basketball

Lamont West Enjoys Being Able To Wake Up Everyday In Quackenbruck And Become A Better Version Of Himself

Lamont West (203-F-2002, college: Missouri St.) is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Ohio playing his third pro season and first in Germany with the Artland Dragons (Pro A). Last season he split time with Helios Suns Domzale (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM averaging 10.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 60.5%, 3FGP: 43.3%, FT: 80.0%: and in the Adriatic League 2 averaged 7.6ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 90.0%, and in Dec.’23 signed at SPD Radnicki Kragujevac (Serbia-KLS) averaged 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 87.7%. He played his rookie season with the Spars Realway Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3spg. He also split time in the G-League with Santa Cruz and College Park. He began his basketball career at Withrow high school and also played at Miller Grove high school. He played at West Virginia University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 110 games. He then finished at Missouri State University (NCAA) averaging 9.6ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 91.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 79-64 loss to the EPG Guardians Koblenz.

Thanks Lamont for talking to germanhoops.com. A tough 79-64 loss in Koblenz. Was it a long bus ride home or could you sleep?

Yea it’s was a tough loss and nobody slept on the bus.

The team has lost 11 games in a row. Does every loss get tougher mentally? How do you cope with it?

It is a long season you can’t get to high or to low. 11 in a row is tough, but we just need to come together as a team and come up with a solution.

The game began well for the Artland Dragons. It was a game of runs in the first quarter. You kept Ty Cockfield at 0 points. How big was the goal to limit him?

We knew Ty is a good player from the film we watched so as a team we wanted to just contain him as best as we could.

The team did a good job on Cockfield. Did you sense he got frustrated early?

I honestly couldn’t tell if he was frustrated or not I was locked in on trying to keep the lead.

In the second quarter the Dragons had a run and led 29-20, but let Koblenz come back on a big run to lead 38-34. Why can´t the team play a quarter of flawless basketball?

Playing flawless basketball is not easy for anybody. We for sure struggle to play “flawless” basketball but it’s not impossible for us.

In the second quarter You and Tajh Green gave important buckets. How do you guys compliment each other best?

Me and Taj just play off of each other’s energy and try to just do best what we do for the team. Be athletic and make big plays.

In the third quarter the EPG Guardians made the turning point of the game and led 56-37. What went wrong in this quarter?

As a team I think we need to stay more poised and not react so much to the outside and just focus on ourselves and see what we do best to keep leads. We need to be able to make smarter decisions at certain points in the game.

In the fourth quarter Artland scored well, but was the team a little tired. They had tried to exhaust the Dragons. Did that happen?

No they didn’t we did it to ourselves.

Buzz Anthony was on triple double course. Do you believe that he will make one this season?

If God has buzz getting a triple double in his plans than it will happen for him.

What did the team learn from this loss?

We just have to watch film and continue with practices and just focus more mentally.

It seems like the bench is thin with scoring power. Do guys like you, Green and Johnson feel pressure to step up?

I don’t feel pressure I get in the gym and workout extra everyday so I prepare myself to be at my best at all times. I’m sure the other have their thoughts on them scoring personally so I can’t speak for them.

I believe all you need is a win to help the team move forward. But it doesn´t get any easier. Is the team defense fixable?

Yes our defense is fixable

You only had 5 points. Obviously more has to come from you after a loss like this? What do you do after a loss? Do watch extra film?

After wins or loses my next off day I pray and I go get extra shots up and lift. I watch Hudl because I get an Instant email from the coach so I can watch the games and certain break downs.

A good friend of mine Joe Asberry is a big supporter of you and Green. He is always pushing you guys with motivation. How valuable has he been for you?

Joe is my guy! Joe is a very inspirational man and he always gives good advice and just keeps us level headed. Can’t over think this stuff it’s basketball he always tells me that. Joe is a great guy.

Your averaging 9/2 stats in the Pro A. Do you see your self stepping up your game?

I can step my game up more we have to just come together as a team and figure out our identity then I think my numbers will rise for sure. Basketball is a team game and I try to focus more on winning than personal narratives.

You have had a pretty stable three pointer in the last years and even shot 43% in Slovenia. How do you see the development of your shot?

I personally feel I am a very good shooter and I have showcased that many times. You can just watch me workout and tell how good I can shoot. I work on my jumper every practice because that can transfer to any level of the game.

You have never averaged more than 12,0ppg since high school. Do you see yourself becoming a 15-16 points scorer in time?

I never averaged 12 since high because my role on my teams have not been to dominate the game scoring wise which I could do easily but my coaches have not needed me to do that. I play my role and do what the coaches want from me. If a team needs me to score 15-20 I could easily do that. I’m tall strong athletic can shoot I bet on myself any day.

Is it fair to say that your defense is still raw. What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I don´t know if my defense is raw but I think in certain systems certain skill sets of mine show better based on our defensive principals and how we want to guard teams. I can guard 1-5 and feel comfortable I don’t need help guarding anybody I just force people to shoot over and not allow people to blow past me I have a 7’2 wingspan.

What kind of an experience has it been suiting up for the Artland Dragons? What have you enjoyed most from the experience?

Honestly I don’t have anything to complain about. I like being here and I love the fans and my teammates were just in a rough patch. Everybody seems nice and I can use the gym anytime so that’s a plus. Artland is a small town and they love basketball. I enjoy most just being able to wake up everyday and become a better version of me.

What are your new years resolution?

My New Year’s resolution is to just live everyday trying to become a better version on myself every single day.

Thanks Lamont for the chat.

Eddie Hunt(Krivbas Kryvyi Rih) Continues To Grow As A Player As Playing In The Ukraine Is The Closest Thing To Normal That You Can Get To

Eddie Hunt (201-C-1996, college: Limestone) is a 28 year old 201cm forward that was born in Topeka, Kansas that is currently playing with Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague). He began his basketball career at Highland Park High School. He then played two seasons at Barton County Community College (JUCO) playing a total of 57 games. He then finished at Limestone College (NCAA2). He has gained professional experience in Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Estonia, Portugal and Georgia. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Tha Eddie for talking to germanhoops.com. The last time we spoke was in the summer of 2022. Has time flown by since then?

The pleasure is all mine Miles and thanks for your time of course. Man does time fly! Seems like a few days ago.

After we spoke you played the 2022-2023 season with Alianca Sangalhos (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 10.6ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, FT: 66.7%, in Jan.’23 moved to Gtuni (Georgia-A League) averaging 7.8ppg, Reb-2 (7.2rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 42.3%, FT: 66.7%. Despite only playing 7 games in Portugal, would you say that that was your break out season?

Correct I started the 2022/23 season with Sangalhos competing against Champions Level competition. My personal goals weren’t fulfilled but doesn’t take away from the fact I played well, played consistent in the time I got the chance to suit up. So I would humbly agree that it was a break out season even though I have so much more to give.

You didn´t win a game in Portugal. Was that a reason why you went to Georgia?

Once I was released from Portugal I decided to at least find a place to stay in shape and compete, and not take the rest of the season off. My short time in Georgia I met a lot of great people.

You sent a message right in your first game scoring 19 points. How important was that game at that stand point in your career? It must have been a big confidence booster.

It definitely was a favorite of mine going against FC Porto. It wasn’t going to be easy at all but to all the hoopers around the world when you get into that “mode” nothing can stop you and just having fun while doing so. The basketball rim seemed like an ocean for me that night. Looking forward to having many more games like that game. I came into the season playing well. During the preseason games I was averaging around 17ppg 7rpg. I had a big summer in Cleveland with my trainers that prepared me leading up to a breakout season in Portugal-Liga Betclic.

You then went to Georgia. What kind of an experience was that? You were the second best rebounder in the league. How tough was it not only remembering who was who from the Georgian players, but how to pronounce their names? Did you find nicknames for them?

Hahah lucky all the guys spoke great English, and had semi English names just the last names were nearly impossible for me to pronounce. Nicknames saved me the confusion at first but once you spend enough time just learn to remember.

Last season you returned back to Portugal playing with Ginasio Olhanense (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 10.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 65.0%. Did Portugal become like a second home to you?

Portugal holds a special place in my heart. I love the country the people, the level of play list goes on. I don’t think people would be surprised if I was to play some time in Portugal again in the future.

How tough was this season? Again you lost many games, but this time many in crunch-time. What did you learn about yourself that season?

