Jaylen McManus (201-F-1997, college: Charleston) is a 27 year old 201cm forward that was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and grew up in Huntersville. He is playing his third professional season and second with BC Baeren Kleinbasel (Switzerland-NLB). He began his professional career with Ockelbo BBK (Sweden-Superettan) averaging 23.0ppg, Reb-4 (9.6rpg), 1.6spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at North Mecklenburg high school and then played at the College of Charleston (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 125 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about after dropping 46 points and scoring the most in the world for that week.
Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with the BC Baeren Kleinbasel (Switzerland-NLB). Last week you were the top scorer in the world with 46 points.What was nicer continuing the winning streak or scoring 46 points? 46 points is very cool to have, but I am more happy for the win. That’s what really matters at the end of the day.
How quickly did you know from the start of the game that it could be a good night for you scoring wise?
I didn’t really know how good of a night I was going to have, but once I realized I was scoring a lot more off the ball than usual, I had the feeling that I was going to have a pretty decent game!
Talk a little about the game. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?
The key to get the win in crunch time, was mainly staying focused on the defensive end. Making sure we were limiting their offensive possession and staying poised at all times.
You filled the stat sheet very well. You had 4 steals and 2 blocks. How happy were you in general that you performed at a high level at both ends? I was actually more happy about the defensive performance than the offensive. I did not know I had 4 steals and 2 blocks until getting on the bus after the game. I was very pleased with the performance defensively.
How beneficial can a game like this be for your overall self-confidence? What steps did you make as a player in this game?
A game like this is always helpful carrying on some type of momentum going into the next game. But, I will say I am not a person that gets too high on moments like this and also doesn’t get too low. I like to stay level headed and have the same mindset for each game. I wouldn’t say I necessarily say I did anything different as far as routine and mindset than any other game. Just always a better confidence boost when you are winning.
What was your favorite bucket of the game? Great question! I haven’t really thought about which one exactly. But, there was a play in the first half where I drove right and made a nice move for an and one. I know there’s probably better ones than that but that’s one I can think of off the top of my head as of now.
Scoring 46 points is a rare feat. Did you have to get donuts for your teammates or did the team do something for you?
Haha! No, I didn’t have to get anything for the team. Although I will say the players were happy and congratulated me. Very great group of teammates!
You scored 46 points beating your top mark of 45 points in your pro career. Is 50 points in the cards in the future? If you would of hit 2 more three´s then you would of reached 50 points.
Yeah 46 points is a really good achievement, but to think of 50! Oh man! Not really sure if I’m thinking of or trying to do it. But, if a game is going well then maybe that could happen, but not really focus on chasing that or trying to get that mark. As long as the team is winning that’s all I care about!
Ok so in the Pro B you won´t see many imports during a season on one team simply because the league rule restricts it. So when a Pro B team gets a new import, my first thought is always, he better be good. Over the last years 2024 Pro B champion Dragons Rhondorf have had some really good imports like Kameron Taylor, Devin Goodman and for a second straight season Kelvin Omojola. Over the years they also have had good snipers as Nicolas Buchwald showcased his bomb effect from outside on numerous occasions and currently the team has Antonio Pilipovic back for a second season. Who could forget his tantalizing and lethal shooting during last years final against the RheinStars Cologne where he combined for 13/22 shooting. Well this season the Dragons Rhondorf may have that new sniper with Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports). On a late August evening, I witnessed an exhibition game in the Dragon dome against Pro A team Rasta Vechta where this new American Tim Smith Jr. right away made an impact and big impression on me. Smith had a big role in the big 93.79 win as he stroked home 21 points. In the first half he was nailing three´s one by one and for a very small moment, I thought that Steph Curry was in the building in the body of Smith. Smith was playing his first game overseas and acted as if he had been there already for many years. He shot 44% from then parking lot last season in the NCAA and it´s obvious that he wants to continue to fire away at a high clip in his rookie season. His three pointer is beautiful to watch and he has that all business attitude in that he will fire away without any hesitation. “I’ve always been able to shoot it since I was little but like you said the last couple years I’ve really grown in my ability to hit shots consistently. I’d say that my shot feels really good almost every time I shoot it, but when I miss it’s 90% of the time short and in target. So that something I’m trying to work on, making sure I got enough power from the legs and also shooting with a wider base”, warned Tim Smith Jr.. The interesting thing is that he really has so much more to his game then just being a cold iced sniper. “. “He is super tall for a wing and can really shoot the ball. He plays above the rim, but just didn´t show it tonight. He is super talented”, warned Kelvin Omojola.
Tim Smith Jr. was who lists North Florida´s Chaz Lanier who hit his team for 40 points as his toughest foe in college was born on Oct.7, 2000 in Cleveland, Ohio. He began his basketball career at Lakewood high school. He then played 4 years of college ball at 3 schools. He began at California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) playing 29 games in his freshman year and averaged 8.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 88.9%. Unfortunately he couldn´t play a second season as Covid shut down the season in 2020-2021. “It was extremely challenging, all I’ve known was playing basketball so to not have it was hard to say the least. But it gave me time to focus on my body as I was battling with injuries around that time and the things I worked on during that year if stayed with me throughout the rest of my career so even though it was tough it was also a great learning experience”, stressed Tim Smith Jr.. There he scored in double figures 12 times including a 21 points game against Clarion and 18 points against Gannon. One game he won´t forget was the wild 106-102 win over Millersville where he logged 41 minutes scoring 19 points. Reading that gave me chills as I haven’t thought about it in a while but looking back on it, it was probably one of the most important games of my college career. Before that game I was really struggling and not having a good year. But after that game I regained confidence and eventually won the starting job that led me to having a pretty decent year”, remembered Tim Smith Jr.. He then played at Walsh (NCAA2 from 2021-2023 averaging 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.1% and stepped up his game in his second season averaging 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He won the GMAC title in 2022. That was his favorite moment at Walsh along with another one as well. “ I would have to say our win in the conference tournament over Lipscomb was my favorite. I hit a 3 with like 15 seconds left to take the lead, they come down hit a 3 to take the lead and then KJ one of my teammates comes down and it’s a floater from the 3 point line to win the game at the buzzer. It was absolutely insane”, commented Tim Smith Jr.. His game really took off in his second season under head coach Jeff Young. “ He definitely introduced me to the post game, that was something I had never done before then. He added another tool to my arsenal that I could now use at anytime”, expressed Tim Smith Jr.. In his 2 years at Walsh he played 52 games and scored in double figures in 39 games. He hit Northwood for 27 points and had 24 points a piece against IUP and Carlow. He then finished at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 79.2%. He proved there that he could make the jump from division 2 to division 1. “Coach Pujol and coach Smith just preached to me to be a pro everyday. With how you train to how you eat and take care of my body everything. They made me aware of all things that can help your career and how to approach everything”, added Tim Smith Jr. who will never forget the 1-1 battles with teammate Dallas Howell. “ It was always a battle between me and him, we were never on the same team in practice and always had to guard each other with no subs. There’d be days when he’d out play me and there’d be days when I outplayed him. We made each other better and I loved that battle we had all year long”, added Tim Smith Jr..
