basketball

Basketball Globetrotter Luke Moyer Will Always Have Massive Love For The Country Georgia Winning Titles There And Saving His Dog

Luke Moyer (185-G-1993, college: John Brown, agency: BIG) is a 31 year old 185cm guard from Souderton, Pennsylvania playing his ninth professional season and first with UMF U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-Division I). He has been a real basketball globetrotter having played in countries like Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Portugal and Spain. He began his basketball career with Souderton high school and then played a season at Richmond (NCAA). He then played 2 seasons at Campbell (NCAA) and finished at John Brown University (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 83.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

You have played in 6 countries so far and are 31. Is Germany on your bucket list?

Sure, if the right opportunity comes along I’d love to. One of my good friends, Justin Jaworski is playing there now and loves it.

You began the 2024-2025 season with Caja 1987 Baloncesto (Spain-Segunda FEB) playing 2 games averaging 10.5ppg, 1.0apg. What kind of an experience was that for you? Why was that stay so short?

Unfortunately, I sustained an injury early on in the preseason and the team didn’t have the patience to wait for my recovery.

Last season you played with UMFN Njardvik (Iceland-Subway League) playing 9 games averaging 9.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 87.5%. Why was that stay so short? You had solid stats?

It wasn’t the right fit last season and didn’t work out with the club.

What was it like playing with Chaz Williams who had had an incredible NCAA career at UMass and seen it all overseas? He must have been one of the more talented guys you ever played with overseas?

He’s a tough guy to guard every day at practice. Reminded me of my teammate, Kendall Anthony, trying to guard him at practice every day at Richmond was a workout.

In the 2022-2023 season you split time with BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 22.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.8apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 52.3%, 3FGP: 30.5%, FT: 66.7%, in Jan.’23 signed at Zamora Enamora (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 12.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 71.4%. Stat wise another great season, but you had to change teams again. You had one of your best seasons stat wise in Georgia. Didn´t they appreciate your play there?

Many situations overseas can be challenging and that was another one. I finished in Spain with Zamora and we had one of the best teams I’ve ever played with chemistry-wise, so it was another very fulfilling experience.

In Spain you played an interesting playoff series against Benicarloincluding a 66-66 game. What memories do you have of that playoff series?

One of my favorite games I’ve had in my career came in that series when I hit the decisive dagger 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the game to help secure the win and move onto the semifinals.

You played with Kutaisi 2010 (Georgia-Superleague) from 2020-2022, but played only 15 games, but won a title. In your title season, you were injured for many months. How tough was that season?

Yes, it was another challenge. There’s a lot of lessons I learned when I was injured and went through tough seasons. I’m grateful for all those times because they’ve helped make me resilient and unbreakable.

You lost a tough 3 game playoff series to Dinamo. Was the game 1 94-93 loss one of those games that you will never forget? What memories do you have of that game?

I remember it was very intense. I had a big game and the game was full of trash talking and physicality – you live for those games.

In the 2019-2020 season you played 1 game in Portugal and then moved to BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 69.2%. It was your second season with them. How much is that club in your heart? You won your first professional title with them.

Titebi and those guys in Georgia will forever be in my heart. They gave me my start in Europe and I also rescued my dog from Georgia and she is in the states with me. I love Georgia.

You were teammates with Kaheem Ransom. You would be teammates again on another team in Georgia a few years later. Are you guys like brothers? Maybe you will be teammates again one day?

Kaheem is a heck of a player and competitor. It was special to play with him. We won 3 or 4 cup titles together.

You played in Mexico with Nauticos of Mazatlan (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 14.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 56.9%, 3FGP: 35.4%, FT: 86.0% and with Rayos de Hermosillo (Mexico-CIBACOPA). What kind of an experience was Mexico? It is one of those leagues where many well known guys play because the money is good.

Great talent and very great culture. The hoops schedule is more like NBA playing 3 or 4 games in a week sometimes. I had a lot of fun playing in Mexico.

In Mexico you would play against the same team back to back. How was the skill level in the league and how would you compare it to other leagues that you have played in?

A lot of talent. Former NBA players and guys who went on to play in the NBA.

You played your rookie season with Durham BC (Canada-CBL). What kind of experience was that coming from school? Did you have a memorable experience there?

A learning curve coming from NCAA to the pros, but I couldn’t have been more blessed to have the opportunity to play under former NBA and euroleague player, Milt Palacio. He taught me what it meant to be a professional and laid the foundation for me to have the mentality as a professional that I carry with me to this day.

You began your career at the University of Richmond (NCAA), but played only 4 games. What memories do you have of this season? Could you get anything positive out of it?

Coach Mooney runs a high-major program and creates winners. I had an incredible experience and played with some amazing players and people.

You then played 2 years at Campbell playing 46 games. You averaged 5,7ppg and 3,4ppg and averaged 12 minutes. Did you get a fair chance there? You had to experience a coaching change.

As a young man, I made a decision to leave Campbell with the information I had at the time, and I believe I deserved more opportunity – especially being a top 3-point shooter in the country and producing solid numbers in limited minutes.

You then took a step back and finished at John Brown University (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 83.8%. how important was making this change? You were a main contributor on the team as a senior.

Sometimes the ugly side of basketball forces one to lose the joy of the game and I experienced that at the Division 1 level, so I decided I needed to go play at a program where I could find the joy of playing again.

You had some great games in losing causes but also some other great games in wins over Oklahoma City and SW Christian. What was your fondest moment at John Brown?

Senior night I hit the game winner with my family in attendance.

How did Jason Beschta groom and prepare you for a professional career?

The work I put in was instilled intrinsically since I was 10 years old. It was always my goal to play professionally.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ricky Roberts?

I believe Ricky got me a few times, he could really shoot the ball!

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

De’Angelo Russell and TJ Warren are at the top of the list.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Steve Tyson Terry Allen Jordan Faciane Jacob Round Toni Naspler

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Steph Curry Shaquille O’Neal

Who is your GOAT and why?

Michael Jordan. Ultimate winner and competitor.

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

I didn’t – too many remakes nowadays the originals are undefeated!!

Thanks Luke for the chat.

Luke Moyer Recently Hit For 50 Points In Iceland And Credits High School Coach Dennis Stanton For Instilling His Shooting Foundation

Your playing your first season with U.M.F. SkallagrimurBorganes (Iceland-Division I). It is your second tour of duty in Iceland. What kind of an experience has the basketball in Iceland been and playing for this organization?

I’ve enjoyed my time playing in Borganes. The organization has been great to work with and having good teammates and a great coach always makes the experience that much better. I’ve had a great experience playing here.

What does one do on a typical day in Iceland when your not practicing? The days seem shorter. Have you found a new hobby there? I can imagine one can explore a lot and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Yes it’s absolutely beautiful here in Iceland. I work with the younger players here in the organization as a coach and skill developer. So I coach and run training sessions each day outside of my normal training regiment.

You came in the middle of the season to a losing team. How tough has the season been for you? Does added pressure arise when you’re the import? Do you feel like you have to do more than usual to help the team get wins?

It’s always challenging when a team is going through a stretch of losing. Here, it hasn’t been a lack of talent, but unfortunate injuries, sicknesses and missing players almost every other week.

The club had some close loses, but all in all defense seems to be a major problem. Why hasn´t the defense been able to allow less points?

It’s been tough missing players each week and trying to win when we have been short handed. I believe there hasn’t been two consecutive weeks where we have had a healthy roster. That will always be challenging to do our job when we can’t get a rhythm together.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with Jermaine Hamlin? He is a rookie. Are you like a mentor for him?

