting great production at both ends by the young Germans. David Boening added 2 blocks and Tom Viehofer hit a big trey for the 18-15 lead. Watkins continued to always be in attack mode adding another trey as took 21 shots in the game to tie the game at 18-18. The Dragons Rhondorf were in the process of a 10-3 run and ended the first quarter with a three pointer by young German Malik Idbihi and a lay in by ex Montana State (NCAA) guard Mychael Paulo to lead 23-18 after 10 minutes. “We had a good start and followed our game plan. However then we lost control of the tempo. However our young guys really stepped up and gave us good energy to hold the lead after one quarter”, said Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the 2 point range and 43%$ from outside and had 11 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 33% from the two point range and 40% form outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers.
Dusan Ilic jumper
In the second quarter the Basketball Lowen fought back and led by as much as 8 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf never gave up and kept fighting and stole the lead back and led 40-34 at half-time. The Basketball Lowen totally turned the game around exploding for a vicious 15-2 to totally surprise the Dragons Rhondorf and led 33-25. In the run, Erfurt got massive support from Australian sniper Derek Emelifeonwu who added 8 points. Surprisingly no points were from the parking lot, but instead he displayed his potent driving scoring 3 times while he also dropped 2 free throws. Watkins continued to be aggressive adding 5 points with a trey and thunderous dunk on transition. The Dragons didn´t come to terms with the aggressive on ball defense causing some turnovers which resulted in them losing total rhythm and intensity. The Dragons looked sluggish on defense and needed a real push again. Erfurt did a great job playing the Dragons quick game and slowed them down on offense. However the Dragons Rhondorf once again showed their fighting qualities and why basketball is a game of runs ending the second quarter with a lethal 16-5 run to retain the lead back at 41-35. Ex Vechta guard Justin Onjyjiaka added 3 buckets all in the paint as his athleticism and quick first step was too much to handle for Erfurt. “I trust Justin 100% when he drives to the rim. For us it is always an acceptable look when he can get to the rim”, warned Kennan Reinhart. Carlo Scmidt and Benjamin Sadikovic also upped their intensity on the offensive glass grabbing two offensive rebounds that led to easy baskets for the Dragons. The Dragons upped their feisty and scrappy defensive intensity again not allowing Erfurt good looks. “We weren´t able to play our principles at both ends in their run leading us to collapse, but we fought back again and our intensity allowed us to get the lead back again”, added Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 52% from the two point range and 30% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 38% from the two point area and 30% form the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Ilias Amin to the rim
The Dragons Rhondorf led by as much as 11 points in the third quarter, but was never able to shake Erfurt as they even allowed them to retake the lead, but nor long as Dusan Ilic had heroics prepared for the end of the quarter. Carlo Schmid continued to give the name energizer a special meaning as he lived on the glass making a tip in and also connected on a trey for the big 47-36 advantage. But the Erfurt had a trick up their sleeve as ex easyCredit BBL player Marco Bacak finally found his rhythm scoring 3 times. Last season he stepped out and liked to shoot the trey with Koblenz, but one noticed soon that this season he is more there to score inside as he added 4 scores inside as Erfurt clawed their way back to trail only 48-44. Bacak gave Erfurt that needed added energy and his teammates took that with them as Jordan Brand struck with a trey and Erfurt trailed 49-47. Paulo punched back with a trey and 52-47 lead. But Erfurt was making good decisions and moving the ball well searching for good shots and got them and were rewarded with points as Watkins made a runner and ex Berlin Dreams NBBL player Tim Classen made a trey for the 54-52 Erfurt lead. But The Dragons once again got big support from their young Germans as they closed out the third quarter with a 7-2 run. Viehofer nailed another trey while then came the special big moment of Dusan Ilic as he hit the last jumper on the buzzer for the 59-56 lead and had the Dragon Dome in Ecstasy. “I think that shot hurt them mentally. It gave us a big push and we believed that we were stronger. We had ups and downs in the quarter. But our young guys continued to step up”, stated Dusan Ilic. “ “It was a game of runs. We have to be able to handle a buzzer beater like that better. We have to be more firm and find our advantages in a situation like that”, added Anthony Watkins. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the two point range and 35% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 44% from the two point area and 21% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 12 turnovers.
Dusan Ilic at the FT line
In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf took total control of the game and easily sailed home in the moonlight for their first season victory. The Dragons Rhondorf pretty much slammed the door shut for the win in the first minutes hammering a lethal 18-3 run to take the commanding 77-62 lead. In the run it was the young Germans again as Dusan Ilic found his shooting range again adding 8 points while Tom Viehoefer continued to execute on offense adding 5 points. Justin Onyejiaka also added a lay in. Ilic couldn´t find the ocean in the first 29 minutes, but he didn´t get discouraged and just kept shooting. “I never gave up. Even if I didn´t shoot well in the first three quarters, I always knew and believed in my strengths and just continued to play my game”, warned Dusan Ilic. Derek Emelifeonwu remained aggrressive and scored twice inside to cut the Dragons lead to 79-66, but the Dragons always had an answer as Ilic nailed a trey. Watkins responded again with a trey as Erfurt was only 13 points behind 82-69. But the Dragons Rhondorf never wilted, but continued to share the ball well and no one player was a hero. The unselfishness was there as Malik Idbihi stepped up with a trey while Mychael Paulo also added two more three´s to seal the massive win. “We found our rhythm again in the third quarter and just played our game. We were more aggressive on the press and on ball”, stated Dusan Ilic. “Their three pointer fell again as they got hot. Their young guys stepped up. You have to tip your hat to them. We need to play with more discipline”, warned Anthony Watkins. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 19 points. Dusan Ilic had 18 points and 8 assists while Mychael Paulo added 13 points while The Bassketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Anthony Watkins with 27 points while Derek Emelifeonwu added 15 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 48% from outside and had 47 boards and 11 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 39% from the field and 29% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