This season was more of a mental focus having things done a certain way in the champions league and making the transition to the 2nd league was a little more having to figure out as I went along and adjusting a lot. I spent a short time there due to an injury called “gophers elbow” and it was a nagging no injury in my shooting arms so it was impossible for me to perform so I sat out from January- end of season.

Despite playing in the second league, how do you feel did your game grow that season?

Being able to expand my range and be consistent was a start learning to stay in the moment. We had a great SG Fredrick Sims and spent some time in the NBA G-league and summer league so I was around other professionals who I could learn from and push each other in practice and so on. Growing into a consistent player was a big lesson taken from that season.

This season you moved to Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague). Was it easier to get a job in a place where there is a war?

This season I am playing in the Ukraine SuperLeague, I received the offer late June I recall but was on vacation in Australia so wasn’t to much of a focus for me at the time of where I was going to play. I was getting offers in South America at the time as well and I am familiar with Argentina so that was the first thought I had was if I wanted to stay in the Europe side or Latin America. Talking with a friend who played here last season, he gave me some advice on what’s going on here how life is and the level of play here. At first I was worried because of all the things I saw on television about the war just yeah how could you go wasn’t possible. Getting the advice I was given I took a chance and it has been great here for me, playing well avg 12.1ppg 8rpg and shooting 47.1% from the 3. And mostly we are winning games! In the middle of the pack in the league and looking forward to keep getting better.

What is it like being in the Ukraine in 2024. Is that war presence still there?

Being here in Ukraine has been the closest thing to normal that you can get. People are still working, walking the streets, shopping etc having their coffee Living their lives.

Was it a tough decision to go there? Family and friends must have warned you not to go and be scared for your safety.

Coming to Ukraine wasn’t too much of a worry for me. Maybe it would have been for others but my only focus was playing basketball and after hearing about the season before being a success and the day to day life here made it a peaceful decision. My family of course had thoughts and concerns but they trust me and my judgment.

The team is around 500. How would you describe the first division Ukraine to the 2 leagues in Portugal. Is this the best league that you have played in?

Yes, right now we are in the middle of the pack with good momentum. To compare wouldn’t be fair to either side I think the basketball world knows how tough Portugal first division is. There is a lot of talent and experience. 3 teams that compete in EuroCup speaks for itself. Ukraine is a league with talent mixed with hunger every night. A league with a lot of bigs along with mature guards and forwards. You must come to compete and fight every game. Portugal 2nd division I would say it’s a lot of younger guys finding a way to get on the court and get better. It is more of a development league for first division. Import talent was pretty fair around the league. If I had to rank I would say Portugal Betclic 1, Ukraine 2nd and Portugal 2nd division is 3rd. All good leagues but if I had to rank there you have it.

Have guys like Braxton Lovings and Jimmy Kelly become like brothers for you? One could call you the JUCO trio?

We all share a great bond and look at each other as brothers. Jimmy Kelly is new to the team. He’s just arrived but him and Braxton played together in college so they have a good relationship. I live alone and spend a lot of my time reading or writing while I’m home but at practice and game day we mesh really well and make it easier for each other. Both are great guys that will have great s on and off the court.

What have you appreciated most about their games and characters?

I haven’t gotten a chance to suit up with Jimmy yet but I love his aggression on both ends and the same with Braxton both young and hungry guards that defend the ball really well.

You have really had good games this season. How has your game grown there?

I have been staying the course and making sure I stay in the gym stay healthy, get in the gym a n hour before everyone gets there, and get a good workout and stay a hour after getting shots and movements in learning myself and what I’m good at has helped me this season. And I continue to build off of this.

You are an undersized big. What are you doing to continue to improve your defensive game so you can flourish against bigger bigs?

I’m playing the 4. I’ve been a 4 man pretty much every team I’ve played on. My physicality allows me to bang with taller bigs being able to play inside out or outside in depending on what is best for the team. To answer your question I would say my strength and long arms. Being 6’8 225 with 7’0 wingspan makes guarding taller forwards not an issue.

How did you celebrate Xmas this year?

This year I spent Christmas cleaning my apartment and talking with my girlfriend and family just enjoying the small things in life. Also some new Netflix series came out so helped pass the time.

What new year resolutions do you have for 2025?

2025 resolution to be a better man than I was in 2024.

Thanks Eddie for the chance.

Ty Cockfield Has A Lot Of Love For The EPG Guardians And Will Be In Attack Mode Against The Artland Dragons On Sunday

pic credit: Angelkingmedia

Ty Cockfield Jr. (183-PG-1996, college: Arkansas St., agency: BIG) is a 183cm point guard that is playing his 4th professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz currently averaging 18,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 3,1apg and 1,3spg.. Last season he played with Proton Cable Prizreni (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 18,2ppg, 4,5rpg, 4,8apg and 1,1spg. In 2021-2022 he played with KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 81.7%. He played his rookie season with at BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-2.Bundesliga) averaging 22.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 87.0%. He began his basketball career at Johnson high school and then played at Stetson University (NCAA) averaging 7.1ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.3%. He then played at Georgia Highlands College (JUCO) averaging 16.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 78.1%. He then finished at Arkansas State University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 78.2% and in his senior year averaged 22.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 82.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ty for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you experience Xmas in Germany in 2024?

It was pretty cool. We got a get together with all the import guys who didn´t have family here. We all brought food and had a great time together.

What was your coolest Xmas experience in Germany? Was it the Xmas markets?

Most definitely the Christmas markets. I love how Germany celebrates the holidays. It seems like whenever there is a holiday, they celebrate it for the whole month. The way Germans celebrate holidays are dope and unique.

Koblenz has the incredible festival on Ehrenbreitstein with lights which I´m visiting tomorrow. Were you able to see that this year?

I actually have not been there. But I hope to get there sometime tomorrow.

Congrats on getting a contract extension. You’re a guy that could play in many places and the Guardians are struggling. It isn´t self-evident that you resign. You must have a lot of love for this organization?

I most definitely have a lot of love for the organization. I have a lot of love for Thomas Klein and the city. I have a great relationship to Thomas. As soon as he told me how I would fit in in the future of the club, it was a no brainer. I´m very happy here. It is a great environment.

I know Thomas Klein really adores your game. Did he have to do much convincing for you to stay?

Not to much convincing from his part. I want us to remain in the Pro A. At the moment, we are doing fine. We have to find a way to put it together.

The team is 5-9. Why is it so up and down?

It has to do with us. We are still trying to find our identity and how to put it all together. We want to make a run. If it isn´t enough for the playoffs, then we want to make a run to feel good. We want to make hard for teams to play us and at the same time have fun.

The crazy thing is that the 4 wins out of the 5 were difficult crunch time wins by not more than 4 points. You lost only one close game to Nurnberg at home. The team definitely knows how to win at the wire.

The close wins we had are really a testament to how hard we work during the week. We really dig deep. Even in games where we lost, we worked hard during the week. We have not had more than 2 days in a row off this season. We feel comfortable when games go down to the wire.

The team had 2 very good defensive performances against PS Karlsruhe and against Tuebingen. But since the Tuebingen win, the team has averaged allowing 93 points per game in the last 3 weeks. Why is the team struggling so much on the defensive end?

I think it´s all about guys trying to learn coaches philosophy. It isn´t easy for the younger players to adapt to his philosophy. Guys are attacking it and studying film. It´s all about us playing his and our game at the same time.

How have you seen the development of rookie Michael Bradley? Have you taken him under your wing?

I have taken him under my wing. I try to give him as much wisdom as possible. I´m helping him with leading the team, finding his spots better and how to put his team in a better situation to win. I keep motivating him every day.

How have you seen the play of David Boehm and Ben Stevens? They bring important things to the team and are different players. Shouldn´t they be bringing more production to the team?

Most definitely they can give more especially David. We can get more out of him. He is so versatile. He has a great game and has the opportunity to have a long career. We want both guys to step up as much as possible and capitalize off their games. Ben is a great guy and a real motor. He could get a few more rebounds and demand the ball more in the post.

Let´s talk about your game. Would you be more happy with your game if the team were in fourth or fifth place?

Oh yes. I would be more happy if we were winning more. I´m not selfish. It´s not about me. The accolades look great, but I want to win more. I could average 15 points per game and be in third place. That would be amazing.

I personally think your leading the team really well, but the team is losing. How do you deal with your situation mentally. Your playing well and doing all you can for the team, but it still loses too much?