Jermaine is a force for us. He’s been an awesome teammate and does a great job for us in so many categories on the court.

You recently got your first win and did it all scoring 50 points. How good did that win feel plus scoring 50 points?

Grateful that our team is starting to click and get our chemistry on track. It was a special game to have the opportunity to go out there and play my game.

Was that the most points that you ever scored in your life?

Probably years ago in a summer league back home I’ve scored 50+ and when I was younger in my middle school era I’ve done 50+.

You had a very good shooting day. How quickly did you know that you would have a good scoring day?

After the first few possessions I knew the other team wasn’t going to be able to guard my aggressiveness.

You also had 9 assists and are averaging only 5,0apg for the second time in your pro career. How has your playmaking grown in the last years?

In the offseasons back home over the years I’ve been putting in work and playing in Spain has also contributed to my growth as a PG.

What does this 50 point scoring game mean to you? Very few pro ballers overseas achieve 50 points or more?

The 50 point game as a pro is a special accomplishment. It brings some fulfillment to see all the decades of grinding pay off. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have awesome basketball minds in my life over the years and specifically my High School coach, Dennis Stanton, has been an inspiration to me. He instilled the foundation of my shooting ability in my game and has motivated me to chase his incredible scoring accomplishments as a pro himself.

Last season you averaged only 9,9ppg in Iceland and now 30,0ppg. How do you explain this rapid explosion in your scoring this season? Last season you did play in the higher league Subway league.

I’ve always been a scorer and on that team I had a lesser role and less touches on the ball.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

The alley-oop lob pass I made to Jermaine in the 1st quarter.

Did you get any special messages from people that you maybe didn´t expect it from?

I got a lot of love from family and friends back home. I appreciate it all!!

Did you have to get donuts for your incredible performance or did your teammates buy dinner for you?

I bought beer for all my teammates

Thanks Luke for the talk.

Playing A BBL Game Against The Giessen 46ers In The Gym Where He Fell In Love With The Game Was The Best Feeling For Moritz Schneider(BSW Sixers)

Moritz Schneider (191-PG-1999) is a 25 year old 191cm point guard that us playing his third season with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (Pro B). He began his basketball career with VFB Giessen and then played with Science City Jena playing JBBL, NBBL and for the Regionalliga team. He played 2 BBL and 2 Pro A games with Jena. He then played with Iserlohn (Pro B) from 2019-2022. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Moritz for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your third season with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

It is very special especially the special relationship to the fans is very rare. You seldom see that kind of fan support in the Pro B. Our fans go to all away games no matter how far away. Sandersdorf is very small, but the fascination for basketball is unique.

The team is having another great season after missing the playoffs last season. What is the secret to the success?

We have a collection of players that fit together well. We are also difficult to scout with our offense. Our players are all unique and our coach is always best prepared for every opponent.

How is the mind set going towards the playoffs? Can this team win a title?

We are going game by game. Our goal is to get past the first round of the playoffs.

On what areas of the game does the team have to tweak now to get the absolute best results in the post season?

We need to continue to win games. We have done a great job developing step by step the whole season. We are a totally different team now from the first Fiba break. The young players also have developed well. We have to keep moving forward.

What has it been like being teammates with Nike Salenieks. What have you been able to soak up most from his game?

He came from the Regionalliga. At first I didn´t know what to expect when he arrived. I remember playing against him last season and he didn´t stand out. But this season he has made a 180 degrees turn and totally exploded. He is one of the quickest and most athletic in the league. He has all the tools to be a great player in the Pro B. He is so hard to guard and always best prepared. I love playing with him.

Your leading the team in assists as your assists average has grown each season. How has your game especially your playmaking grown with the Sixers?

I have a bigger role this season than the last 2 seasons. I was always a pass first point guard my whole career. Head coach Lukas Vargas has done a great job to put me in the right position to be successful. I know what the strengths of my teammates are.

You have averaged 21-22 minutes a season which is considerably more than what you averaged in Iserlohn. What is your role on the team? Are you the classic back up point guard?

No, I´m captain of the team. I am a leader coming from the bench. I´m the second hand of the coach. He gives me a lot of freedom with play calling.

You were teammates for 2 seasons with Donte Nicholas. He is Mr triple double. What memories will you always have of him as a teammate?

Donte and I are close friends. He is still so difficult to guard even at age 38. He has such a high IQ and has great abilities. He is a complete player. I learned a lot from him and we harmonized well on the court. I learned so much about him about nutrition and stretching. I remember seeing him score 30 points. He is ice cold. He can fit with any team.

You played under Darren Stackhouse who was an assistant coach. Did he tell any Jerry Stackhouse stories?

No unfortunately not. He doesn´t coach us much since he is preoccupied more with the youth teams. I will have to ask him when I see him again.

What will you always remember from the 2023 Pro B playoffs? You beat Oberaching and Frankfurt and then lost to Koblenz?

I will never forget that first playoff game against Oberaching. We won by 40. The atmosphere was incredible. I remember winning in Frankfurt and dominating despite missing some key players. We played nice basketball. We then lost to Koblenz. That was like David vs Goliath. The difference in budgets was like night and day. That was the best season in our club history. Basketball was most fun that season.

After playing some years in Jena, you moved to Iserlohn in 2019 and played 3 seasons. After playing 2 BBL games, did you realize that having a BBL career would be tough?

I had torn my ACL in my last season in Jena. I knew that I would have no role in the Pro A as they were trying to move back up to the BBL. I was done with school and wanted to play Pro B. Iserlohn was the best fit.

You never averaged more than 2,5ppg with Iserlohn. How do you remember those years? Did you get a fair chance there?

I feel like I did get a fair chance. I had injury problems. I had just found my rhythm in my first season and Covid ended the season. Then a new coach came as well as Toni Prostran and I got less minutes.

You played 2 seasons with now Iserlohn head coach Toni Prostran. How do you remember those early years? What could you soak up from his game?

I learned 100% from Toni. I remember when I first saw him play, that he was small and not athletic. I didn´t think that he was better than me. The first few weeks, I dominated him, but he wasn´t in shape yet. But then he began to play and dominated me. I was his back up and learned how to read the game better and the pick and roll. He helped bring me to a new level.

You were teammates with Elias Marei for 3 years. How did you see his game grow?

Elias made big steps in Iserlohn. I remember that in the first season he was only a practice player. In the second season, he began to play games and in his third season got good minutes. I´m proud of his development. He is one of the hardest workers that I ever saw. He gives his all on the court and you can always rely on him. He is the ultimate team player. Even if he misses 2 three´s, he will still give is best. I´m happy how well his season is going with Leitershofen.

You played with Science City Jena from 2014-2018 from the youth to the BBL. What do you remember from this time. Was this some of the best times of your life?

Yes it was. Those years were amazing. I won the Pro A there in my first year. I couldn´t believe my luck when I heard that Immanuel Mcelroy would be my teammate. I also played with other great players like Wayne Bernard, and Guido Grunheid. I was coached by Bjoern Harmsen. He was such a clever coach. Later in my BBL year, I had more great players like Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins and Dru Joyce.

In the 2015-2016 season you played 2 Pro A games and was teammates with Immanuel Mcelroy. How did you experience him as a 16 year old?