The 201cm forward who lists Jordan, Lebron, and Kobe on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. It´s not easy for Americans at times to come overseas and make the adjustment with a new culture, but so far he loves the experience. “ I’ve been enjoying just seeing new things, I’ve been trying explore a little here and there when I have time. It’s definitely different than the states but not to different that it feels uncomfortable”, said Tim Smith Jr.. He did his home work before coming to Germany and knows how respected basketball is in Germany. “ I know that Germany has some of the most competitive and respected leagues in overseas basketball. I have a couple guys I played against in college, and actually one of my teammates from last year is playing in Pro A”, stated Tim Smith. Coming to Rhondorf was really a no brainer for him especially when you see and hear the word BBL in conversations.” I mainly came for 2 reasons, the experience being able to practice with Telekom Bonn I thought was invaluable. Just being able to see and feel what it’s like to play at that level and what I would need to do in order to make it there. The second was I need to develop my on ball skills, getting used to having the ball in my hands and making plays happen. I used to play point guard in high school but I’ve been primarily off the ball my entire college career”, stressed Tim Smith Jr.. The whole experience has simply been great for him as all have welcomed him with open arms. “ I really enjoy the guys on the team and the coaches. It’s a really fun environment and I think that as long as we stay together and lock in we can do great things. I’ve enjoyed being around Coach Dohrn who´s a very likable person and I enjoy his coaching style he is very detailed oriented, doesn’t let stuff slide. Makes sure we are always paying attention to the little stuff within the game and always holding guys accountable”, warned Tim Smith Jr..
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tim Smith Jr in Rhondorf, Germany 2024
So what kind of game can we await from the Ohio native who lists Jordan as his GOAT besides shooting out the lights? He compares his game to that of a point guard or of Jayson Tatum with less ball handling skills. He is tall and long and very important can score at all 3 levels which will add more offensive opportunities as Kelvin Omojola is also very keen at all 3 levels. He is a very versatile player, but he also has something else in common with Kelvin Omojola besides being able to score at all 3 levels. “Something that I haven’t been able to showcase much since I didn’t have that role in college but I’m a really good playmaker and like getting people involved. So other than being able to score at all 3 levels I’d say that’s probably it”, added Tim Smith Jr.. Coach Dohrn has stressed that he can play any position. Could he develop into that 2 way kind of player? “I would say I’m a decent defender I want to get to the point where I can comfortably defend guards. I’m a pretty decent shot blocker and I want to be a defensive player of the year type of person. I have the length and the instincts I think know it’s just making sure to have the motor and drive to just not let someone score”, stressed Tim Smith Jr.. In order that he will be 100% prepared this season he will continue to work extra hard on his ball handling, strength and defense. It will be interesting to see how this season´s import pans out. Currently he is tearing up the Pro B league averaging 21,6ppg, 5,4rpg, 2,7apg, 1,9spg and 1,4bpg. In the last 2 seasons the Dragons Rhondorf had nothing but joy with Devin Goodman and Avery Sullivan. The question will be can Tim Smith equal or top his predecessors seasons? In 4 years of college ball, he never made more than 5 three´s in a game. Without wanting to put too much pressure on him, I´m sure that this season he will produce many smiles on the fans in the Dragon Dome.
Ty Nichols (190-G-1996, college: Keene St.) is a 28 year old 190cm guard that was born in Springfield, Mass that is playing his 6th professional season and first with German team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He began the season with Patrioti Levice (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). He has experience having played in Kosovo, Albania and the Czech Republic. He began his basketball career with Putnam Vo-Tech high school and then played at Keene State College (NCAA3) from 2015-2019 and as a senior averaged : 27.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before his easyCredit BBL debut against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Thanks Ty for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German easyCredit BBL team EWE Baskets. After 5 seasons of paying your dues, you have reached a top league in Europe. Will the chip on your shoulder remain now?
100%. This what every guy wants. Being able to perform on a high stage. I put myself in good position with my play in the Fiba Europe Cup. I had a few offers, but felt that the EWE Baskets was the best situation.
You dominated as usual in Slovakia, BCL and Fiba Europe Cup, but left your team to join the EWE Baskets. Did you have a clause in your contract?
My agent negotiated a buy out in my contract. We missed out on advancing to the next round of the Fiba Europe Cup by 1 point. That allowed me to go.
You must be so excited to join the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What do you believe was most vital in the last 6 years in you being able to get this far in your career? I feel like it has been a combination of how I have played the last 2 seasons. I won MVP of the Czech league and helped my team win their first ever chip. Also my good play in the Fiba Europe Cup helping beat big budget teams like Zaragoza helped
You have never averaged less than 15,0ppg in a season since 2016. That is brutal consistency. What do you attribute this consistency to? I got a trainer in the summer of 2016 and we have worked together until this day. He has helped me take my game to the next level. I´m still not content with my game and will continue to work hard. Every team that I have played with allowed me to play my game and just let me be myself. That has helped me be consistent.
You now have reached a top team with many other guys that can really score the ball. Will that be a tough adjustment for you not necessarily always having the ball in your hands or being that go to guy?
I´m not going to lie. It will be an adjustment. That is what happens when you reach a high league and top team, there will be very talented players. I have to see what my role will be and just realize that I don´t need to score 25 points to win. I just have to realize that I may have to score 10 points on some nights to win.
What do you feel will be the biggest challenge for you competing in the BBL? I think mainly just the load of talent from team to team.
Your scoring may stand out, but you can really fill the stat sheet like no other. You have been close to achieving triple doubles. How big is versatility in your game? It is huge. I have been a scorer my whole career, but also been asked to do other things like get my teammates involved. I was just fortunate that I was always able to pick and chose and do a bit of everything where ever I have played.
You never shot 40% or better from outside until this season. In Slovakia you shot a crazy 51% and 48% in the Fiba Europe Cup. Did you get secret tips from Steph Curry?
No, no I don´t speak to Steph. I wish. I think it has been confidence and just putting in the work all those summers. Now the work is paying off.
You have always been a feisty defender. What kind of defender will people see in the easyCredit BBL? I´m a pesky defender. I try to make it as uncomfortable as possible for opponents with my long reach. I always try to find the weaknesses and just pick at it. I´m aggressive on ball and like to get into passing lanes. I gamble a lot. That is something that I have to live with.
Last season you played with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging (20.8ppg), 3.9rpg, Assists-5 (5.5apg), Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 73.0%. You led the league in scoring after being second the season before. How did your game grow in these years in the NBL? My game definitely grew a lot. I came from a weaker league in Kosovo and played in a fast paced league in the Czech Republic. I had to make quicker decisions and reads. I was the number #1 option and was able to take my game to the next level.
Two seasons ago you played with BK Armex Decin (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 18.7ppg), 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-2 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 67.2%. In this season and the season after you were involved in 6 exciting and long playoff series. How much did your killer mentality grow in these last 2 seasons?
I love to play in the big games. I was on teams that hadn´t won, so I tried all I could to win. I was fortunate to play high level basketball in the playoffs.
In the 2021-2022 season you spent time in Albania and Kosovo and then finished in the Czech Republic. How tough was this season living out of a suitcase? What did you learn about yourself?
That season was weird. I began in Albania and lasted 5-6 days. I left because the conditions just weren´t good there. Then I went to Kosovo and was there for 2 weeks. I had been familiar with Kosovo because I had played there before. Decin from the Czech Republic bought me out. I thank them for taking a chance on me.
You played your first 2 pro seasons with KB Ponte Prizren (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 19.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 71.3% and 15.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 7.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? I will never forget getting there on November 16th and playing my first game on November 18th. We were beating a team in their gym and at the end they started throwing things at us. That was my wake up call.
You played at Keene State College (NCAA3) from 2015-2019 winning 2 LEC titles. Which one was sweeter? The last one was. We weren´t predicted to win. We won on our own home court that was sold out. We beat our rival Eastern Conn.
You improved your scoring and rebound average each season and really exploded as a senior averaging 27.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 82.3%, How did your game grow there?