I see myself as being 1 player on the team. I´m only human. If I get double and triple teamed, then other guys have to step up. Of course it is frustrating when you look good, but still not enough to win. Longevity is a goal of mine to help rebuild this program and see guys compliment me so I can blossom even more. I will bring even more to the team this season. I´m mentally strong. We are having growing pains at the moment. For me it´s about stacking great days, leading the guys and motivating them.

Your 4/25 shooting in the last 2 games. Does that gnaw at you mentally or is your self-confidence so huge that you know you will break out on Sunday against Artland?

I will Break out on Sunday. A shooting slump is part of the game. I had 8-9 great games and then 1-2 games where I struggled. I mean sometimes you have games where the shots just don´t fall even though I still got to my spots. I´m not worried at all. Sometimes, it does get in my head, but I´m still going to take the same shots.

Do you fear that clubs will scout you better in the second half of the season?

They already have. It began after the first game. The Pro A is a great league. Teams are already getting on me. Team´s best defender guard me every weekend. Teams are defending me hard and trying to get to my spots before I do. I´m an elite scorer and It´s my job to figure it out.

When the team is losing the way it is now, do you put more pressure on yourself pressuring yourself to have to do more?

Yes I do. That is every elite player´s job. It´s only natural for guys like that to put pressure on themselves. When we lose, I put blame on myself and when we win, it´s always the team that did it. That is what a leader does.

The EPG Guardians next clash against the Artland Dragons. They have had a crazy season. They began on fire with 4 wins, but now are riding a 10 game losing streak. Is the team thinking too much now on their horrible season last season?

Yes I think so. Guys got tight after some loses and the confidence went downhill. That changed their perspective about the league, I honestly think the Pro A is top 2 in the world in the 2nd divisions.

Do you feel like the EPG Guardians won´t underestimate them? You swept them last season.

We won´t underestimate them. We lost 3 games in a row. I won´t let them underestimate them. We have to be us and fly around.

How much are you looking forward to battling pass first point guard Buzz Anthony? He leads the league in assists and steals.

These kind of matchups are always fun. I really strive for games like that. I have more fun in games like this. I don´t think that he will get so many steals.

The Artland Dragons have a talented offensive team, but no identity on defense. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to attack. We play defense. We have to put our offense together. I will be in attack mode and bring team with me. We will be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Thanks Ty for the chat.

Ivan Crnjac´s Perfect 12/12 Game Was A Statement To The NBBL That He Belongs To The Best In His Age Group

Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 17 year old 201cm forward currently averaging 21,8ppg, 7,8rpg, 2,2spg, and 2,4spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B currently is averaging 11,9ppg, 4,5rpg, 1,8apg and 1,1spg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. In 2023 he reached the JBBL (U-16) top 4. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his perfect 12/12 game against Chemnitz in the NBBL.

Congrats on the massive 114-90 win over Chemnitz. The team is now 7-0. How content have you been with the team performance?

I´m very happy how we have played as a team. We have played very well in many types of games. We won close games and even won games where we lost the lead and came back. I hope it continues in the second half of the season. I want to remain unbeaten.

One should always think game to game and opponent to opponent, but as a young man doesn´t one think about having an undefeated season?

Yes I do. It is our goal. We spoke as a team before the season that we want to reach the top 4 and win it.

On what areas does the club need to work on most to continue to grow as a team?

We have to get better with transition defense, 1-1 defense and our communication.

Jamie Edoka had a great game with 23/12/5 stats. His super game was lost a bit with your perfect game. How valuable is he overall for the team?

He is very important for us. He is one of our young guys and he plays such a huge role in our success. He has developed very well. We need him every game with hiss coring, rebounding, assists and defense.

Julius Messer also had a great game with 26 points. He has needed no adjustment time after his long injury. How much do you value his game? He and Peters could form their own duo as you are in the trio with Edoka and Omog.

Julius is also very important. He came back strong and has performed very well in the NBBL and Pro B. He and Max can always be crucial in scoring for us. There could be games where teams will try to limit me and Jamie. Then guys like Julius and Max can take over and take on responsibility.

Congrats on the perfect game. 33 points on 12/12 shooting and 3/3 from the free throw line. What does this performance mean to you?

It means a lot to me. The NBBL is my main team. I´m one of the main guys and am captain. I still want to prove that I belong to the best in my age group. For me this game was a statement to the NBBL that I can play.

You didn´t come into the game too positive. How much did the tape on your index finger bother you?

I didn´t think about it really during the game. I was very focused and just continued shooting. The more I made baskets the less I thought about it.

Did your confidence grow with every bucket and did the basket feel like throwing it into the ocean?

My confidence grew with every three pointer. I always wanted to take the next one. I tried to take the open ones and not force anything.

You came into the game shooting 43%. How do explain the great accuracy despite the unorthodox high release?

I haven´t perfected my shot yet with the high release. But I think that I can shoot it well. The high release helps me when guys are guarding me. It gives me that advantage. I´m not afraid to shoot when an opponent is close to me.

Did you think about keeping the perfect record by not taking a shot in the 4 plus minutes in the fourth quarter?

I did think about it. I had the perfect game in my head. In between, I did look at the stats. I wanted to keep my perfect record. If I would have had easy ones, I would of shot it, but not any difficult ones.

What was your favorite bucket? I liked a reverse lay up after 2 extra passes.

That was a cool play. We actually wanted to run it earlier, but they got a steal. We ran it later and I saw the defender up high, so I went back door. It was a great pass by Max Peters. I also loved my 6th three pointer. That one felt the best. It didn´t feel real.

Did you get any cool messages from players or friends after the game?

It has been pretty much chilled until now. I got messages from my teammates and family. Friends also wrote me telling me they liked my performance. There was nothing extraordinary.

What is your goal as a player in the Pro B and NBBL in the second half of the season?

My goal in the NBBL in the second half is to keep winning and support my team as best as possible. I have the stats in my head. I want to belong to the best scorers in the NBBL. And keep my shooting percentages high. In the Pro B I want to develop my game further with my scoring. Perhaps I can belong to the top scorers on the team. I will continue to work on my game and help the team as much as possible.

How are you celebrating Xmas?

I´m with family and friends. I will eat a lot and sleep a lot.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.

Booker Coplin Gives The Frankfurt Skyliners Xmas Gift With Buzzer Beater Win Over ratiopharm Ulm 87-85

Just seeing the schedule of the Frankfurt Skyliners and their upcoming games over the Xmas time could give some players a rude taste in their mouths and lead to no appetite, but not a good idea shortly before Christmas. The Frankfurt Skyliners had Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich left in 2024 and needed to win as much as possible, but that was easier said then done. After a brutal loss in Wurzburg, an even nastier followed against Braunschweig. Frankfurt had 10 days to prepare for ratiopharm Ulm as all they could hope for was a merry merry game against the top BBL team. Ulm had their 5 game winning streak halted with a tough 69-67 loss in their own living room to rising team MLP Academics Heidelberg. The Frankfurt Skyliners faced a must win and I´m sure some of the most faithful Skyliner fans had produced some sort of praying going into the game. On a mild Monday night, a day before Xmas, the Frankfurt Skyliners played 40 minutes of punching back and forth basketball and saved their best for last as Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) made an incredible buzzer beater winning shot that shocked ratiopharm Ulm and ruined their Xmas. “We came and played a great game. We came out strong fighting on defense. We knew that they had some talented bigs that liked to crash the boards, but we knew that if we could get back on transition and play our game that we would have a chance. I think that the basketball God was on our side tonight”, smiled Jordan Theodore. Ratiopharm didn´t have their A game, but were always ready to punch back when Frankfurt punched. Ulm had control late, but let the game fall out of their hands. “I´m very disappointed how we played. But a lot of credit to Frankfurt. They played a great game. It was a great atmosphere. We weren´t ready to play and didn´t start to play until the second quarter. We need to improve finishing games”, stated ratiopharm Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson.