It was crazy to be teammates with him. I remember when I was a kid that my dad was a huge basketball fan. I remember seeing Giessen play Cologne in the playoffs in 2005. I saw Giessen win a game against Cologne. 10 years later I would become his teammate. His daughter was older than me. I also learned so much from him.

The 2017-2018 season must have been like a kid in a candy store. You were teammates with BBL legends Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins, Dru Joyce, and Kyle Weaver. Which player had the biggest impact on you?

I don´t know where to start. Marcos Knight had a big impact on me as did Derrick Allen. Derrick was always the first to practice and last to leave. To see how hard he worked to age 40 was unbelievable. His will to win and work hard helped me grow as a competitor. He and all the rest of them always wanted to win every practice game.

You played 2 BBL games against Gotha and Giessen playing 4 minutes. What memories do you have of being on the court?

I was really excited to play in Gotha. It was derby game and 4000 fans were there. I remember when I came into the game in the first quarter, the fans chanted my name. We turned a 20 point deficit around and won the game. I remember playing against Daniel Schmidt. The game in Giessen was a big moment for me. It was the best feeling for me to play in the gym where I fell in love with basketball. I played against John Bryant. It is something that I will be able to tell my grand-children.

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

Deandre Ayton. I remember playing against him in Munich when I was with the Jena youth team. He was with an AAU team. It was crazy to see how athletic he already was for his age. Other tough players were John Bryant, Derrick Allen, Immanuel Mcelroy and Julius Jenkins.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Donte Nicholas, Marco Rahn, Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins, Immanuel Mcelroy.

What is your personal NBA, Euro and German mount rushmore of past or present point guards?

Rajon Rondo, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Steph Curry

Milos Teodosic, Vassilis Spanoulis, Nick Calathes, Tony Parker

Dennis Schroeder, Heiko Schaffarzik, Per Guenther, Anton Gavel

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James.

Thanks Moritz for the chat.

Moritz Schneider(BSW Sixers) Will Never Forget Getting A Standing Ovation From The Fans As If They Had Won By 50 points After Playing with Only 5 Players

Moritz Schneider (191-PG-1999) is a 25 year old 191cm point guard that is playing his third season with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (Pro B). He began his basketball career with VFB Giessen and then played with Science City Jena playing JBBL, NBBL and for the Regionalliga team. He played 2 BBL and 2 Pro A games with Jena. He then played with Iserlohn (Pro B) from 2019-2022. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the historic loss to Leverkusen with only 5 players.

Thanks Moritz for talking to germanhoops.com. The BSW Sixers suffered a tough 108-57 loss to Leverkusen. This was a historic game as only 5 players played. How did this loss feel different than a regular loss when you have a full team?

It was tough playing with only 5 players against the #1 team in the league. We had never played together before and knew that we had no chance. We just wanted to play and not get injured and everyone get their chance in the game. We were glad at the end that the game was over. Leverkusen were very professional. Players came to me and said “ sorry this wasn´t your fault. Our 600 fans were amazing.

How did you prepare for the game. You knew on Friday that there would only be 5 players available? Did you do something different mentally or physically?

I went into the game knowing that I had to play. If we hadn´t played this game, the club would have gotten a big penalty. It is sad that we had to play with 5 guys. I think that if we would have had a full team, we could of won.

You had never been in a situation like this in your career where you would play so much. How tough was it starting the game knowing you won´t get a break? Did you have to find a routine how to conserve your energy?

Our warm up was shorter than usual to conserve energy. We began 30 minutes before the game. Coach made it clear that he would call a timeout at the 5 minute mark of every quarter as well as focusing on tactical fouls.

What was the defensive game plan from coach? You couldn´t not just not play defense, but on the other hand couldn´t be over aggressive either in the fear of getting fouls.

We wanted to play a lot of zone to conserve energy. They also hadn´t shot so well in the last game. We figured maybe we could frustrate them. They shot well against our zone. Our young guys simply didn´t have the experience of a Donte Nicholas.

Was the feeling going in that you would lose the game anyway? What was it like playing as hard as you could, but knowing the chances to win were as good as 0?

You go into every game to play hard. Our focus was not to concentrate on the score, but on positive things that happened in the game. We wanted to stay positive and not sink our heads.

Leverkusen led quickly 18-2 and 30-5 after one quarter. How quickly did you sense that they were there for business and not to play?

I noticed in the first 5 minutes that they were the number #1 team. They hit shot after shot in the first half. They took their foot a bit off the gas pedal in the second half. They didn´t practice the full court press as much and worked on things on defense.

The BSW Sixers scored 19 points in the second quarter. What adjustments did the team make to generally play better basketball?

We played better as there was less pressure. We hit more shots and our zone worked better.

The game was decided by the end of the third quarter as Leverkusen led 91-37. In the fourth quarter the Sixers actually won the quarter 20-17. How proud were you of yourself and the other 4 teammates?

I´m really proud of my teammates. We showed character and fought until the end. We stuck together and never gave up. I think that is a reason why we have been so unexpectedly successful this season.

How were you feeling in the fourth quarter? How do you explain be able to win the quarter? What was key for getting the quarter win?

They took their feet of the gas pedal. We found a flow and just played better together after gaining experience in the first 30 minutes. We hit more shots and were more successful inside as Dennis Heinzman was on the bench.

You dished out 9 assists which was a career high. How proud were you of yourself that you survived 40 minutes and didn´t foul out and gave all you could?

I´m the captain of the team. I´m not proud of myself, but my team. I´m so proud to be a part of this team. The fans support was so special. Fans hugged me after the loss.

Leverkusen were very professional and everything worked out well for everyone despite the loss. What will you always remember most from this game?

I will remember the moment when the game was over. We got a standing ovation from our fans as if we had won by 50 points. I know that I will never be a part of a game like this again in my career.

How did your body feel after 40 minutes? Was it as bad as you thought it would be or not?

It was tough. I expected it to be bad and it was. But I feel better now 2 days later.

What was your favorite own assist of the day?

My bounce pass at the end to Max Nwokedi for the dunk.

What did you learn about yourself after experiencing a game like this with only 5 guys?

I had never played 40 minutes before. I learned that in order to play 40 minutes, you have to be in great shape. We showed what we are capable of when we fight.

Thanks Moritz for the chat.

Jamie Edoka´s 34 Points And Ivan Crnjac´s Game Winner Powers Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Over Ratiopharm Ulm 89-88 IN NBBL Playoff Action

Whenever it starts to get warmer and it´s March, you have March madness in the United States where all the young talented players battle, while in Germany, the youth playoffs also start. Eintracht Frankfurt had a solid season starting 8-0, but lost the season series to FC Bayern Munich and finished the season at 11-3. In the first round of the playoffs, they had a real real tough best of 3 game playoff series with ratiopharm Ulm who had an unbeaten season at 13-0. They are a explosive scoring squad that scored over 100 points 5 times including a 136 points destruction of the Rhein Neckar Metropolitans and never scored less than 82 points in a game. But one had to remember that ratiopharm Ulm played in the B division which had weaker competition. Eintracht Frankfurt had the big 3 of Crnjac, Edoka and Omog and 2 great role players with Maximilian Peters and Julius Messer, but the big question was could they overcome the deeper roster of ratiopharm Ulm who have so much talent that they have 2 starting 5 teams equally as strong. On a mild Sunday afternoon, ratiopharm Ulm came to Frankfurt despite 8 of the 10 NBBL player that played in Frankfurt were coming off an incredible upset win the day before in the Pro B over top team RheinStars, but despite having played 24 hours earlier were ready to compete for 40 minutes, but lost a heartbreaker on a game winner from Ivan Crnjac. This contest truly deserved no loser. One could observe quickly after the game that ratiopharm Ulm head coach Florian Flabb wasn´t overjoyed with losing such a tight game. “Congrats to Frankfurt to the win. We weren´t able to bring the defensive intensity that we wanted. We will try to do better next weekend”, stressed Florian Flabb. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners weren´t the favorite on paper, but they played with so much heart and always stuck together during all lows of the game. “We played a good game. This was a classic game of runs. We never hung our heads and always stayed together. The most important thing in this win was that we always gave our best when we needed it most”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners forward Ivan Crnjac. “This was a great youth game. There were many great individual performances and team play. We stuck together until the end”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners head coach Thore Bethke.