I couldn´t shoot the ball in my freshman year. I made something like 4-5 three´s. Then in the summer of 2016 I got a trainer. My shot got better. We played a more fast paced tempo in my senior year where I got many more shots. I was supposed to score 20 points a game. I did better scoring 27 points a game.
You left as the school´s all-time leading scorer and had so many incredible games. What was your best personal game?
In my senior year I scored 42 points against Albertus Magnus, but my best all around game was against Ramapo where I had 32 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
How did head coach Ryan Cain groom and prepare you best for a professional career? We had similar ideas about the game. He had also been the all-time leading scorer at his school when he played. He taught me how to play a smoother game.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dizel Wright? He couldn´t beat me ever. But he was one of the most athletic players that I ever played against.
Who is the toughest player you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? I played against Jordan Crawford in a summer league game.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Jonathan Garcia, Tyronne Malone, David Abraham, Marcus Azor, Sam Sessoms
Your NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Derrick Rose, Tracey McGrady, Kevin Garnet
Your Who is your GOAT? Lebron James
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yes for sure. I don´t know why they did that.
Vincent Macaulay is a UK coach who made a name for himself being head coach and general manager of the London Lions for more than a decade and was responsible for them becoming a top team in the BBL in the UK. He also had experience coaching the Hemel Hempstead Royals, Milton Keynes Lions and Manchester Giants. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball before the season began. Unfortunately I didn´t bring the interview earlier and then Vincent Macaulay was released. This interview is a combination of his thoughts before the season began and questions after he was let go.
Thanks Vincent for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? Thanks Miles, I am currently on the road as we travel to Belgium for a pre season game vs Charleroi, this will be our 4th game of 8. Life is treating me well as I get to know my new team and surroundings and prepare for what looks like a very exciting Pro A season.
Welcome to Germany. After coaching your whole life in England, you have taken on a new challenge in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany?
Thanks for the welcome, and I have been made so welcome by the people in Quakenbrück in particular and Germany as a whole, I know Germany reasonably well, I have an uncle who is German and he told me many stories about the country, I am always always awed by the organizations in the country, how diligent they are with everything they do. Also secretly two of my favourite footballers are Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller. At this point I would say that my sports intro to Germany was Kevin Keegan leaving my beloved Liverpool for Hamburg.
How have you followed German basketball over the years? The country has made giant leaps in the last years in their youth department as well as winning the World Cup title? Just awesome! I have often watched the League, especially so when players from England would come to Germany and excel, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Geno Crandall etc. obviously we all fell in love with Dirk Nowitski, but the development of Dennis Schroeder who was just a very quick kid, into a phenomenal player and latterly a great leader cannot escape any coach.
After coaching in England, what was it that gave you that spark to want to go away from England? Was it more than just a new challenge?
Basically I had achieved everything possible in our League really, having been in every position, player, coach, GM, owner etc as well as winning games against European opposition. The League was going through a bad time with poor management etc and I was going to try and rebuild a powerhouse in Manchester like I had done in London but the League owners prevented that so I looked for a new challenge. I initially thought Japan, or a National Team, maybe Nigeria, when this opportunity came along with the Dragons who have been a very very top team and have the resources to be so again, so it excited me and with the legend that is Pat Elzie as Sporting Director and Marius Kröger as GM I believe we have a real shot.
You will coach German Pro A team Artland Dragons. What did you know about the club? It produced NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein. Yes they talk a lot locally about Hartenstein and his development and are very proud of him and the work his father did. In fact they are very proud of their past achievements as a club and the coaches that have gone on to bigger and better things. I always try to stay in the present, it’s time to have more current things for the fans to talk about so hopefully we can do that here.
Patrick Elzie interviewed many guys, but chose you. What was the main reason for joining this historic organization?
Well as to his reasons, I think you would have to ask him. I do know he wanted a change and maybe a different way of doing things and that’s certainly what I do. I enjoy learning the game, trying different things and inspiring players to be the best they can be whilst enjoying the game. As I said my reason is that the club has excellent resources to be at the top, it’s different sometimes you are at a good club with a good team but the resources are limited for you to go further, that isn’t the case here.
Talk a little about your basketball philosophy. What kind of a coach are you and what is your brand of basketball?`
I am a very competitive person and I love to play a fast and exciting brand of basketball. Score quick and score fast, but my entire upbringing in basketball was under the legendary British coach, Jimmy Rogers from Brixton in London, Jimmy was defence first and last so we will always be a very gritty team. The modern game is more uptempo especially at the three point line. It is exciting to see so many different styles of play in the Pro A and I think this makes it a very exciting League.
What is like working with Pat Elzie. Like you he has so much coaching experience. How vital is his basketball knowledge for your development as a coach in Germany?
Invaluable. I don’t think I’ve met anyone in Germany who didn’t play for Pat!! But seriously he is a bank of information and that is really going to help accelerate my understanding of German basketball, also with my assistant, Marcus Jackson who played and coached in the League.
What kind of character is Joe Asberry. He is a man that has seen it all. What do you believe is his biggest strength in the youth sector?
Joe is a great guy, firstly it is great having him around our Dragons Training Centre, he chats to the senior players acts as a buffer for them just in settling down and developing as pro’s. As for his influence on the youth it’s plain to see, they follow him all around the town, they love his energy, he shares his knowledge and I think most importantly helps to ground them as they try to make their way into the pro world, a huge asset.
How much influence did you have on making the the 2024-2025 roster? Was it all you or did Pat Elzie assist you? I can imagine that Elzie had some influence in getting veteran Yasin Kolo?
Ha ha! Yes I know they go way back. Pat assisted certainly especially with the vets, but also in helping me understand how the game is played here. Obviously I’ve also brought players who played for me and that I know to help blend in my style. I have had much more athletic teams than the teams in Germany but it’s about getting the blend right, to compete in bully ball if necessary, whilst also playing uptempo, high flying and exciting.
What is the goal of the Artland Dragons. The team struggled to stay in last season. Is staying in the league again the main goal
Clearly staying in the League will be a success, but the team already did that last season, I think getting to the Playoff’s and competing effectively is also a goal. There is no reason for us not to be one of the better teams however with still some weeks to the start of the season I haven’t seen too many teams from our league, after a couple of weeks or so, I’ll know exactly what we need to do to have a successful season.
I love how Brandon Thomas is still playing at 40. He told me last season that if Artland stayed in the pro A, he would add on another year. Seriously how good is this guy still? His body and the way he plays looks like he was still 30? Incredible!, Brandon was one of the first people I spoke to when I was given the honor of this job. His experience on the floor and his years in Germany are a real goldmine for me. We talked long and hard about what was needed to do well. His game is electric he is a finisher of the highest order and I’m trying to put him in the freezer from time to time so we can extend his career, he is a true pro who looks after his body and looking at him in training, it’s no surprise he has carried on for so long.
You brought in 2 Greens. Talk a little about their games. Do you feel like they could be impact players in the Pro A?
I do, Kierell will take a little time to settle as he literally finished playing in Indonesia, he is a glue guy who can plug many holes. He has good size and I think will hold us together in games. Tajh, well Tajh will be explosive, his athleticism is off the charts and he can run forever, the two of them will help our engine to keep ticking over.
I was very shocked when I learned that the Artland Dragons had let you go.Did it surprise you also? Yes I was surprised, don’t get me wrong, 90% of coaching positions end in a sacking but I felt it was really soon especially as I had been told we were in a long term project. I was asked to work with 7 players provided for me and I was very happy to do so and was enjoying this.