Isaiah Roby at the Ft line

The first quarter was a tight affair as there were 7 lead changes, but Frankfurt was able to make some ground in the latter part and led by 4 points after 10 minutes. In the first minutes talented Israeli guard Ben Saraf who is a huge 2025 NBA draft prospect scored twice showing his IQ and being able to make quick decisions. Frankfurt got a big spark from Einaras Tubutis who added 8 points including 2 three´s while ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore also added a three pointer for the 14-10 Frankfurt lead. The guests had opted mostly for the drive, but they then finally nailed a trey as ex Boise State (NCAA) guard Justinian Jessup scored to pull Ulm to 14-13. Walking bucket Malik Parsons who won the double in Denmark last season scored 6 unanswered points as his aggressiveness took over as Frankfurt led 19-13. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t look that fresh on the court like they usually do which gave Frankfurt the opportunity to heighten their intensity and dictate the game. Frankfurt would keep the lead, but Ulm kept punching back as French junior national player Noa Essengue made a tough shot in the paint and 2017 NBBL champion Nelson Weidemann dropped a trey, but Frankfurt led 25-21 after one quarter. “Tubutis shot great for us. Parsons also did his thing. He is a walking bucket. It really felt like everyone was scoring and contributing”, stressed Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt was shooting very well with over 60% from the 2 point range and from outside and had 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 44% from the 2 point range and 20% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jordan Theodore from outside

In the second quarter The Frankfurt Skyliners struggled a bit to start, but came back and then had a back and forth punching match until the break. Ratiopharm Ulm began with a 7-0 run and stopped Frankfurt 5 times. In the Ulm run, they attacked the paint area and were successful as they got a lay in from ex NBA player Isaiah Roby and a lay in and free throws by ex Munich forward Karim Jallow. The Ulm press annoyed Frankfurt and Frankfurt opted for more 1-1 play. Jallow was a real spark plug doing it at both ends. Ex Boston College German Patrick Heckman stopped the run with a sweet trey as Frankfurt tied the game at 28-28. Frankfurt´s offense executed better again with a fade away jumper from ex Wright State guard Trey Calvin and a trey by Booker Coplin as the game was tied at 33-33. Essengue and Parsons traded baskets and Ulm then went on a mini 4-0 run to lead 40-35 as Essengue scored on transition and Karim Jallow made a thunderous dunk. The dime was made by Ben Saraf who made a beautiful cross over and then made the shovel pass for the basket. Frankfurt always stayed calm and ready and punched back with a mini 4-0 run as Theodore and Parsons split the defense with lay in´s. Jallow closed out the second quarter with a lay in as ratiopharm Ulm had the slim 42-40 lead. “They tried to speed us up with their press. We turned the ball over. However Parsons still made big shots. He kept us in the game”, added Jordan Theodore.

Noa Essengue with the lay in

In the third quarter ratiopharm Ulm gave up the lead briefly in the first minutes, but then stole it back, but never led by more than 6 points as the Frankfurt Skyliners continued to execute very well on the offensive end. Frankfurt came out of half-time with a bang as Minnesota native Booker Coplin hit a trey and Tubutis made a lay in with Theodore tip toeing through the defense and giving him the shovel pass for the 46-45 lead. “I created for him and he made the bucket. I still have speed. I´m not that old yet”, expressed Jordan Theodore. But ratiopharm Ulm fought back and went on a 7-0 run as they kept hurting Frankfurt inside with their bigs as Essengue made 5 points and Roby a lay in for the 51-46 advantage. But then came the Jordan Theodore show as he supplied 13 points. It was like the good old days. He was showcasing his inside out game as he hit 3 three´s, made a 20 footer and lay in. ratiopharm Ulm also got some vital support from ex Illinois (NCAA) guard Alfonso Plummer who nailed 2 crazy off balance three´s. Parson´s also added a tough off balance shot and dunk down the stretch. Theodore´s third trey of the quarter was a buzzer beater, but ratiopharm Ulm still led 65-64 after 3 quarters. “I made a good play and got the ball to Muenkat who then got it back to me. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “Theodore gives Frankfurt a lot of experience. He made some big plays and some tough step backs and drives”, stated Ty Harrelson. “I started to catch fire. The first 2 games, I had no legs, but with the 10 days of practice, that really helped me. I was really feeling it with my shot. I finally got my number 25 again”, stressed Jordan Theodore. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 11 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 50% from the field and 29% from three point line and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Malik Parsons at the FT line

The fourth quarter was a solid offensive display as both teams executed well and no team could get away from the other and decide the game early. Frankfurt began with a key 7-3 run to lead 72-68 as Calvin added 5 points and Parsons as usual showed his crazy athleticism with a hard dunk. Jessup and Jallow gave Ulm some support with baskets, but they still trailed 74-73. After Saraf and Coplin traded baskets, the game was deadlocked at 78-78. Isaiah Roby who played for the Oklahoma Thunder during Covid made a clutch three pointer for the 81-78 Ulm advantage. Then was a golden opportunity for the guests to decide the game as they stopped Frankfurt 3 times, but they made no ground as they were also stopped 3 times. Roby then added a lay in late as ratiopharm Ulm led 83-78 and had the chance to decide the game again. However Frankfurt kept fighting and got a huge trey from Coplin to trail 83-81. Saraf made free throws with the 85-81 lead with 1,20 to go. Ulm was in the drivers seat, but wouldn´t score again. Frankfurt got Tubutis free throws to trail 85-83. On the next possession, David Mjuenkat made a steal which led to free throws from him and the game was 85-85. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t have that killer instinct as Jessup took a jumper which was a good look, but it didn´t fall. “The game went back and forth with both teams making big shots. So many shots at the end of the shot clock”, stated Jordan Theodore. Then came Booker Coplin time. He attempted a trey with a few seconds from the corner that missed, but Tubutis got the offensive rebound and got the ball to Coplin. Coplin must have had an idea that there was about nothing left on the clock as he just tipped the ball towards the basket that fell through which left the arena in total bedlam and the Xmas win. “That was a hell of a rebound by Tubutis. That was big balls. He had the awareness to kick it back to Coplin. I never saw a shot like that before. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “We had a 4 point lead and then shot it with 7 seconds and ott the foul. We have to be more aware on defense. We could of reduced one possession. That one more possession gave them the win”, added Ty Harrelson. The Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore and Malik Parsons with 18 points a piece. Booker Coplin added 14 points and Einaras Tubutis 13 points while ratiopharm Ulm was led by Isaiah Roby with 19 points and Karim Jallow and Ben Saraf added 13 points a piece. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 50% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 51% from the field and 35% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf Get Back On Track With Massive 91-74 Victory Against The Ahorn Camp Baskets

The last weeks had been hard times for the Dragons Rhondorf as they had lost 4 out of their last 5 games and needed a big win to end 2024. But it didn´t get any easier with the 7-4 Ahorn Camp Baskets from Speyer who had won 7 of their last 8 games and were riding a massive high. The Dragons Rhondorf were allowing a pathetic 93 points per game and it seemed like they weren´t making any steps with improvement on defense. But the defense finally stepped up as despite being without Janne Muller and Marko Rosic, the Dragons Rhondorf came together as a team defensively and had a great shooting day which resulted in a giant 91-74 victory over the Ahorn Camp Baskets from Speyer. It also helped that the guests top playmaker Carlos Hidalgo was out with an injury. Speyer moved to 7-4 and Rhondorf to 6-6. “It feels amazing to finally win again. We were so used to winning last season. But I don´t take anything for granted. It is hard to win games this season. Our energy was huge tonight as it carried us for 40 minutes. We punched them in the mouth at the start with that run and it set the tone of the game”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. You should never make excuses, but it was obvious that losing Hidalgo hurt Speyer´s game tremendously, but they just caught a very potent Dragons team that had a great night. “We were a bit short maned. Hidalgo keeps good organization. That was missed tonight. It can get chaotic without him. They had a good shooting effort. We gave our best”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore. It was the best defensive effort of the season for the Dragons Rhondorf. “We trusted one another and play for one another. We were rotating well and just flying around”, added Kelvin Omojola.