Namori Omog at the FT line

The experience factor that ratiopharm Ulm had over Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was overwhelming as they had over 140 Pro B games experience just in this season. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners came out punching as the guests weren´t able to match their intensity in the first 2 minutes as Frankfurt led 6-3 with attacking the rim and aggressive defense. Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) made 2 big blocks and made a lay in while Namori Omog supplied 4 points. However it didn´t take ratiopharm Ulm long to find a groove as Croatian player Niko Jerkic and U-18 EM gold medalist Jordan Mueller dropped three´s to dead lock the game at 8-8. Both teams had a sound offensive rhythm as they traded 4 lead changes, but Frankfurt would regain the lead on Ivan Crnjac´s lay in on transition to lead 15-12 and never lose the lead again in the first quarter. Both teams stayed away from the bomb from outside, but rather stuck to the drive and the mid distance game. Frankfurt got a 20 footer by Edoka and a runner from Crnjac while ratiopharm Ulm got a 25 footer from Oliver Kullamae who is the son of Bamberg legend Gerd Kullamae, but Frankfurt led 19-16. German Jervis Scheffs who loves the shifty game made a lay in and Edoka an off balance shot to give Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners the 21-18 advantage after 10 minutes. “I sensed after one quarter that this would be a game at eye level. They are a deep and strong team. We had some problems with the pick and roll defense, but we took away their three pointer”, stated Ivan Crnjac.

Chris Widmer to the hole

The second quarter saw 3 runs with ratiopharm Ulm gaining 2 of them and the slim 41-38 advantage at half-time. Omog began the second quarter with a off balance shot to give Frankfurt the 23-18 lead, but ratiopharm Ulm then punched back with a lethal 13-0 run stealing the lead back and leading comfortably 31-23. In the run, ratiopharm Ulm was led by Jordan Mueller who supplied 8 points. He hit a trey and added 5 free throws. His ability to read the defense and pick his spots and quickness helped him be successful. Young German Milo Murray also added a lay in while Dutch big man Endurance Aiyamenkhue also made a lay in. This could have been a time where Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners would continue to cave in, but no they kept their chests held high and rebounded with a 10-2 run to dead lock the game at 33-33. In the run, Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 5 points who never looked back and was always in attack mode as he drew a foul and scored while Ivan Crnjac made a lay in and German Julius Messer a tip in. Frankfurt presented a zone that gave ratiopharm Ulm problems with their offensive execution. However the run party of the second quarter wasn´t over as Ulm responded on a 8-2 run shortly before the break to lead 41-35. In the run the guests were led by Kullamae who is a pass first point guard, but in this phase showed that he could also lead a team with his scoring. He added 5 points getting to the free throw line. With a few seconds left Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had to inbounds the ball in their own end and somehow got the ball up to Ivan Crnjac a little past center court and he heaved up an acrobatic shot that looked like a Nikola Jokic shot from last season and saw it bank into the net. The BCM gym was rocking and Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners trailed only 41-38 at the break. “My shot felt good when I released it. I knew it would be short or go in. That shot gave us an added push going into the break. It helped us mentally as well”, commented Ivan Crnjac. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 17% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 1 turnover. “We didn´t communicate well on defense in the second quarter. We got away from our defensive principles”, stated Ivan Crnjac.

Ivan Crnjac with the half time buzzer beater

In the third quarter ratiopharm Ulm controlled the lead for a few minutes and led by as much as 9 points, but Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners never gave up and struck back going on a 20-5 run and get their lead back at 68-66 after 30 minutes. Ratiopharm Ulm came out pumped after the Crnjac buzzer beater and quickly went on a 9-3 run to lead 50-41. In the run the guests got 2 buckets on the drive from Jerkic and a 3 pointer from role player Barna Buglyo and another lay in by Aiyamenkhue. Frankfurt continued to have problems with the pick and roll defense and 1-1 defense. Ulm also slowed down Edoka better in the run. But Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners always had an answer for Ulm´s runs and this time unleashed a brutal 20-5 run to steal the lead back again at 61-55. Mr lightening speed Namori Omog led the charge with11 points as his quick first step and drive gave him good chances for the easy basket while Jamie Edoka added 9 points as he pretty much was successful with the same formula as Omog with his drive. There was a sequence where Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners scored 6 points in a span of 5-7 seconds. Edoka had a lay in and then 2 consecutive steals under the Ulm basket led to 2 baskets by Omog. “That was so important getting those quick baskets. It hyped our bench and gave us a lot of self-confidence”, expressed ivan Crnjac. However ratiopharm Ulm stayed strong and stayed with Frankfurt and rebounding from Frankfurt´s big run punching back with a 10-2 run as ratiopharm Ulm got lead back at 65-63. Jonas Zilinskas gave good support with 5 points getting to the free throw line. However Frankfurt stayed tough getting to the free throw line getting free throws from Edoka and Julius Messer for the 2 point lead after 3 quarters.” We began bad, but came back strong to end the quarter. Edoka was vital in helping us comeback”, added Ivan Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 19% from the three point line and had 25 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 41% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 27 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Niko Jerkic at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were able to build on their lead and lead by 10 points with 4 minutes to play, but the script in this thriller had one more run to give to ratiopharm ulm, but they couldn´t get the win on the last possession. In the first 4 possessions of the fourth quarter, both teams executed well as Frankfurt got baskets from Edoka and Finley Pruever while Ratiopharm Ulm got baskets from Jerkic and Danish youth national player Frederik Erichsen, but Frankfurt had the slim 72-70 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners then wanted to decide the game and overpowered ratiopharm Ulm with a vicious 14-6 run to extend their lead to 86-76. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Jamie Edoka with 7 points. As usual his drive was unstoppable, but he also sprayed in a three pointer. He finished the game with 34 points and was as humble as usual about his game. “Anyone on our team can score 34 points. Today it was just my turn”, said Jamie Edoka. Messer also added a tip in a thunderous 2 handed dunk. “I always could do a 2 handed dunk”, smiled Julius Messer. However ratiopharm ulm still had one punch in them totally shocking Frankfurt with a 11-1 run to snatch the lead back at 88-87 with 18 seconds remaining. In the run, the guests were led by Jordan Mueller who had 8 points including 2 three´s from each corner. “Mueller played very well. He is so quick and hit big three´s”, stated Jamie Edoka. “We made some defensive mistakes. We didn´t defend well on Mueller. We were already mentally secure with the win”, said Ivan Crnjac. With 18 seconds to play, Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had possession and Ivan Crnjac made the finger tip lay in for the 89-88 lead. “I broke out of the play. I felt good making that lay in with the spin. I actually tried that before from the other side during the Top 4”, stated Ivan Crnjac. “Ivan showed what kind of a great individual abilities he has. He was there for the team making that big basket”, said Thore Bethke. Ratiopharm Ulm had possession with 3,7 seconds to play, but Julius Messer made the big defensive game deflecting the ball to his teammate to end the game. “Julius had a great week of practice. He made a big steal. He had a great game and was mentally tough”, stressed Thore Bethke. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 34 points while Namori Omog added 20 points and Ivan Crnjac had 18 points and ratiopharm Ulm was led by Jordan Mueller with 22 points while Niko Jerkic had 14 pointzs and Oliver Kullamae added 11 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 45% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Dragos Diculescu Explodes For 32 Points Leading BG Hessing Leitershofen Past The Dragons Rhondorf In Overtime 84-77