I think it was too early after 5 loses, but it seemed like they don´t want a scenario happening from last season? Can you understand their reasoning? I think it’s really not for me to worry about the managements reasoning, it is their right, however I feel I should have been told the plan had changed and I had to have such and such a League positioning by a certain time if indeed that was the case.
Are you able to explain why the team went from top to bottom with 4 wins and then sufering 5 loses? This was always a transitional situation, a significant group of guys who had taken a lot of losses last season, a new coach a new system so things would be up and down, I think teams start to come together after 15 games, chemistry, trust etc. We had a bad loss in Karlsruhe and I sensed the fear in the club and in my opinion they over reacted but as I said that is the management´s decision.
I´m sure you will rebound from this experience. Did you learn anything from this experience?
I learnt a lot from the experience, seeing German basketball for 2 months seeing the depth of talent in the teams and also the support that clubs have to be successful. I totally enjoyed my time with the team especially Brandon Thomas and Robert Ohle. Also that change takes time and not everyone can come with you.
Do you have any parting words for the Artland Dragons organization and fans? The fans were terrific and supported me throughout, I think the organization is trying to do the right things but process and communication is an area that still need further development and I think they know that too.
You made a massive name for the London Lions and coaching them for 11 years. Is it fair to say that they are like your baby? I would of thought that you would always have remained with that organization. Was leaving in 2022 a tough ordeal? Not at all. I grew up in Africa and there was a saying always on the buses, “no condition is permanent” I live by this and it gives me a positive outlook. The ownership group that I had sold out to allowed me to remain and coach, but after awhile their idea of driving British basketball was not mine so I moved on amicably and with no hard feelings either side. Driving British basketball was and is important to me, making a home for British players, having Justin Robinson as a British player be Two Time MVP was important. Now with my new challenge, if a British Coach can be successful in Germany, it will assist a lot of other British coaches to belief in themselves and go forward more positively.
I remember hearing about the club 4-5 years ago. The club made an incredible development. They played Fiba Europe Cup for some years. How vital was this organization for the British basketball league?
Well as you may know the club has now fallen on hard times due to mismanagement. The club was very important to Britain because at the time I started the club post the 2012 Olympics, there was no Pro team in London, and really no success since the London Towers under Kevin Cadle and Nick Nurse so it was important to create a big city club that could challenge. We slowly grew the club to that level and I think it helped let people know there was good basketball in the Uk. Playing the Playoff Finals in front of 20,000 people, live in TV etc, these are the things that get people excited.
In the early years say 10 years ago, you brought in guys like Nick Freer or Orlan Jackman from the German lower leagues. But the team always seemed competitive. What kind of a coach were you then and what kind of a coach now? Great memory! These were good players, Nick was very athletic and strong and Orlan is one of my favourite players ever. His pedigree you can see as he went on to win 3 x 3 Commonwealth Gold. I was a little over thinking then as a coach, my influences like Dean Smith and other college coaches, but then watching the success of Nick Nurse and Chris Finch in the NBA showed me that our League was actually a great training ground for Coaches, so I began to experiment and be more free flowing, that’s the kind of coach I am today.
The funny thing is I began interviewing guys some years ago as the rosters got more and more well known players and ex NBA guys. I interviewed guys like Orlando Parker, Josh Ward-Hibert, Jordan Spencer, Andre Lockhart, and Tarik Phillips just to name a few. Did the budget rise in the last years? How difficult was that?
You know the environment we are in for basketball in the UK is basically very clear. If you want something, you have to find the money and make it. We get very little to no Government support. For many years I was GM and Coach. That wasn’t easy but my vision stayed clear, Jon Spoelstra, father of Erik at Miami helped me a lot in understanding how to raise money in the sporting world and I did this, then very slowly we grew the budgets to the point we were able to compete in Europe.
How did you see the development of Jules Akodo. I followed him for many years in Germany with Frankfurt. He was a very special talent then. Jukes was with us when we won the BBL Trophy, a young guy I always kept my eye on, I wanted him for many years before he finally came along. He is a true gentleman, very talented at both point and 2 guard.
Please name your 5 best players that you have coached in your career?
This is where I say it’s like saying who is your favourite child. A tough one, From a pure talent level it was probably DeAndre Liggins, he never stopped working and was blessed with real skills. Marquis Teague was a walking bucket but then I have to add Justin Robinson, Dru Spinks and Joe Ikhinmwin as players who understood what British basketball needed. If every British basketball player was like any one of them – the UK would have one of the best Leagues in Europe. But of course, I love all my players.
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, Kareem, Olajuwon, Kobe, Magic
Who is your personal Goat? Michael Jordan – no question
Mike Davis Jr. (193-G-1996, college: Queens, NC) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Georgia playing his seventh season overseas and playing his first season with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL). He has gathered valuable experience in countries like Ireland, Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Russia and Turkey. He began his basketball career at Brunswick high school and then played 2 seasons with Francis Marion University (NCAA2) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 69.4% and 17.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 68.3% and then played 2 seasons at Queens University (NCAA2) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.4% and 12.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.5%. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Mike for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your first season in Germany after having played in Ireland, Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Russia and Turkey. Is it fair to say that you’re a basketball globetrotter? I would say so. I have made my way around Europe and seen many countries and cities. Germany is just another one on my check list.
It took you some years to reach higher leagues but all in all 7 years to reach a top 5 league in Europe with the easyCredit BBL. Did you always believe in yourself especially when your were paying your dues in Ireland?
I always believed in myself. I actually had had the option to go to Wurzburg at the end of year 5, but twice went to other clubs. This season it all worked out with Wurzburg.
How special is it playing for the Wurzburg organization? Did you know that that is where Dirk Nowitzki began his pro career there. Yes I knew that. There is a big mural of him in the gym. The culture is very good here. It is a nice program. I really like playing here.
He actually was back in Wurzburg last week. Did he visit the club? I saw that he visited a farm club game. I was told on the bus that he was there. I didn´t see him.
What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization? I like how you come to practice each day to work. You come to practice, go home and rest and then come back the next day. I know that all the hard work will continue to pay off.
Wurzburg is playing very well in the BBL and BCL. What has been the secret to the success so far?
We play hard and play good defense. We also have many offensive weapons. You never know who´s night it will be. That keeps us unpredictable.
Head coach Saso Filipovski has really made a difference in a short time. What is so unique about his basketball philosophy? He really loves and studies the game. He really knows the game and watches a lot of it. He implements the little details that matter. Plus he has a lot of experience.
What has it been being teammates with very talented Zac Selfaass? What is your special Zac story? He is a good guy, teammate and person. When I first met him, I had no idea that he was a Mormon. He already had 2 kids. I asked him how many kids do you want to have and he said 5 kids.
What has it been like being teammates with high scoring point guard Jhivvan Jackson. How has he helped you make your game better this season? He is a great shot maker and creator. He takes so much pressure off the other guards. It has been a lot of fun playing with him.
You have always been a high scoring guard in lower leagues, but this season have many great scorers. What is exactly your role on the team?
My role is to score here, but not as much as in other years. I also was asked to play better defense than in other years. I have been able to take on that challenge.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description? I would say a CJ McCullum.
Even though your scoring may stand out, you fill the stat sheet very well. How visible is versatility in your game? I think that my versatility is very visible. I was asked to play point guard in pre-season. I feel like I showcase my versatility as a player.
Your shooting 37% in the BCL but only 26% in the BBL. Why is your three point shooting still a work in progress? I´m not too fond of my BBL percentages or accustomed to it. I think there are many factors. I just have to try to keep working on my shot.
Talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you in year 7 and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I feel like that I´m a good help defender and a pretty good 1-1 defender. I´m capable of getting sneaky chase down blocks.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game? I have to improve on creating for others, being better off the bounce and just being more efficient.
Last season you played with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 2nd team (Turkey-TBL) averaging 25.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 79.5%. What was it like playing for the Euroleague farm team? I´m sure you practiced with them. What could you soak up from guys like Scottie Wilbekin and Nick Calathes?
Playing in Turkey was a great experience. I saw Euroleague games and practiced with them. I saw how professional everything was and how much work is needed to be done to be successful.
How did your game grow in the TBL? That is a potent second league in Europe, Did it feel at times like being a man with children?
I wouldn´t say that. I was touted to do more, because we had many young guys. I had to carry more of the load than other imports in that league.
In 2022-2023 you played with Runa Basket Moscow (Russia-Superleague) averaging 17.0ppg), 4.2rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 85.4%. What kind of an experience was it living in Moscow? That was at a time where Russia was at war in the Ukraine I really enjoyed my time in Moscow. It was nothing that I expected. We had a great year as a team and I had a great year. The Russian people were very nice.
Did you visit any CSKA Moscow games?
I saw 1 game. We scrimmaged them twice. We lost the first game, but won the second where they had all players present. It was a great experience.
In 21-22 you split time with Kharkivski Sokoly (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 19.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3FGP: 42.2%, FT: 65.0%, in Mar.’22 moved to HydroTruck Radom (Poland-EBL) averaging 19.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.9apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 46.7%, 3FGP: 41.8%, FT: 76.5%, in Apr.’22 signed at Hellenic Coin Ionikos Basketball (Greece-A1) averaging 4.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0spg. How tough was this season especially with the war breaking out in the Ukraine? That was a sticky season. Some of the owners and coaches in the Ukraine didn´t accept the war. I had to leave. Poland was nice. I got injured in Greece in the second game
How tough was your short stay in Poland. You had great stats but mostly lost games. What positives could you take from that experience? Poland is a good mid tier league. Many guys go to top leagues after. Poland was a good way to test my skills.
In 20-21 you played with BC Rustavi 1991 (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 19.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 4.7apg, Steals-2 (2.7spg), FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. You won the Georgian title. You won every playoff game and swept Tskhum-Abkhazeti in the final. What was so special about this team? We were connected a lot. We played really good defense and got on transition. Our coach gave us the freedom to use our skills.
In the 19-20 season you played a short season with BC Cactus Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague)n averaging 25.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.6apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 46.8%, FT: 67.6%. How valuable was your 2 years in Georgia for your game coming from Ireland? My second season was most valuable. It was my coming out season. I won the title and MVP.
You played your rookie season with Belfast Star (Ireland-Super League) averaging 29.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT-2 (46.6%), FT: 76.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? I was a young guy. We didn´t have a trainer. A player would tape us up. That was definitely different.
You played at Francis Marion University (NCAA2) from 2014-2016 averaging 11.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 69.4% and 17.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 68.3% in your second season. You made a big jump in your game in your second season. How did your game grow under Gary Edwards?
He allowed me to play my game. We worked very hard on offense. After my freshman year, I worked hard all summer and then I came back and everything clicked and then it was off to the races.
You had so many great games in the NCAA 2, but many in losing causes. What was your fondest moment? Possibly your 32 points against South Wesleyan? That was a great game. I was near a triple double.
You then finished at Queens University (NCAA2) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.4% and 12.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.5%. You won the SAC title in 2017. What memories do you have of reaching the NCAA 2 Final 4 in 2018? That Final 4 team was the best team that I ever played on. We were so connected. We had a great coach and had so much fun each day. We were together nonstop for 2 years.
What kind of a relationship did you have with Shaun Willett? He has had a stellar pro career and had good seasons in Germany. Shaun is my boy. I talk to him 2-3 times a week. He was at my wedding. Our kids are born 1 week apart.
How did head coach Grant Leonard groom and prepare you best for a professional career He is my guy. I talk to him and see him whenever I´m in Charlotte. He helped me how to know what shots to take and how to get to my spots. He knows exactly what the upper level is looking for.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Shaun Willett? I would say that we split a lot. We won our last battle. We had good back and forth battles.
Who is the toughest player you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Emmanuel Terry and Todd Withers
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Ike Agassi, Shaun Willett, Detrek Browning, Daniel Carr, Dajuan Graf
Your NBA Mount Rushmore? Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaq, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell
Your Who is your GOAT? Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? That weas definitely one of the movies that you don´t remake.
Phlandrous Fleming Jr. (193-G-1998, college: Florida) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Athens, Georgia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 15,5ppg, 3,3rpg and 4,0apg in the BBL and in the BCL is averaging 12,8ppg, 3,5rpg and 2,8apg. Last season he played with ESSM Le Portel Cote d’Opale (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5 (1.4spg), FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 82.1%. He played his rookie season with Vitoria SC/Costa Guerreiro Lda. (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 16.1ppg, 6.3rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 87.1%. He began his basketball career at Cedar Shoals high school and then played at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 101 NCAA games. In his last 2 seasons there he averaged 17.7ppg, 8.7rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 77.9% and 20.1ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 80.6%. He finished his NCAA career at the University of Florida (NCAA) averaging 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 79.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German easyCredit team Telekom Baskets Bonn. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? What friends, opponents or former teammates have played in Germany? Thank you, I am glad to have been recruited to play at Bonn. I do not know much about Germany or German basketball but I am eager to get there and learn as much as I can to help. I have a couple people that played there such as my former coach from Charleston Southern, Arlon Harper. He did not tell me much about the game but he said Germany was a good place to play.
What does it mean for you coming from the potent France Pro A to the BBL league. You won´t see as many freak athletes in this league like in France?
I loved France and the competitive atmosphere in France. I’m not sure how athletic German basketball is, but I am looking to bring some of that athleticism with me from France. It means a lot because I want to continue to achieve higher levels every year if possible, to eventually play at the highest level if I am able to.
You stated in the press release that you and coach Moors are alike in many ways. What else did you appreciate most about him besides his fighting and winning mentality? I appreciated his honesty and that he is a former player. In this game it is rare where you can find coaches that are honest about how they feel about you and your game while recruiting you. I also think being coached by a former player that did fairly well, and have played alongside and against great players, he can help me become a better overall player.
What is a big goal this season for you besides winning a championship in Germany? Possibly making another name for yourself as defender and being the best defender in the BBL?
My number one goal is to win a championship, but yes, the very next goal for myself is to be the best defender in the league. That is another thing Coach and I have in common, the defensive mindset. I believe that defense wins. I am looking to be that defensive guy on the team and excel in that area.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm combo guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
In the modern NBA game today I would compare my game to other combo defensive oriented players such as; Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaden McDaniel. Guys that are able to guard multiple positions at a high level, and also are skillful enough to affect the game on the offensive end too.
Everybody talks about your defense, but your also a very strong offensive player. What is your biggest strength on offense? I think one of my most slept on abilities is to score the ball because of the defensive mindset I have. My biggest strength is attacking the rim and scoring in the paint. My athleticism allows me to finish over bigger defenders and get to the free throw line a good amount.
You have proven that you can be a playmaker as you almost averaged 4,0assists in a season at Charleston. How well developed is your playmaking going into your third pro season?
My playmaking ability is a very overlooked part of my game also. This past year helped me a lot in France because the competition was better than it was in Portugal. In Portugal my coach moved me to the 1 position and it ultimately helped me get to France and be able to play 1 & 2 positions. Charleston Southern helped my playmaking ability so much also because they depended on me to do some of everything so that too helped my playmaking ability.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. You haven´t eclipsed the 30% mark yet as a professional. How much of a priority is getting your percentages up? Yes, that is the emphasis of the summer. I am a much better shooter than my percentages say. That is a huge part of my game that I am continually working to improve. I am looking forward to showcasing that I am a much better shooter than my previous years.