DJ Woodmore at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf came out strong out of the gates going on a 7-0 run. In the run, they got a trey from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilipovic and 2 lay in´s by Ohio native rookie Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports) who was looking to break out again after not scoring 20 points or more in a game in his last 4 games. Rhondorf had great energy and seemed to catch Speyer off guard. Aggressive defense led to transition baskets for the Dragons. DJ Woodmore finally got Speyer on the board with a three pointer, but Rhondorf struck back with 5 points as Smith Jr dropped a trey and ex Bamberg center Danas Kazakevicius made a tip in for the 12-4 advantage. That basketball is a game of runs was proved once again as Speyer punched back with a 8-3 run to trail 15-12. A three pointer by ex Pro A player Christoph Rupp and Woodmore lay in led the charge for the guests. Speyer upped their intensity and pressure and got great buckets from their individual class. However the Dragons didn´t wilt but continued to put on the pressure and closed out the first quarter with a lethal 15-6 run to lead 30-18 after one quarter. In the run the 2024 Pro B champion were led by Kazakevicius who was a menace around the rim scoring 3 consecutive buckets while Smith and ex easyCredit BBL player Marco Rahn made lay in´s while Pilipovic kept his hot shooting going with a trey. “We were all clicking. But we also had a great week of practice. That carried over into the game. We played as a team and were hitting our shots better than in the last weeks”, added Kelvin Omojola. Both teams were shooting in the high 50% ´from the 2 point range while the Dragons shot 50% from outside and the guests 25%. Rhondorf had the 13-7 rebound edge and had no turnovers while Speyer had 3 turnovers.

Antomnio Plilpovic from outside

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t score as much as in the first quarter, but were able to continue to defend consistently and have the comfortable 17 point lead at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf began well scoring 2 baskets with a lay in from Omojola and free throws from Smith Jr to lead 34-19. But the Ahorn Camp Baskets never gave up, but just kept chipping away at the big Dragons lead and were rewarded with a 8-0 run to trail 34-27. In the run, the guests got a massive three pointer from ex Virginia Wesleyan (NCAA3) guard Woodmore and a lay in and dunk by defensive stopper Dennis Diala who has made big steps in his scoring average in the last 3 seasons from 4-7- to 12 points this season. Speyer upped their intensity again at both ends and got great support from Diala who used his athleticism to his advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf then showed again that they could punch back again after getting punched and exploded on a 18-2 run to extend their lead to 52-29. In the run, Tim Smith Jr. showed his sniper qualities hitting 3 three´s in a row while energy spark and ultimate role player Mamadou Diallo who had a rare start hit a trey while Kazakevicius continued to control the boards making an offensive rebound and put back while Marco Rahn also scored. Young German Dyami Janeck made a beautiful pass in the air to Diallo for the bucket. One sees Omojola often making those spectactulat passes in the air. “I can´t say that he learned that pass from me, but it was a beautiful play with 2 extra passes. You can see that Dyami is extremely athletic”, said Kelvin Omojola. Speyer punched back one more time closing out the second quarter strong with a 6-0 run as Dialla made a runner, ex Hanau forward Marko Dordevic a lay in while DJ Woodmore went coast to coast and scored at the buzzer, but the Dragons Rhondorf still led 52-35. “Smith Jr carried us in that big run. He really set the tone with those 3 back to back three´s”, commented Kelvin Omojola. Both clubs were shooting 55% from the 2 point range, but the Dragons were at 53% from the three point line and Speyer at 21%. The Dragons continued to have the overwhelming 26-12 rebound edge and had 5 turnovers while the guests had 6 turnovers.

Dennis Diala from mid range

In the third quarter the Ahorn Camp Baskets had their strongest quarter, but couldn´t get over the hump as the closest that they got to was trailing by 8 points. Both teams got their offenses going to begin the second half as the Dragons received buckets from Omojola and a trey by Diallo while Speyer received baskets from big man David Aichele and Dj Woodmore, but Rhondorf still led 57-39. Speyer then got some momentum in their comeback attempt going on a 8-2 run to trail only 54-47. Speyer attacked the rim and were rewarded with buckets from Dordevic, Rupp and Woodmore. Speyer was more focused and just more concentrated and were aggressive getting easy baskets inside. The guests were also more active on the glass while the Dragons had lost a bit of their calmness and reacted a bit hectic in their sets. Rhondorf got some fortune getting 3 free throws from Smith Jr. Speyer continued to execute as ex Orange Academy forward Latrell Groskopf made a trey and Dordevic a lay in, but couldn´t make real ground as the Dragons got 4 free throws from Janeck to lead 66-54. But the guests also made crucial mistakes getting a flagrant foul which led to Pilipovic and Alex Lagerman free throws and the 70-56 Dragons advantage. Speyer got Benjamin Hoehman free throws and a lay in by Woodmore in the last minute, but still trailed 71-60 after 30 minutes. “Our execution at both ends wasn´t as sharp. We just couldn´t find that flow from the first half again”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. “We realized that in order to have a chance, we had to be more aggressive. We had to create for ourselves. We got more comfortable and hit more shots”, stated DJ Woodmore. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 54% from the 2 point range and 43% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 61% from the 2 point range and 22% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Dyami Janeck at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Ahorn Camp Baskets began well, but couldn´t withstand the pressure by the Dragons Rhondorf as their offense got back into the flow which decided the game with a big 9-0 run. The guests began with a 6-3 run as Rupp nailed a trey and Aichele made a lay in as they trailed only 74-66. However the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t want an exciting end as they slammed the door shut on Speyer with a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 83-66 as they held the guests scoreless for more than 4 minutes. In the run the Dragons received lay in´s by Kazakevicius and Rahn and free throws by Pilipovic and a three pointer from Smith Jr. Rhondorf´s focus and energy were high while one could sense that fatigue was slowly setting in with Speyer. It also didn´t help that Dialla missed a dunk. In the last minutes Kelvin Omojola remained aggressive scoring twice, while Speyer got 3 buckets from Aichele including 2 dunks while Kazakevicius made 2 dunks. One really stood out and sparkled as Kelvin Omojola lofted up the perfect lob while he threw it down getting the Dragon Dome rocking with joy. “We knew they would run the press break. I saw Aichele step up so I just threw it up to Danas for the nice alley-oop dunk. That play was definitely not drawn up”, smiled Kelvin Omojola. “We ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. It was a tough week of practice and not having Hidalgo. They took advantage of it”, stressed DJ Woodmore. “Even if we were up only by 10 points, we never ever thought that we could lose this game. We were missing shots, but also getting stops and rebounds”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr. with 26 points. Danas Kazakevicius scored 18 points while Kelvin Omojola had 11 points and Antonio Pilipovic added 10 points while the Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Marko Dordevic with 15 points. DJ Woodmore added 14 points while Dennis Diala had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 39% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 47% from the field and 25% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Erol Ersek(MLP Academics) Will Probably Never Get Over The Feeling Of Always Having To Prove Himself In The easyCredit BBL

pic credit: Niko.Neithardt

Erol Ersek (194-SF-1999) is a 25 year old 194cm guard from Austria nplaying his first season with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (BBL). He played the last 3 seasons for the Tigers Tuebingen. He began his basketball career in Austria with the Vienna DC Timberwolves and also spent a year in USA at Pacific Grove High School, Pacific Grove, California. He played in the FC Bayern Munich organization from 2016-2021. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Erol for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season for the MLP Academics Heidelberg. It is December 15th and the club is in first place. How good is basketball life at the moment?

Basketball life is really good now. When you win everyone is calmer. After the tough season in Tuebingen, it feels good to win again. We understand each other well and are having fun.

You played the last 3 seasons in Tuebingen. How much of a no brainer was it for you to follow Danny Jansson to Heidelberg?

It wasn´t that clear at the start. Danny called me before his move was official to Heidelberg and told me that he wanted to take me. I had other offers, but in the end I chose Heidelberg. I know his system and we know each other well. It wasn´t a tough decision.

Your from Austria and lived in nice places like Munich, and Tuebingen. You are used to pretty places. Is Heidelberg with the castle and river maybe the most beautiful place you have witnessed in your life?

The most beautiful city for me will always be Vienna where I´m from. I have a personal connection to the city. But on the other hand, everyone knows how beautiful Heidelberg is. It is extremely pretty now in the Xmas time with the Xmas markets. I´m very happy living here.

The MLP Academics are in in first place. What is the secret of the success?

The secret is our team. We play together, are versatile and play with a lot of energy.

I truly believe one of the most important guys if not the most important guy is Ryan Mikesell. Where would the team be without his leadership and versatility?

That is tough to say. He shows each game just how important he is. He can be nowhere for 35 minutes and then out of nowhere score 8 points in a row. That is an incredible quality. He is our leader and has a lot of experience. He is very appreciated.

What is it like being teammates with ex NBA player Paul Zipser. He doesn´t play a huge role on the court, but I´m sure his presence is priceless. Is he a guy where you go for advice?