The tail spin of the Pro B season is in full swing as there were 5 teams from position 5-10 all with 10 wins as it couldn´t be more exciting. The Dragons Rhondorf have had an up and down season and were in a dog fight to reach the playoffs currently in position 9- After a massive win against Team Ehingen where their scoring was on spot again with 97, they wanted to extend their winning streak and momentum, but it wouldn´t be a cake walk against BG Leitershofen the number 1 team in the Pro B south. The Dragons Rhondorf were able to stay with them in the first meeting, but lost 115-105 showing they could score a lot. The Dragons would need all they had and more in the return game. On a mild Saturday night, the Dragons Rhondorf welcomed BG Leitershofen and sought revenge and played an incredible game and could of won the game in regulation, but BG Hessing Leitershofen forced overtime and then showed what potential title teams are made of as they dominated the last 5 minutes 9-2 winning 84-77. The Dragons Rhondorf gave BG Hessing Leitershofen a great fight, but a game isn´t always 40 minutes, but at times 45 minutes and the guests executed a way lot better and took a run and momentum from the end of the fourth quarter into the overtime. “We knew coming in that they were a very good team. They have a nice combo of experienced guys and young guys. It was a big fight and I´m very proud how the team played. We stayed together and had that next man mentality. At the end the difference was our effort. The Dragons have amazing fans and they are a lot better than their record shows”, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen Romanian Dragos Diculescu (196-G/F-1999, agency: One Motive Sports). The Dragons Rhondorf gave an amazing fight, but just couldn´t get the job done in the overtime period as they allowed easy baskets and couldn´t execute on offense. “Once again we didn´t play consistent for 40 minutes. I honestly felt like we played the better basketball. Diculescu hit tough shot after tough shot. This was a tough loss for us. We rebounded very well, fought hard and held them to 84 points”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Alexander Lagerman.

Asa Williams at the FT line

BG Hessing Leitershofen came out with a lot of energy and totally surprised the Dragons Rhondorf getting the rapid 12-3 advantage. Their on ball defense was one of the best the Dragons had seen this season as they coughed up the ball many times. Kelvin Omojola really suffered having 4 turnovers before 4 minutes were even played. The motor of BG Hessing Leitershofen is Dragos Diculescu and he supplied 6 points in the run while ex Iserlohn forward Elias Marei scored 2 buckets as the team was using it´s big strength with scoring inside. BG Hessing Leitershofen had 6 steals in the run and their great defense led to easy baskets. However basketball is a game of runs and the Dragons Rhondorf recovered and closed out the first quarter in fantastic fashion with a lethal 16-6 run to lead 19-18 after 10 minutes. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf played more aggressive especially on the offensive glass where they had the 6-0 offensive rebound edge after 10 minutes. Ex Frankfurt guard Lagerman was really key in the run getting a few offensive rebounds that led to a put back by him and a trey from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilpovic, while Tim Smith also added an offensive rebound and put back. Lagerman also nailed a three pointer and ex RheinStar Kenan Reinhart also made a jumper. “We began well with the right intensity and made the right plays. We caught them off guard at the start with aggressive defense. We have to play more like that if we want to win the title. But basketball is a game of runs and they came back well to regain the lead”, stressed Dragos Diculescu. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 31% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 6 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 88% from the 2 point area and 0% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Antonio Pilipovic from outside

In the second quarter both teams continued to battle as there were 7 lead changes, but at half-time, BG Hessing Leitershofen had the upper hand with the 43-37 lead. In the first 3-4 minutes, there was an exchange of punches as it went back and forth with the trading of the lead 7 times. Tim Smith Jr took that go to guy role in the first minutes adding 5 points while Diculescu continued to be the go to guy adding 5 points as well. But the Dragons Rhondorf had the lead out of the punching back and forth being aggressive and attacking the rim as Reinhart and ex BBC Bayreuth center Marco Rahn scored for the 30 -27 lead. But BG Hessing Leitershofen upped their defensive pressure and aggressiveness again which led to a lethal 10-0 run as BG Hessing Leitershofen led 36-30. Diculescu continued to dominate dropping a trey while Elias Marei did a great job finding his spots and agility to get 2 easy baskets while ex IBAM guard Tim Udovicic made a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf had a bad phase making bad decisions and coughing up the ball. However energy bunny Marco Rosic made a massive trey to cut the BG Hessing Leitershofen lead down to 36-33. However the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t match BG Hessing Leitershofen´s intensity as they closed out the second quarter strong as American Ása Williams made a lay in and Elias Marei made a lay while ex Rosenheim guard Bastian Marz made a big trey from the corner. Rhondorf continued to rebound very well having the 8-1 offensive rebound edge at the break. The Marei and Udovicic show was instrumental for BG Hessing Leitershofen getting the lead and keeping it at the break. “Tim and Elias are our energy guys that do the dirty work. We all played as a unit and sacrificed for each other”, stated Dragos Diculescu. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 79% from the 2 point area and 20% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the 2 point area and 33% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Elias Marei with the lay in

In the third quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to keep the slight lead as the Dragons Rhondorf remained on their heels, but a last minute burst of energy allowed the Dragons to have the 61-59 lead after 30 minutes. The Dragons Rhondorf began hot going on a 4-0 run as Marco Rahn made a lay in and Kenan Reinhart scored on transition, but BG Hessing Leitershofen still had the 43-41 lead. But BG Hessing Leitershofen didn´t allow the Dragons run to grow more, but played nice inside out basketball getting a trey from Bastian Marz and lay in´s by American Christian Hinckson and Diculescu for the 50-43 advantage. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to get easy baskets and get consecutive stops, but the Dragons continued to do a good job staying close. Role player Mamadou Diallo made a big trey and Tim Smith Jr hit a turn around shot as the Dragons Rhondorf trailed only 50-48. Both teams continued to go back and forth and Tim Smith executed 3 free trhows to tie the game at 53-53. However the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t get the lead yet as BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to keep the pressure on especially on offense as Hinckson scored in the paint and role player Noel Duarte made free throws for the 59-55 lead with a minute to go. However the Dragons Rhodnorf saved their best for last nailing back to back three´s from Smith Jr and Kelvin Omojola who made his first field goal of the game. “We lost some aggressiveness on defense and didn´t make the best decisions on offense and rushed our shots”, added Dragos Diculescu. “We hit tough shots and got stops. We did a good job rebounding and getting extra possessions off offensive rebounds”, commented Alelxander Lagerman. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the 2 point area and 35% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 65% from the 2 point area and 17% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Tim Smith Jr at the Ft line