Talk a little about your defensive qualities. Which top NBA defender is your role model?
My defensive qualities start with my 7 ft wingspan. I believe I use my length and athleticism at a high level. Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen, & Marcus Smart are the players that I watch the most. Their timing, anticipation, and guessing game are elite whenever they guard players.
What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I believe I am a great on ball defender that is continuing to improve my anticipation and reading players to affect their game in a major way. I have a great motor that allows me to relentlessly work on the defensive to get a stop for my team. I want to continue to become a smarter player on and off the ball. I want to gain better awareness and develop in that area also.
On what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to improve your game?
There are two areas of my game that I am working on at the moment. Shooting and making threes on & off the dribble. I am also continuing to get better with my footwork.
Last season you played with ESSM Le Portel Cote d’Opale (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5 (1.4spg), FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 82.1%. You lost 4 times to Monaco. How big of a challenge was it defending Mike James. He only played 1 game but scored 11 points in 13 minutes. Mike James is the Euroleagues best scorer of all time, for a reason and even though we only played him once I watched him a lot. His scoring is very efficient, so any room or any flinch to get you off balance he does a great job of taking advantage of that.
You split with top team Paris and saw TJ Shorts put up 20 and 25 points. What was it like defending against that mega high energy and lightening quick guard? TJ Shorts is a heck of a player that was the engine of his team the entire year. He sets a great example for the guys around him by making them all better. It was difficult to guard him at times because he is like you said speedy. I was able to use my length to affect his game. I think we were able to beat them the first time because we made other players make plays for them. When he has the ball great things happen whether that’s him scoring or him facilitating. But when we made him defer early and not get the ball back we were successful.
You played your rookie season with Vitoria SC/Costa Guerreiro Lda. (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 16.1ppg, 6.3rpg, Assists-5 (4.9apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 87.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? The style of play once I got to Portugal was a wake up call for me because it was very different from what I was used to. I quickly got adjusted because that’s the type of player/person, adaptive.
You played at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) from 2017-2021. You made a big jump in your game especially scoring in your last 2 years. How did your game grow there? That year I had a lot of great people around me that helped me excel in all areas of the game. I was put in a position where they needed so much from me and my will and want to win just responded. I spent hours and hours in the gym to better myself.
You had many great games, but really had Presbyterian´s number once registering a triple double and another time scoring 35 points. What was your best game with Charleston Southern?? I believe my best game was against Gardner Webb, where we won in 4OT. I had 29 points 9 rebounds 11 assist 7 blocks and 4 steals. It was my favorite game partly because we won and because it was so much fun.
How did Barclay Radebaugh groom and prepare you best for a professional career? I would say he helped me to realize what was going to be my niche or best quality as a professional. He told me my motor and my defense would make me a lot of money one day, and those are the two qualities that coaches love the most about me.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ja´Quavian Florence?
Me of course. Never lost a 1 on 1 in Charleston. Travis McConico and Cortez Mitchell are my only teammates in Charleston that beat me in 1on1.
How important was it playing a 5th season at the University Florida (NCAA) where you averaged 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 79.5%. How did Al Pinkins give you that extra push as a player?
It was very important to play for the Gators because it allowed me to continue making a name for myself and play against some of the best players in the world on a collegiate level. Coach Pinkins was a great help for me and my success with his talks and coaching throughout the year.
You played twice against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky and held your own against TY Ty Washington. When you see a guy like him and compare yourself, do you see so much difference in Skill and give you confidence that you can continue to reach the highest level?
Tyty Washington was a great competitor to play against. I do not compare myself to him much because we are two totally different types of players, but yes I believe I am just as skillful if not more. I have the confidence that I can play with the best of the best at any level.
Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?
I was fortunate to play many great players in high school and in college. The best player I have played would probably be Michael Porter Jr. His size at 17 and skill was far surpassed by everyone around him. He was stronger and jumped higher than everyone. He is by far the toughest matchup I have had to guard.
Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?
Matt Kormylo
Travis McConico
Keyontae Johnson
Brandon McKissic
JC Cavin
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James & Kevin Durant
Who is your GOAT and why
My goat is and will always be Kobe Bryant. He is the player that I have always looked up to. I fell in love with the game of basketball because of his intent to be great paired with his focus and relentless nature on the court. I wore 24 my entire life because of him and when he passed away I took the 2 away and kept the 4. He symbolized work ethic, skill, and embodied the nature of Love throughout his tenure. He left a legacy, stamp, huge mark on every single player he’s ever played against/ with. He is still held to high regards by his peers and everyone around the WORLD. He is my goat and will always be.
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 RheineStars 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 on the thrilling 97-96 win vs FC Bayern Munich. How good did the 2 week break do the team? Thanks. It was great break for us felt some of the guys needed some time with family so it was good.
This was another close win after the Ahorn Baskets. How good does the team feel in general in crunch-time? Yeah it was another close one. I think we understand what we need to execute on both ends of the court during crunch time.
The RheinStars exploded for 35 points in the first quarter. Was that the best offensive quarter of the season? I think that’s one of the best quarters we’ve had this season offensively.
FC Bayern Munich 2 fought back in quarters 2 and 3 scoring a combined 52 points. What did the team lose control of on the defensive end most? As a team we got out of our details and being disciplined, such as ball pressure and our rotations were late. We have to do a better job at that if we want to keep winning.
How key was the 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter? Cologne were spot on attacking the rim: Just being more aggressive going to the basket and feeding the bigs on the role. We had to get a few easy baskets.
How dangerous was Ivan Volf who led the comeback in the fourth quarter and was Munich top scorer with 24 points. What did you like most about his game?
He had a good game. He shot the ball well and got to free throw line quite a few times.
Davi Remagen hit the wining basket. How much is the minutes for young Germans paying off?
Was a huge shot by Davi and I feel like he is getting more into rhythm. I feel the more the minutes make them feel more comfortable on the court.
You had a solid game with 16/3/3/5 stats. How much did your 33% from the 2 point range bother you? I just had to be more aggressive with my finishing couple mid range was in and out but just have to focus more on finishing through contact
You had a super defensive game. How do you feel is your game as a defender growing this season?
Coaches expect me to be more dangerous defensively so I’ve really been trying to focus on that end a lot more. Great defense usually turns in to great offense
The RheinStars next play another young team with Ludwigsburg. I can imagine Stephan Baeck will want not such a close finish again. What will be key to win? Yes of course try to play a lot better than we did this past game. We definitely have to do better defensively with being aggressive and being disciplined also. The key will be a lot more focus on defense than the previous game.
Mike Davis Jr. (193-G-1996, college: Queens, NC) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Georgia playing his seventh season overseas and playing his first season with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL). He has gathered valuable experience in countries like Ireland, Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Russia and Turkey. He began his basketball career at Brunswick high school and then played 2 seasons with Francis Marion University (NCAA2) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 69.4% and 17.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 68.3% and then played 2 seasons at Queens University (NCAA2) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.4% and 12.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 81-77 loss to the Niners Chemnitz.
Thanks Mike for talking for talking to germanhoops.com. Wurzburg suffered a tough 81-77 loss to the Niners Chemnitz. What was tougher having the win streak snapped or totally collapsing on the defensive end in the fourth quarter? I would say the winning streak was tougher. Playing bad defense in the last quarter was tough, but we lost momentum by having the win streak snapped.