He has seen the most out of anyone on the team. He has played at a high level for years in the NBA and Euroleague. He is a very funny guy and always willing to give advice. He is definitely an enrichment for us.

2 important pieces are Americans Michael Weathers and DJ Horne. The team relies on them to bring their A game daily. How valuable are both to the success?

They are both extremely important for us. I´m really happy for Horne and his success especially since this is his first season overseas. He is a great 1-1 player and can always create something when we have nothing. Weathers is so athletic and always brings great energy. He is a great defender and driver.

This is your fourth season together with Mateo Seric. Are you guys like brothers now?

Yes we are very close. In Tuebingen and now in Heidelberg, these are 2 small cities so we are never far away. We do a lot together. The other day we visited a hand ball game. It is just normal that he is in Heidelberg for me.

You have paid your dues for years. You didn´t get a real BBL chance in Munich and then made your break through in Tuebingen. Is your biggest goal this season as a player to become a consistent BBL player?

Yes exactly. I always want to prove that I belong in the easyCredit BBL. I want to be an impact player.

How difficult is it being efficient in the minutes you get? What is always your biggest focus on the court? There are enough guys that can score.

I want to be a scorer, but at the same time, I really know the system of Danny well. I feel like I can help the team in other ways than just scoring. I feel like I can call plays and have an idea of who gets the ball. I feel like I can help the team like that.

You really developed well as a player in Tuebingen under Danny Jansson. Into what kind of a player did he make you in Tuebingen?

Danny really was very important for my development in Tuebingen. He is a defensive coach. You see that with our game. He really helped me make a step forward with my defensive game as well as understanding the game better.

Last season was tough as Tuebingen went down to the Pro A. What did you learn about that season?

It was definitely a very tough season. It was a real shame that we moved down. I was very frustrated. I feel like I learned that you just have to keep pushing and make the best out of the situation. You just have to keep working hard and make sure that it doesn´t happen again.

You had so many great teammates in Tuebingen in that one season. Is there a player that had a big influence on you? Possibly a Till Joscha-Joenke?

He is the first person that came to mind. He has a great character and always plays with energy on the court. I remember when I made a shot, he right away would yell at me “pressure”, meaning to keep going strong on the next play. He has a great mentality and is very ambitious.

You played with FC Bayern Munich from 2016-2021. Was this the best basketball decision in your life?

Yes it probably was. To be able to go from Vienna to Munich at such a young age was good for me.

You helped win the 2017 NBBL title for FC Bayern Munich. What do you remember from beating IBAM and Oscar da Silva?

I remember having very tough games against IBAM and Oscar that season. Oscar had a very dominant NBBL season. He carried IBAM to the final. However we played really well in the final and were able to win.

What was it like being among so many talented youth players. Did you recognize early that some players get better treatment than others?

Of course there were some guys that practiced more with the BBL team than others did, but I believe that everyone had a fair chance. It was always an intense battle against so many talented young players.

You were teammates with great guys like Vrcic, Weidemann,Jallow, and Grant just to name a few. Which player do you remember having the biggest influence on you?

I think that Weidemann had the biggest influence on me. We were roommates for 3 years. We spent a lot of time together. We were always together.

Do you have a special moment with a Munich BBL players during those years that you won´t forget?

Yes I did. I have one situation that I never will forgot. I remember going over a screen and giving a nice pocket pass to Jalen Reynolds. He got the basket, but then came over to me and told me I have to make a high pass in a situation like that. That was that moment where I was like “Ok got it. I had never played with such high level players before and was learning on the fly.

In 2020-2021 you witnessed the emergence of Ivan Kharchenkov as a 16 year old tearing up the Pro B. Why isn´t he on any NBA Mock drafts yet?

I really don´t know. Ivan is a big talent. He has shown he can play in the BBL and with the youth national teams. He has no fear and just does his thing. I´m very excited how well he is playing this season. It is nice to observe his development.

In 20-21 was your last season with FC Bayern Munich, but had to mostly play Pro B. How tough was that season for you? You did play 3 BBL games though?

It was tough with Covid. I had a strong season in the Pro B. It was nice though to play in the BBL at the end of the season.

Was scoring 17 points in a huge 102-90 win over team BG Goettingen one of your top 3 greatest basketball moments? That was a crazy game as many of the young guys played because the veterans were being rested.

Munich had a Euroleague game against Milan 2 days later, so I was called up to play BBL. I hit all my shots. It was a great feeling.

You had so many great teammates like Lucic, Gist, Baldwin or Seeley. Was there a player that had a big influence on you?

I spoke mostly with Nick Weiler-Babb. He was a great guy. He was very calm and well spoken.

You also are a part of the Austrian national team. How is the state of Austrian basketball at the moment?

I feel like we have a good future. At the moment we have many young players playing in other countries like Spain and Italy and developing well. It is a new generation and the young guys have to take over. I´m one of the older guys on the team.

Your teammates with talented Sylven Landesberg. Is he still athletic like back in the day? I always thought he should have been in the NBA

He is a great player. He is older now, but he can still dunk from nothing. He was more athletic and explosive some years ago, but can still get you on a poster now. His dad is Austrian and he grew up in new York.

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

Jacob Poelti

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Wade Baldwin, Thomas Klepeisz, Ryan Mikesell, Vladimir Lucic, Jakob Poelti

What is your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?

Jordan, Lebron, Steph Curry and Kobe and Dimitris Diamantidis, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Hines and Paul Zipser

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James. I grew up with his game. I didn´t grow up with Jordan.

Thanks Erol for the chat.

It Isn´t Every Day That A Player Can Be Mentioned in The Same Breath As A Reggie Miller And Tracy McGrady But Terrence Hargrove(Bakken Bears) Can

So What do Reggie Miller, Tracy McGrady and Terrence Hargrove (197-F-2001, college: St.Louis) have in common? Well all 3 finished off games for their teams in legendary manners. When any kind of professional player is seeking some kind of inspiration, it never fails to watch the you tube videos of 2 fantastic finishes from 2 legendary players Reggie Miller and Tracy McGrady. Who could forget Miller´s incredible 8 points in 9 seconds to propel the Indiana Pacers over the New York Knicks on May 9th, 1995 or Tracy McGrady´s mind boggling explosion of 13 points in 33 seconds to help lead his team over the San Antonio Spurs on December 9th, 2004. These kind of miraculous finishes happen every now and then and there was another talented player with Terrence Hargrove who had his own experience with fame as on December 16th, 2023 he poured in 11 points in the last 28 seconds to help his team Saint Louis (NCAA) secure the unforgettable 75-74 victory over Louisiana Tech. It is one of those endings that he still watches today. “What’s funny about that buzzer beater I was watching that clip this morning because that was my first ever game winner playing college basketball and it felt so good and it was a moment I will always cherish throughout my career and hope to have more through my career and my friends always talk about it with me even my parents do to”, said Terrence Hargrove. With the game on the line and his team down by many, he was about as unlikely to pull something like that off as he had had only 2 points leading up to the last minute. “My memory from that game was I was actually having a bad game I only scored 2 points in the first half of the game and I wasn’t being the effective player that I usually am and it was just amazing how toward the end of the game that all happened because when I watched the clip after the game of the shots I made I was in disbelief because like you said that Kobe or Tracy Mcgrady material but it all goes back to the work I put in and God making that happen”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. He definitely will have that special moment forever being able to be mentioned in the same breath as a Miller or McGrady. “It makes me feel good that I have something like that under my belt because not many people have done that in their career so I am grateful that I was able to do that in mines early on”, added Terrence Hargrove. His biggest fans is family and it´s mutual. “Without my mom, my dad and my little brother I wouldn’t be no where near where I am today They are my prized possessions, they are the people I love the most, we preach family in the household back at home and family is very important in our house, they helped me get to where I am today! My mom and I study bible scriptures before every game and we don’t miss not one game at all and that’s always been our thing since I was in high school. I love that lady so much she has gotten me through so many tough battles in my life and it’s so much I want to do for my family because they got me this far but my momma is my heart I love her so so so much. My goat is my Dad Terrence Hargrove Sr, the muscle around the house the person who taught me to never back down from any challenge, to always be confident in what I do and to never make excuses and just make it happen, I appreciate my pops so much and he has taught me so much I look up to my father and wish to one day be a great man and father like he is to me and my little brother, that’s the real definition of a stand up guy”, warned Terrence Hargrove.