In the fourth quarter it looked like the Dragons Rhondorf might run away with the game, but basketball wouldn´t be basketball without runs. The Dragons Rhondorf began well like in the third quarter, but here went on a 7-2 run to lead 68-61. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf got another big shot from Omojola, while Lagerman tested his 53% form outside making a trey and Danas Kazakevicius made a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf defended with high intensity and didn´t allow BG Hessing Leitershofen anything easy on offense in the run. However they couldn´t hold the momentum as BG Hessing Leitershofen punched back with a devastating 12-4 run to recapture the lead back at 73-72. In the run, BG Hessing Leitershofen got great effort from Marei with a lay in while Marz and Hinckson hit three´s and as usual Diculescu was unstoppable with 2 lay in´s. Diculescu finished with an explosive game with 32 points and 11 boards. “I knew that I had to bring a lot of energy. I had to get the 50/50 balls and rebounds. I´m known as being a good outside shooter, but tonight I did it the hard way, but went to the basics getting most of my points in side”, stated Dragos Diculescu. Rosic then hit a huge three pointer for the 75-73 advantage. But BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to execute getting a lay in by Diculescu late to tie the game at 75-75. The Dragons Rhondorf had one more attempt, but Antonmio Pilipovic´s shot didn´t want to fall. “We never gave up. We scrambled a lot getting offensive and defensive rebounds. We never stopped believing. They had us on the ropes, but nobody landed the final punch in regulation”, expressed Dragos Diculescu. “They made a run at the end. We didn´t play with confidence, but played more with fear and played safe”, said Alexander Lagerman. BG Hessing Leitershofen dominated the overtime period going on a rapid 6-0 run to lead 81-75. In the run, BG Hessing Leitershofen got 2 buckets from Diculescu and a lay in by Marei. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to go to their bread butter of going inside and executed well. “They took the momentum of their run in the fourth into OT and did what they did best which was going inside. Our confidence went down more with every new basket that they made. We played handball and couldn´t adjust to their zone”, warned Alexander Lagerman. Kazakevicius finally got Rhondorf on the board, but it was too little too late. Diculescu scored one last basket to seal the win. “I told my teammates before OT that these are the moments that we practice for. We showed that we were best prepared. We won the hard way getting 2 point baskets instead of going for three´s where we could have had a bigger lead”, stated Dragos Diculescu. BG Hessing Leitershofen was led by Dragos Dicullescu with 32 points while Elias Marei added 14 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr with 20 points while Alexander Lagerman added 16 points. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 43% from the field and 18% from outside and ahd 42 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 36% from the field and 28% from outside and had 50 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Justin Anderson (FC Barcelona) Will Never Forget The Talks With Dirk Nowitzki On Plane Rides Or His Teammates Shouting Stay Down And Don’t Jump Against Kobe Bryant

Pic credit: FC Barcelona

Justin Anderson (198-G/F-1993, college: Virginia, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 31 year old 198cm forward from Maryland playing his 10th professional season and first with FC Barcelona Lassa (ACB) currently averaging 8,5ppg and 2,8rpg in the ACB and 6,8ppg and 2,8rpg in the Euroleague. He played parts of 6 seasons in the NBA with teams playing a total of 257 games for teams like Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Cleveland and Indiana. Last season was his first overseas playing with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-ACB) averaging 11.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 89.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 6.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg, in Dec.’23 moved to Valencia Basket (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-1 (91.9%), 2.2rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%. He began his basketball career at Montrose Christian school and then played with the University of Virginia from 2012-2015.He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with FC Barcelona. What kind of an experience has it been? What has been the coolest experience you have had off the court?

I have to be honest that I don’t do much off the court. I’m very generic. I live close to the beach at home so I would have to say going to the beach.

In the NBA you saw all the cities and now in your second Euroleague season many historic cities. Currently your in Berlin. Has there been a city in Europe that has impacted you most?

This question makes me realize just how much of a basketball head I am. I’m used to the bus to the hotel to the gym routine. I enjoyed being in Greece, but also our trip to Bologna . I got some authentic food for my wife. It was enjoyable

It hasn’t been a great season for FC Barcelona. In the ACB and Euroleague fighting for the playoffs. What does the team have to do better in next weeks to get more wins?

We just have to continue to take the next step.

How talented is Italian player Dame Sarr? Are you like a mentor to him?

He is very talented, but already been a pro for 1-2 years. We all just try to be a good teammate for him. He has a very bright future. He has a great work ethic. He has to wait his turn.

You are playing at the highest level overseas in the ACB and Euroleague. Is the NBA still an option for you in the future?

You will have to ask some of the scouts. I’m really enjoying my opportunity overseas with FC Barcelona. My talent and experience got me here. I’m continuing my journey overseas and continue to be presented with good opportunities I’m a kind of focus on now guy.

Last season you played with 2 ACB teams. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I didn’t have a wake up call. I was already 30 years old. I think that I did a good job coming in and preparing for overseas basketball. I asked a lot of questions to legends who had played overseas. When I go overseas, I hit the ground running and was ready.

You played 3 years at the University of Virginia winning the ACC title and reaching the big dance. How did head coach Tony Bennet groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Bennett made me have to earn everything as a freshman. I came to Virginia as a very high recruited player. He told me already in high school that I would have to work hard for everything. I always had to prove myself. He also helped me go into the direction of coaching one day. He motivated so much to go that direction one. My dad was a coach. So in a way, I have 2 dads with my dad and Tony Bennett as a father figure.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malcolm Brogdon?

Malcolm used to destroy me in school. He was more the fundamental player and I was very athletic. I liked showing the highlight plays. He got the best of then, but in the pro’s it was a different story. I’m really happy how he has grown as a player over the years especially with his leadership going form team to team and being a great leader.

You played your first 2 seasons in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks playing 106 games. What do you remember from your first NBA game against the Phoenix Suns scoring a basket in 3 minutes of action?

I remember sitting at the end of the bench and just waiting for the most part of the game. I remember making a lay up in transition. It was then that I realized wow this just happened.

You were teammates with German Dirk Nowitzki. Everyone who played with him have their special story. What is yours?

There isn’t just 1 story. He is a legend and the whole globe knows it. I just call him 6 as the sixth all-time leading scorer. He had a strong appeal on me especially with his work ethic. He had so much humility and was always available to me. I remember sitting next to him on the plane and I would try to soak up so much from him. I learned so much from him and also his trainer Holger especially about the art of shooting.

In your 8th pro game, you lost to the Lakers 90-82 and witnessed Kobe Bryant score 19 points. It was the only time you would play against him. Is that one of those games that will always stick with you?

He gave a lot of points to Wes Matthews. I was only responsible for 2 points. I just tried to prepare as much as I could seeing how he moved and worked on the floor before I came in. That way I would be prepared. I remember my teammates telling me stay down and don’t jump. He was so calm. In the first possession he didn’t do much except pass the ball. I was like Ok that wasn’t hard. In the second possession, it was something different that wasn’t major, but then on the third possession he showed his game by picking and choosing his spots so well. He drew the foul on me and went to the free throw line so focused never looking at me. I remember the whole bench yelling at me, ‘Rook don’t jump. His aura is so great. I’m a Lebron guy, but you have to respect everything that Kobe did especially at the end of his career. He retired, then won an Oscar and did so much in the finance world. It was so sad to lose him.

You played against so many great NBA players, but who was the toughest player that you battled at your position?

Jamal Crawford would dance with the ball. He was so unorthodox with his game. JJ Reddick was also tough.

Where do you rate the over the car dunk from Mac McClung at the 2025 NBA slam dunk contest?