Wurzburg played a great first half leading 32-23. Did everything go accordingly to coaches game plan? We kept them off the paint and were aggressive on defense. We executed pretty well.
In the third quarter it was a three point party in the first 5 minutes and the Niners just executed better. What adjustments did the Niners make and why did Wurzburg lose that intensity on the defensive end? They got out on transition a bit more. That opened up the 3 point line more and they continued to make shots.
In the fourth quarter the Niners Chemnitz scored an incredible 35 points. As a team you allow 73 points per game. How can one explain 35 points allowed in the last quarter? They made really tough contested shots and even a half court shot. They also continued to run.
What was it like playing against ultra veteran Deandre Lansdowne? He has that special combination between veteran leadership and talented offensive player. It was Ok. I know that he is respected in the league. It was just another regular game for me.
What was key in crunch-time for the win? The game was close but you were unable to keep them off the free throw line. We had some unlucky calls. They made shots and just executed a bit better and the game swung in their direction.
A crazy stat is this. Wurzburg got to the free throw line 37 times and Chemnitz coughed up the ball 23 times but still won. What do you believe can you learn from this loss? Missing 16 free throws played a big role. We should of capitalized more off their turnovers. We didn´t get the stops that we needed.
Victor Bailey had a solid game with 20 points. What was most difficult in containing him? He is a very solid player and is one of the better shooters. He had a very good game so a lot of respect to him.
Jhivvan Jackson had an excellent scoring game with 35 points. On any other day, Wurzburg would have won. How valuable is his game for the team success? He is so valuable for us. He is one of our top players. He is our engine and gets us going. He makes big shots and knows the league well.
After scoring in double figures in your first 7 BBL games, you mustered only 7 points on 2/10 shooting. Is it fair to say that your still adjusting to the BBL in terms of finding your shot? Yes definitely. I´m not shooting the ball well in the BBL around sub 30%. I can´t blame it on the new league. I´m my own self in the BCL shooting the ball a lot better there. I´m still figuring it out in the BBL. I should be coming out of it soon.
How motivated will he team be to bounce back in BCL play? Maybe the loss was a little blessing in disguise? We will be super motivated. If we win we can clinch.
You will play in Hungary this week. How much are you looking forward to playing in Hungary? Have you been there before? It will just be another game. We won´t see anything from the city.
In the first game Wurzburg won convincing despite Holon getting 35 bench points. What will be key to getting win again? We have to contain their ball handlers well, play good pick and roll and 1-1 defense.
After the Fiba break the Pro A was back in action as 12th placed team EPG Guardians Koblenz wanted to get back on the wining track after losing a brutal 80-78 game in their own living room to Nurnberg. The 4-6 team had 11 days of soul searching to do as well as prepare for ex easyCredit BBL team Tigers Tuebingen who came to Koblenz sporting a strong 8-2 record and had won 7 of their last 8 games and had demonstrated their knack of winning the real nail bitters. Tuebingen was one of those teams that have a real good balance while the EPG Guardians Koblenz had the inside advantage. Both teams had their top point guards in action with Kenny Cooper and Ty Cockfield Jr. (183-PG-1996, college: Arkansas St., agency: BIG) who were tearing up the Pro A league. But on this day it was definitely Ty Cockfield that won that battle pacing the EPG Guardians Koblenz to upset the Tigers Tuebingen to the 80-73 victory. It was the best win and performance of the season for Koblenz as they had no real down phase in the game and came together as a team for 40 minutes. “This was our biggest win of the season. We had a great week of practice and we paid attention to details. We are all on the same page with coach Van den Berg and now can attack his philosophy. We were aggressive at both ends. We hit them first and kept punching. On defense were helping, rotating and just flying around on the court”, warned Ty Cockfield Jr.. The Tigers Tuebingen had been known for winning the close ones this season as they had done it 4 times already, but today, they were unable to execute the way they have done in previous weeks. “We weren´t able to execute coaches game plan. We didn´t rebound well for 40 minutes and gave them too many extra possessions”, stressed Tigers Tuebingen guard Miles Tention. “This was our best game this season. We had no down phase. We had problems finding our rhythm in the first quarter, but when we did in the second quarter, we pretty much kept it until the end. Coach Van Den Berg did a great job with a good rotation with the player subs in the gams. We got our bigs involved well and defended consistently”, warned Sport manager Thomas Klein.
Ty Cockfield at the FT line
The EPG Guardians Koblenz were without their identity figure Dominique Johnson while the Tigers Tuebingen were complete. The first quarter was a close affair that exhibited the Tigers having their 3 point shooting game cooking while Koblenz were more active inside. Ex St Peters (NCAA) forward Samuel Idowo was on fire in the first minutes nailing 3 three´s while the EPG Guardians were in attack mode getting a lay in by Cockfield, Lay in by German Moses Poelking and offense rebound and put back by ex Assumption College (NCAA2) guard Kasey Draper. California native and Andre Igudala friend Miles Tention got aggressive scoring 5 points for the 14-8 lead. Tentíon would finish with 11 points and 7 dimes as he came into the game averaging only 6ppg. “I made shots which was a long time coming and facilitated well”, said Miles Tention. However the Guardians also had another aggressive guard who executed well besides Cockfield with rookie Michael Bradley who produced 5 points to trail only 14-13. Tuebingen kept their nose ahead as in the last minutes Kenny Cooper who has a game like JJ Davison scored as did Cockfield, but the Tigers led 19-16 after 10 minutes. Tuebingen was shooting a prolific 57% from outside while Koblenz was at a dismal 20%. Koblenz was doing the work inside shooting 67% from the 2 point range and had the 6-5 rebound edge while both teams had extreme difficulty taking care of the ball with 6 turnovers a piece. “We were feeling each other out. It was like a boxing match as both teams were hitting hard. It is all about who takes the most punches”, stated Ty Cockfield.
Miles Tention from outside
In the second quarter the EPG Guardians kept fighting and took the lead in the last minutes to take the 43-37 lead at half-time. The EPG Guardians began with 2 three´s from Mr Microwave Leon Friederici to trail only 26-24 as Cooper who came into the game shooting 53% from outside also connected from the parking lot. Both teams continued to execute well on offense, but that was actually helping the EPG Guardians more simply because they hadn´t been used to being so consistent on the offensive end this season. Koblenz got a lay in from ex North Kentucky (NCAA) forward David Boehm and trey from Draper while the guests countered with Idowu who had missed some three´s since his game beginning explosions now went for the drive with 2 lay´s as the Tigers led 32-31. Koblenz´s self-confidence continued to grow with every new bucket and that helped them end the second quarter with a lethal 12-5 run to lead 43-37 at the break. In the run, the EPG Guardians were led by young German Adi Eri and Michael Bradley with 2 baskets. “Adi helped us so much. I won´t forget where he scooped down 3 offensive rebounds in a row. Even if it didn´t lead to a basket, it helped us get over the edge with his energy and secure the momentum Michael is my partner in crime. We feed off each other so well and are always locked in. ”, warned Ty Cockfield. The precise three point shooting of Koblenz had their percentage at 55% while the Tigers were also solid at 45%. Both teams had 13 rebounds a piece and Koblenz 9 turnovers and Tuebingen 9 turnovers. “We really flourished with our discipline. We made the right plays and read their defense, not forcing anything, but taking what they gave us”, commented Ty Cockfield.