Terrence Hargrove who lists Jabari Smith Jr and Emoni Bates as his toughest foes that he battled in the NCAA was born on May 21st, 2001 in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He began his basketball career at East Saint Louis high school and also played AAU with Brad Beal elite. He then had an illustrious 5 year career at St Louis University from 2019-2024 playing a total of 144 NCAA games. In his first 4 years, he never averaged more than 6,7ppg, but really broke out in his 5th season averaging 13.1ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 79.3%. “The role I had before my 5th year of college was just that role player role because we had stars before me but it wasn’t until after they all left that I could really show what I could do and my game grew by me just putting the work in and getting the extra in when nobody was around or in the stands and it all paid off for me, God always rewards hardwork”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. He was fortunate to have incredible teammates like Jordan Goodwin who was instrumental in his first years there as their bond is strong until this day. “Me and Jordan Goodwin have a great relationship, We grew up in the same city and our family knows each other so that’s pretty much self explanatory but he is a great player and person, I always knew he would be in the NBA someday because I saw the work he put in first hand getting up every morning at 6am to get the extra work in even after days we had game or hard practices so he deserves everything that comes his way”, said Terrence Hargrove. In his last season he played 33 games and scored in double figures in 22 games including netting 27 points in a 75-63 win over S Indiana, and 21 points against Wichita State. In other seasons he hit Maryville, MO for 27 points and 20 points against Memphis. His hard work was key in him developing his game as well as the guidance of head coach Travis Ford who was always honest with him. “Travis Ford helped prepare me for my professional career by just telling me early on that’s it’s not going to be easy once you leave this school because that’s when life starts and your going to miss college in which I do I miss all my friends I’ve built relationships with and that it’s going to be hard but if you work hard and do the right things it’s amazing how things will work out for you”, commented Terrence Hargrove.

The Illinois native who lists Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kyrie Irving on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season with the Bakken Bears Aarhus (Denmark-BasketLigaen). Some guys have problems adjusting to everything that they face overseas, but for him, he has just taken everything in and enjoyed it. “It has been a great experience and I am learning so many new things playing on the professional level and with the club Bakken Bears, I’m building great relationships with my teammates and learning so much about the Danish culture. What I’ve enjoyed most about my time here is just being able to play with a great club and be around a great group of guys everyday!. I’m from East St. Louis, Illinois and what I’ve learned to appreciate the most is that just being grateful that I’m able to continue my basketball career on the professional level in a different country and just experience new things, cultures & scenery because where I’m from there aren’t a lot of people who don’t get to see what I’ve saw through my career of playing ball”, expressed Terrence Hargrove. He is playing for an organization that is used to winning. The club has won 20 league titles, 12cups and a ENBL title. “It’s always great being a part of a winning culture because everyone wants to win and with me coming off a bad college basketball season for my last year, it’s great to be a part of a winning team because the feeling of it is immaculate”, added Terrence Hargrove. As a rookie, it is always vital to soak up as much as possible form the vets and one of those is Urald King. “Urald King has been a great teammate and mentor for me just giving me pointers on and off the court great guy, great player and he has taught me so much about the professional level just teaching me so many things that I will need to know going forward after I leave Bakken”, warned Terrence Hargrove.

The 197cm forward who doesn´t remember ever losing 1-1 battles in practice to Gibson Jimerson at Saint Louis is a player that models his game after Kevin Durnat. His role on the team is to bring energy, score, defend at a high level and just creates havoc at all times for his opponent. He has continued to bring that scoring touch that he had in his fifth year in the NCAA. But did he always have it in his younger years? “I’ve always had the scoring ability in me but through college it calmed down because of my role through college but I’ve always been able to score the ball that’s one of things God blessed me with in my game”, said Terrence Hargrove. But he can also bring other key attributes to the table that will help his team be successful. “I’m very athletic, I have a motor, I can handle the ball and I just play with confidence all the time because I trust the work that I put in”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. His three pointer continues to be a work in progress despite having 2 plus 40% seasons in the NCAA. “My three pointer has been up & down I will say and I just continued to work on my shooting ability through the years but the direction I do want to go in is a knock down shooter that’s very consistent and that all start with the work I will continue to put in everyday”, warned Terrence Hargrove. But he doesn´t only want to sparkle on the offensive end. He has the potential to become a 2-way player. “I want to become a great defender and I will continue to work on my defensive game because I’ve always been a solid defender and I will keep working on my defensive game everyday until it gets to perfection”, warned Terrence Hargrove. He also wants to continue to climb the basketball ladder overseas and knows exactly where he needs to improve his game most. “The areas of my game I’m working on most right now is my ball handling, my reads and just shooting just continuing to sharpen those up everyday but mainly I’m working on my ball handling”, stated Terrence Hargrove. This week he will present his skills against German team Bamberg. He is looking forward to battling them and witness an old opponent from the NCAA. “I don’t know much about the country or the basketball side of it at all because obviously this is my first year of playing professional overseas but I do know that Bamberg is great basketball club and that they will be ready to play but so will we. I do have one former opponent that I used to play against in college that plays for Bamberg team, his name is Kyle Lofton, I played for Saint Louis University and he played for St. Bonaventure University and it was always fun playing against him in college so I know it’ll be fun playing against him on the professional level”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. It will be interesting to see where his game will go in the next years. He already had that incredible crunch-time moment in the NCAA last season. This season it´s time to win chips. He definitely has the best chance to do that with the Bakken Bears.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 7

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

The winning streak has come to an end as Wurzburg won 91-81. Despite the loss could the loss be like a little blessing in disguise?

This loss could help us get back to playing like was did during first few games. It showed us that we have to play harder and better on defense.

They began 0-6 and now have a 5 game winning streak. This team is for real. Did you underestimate them a bit as a team?

No I don’t think we underestimated them. I ust feel we’ve been playing without our energy in the past couple games and this was just the end of it.

I saw how lethal the Wishart/Steinbach duo was last weekend in Frankfurt, but I think they were a little better this week combining for 37 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks. Is that team more than just those 2?

Those two are for sure the back bones of the team, but they had a couple guys make some shots. I feel the whole team played hard.

Talk about the first half. They dominated in the first quarter and the RheinStars in the second quarter, but the game was deadlocked at 49-49 at the break. What adjustments did you make as a team in the second quarter?

I feel we were just patient and executing like we usually do. We got out of our game and the hurt us.

The RheinStars went on a little run late, but it just wasn´t enough. Was their 22 offensive rebounds the biggest thorn in the side of the RheinStars?

Yeah the offensive rebounds hurt us a lot. If we would’ve rebounded better I believe the outcome would have been better than it was.

You had a 8/3/2 game and shot 4/12 from the field. What will be your biggest focus this week in practice?

Just practice harder and try to find a rhythm more for myself. I know I can perform better and I will.

You next play against the pesky Oberaching team. What will be key for the win?

Getting back to us as a team. Hopefully this loss makes us get back to how we were playing the first couple games of the season. Rebound, be more aggressive on the defense end.

Thanks Malik for the chat

Jordan Theodore´s Nephew Brought Him Back Love For The Game Again And Wants To Coach When His Playing Days Are Over

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jordan Theodore in Frankfurt, Germany Dec, 2024

If I had to choose a few former Skyliners from the last decade that of course were still playing now and available that I would have liked to have returned back to Frankfurt to help the team as best as possible, I could pick from one hand about 3 players and they would have been a Philip Scrubb, Joe Voigtman or a Jordan Theodore (183-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall). I mean you can never go wrong with these 3 winners who went on to have great careers after helping Frankfurt win the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup. When I saw the Skyliners press release recently that Jordan Theodore would return for a third tour of duty, I was really overjoyed. He might not have had been able to help keep the team in the easyCredit BBL in 2023, but after I saw how good he was moving and playing in the tough loss against Braunschweig minus the 5 turnovers, I´m optimistic that he can turn the season around for the Skyliners. But was his coming back into a precarious situation a no brainer or more of a difficult decision? “I think that it was more difficult. I have a good relationship with Gunnar Wobke and we had been in contact during the season, I wasn´t sure if I wanted to come back. I always love to play. My thinking had nothing to do with the team record, but with me. I had other offers and said no. Coming back to the Skyliners felt good”, stressed Jordan Theodore. His first 2 tour of duties, he was fortunate to be teammates with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson, but now he is gone and forever will be remembered. It must be very strange for him being without him. “ It is weird. With him gone, now I´m the oldest. Tez was the heart and soul of the team the last years. Now I don´t want to be here with people thinking, I want to replace him. Nobody could ever replace him. I want to show the young guys how the Skyliners way is. Even if I´m back for a third time, I feel new. Just about everyone is gone from the players to the people in the office. It is kind of like a new organization for me. Klaus Perwas is still here and Gunnar as well. The keys to the heart are still here. I have been getting used to the new guys. It has been fun”, said Jordan Theodore. The Skyliner organization has to mean so much to him, but it definitely isn´t the same like almost a decade ago. “Playing for the Skyliners organization has a very special place in my heart. This is the first place where I feel like home. It really reminds me of home. I have that New York feeling here. Everybody speaks English. It just reminds me of home. I have a few places that are close to my home. Frankfurt is top 2. The feeling isn´t the same. 10 years ago, I was a young kid that had to prove himself. Now it is expected of me to be very good. Back then I didn´t know what to expect, but now I have history. The biggest change is Tez not being here. Back in the 22-23 season, I came back because of Tez. I wanted to play one last time with him”, remembered Jordan Theodore.