Mac Is from Virginia like me. I have known him since his high school days. I think that dunk a few weeks ago cemented him as a top 3 dunker of all-time. He is undeniable in the top 3 if you were to put all his dunks together.

Thanks Justin for the chat.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 16

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.

Congrats Malik on the huge 121-57 win. How important was this win going ino the last weeks of the regular season?

This win was very important, especially coming back from losing 2 in a row.

How proud were of the team that they didn´t underestimate the team who was missing some key guys?

I was very proud of the team. That showed a lot of character from us. We could’ve just messed around and took that team for granted but everyone played with energy and intensity from start to finish.

You didn´t play. How is the status of your injury? When can you suit up again?

Been doing rehab work on it past couple weeks so I’m trying to be ready for this coming up game.

The score was decided at the break as the RheinStars led 64-31. Did it seem at times like it was men playing against boys?

Well you could tell they had younger guys or guys who don’t play as much playing big minutes and we took advantage of that during the game by not letting them get too much confidence during the game.

Is it fair to say that the RheinStars played a consistent game for 40 minutes. The team allowed only 10 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game strong.

I think we did have a consistent game. I think everyone who played gave good minutes and brought great energy when they were on the floor.

The Rheinstars did so much well. They dominated the boards, had 30 assists and 16 steals. What was the team´s biggest strength on the night?

The defense was great. I feel we were disruptive with our on ball defense

Rower and Hennen combined for 9 points and Remagen and Michels for 41 points. What does that say for the team depth?

With this team it could be anyone’s night any game. We have multiple guys who can score the ball.

You next play Orange Academy who you beat 91-76 on September 28th 2024. What will be key to sweeping the season series?

If we play with the effort and energy we had this past game I think we should be able to take care of business.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Miryne Thomas(Nitra Blue Wings) Wants To Be The Best Version Of Himself On And Off The Court

Miryne Thomas (203-F-1999, college: Kent St., agency: Players Group) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Cleveland, Ohio playing his second professional season with the Nitra Blue Wings (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). He began the season with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 61.4%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 84.8%. Last season he played with the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 12.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 78.2 and then played with the Ottawa Blackjacks (Canada-CEBL) averaging 6.7ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 76.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 69.2%. He began his basketball career with Cleveland Central Catholic High School and then played his freshman year with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (NCAA) averaging 11.2ppg, 7.7rpg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 16.3%, FT: 64.2%. He then played 2 seasons with Ball State University (NCAA) averaging 3.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 7.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 63.2%, and 11.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 66.3%. He played 1 more NCAA season with Kent State University (NCAA) averaging 10.3ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 72.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball during his time in Germany with Kirchheim.

Thanks Miryne for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second professional season and first in Germany for the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? What have you appreciated most about the experience?

It has been a learning experience. I have appreciated the connection with all in the organization. I bumped heads with coach Igor in the first weeks, but now he is like top 5 funniest coaches that I have worked with. He pushes us to be great.

You came to a very ambitious team with a very talented head coach with Igor Perovic. What were the main reasons for coming?

I didn´t know what to expect. I came to a club that has allowed me to be me on the court. I have freedom and both ends and can be vocal. In my rookie season I wasn´t a driver. There was a muzzle on me. Here it is the exact opposite. Coach gives me freedom.

After coming from Leicester in England, now your playing in the competitive German Pro A? How would you compare the 2 leagues? Would you say from skill level about the same?

I would say that the BBL in the UK is 10-15% better skill wise than in the Pro A. There are 2 types of people. There is the competitor which I am and the showman. The showman is that guy that knows he can do something and does it just to look good. In Kirchheim we have a coach who is a competitor.

What has it been like playing for head coach Igor Perovic. He is always liked by his players. Even guys that played for him say 7-8 years ago still rave about him. Have you ever seen a more calm coach then him?

Igor is my guy. I thought at the start that he didn´t like me. I wasn´t getting any fouls called in practice and then coach said I wanted to see how tough you were. I like that he gives us freedom and trusts us in games. He holds everyone to a high standard. He will always hold you accountable. He prepares us very well for each game and let´s us be ourselves.

What is exactly your role on the team? Kirchheim already has a Swiss army knife with Cam Henry, but couldn´t one also describe you as that in a 203cm body?

Demetrius Ward calls me a Swiss army knife. My role is to switch and be effective each minute when I´m on the court. I communicate and I play hard and am naturally wired. I feel that if your not tired than your not playing your hardest.

Is there anything that Cam henry doesn´t do? Talk a little about how you guys play together? Are you like 2 defensive anchors on the court?

I think we are. I think that I´m a better defender and more athletic than him. We have both this special uniqueness to our games. He has it in for the guards and I for the bigs.

What has it been like playing with Braden Norris? He is a pass first point guard that shot 42% from outside in the NCAA. One doesn´t see that often as a pass first guard?

I played in college with Hagen´s Sincere Carry and he is about the closest comparison that I have to Braden. Carry gave me no look passes and so does Norris. Braden can really pass the ball. He is one of the most positive guys that I know. He never misses a screen.

How vital are bigs Antonio Dorn and Aitor Picket. What have you appreciated most about their games?

Dorn is our enforcer. He hasn´t played much because he was injured. In practice I have never seen a guy with his size that can finish like him with that kind of power. If you don´t double team him, he will make 7 lay ups in a row. Picket is also like a Swiss army knife. The only thing missing is athleticism. His biggest thing is his IQ. He is a 4 that can defend a 5. He is one of our top 5 best shooter son the team. He is always positive.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

The guys that come to mind are Andrew Wiggins, Bobby Portis, Naz Reid and Kawhi Leonard

You’re a guy that can do it all at the forward position. How big is versatility in your game?

The team allows me to play 3-5. When team´s switch it is a nightmare for them. I´m may not be as smart as I want to be, but I´m still smarter than 50% of all players.

How developed is your three pointer at the moment? You shot over 40% in the NCAA and in Canada. What is your goal as a shooter this season?

My goal every year is to be above 35%. I try not to look to much about my 3, but try to maintain my FT %. I feel like if I take good three´s, then I will be in high 30´s.

What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I´m an intense, tenacious and focused defender right now. I would like to become more of a physical defender.

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

I´m working on my leadership. I want to say the right words and not be aggressive doing it. I want to be the best version of me on and off the floor.

Last summer you played with the Ottawa Blackjacks (Canada-CEBL) averaging 6.7ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 76.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 69.2%. What kind of an experience was that? It is a league that has become better known in the last years. What positives could you take from that time?

When I got there, we were 2-8 and we finished at 500. I went from being a practice player to being thrown into the fire. It was like summer hoops. I brought energy and my love for the game.

You played your rookie season with the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 12.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 78.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

The biggest adjustment was simply how business is handled at the pro level. I experienced how one day, I´m joking and having fun with a teammate and the next day he is on a plane home.

How tough was being swept in the Playoffs by Sheffield? You played them tough in the first 2 games but lost by 3 points in each game. What will you always remember from that series?

The first game we competed. I could of thrown the ball backwards and it would have gone in. The basketball God was on my side. We lost the last 2 games because we played with showmanship.

How beneficial was it for you to have played for 3 NCAA teams. What kind of a player were you in 2017 and what kind of a player in 2023?

I began to play the game at age 15 and went to college at age 18. I came to the NCAA with athleticism and I couldn´t shoot the ball. Basketball was my staple. I was hungry, but also had to prove myself. In my last year at Kent State, I was on a really good team. We had 2 really good guards and with me were the big 3. I was on a pedestal. It was my reward after many years of hard work.