Allin Blunt with the off balance shot
In the third quarter there was no Guardians let down, but they just continued to execute well at both ends and manage their lead well and led 63-55 after 3 quarters. The EPG Guardians Koblenz jumped all over the Tigers Tuebingen with a 8-2 run to extend their lead to 51-41. How often had one seen the Guardians in the past begin to produce an overflow of three attempts instead of attacking the rim. In the run, the team did a great job involving the bigs as Bohm made a lay in and Poelking a dunk. They also got buckets inside by Friederici and Cockfield. The Guardians offense were in another galaxy and had great body language and continued to stifle the Tigers with their aggressive pressure defense. Tuebingen got some vital baskets by Idowu and Tention, but Koblenz didn´t falter, but punched back getting 2 vital baskets by Canadian Ben Stevens who played at Laurier (U) in Canada made a lay in and dunk and block to carry the Guardians in that phase to the 55-48 advantage. “He is another big body for us. He gave great energy and got big boards. He also did a great job altering shots”, expressed Ty Cockfield. Both teams executed well until the end of the third quarter as Tigers big man Vincent Neugebauer who averaged 14/9 in his last 2 seasons in the Pro B with Ehingen made a reverse lay up and dunk while the Guardians got a dunk form Poelking and lay in by Bradley. “We found the big men well attacking the rim. Our bigs slipped and rolled well and when we found it, we exploited it”, warned Ty Cockfield. The EPF Guardiands Koblenz shot 68% from the 2 point range and 43% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Tigers Tuebingen shot 52% from the 2 point range and 38% from the parking lot and had 19 rebounds and 14 turnovers. “They attacked the switches well and got too many easy baskets. Our 1-1 defense wasn´t good. We have to help our bigs more”, stated Miles Tention.
Sam Idowu from the parking lot
In the fourth quarter the EPG Guardians Koblenz continued to execute at a high level at both ends and never allowed Tuebingen to go get closer than 6 points. The Tigers began well getting 3 stops, but couldn´t get more than a Marvin Heckel basket to trail 63-57. The EPG Guardians Koblenz then went on a lethal 8-2 run to extend their league to 71-59. In the run it was the unstoppable Ty Cockfield who scored three times with his potent attack game. Kasey Draper who has a game similar to a Grayson Allen also scored. Cockfield showed his incredible 1-1 play and his team followed him and also contributed doing the little things with offensive rebounds and steals. The Tigers still had some fight and energy going on a swift 6-0 run to trail only 71-65 as Idowu found back to his outside game drilling home a trey and Heckel also connected on a trey to trail 71-65. Heckel finished with 11 points and showed real heart as his minutes have dropped this season as he comes from the bench, but he is still a team player first. “Marvin played great. He is a huge plus for us”, warned Miles Tention. Boehm then punched back with a clutch three pointer to extend the Guardians lead to 74-65. The Tigers didn´t hang their heads, but fought until the end getting a key three from Idowu and Heckel lay in and free throw to trail 78-73, but Leon Friederici slammed the door shut with free throws for the win. “We capitalized off their mistakes. We have 3-4 guys that can make big shots every game. Anyone can step up. It doesn´t always have to be me”, warned Ty Cockfield. “We gave up too many second chances. You have to almost play perfect to win”, warned Miles Tention. The EPG Guardians were led by Ty Cockfield with 17 points. Michael Bradley and Leon Friederici shipped in with 12 points a piece while the Tigers Tuebingen were led by Samuel Idowu with 25 points while Marvin Heckel contributed 12 points and Miles Tention added 11 points. The EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 56% from the field and 37% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Tigers Tuebingen shot 47% from the field and 35% from outside and had 25 rebounds and 19 turnovers.
Elijah Jenkins (190-G, college: Embry Riddle) is a 190cm guard from Georgia playing his third professional season and third with DTV Basketball Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with Riverwood high school and then played at Embry Riddle University (NCAA2) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 120 NCAA games. In his last 2 years he averaged 13.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 69.0% and 15.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Your playing your third season for DTV Basketball Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga). How much of a second home has it become? What have you enjoyed most about the opportunity?
Yeah it’s been great, I really feel at home here with the guys on our team, our coaches, and our fans. I’ve really enjoyed experiencing the basketball culture in Germany, as I’ve had a completely different perspective coming from the US. Winning the Pokal the last two years is definitely a huge highlight.
Some guys remain in the Regionaliga while others move up to higher leagues. How has your game grown since coming to the DTV Basketball Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga)? I think there was an adjustment period at the start of my time here, getting used to the league, its physicality, and things like that. But since then it’s been just about continuing to be confident and find ways to help the team get a win.
What has it been like for you playing with a team full of Germans. Even though many are older than you, do you see yourself being a sort of mentor for some of the players?
It’s been great, I consider myself really lucky to play for Deutz and be around a group of guys that really enjoy both playing together and spending time off the court together. I don’t think I would consider myself a mentor because we have a lot of guys with experience at high levels of basketball, so I think we all just try to feed off our collective basketball experience instead of relying on just one or two guys.
What has it been like being teammates with German Joachim Koschade? Was he like a mentor for you when you were a rookie? Yeah Joe’s great, he’s another one of those guys with a ton of high-level basketball experience. I really enjoy playing with him, our games definitely complement one another and we’ve been on the court together in some crucial moments the last years.
What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? I don’t think I have one specific moment in mind, but obviously getting used to the language my first season was a big adjustment.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would bets fit the bill? Steph is too cliché, so I’ll go with Jared Mccain.
You have never averaged more than 2,0apg in a season since school. Do you see yourself developing more into a playmaking guard in the future? I think I try to always make the right pass on the court, even if that doesn’t always lead to having a ton of assists, but I think that I will create more the more aggressive I am and defensive attention I attract.
You eclipsed 40% from outside twice at Embry Riddle and this season shooting 48% from outside. What do you credit your great shooting most to this season?
I would say that my teammates and coaches consistently encourage me to shoot which allows me to shoot with confidence regardless of the situation. But I spent a lot of time in the gym growing up, so just having the trust in the things that I’ve done my whole life allows me to have that confidence during games.
How do you see the development of your three point shooting? Do you see yourself becoming an elite shooter in the future? I would say I’ve been an elite shooter for most of my career.
What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I think now I’m playing well on defense when I’m active and aggressive in passing lanes, getting deflections, etc. I think I can still improve guarding bigger, more physical guys that we come up against.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game? I would say I just try to focus on making plays necessary for our team to win games.
You played 4 seasons at Embry Riddle (NCAA2) making a big jump in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?
I saw myself become more aggressive hunting my shot as well as being really aggressive in the midrange area. Growing up I think I was more of a catch and shoot and movement guy but in my last two seasons I really developed the confidence in my off the dribble game, both from 3 and in the midrange.
You had so many great games in the NCAA 2 once making 11 three´s and twice 9 plus many 30 plus points. What was your fondest moment on the court?
I don’t think I can name just one moment, but just the experience of being and growing with a special group of guys on and off the court is something that was absolutely priceless.
How did head coach Steve Ridder groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Coach Ridder had a tremendous impact on me as a player, but even more so as a person. He always believed in me and my ability and challenged me to keep improving as a player, while giving me space to grow myself both on and off the court.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Romeo Crouch? I don’t think we actually played that much 1 on 1, but I’d have to give him the edge in those.
Who is the toughest player you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? In college, definitely Jacob Evans at Cincinnati. Before that, I played pretty often against Colin Sexton growing up in Atlanta.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Romeo Crouch, Nashad Mackey, Malcolm Whitlow, Luka Majstorovic, Chris Murray
Your NBA Mount Rushmore? Steph, Kareem, Lebron, Jordan
Your Who is your GOAT?
Lebron
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Probably, but that’s Hollywood
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