Jordan Theodore is a 35 year old 184cm point guard from New Jersey playing his 13th professional season and third with the Frankfurt Skylinmers. Last season he began the season with with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 28.3%, FT: 73.2%. and finished with Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.1apg; and in the Euroleague: averaged 3.5ppg, 1.1apg. He also has gotten experience playing in countries like Turkey, Puerto Rico, Italy, Greece and Russia. He played 4 years at Seton Hall (NCAA) from 2008-2012. He is back in Frankfurt now and in a way has to save the team. Despite the record and 3 massive opponents in the next 11 days with Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich, he is very optimistic that the team will be successful. “To be honest, I really think that we can win all 3 of them. It´s all about us. We have to play a great game for 40 minutes. We have to have a great offensive and defensive game. Anything can happen. It is never about who has the biggest name or best record, but who comes to compete. The young guys are working hard in practice. It´s all on me. Can I get the most out of them and lead them well? We will be ready”, warned Jordan Theodore. He has only been here a short while, and can´t give a real impression of the team yet, but knows what the team has to do in the next games to win. “That is hard to say. I didn´t watch too much of the team before I got here. I know that we have won all the cup games so far. Not having a veteran has been tough, but now I´m here. We are getting better every day. We are competing better. The young players have to learn from their mistakes. We need to grow, but it won´t happen overnight. We will become better. We need to be focused for 40 minutes and play at a high level. We also need good communication and stick together. Basketball should be fun. It isn´t always easy to add a player like me, but I´m not selfish. We have had flashes with my leadership. We have to grow with that”, stressed Jordan Theodore.

He has only been with the club a short while, but he has gotten to know the games of some of his teammates especially the 2 explosive Americans Trey Calvin and Malik Parsons. Does he see a little of him in their play as young players? “I don´t know. They are tremendous players and very athletic. We come from different places. They work hard and are eager to learn. They are gym rats. They are always seeking knowledge. I´m really happy to be with them. I can be ball dominated and I want to contribute at a high level, but at the same time not take anything away from their games”, warned Jordan Theodore. One guy he is really impressed with is Danish champion Malik Parsons who has had huge games and is on the radar of Euroleague teams. “He is very talented. He can score and is very athletic. He can go as far as he wants to. Sky is the limit for him. Calvin and him are better shooters than I was at their ages”, said Jordan Theodore. “Other teammates that he is also dazzled by is the play of 2 hero´s from last season´s Pro A team David Muenkat and Booker Cooplin who are vital parts of the team. “I call Dave the next Tez. He is the heart and soul and can do it all. He is always playing with energy. You can ask him to do anything. He can play 1-5 like Tez did. Booker is a very hard worker and can also do a lot of things. He has been under the radar and now can shine. Both are the kind of guys that you want on a team. They are fighters which is a unique trait to have in today´s game. I´m proud to have them on the team”, added Jordan Theodore. A lot has changed in the game of 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke as well as he is continuing to make big steps in his game. “Lorenz was actually hurt when I was here the last time. He is also a unique talent. He is a lefty with a nice touch around the rim. He works hard and is a fighter. He is always the first guy in the gym. He will become great in the next years”, commented Jordan Theodore.

Jordan Theodore is 35 years old and isn´t the youngest anymore, but he still has game. He has been competing and being consistent at a high level for years. Despite the 5 turnovers in the loss to Braunschweig, he looked very good in many other areas of his offensive game. He is confident that he still has much more to offer in the next games. “I work out 1-2 times a day even when I´m not playing basketball. Basketball has brought me therapy my whole life. Whenever I did something bad as a kid or had hardships in my career, I always used basketball as a fuel. I honestly think that you haven´t seen my best yet. I haven´t really played since last May when I was in Spain. I´m just coming back to my game again now. I think that in the next games, I will be even quicker, make better reads and be better defensively”, expressed Jordan Theodore. He has seen a lot in the last 9 years and played in many different leagues. With more experience, he also has grown as a player and added new things. “I can shoot off the dribble better. I knew I would be all over the place in the first games back. I had too many turnovers, but that was because I hadn´t practiced enough with the team yet. I will fix the turnovers”, warned Jordan Theodore. He is also a different kind of leader now than in 2016. It is definitely much more of a challenge now than then. “Now it is harder to lead. When I was younger, I was always a gym rat. I was firey and had responses to Gordy Herbert. But now as an older guy you can´t talk back to the coach. It is not good to do that in front of the young players. I´m always asking questions and am eager to learn. I have been around the game for a long time and have seen so much. If I question a coach now, it isn´t to belittle him, but to ask questions that might make it easier for the younger guys to understand”, stated Jordan Theodore. Some may think that this might be his last destination as a player, but he is hopeful the ride will continue. “I just love the game. 5 years ago, people would ask me if I might coach one day, but I said no. I didn´t want to manage players on a daily level and have to deal with ego´s. But then I began to train my nephew and it brought me so much joy. I never forced the game on him. I always told him, call me when your ready. Then I got that call one day and he told me that he wanted to play. I fell in love with the game again and want to coach when my playing days are over. I feel like I still have to prove myself. I still see myself having 2-3 good more years ahead of me”, warned Jordan Theodore. His zeal for the game is still so strong. “ I enjoy being together with the guys every day and just enjoy everything that comes with it. When your young, you never think about the ride coming to an end. Now I´m at an age where I have to be prepared of teams saying they might not want me because of my age. I really enjoy being like a teacher now. I want to help the young point guards, I want to show them the most that this is how we do it”, laughed Jordan Theodore.

Even if the win of the Fiba Europe Cup is more than 8,5 years ago, the bond to his teammates is still there. He is a very outgoing guy and was one of the leaders on that championship team. It would be strange if he had only contact to a few. “To be honest I talk to all. I have with relationships with all from Mike Mo, Aaron Doornekamp, Sean Armand (even if he was from the 2014-2015 season), Phil Scrubb, Danilo Barthel, Gordie Herbert (He is my guy. He is a mentor for me, we speak all the time), Konsti, Klein, John Little, Max Merz, Johannes Richter, Tomas Dimsa and Garai Zeeb (he is my little bro). I have spoken to Joe Voigtmann in a while, but played against him since then”, said Jordan Theodore. He and Quantez Robertson have birthdays only 5 days apart and are like family. A few days ago Tez turned 40 years old. It is only obvious that he has the most special relationship to him. “He is my dog. I love that guy. He is texting me now as were talking. I have so much to say to him, but then again not enough to say. He is a great leader and captain. You always pick a leader after you won a title. He showed that by remaining in Frankfurt after the Fiba title. I told him after to go to Turkey to get some money, but I´m so happy he stayed. He said no. He said that Frankfurt was in his heart. I´m so honored to stand in the arena and look up at his jersey”, stated Jordan Theodore. With Christmas around the corner, he only has one wish for Christmas and that is peace everywhere. Jordan Theodore wasn´t able to save the Skyliners in 2022-2023, but now he can get revenge on that season and hopefully bring back some of that magic from the 2015-2016 season. I´m confident he can, because this guy still has much game left in his tank. It is only logical that he also wants to make his good friend Tez proud.

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