You played your first NCAA season with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (NCAA). You had a very solid freshman season averaging 11.2ppg, 7.7rpg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 16.3%, FT: 64.2%. How do you feel did your game benefit as you averaged 26 minutes per game.

I was really blessed that they started 4 freshmen. That year we were 7-28 and my last year at Kent State we were 28-7. That was God´s plan. I had no plan what a basketball program was my freshman year. I was more a sponge that season.

You were challenged right in your first game losing by 26 points to Georgetown and head coach Patrick Ewing, but you scored 16 points. Did that game give you a sense that you belonged in the NCAA right away?

That performance gave me a sense that I belonged. I should of committed to a school later, but did to this school at the start of my senior year in high school. I had been the first from my family to go to college. I was just happy to have gotten in.

You then played 3 years at Ball State where you made strides each season in your scoring. How valuable were these 3 years in your basketball development under James Whitford?

Coach Whitford was the best off the court coach that I ever had. He coached so many diverse players and had to face with so much adversary, but he always stuck with his players. My 3 years there allowed me to become a shooter. I worked with a ball machine and took 10,000 shots. I went from 17% to high 30´s from downtown.

You had many great games at Ball State like scoring 26 points in a win at Miami, Ohio. What was your fondest moment on the court at Ball State?

My fondest game was a home game against Bowling Green. I had a terrible offensive game. My match up was Daequan Plowden. I took a 1 dribble pull up jumper at the end to win the game. Despite not having a good offensive game, I stuck with it and played hard. The whole team stormed on the court and dog piled me.

You then finished at Kent State University (NCAA) averaging 10.3ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 72.0%. How important was it adding a 5 year for your basketball development. You demonstrated consistency again there

I got better defensively and got pushed. Coach Rob pushed me to be my best. Before coming there, I was always a role player, but there I was part of a dynamic.

You had the luxury to have played for so many different coaches at a young age. How did head coach Rob Senderoff give you that added push there and help you be prepared for a pro career?

He held me accountable for my job. We were top 5 in defense in the nation. We would sit down, take notes, laugh and get better.

You reached the big dance losing to Indiana. You didn´t have a great shooting night. What memories will you always have from that game?

I learned that I wasn´t Michael Jordan. I had the flu. We couldn´t throw our best punch. You couldn´t tell I had the flu. I did what I could.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Chris Payton?

He could really jump. But my toughest match up was against Malik Jacobs.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court that was in the NBA?

Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Me, Sincere Carry, Markell John son, Deng Adel, Chris Payton

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Steph Curry, Shaq, Allen Iverson

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

I haven´t seen it.

Thanks Miryne for the chat.

John Fulkerson´s(Dziki Warszawa) Philosophy Is To Focus On What Your Good At And The Other Things Will Come

Pic credit: Dziki Warszawa

John Fulkerson (206-F-1997, college: Tennessee) is a 27 year old 206cm forward from Tennessee playing his third professional season and first with Dziki Warszawa (Poland-OBL). He played his first 2 pro seasons with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium BNXT League) averaging 9.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 74.7% and last season averaged 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.1%. He began his basketball career with / Christ Presbyterian Academy. He then played at the University of Tennessee from 2016-2022 playing a total of 165 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against the Bamberg Baskets.

Thanks John for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with Dziki Warszawa (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most from the experience?

It has been a good, fun experience. The staff, my teammates and the fans are really enjoyable to be around. The competition is a good challenge. We play very respectable programs and we work to get better every day. What I have enjoyed the most is getting to play with the guys I do.

Dziki Warszawa (Poland-OBL) is in the middle of the pack in the Polish first division. What does the club have to do better in the next 2 months to reach the playoffs?

We have to play together as a team and work to get better every day.

Your playing Bamberg in the ENBL quarterfinals. Your still searching for your first pro chip. What kind of a series can we await?

It will be a very competitive and intense series.

Bamberg are the favorite on Paper. What will be key to getting by them and advancing?

We just have to play our game and limit them to one shot per possession. It will be important to take out their key strengths.

What has it been like sharing the court with Swedish national player Denzel Andersson. What have you appreciated most about his game?

Denzel is a great basketball player, but even better person. He is a great, genuine guy on and off the court. He’s very funny and personable.

How valuable has a guy like Mateusz Bartosz been for your game? He is 37 years old and has much experience. How has he helped your game most in practice?

He has helped my game tremendously. He is always talking to me about how to improve upon different things, and how to approach different things that teams are doing. It is awesome having someone like him around and being able to pick his brain.

You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Domantas Sabonis

You’re a guy that can score and rebound. What other strengths does your game have?

My philosophy is to focus on what you’re good at and let the other things come.

You don´t take many three´s. Is incorporating a three into your game of high priority for you?

Yes, I worked hard in between seasons to get my three to the place where it can be incorporated. I am always trying to expand my game.

How would you classify yourself as a defender right now? What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I want to be the kind of defender my teammates can rely on.

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

I am always trying to improve in all areas and be the best teammate I can be.

You played your first 2 seasons with Stella Artois Leuven Bears averaging 9.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 74.7% and 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

There wasn’t necessarily any wake up call, but was a pretty cool realization that playing basketball was my job now.

You lost a tough playoff series against Charleroi in your rookie season. How tough was losing game 1 83-82? Did that loss effect the team mentally?

It is always tough to lose by 1, 2, or 3 points because that means it was a 1 possession game. Thinking back, you always “could” have made 1 single play, made a shot or went harder on defense. You always have to stay tough mentally though.

You played at the University of Tennessee (NCAA) from 2016-2022 playing a total of 165 games. You played 6 seasons there and reached 4 March Madnesses. Were these some of the best times in your life?

Absolutely. Playing basketball for the University of Tennessee was a dream come true for a kid from Tennessee. Those 6 years were some of the best.

In the 19-20 season you had your personal best season, but didn´t reach the NCAA tournament. You beat Kentucky again coming back from 17 points down and scored 27 points being the best player on the court with the likes of future NBA guys like Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickly. Was this one of your fondest moments in the NCAA?

Yes, the Kentucky game is one that will live with me forever. It was a huge win for the program, and our team really came together for a big win against a tough opponent.

You played in 4 NCAA tournaments. Which run was the sweetest?

They were all very memorable. Each tournament holds different memories and opponents. You truly never know what can happen during March Madness.

In your second season you helped beat Kentucky and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had only 3 points. If someone would of told you then that this guy would be a top 5 NBA player in 2025 what would you have thought?

I could have seen it. SGA has definitely expanded his game but even back then, you could tell he was going to be special in the league.

You had so many incredible teammates and guys that reached the NBA. Which guy had the biggest impact on you? Possibly Grant Williams?

Definitely. Each of my former teammates had an impact on me in some way or another. I consider Grant one of my best friends. We were roommates during his time at Tennessee and really got to be there for one another through it all.

You were a fan favorite and fans called you the incredible Fulk. What was your coolest fan experience?

The coolest experience was when all of the arena at Tennessee was chanting my name.

How did head coach Rick Barnes groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Barnes demanded the best out of you every single day and held you to a very high standard. He really wants to shape you into a good basketball player, but a good person above all else.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kyle Alexander?

Kyle probably

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

Bam Adebayo was the toughest player I have ever played against. I played him during high school.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I had too many good teammates over 6 Years to only pick five of them.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Steph, Wilt, MJ