Marley Jean-Louis (188-SG-1994) is a 32 year old 188cm guard that is playing his 14th professional season and first with DBV Charlottenburg (Regionalliga). He began his career in the Alba Berlin organization and then played for clubs like Munster, EN Baskets Schwelm, FC Schalke 04, EPG Baskets Koblenz, ScanPlus Baskets Elchingen, Rhein Stars, BG 2000 Berlin, and BSW Sixers Sandersdorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 52 points in a Regionalliga game.
Congrats Marley on scoring 52 points in a crazy 148-21 win over Buchorn Bau. You won by 177 points. How crazy is that?
Thank you Miles, I appreciate the Interview. That was definitely a crazy experience that I was not expecting starting the day. I think that was the biggest win I ever had.
You scored an incredible 52 points. They only dressed 6 players. Do you feel like that helped your quest for 52 points?
To be Honest it definitely helped with more guys or all their better players they would’ve had a bigger rotation and could’ve guarded more physical and better.
Not many pro players no matter what league score 50 or more points in a game. You did it in 27 minutes. That is super efficient. What does this feat mean to you?
It’s nice, I’m happy that I was able to keep my focus high during that game and had the trust from my teammates and my coaches. It’s good that I was finally able to give our commentator Arne his birthday present. He was asking for a 40 piece and I was able to give him even more.
Did you have a special breakfast in the morning or do something out of the ordinary that may have helped your game go off for 52 points?
It was actually a kind of busy day for me we had shootaround after that I worked out a kid because I’m also an individual Skills Coach. So I didn’t really spend that much time at home and was kind of stressed about it.
How did you feel going into the game? You had been averaging over 20,0ppg in the last 5 games? Did it feel different than other games once you started hitting shots?
I was surprised that they just showed up with 6 people and our coach was mad because of it. Rightfully so of course. He kept our head straights for the game and motivated to go out and make a statement so I was just trying to stay locked in and don’t let the appearance from the other team affect me.
How quickly did you know that you may have a great scoring game in the first half?
After I was hitting a couple of 3s in a short time. That was the moment where I thought to myself let’s see what’s type of day it’s going be for me today.
The team had an incredible 43 team assists. How thankful are you for your teammates always finding you again time in and time out?
Without my teammates it would not been possible. I did disappoint some of them in the last games when I missed some open looks. So it was my way to apologize.
You hit 12 three´s. How does that make you feel that the greatest three point shooter of all-time Steph Curry only hit 1 three more in a game in his life?
To be honest I was not really thinking about it. Now that I know I’m kind of mad because I definitely would’ve tried to hit 2 more to break his record.
Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?
No not really. But after I made the 3 for 50 points everybody was cheering and in the timeout Dilim told me from The stands that I had 50.
What was your favorite own basket of the game? That´s a good questions probably during that game always the next one.
Did you get any unique congrats via phone or social media after the game? No not unique. But I appreciate Adam our Marketing for uploading the video of every bucket of mine. It got a lot of love on Instagram.
Did you have to get donuts for the team? Hahaha no luckily not. I already got the team 3 or 4 donuts this season.
The Slim playoff hopes of the Dragons Rhondorf were still alive with 3 games remaining, but they were 2 wins away from the last spot, but really wanted to secure their place for next season in the Pro B. An untimely 6 game losing streak in 2026 didn´t help their fight, but as of late their 2 game winning streak was definitely refreshing. The Dragons Rhondorf had a must win in their next home game against doormat Vechta 2. The club that helps develop young Germans had had a tough season and came into the game with a 4-18 record and had lost 6 of their last 7 games. However they had some confidence coming into the Dragon´s living room having won their last game at home against the EN Baskets Schwelm. Rasta Vechta played a strong first quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back winning 76-70. Rhondorf was led by the potent big man duo of Dujmovic and Sadikovic who combined for 36 points and 25 rebounds. “It was an average game for us. We had good phases where we played aggressive defense and good offense, but also bad phases where we were lost, but all in all, we stayed together in the end and won and that is what was important”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. Rasta Vechta 2 fought the whole game and even cut it down to 7 points in the fourth quarter, but just couldn´t get over the hump. “We had a solid first quarter, but allowed too many offensive rebounds and open shots in the second and third quarters. I´m proud though that we didn´t give up and fought to the end”, stressed Rasta Vechta 2 American AJ Sumbry.
Benjamin Sadikovic at the FT line
The first quarter had a few runs, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 22-21 advantage. Rasta Vechta 2 got off to a rapid start leading 8-2. American AJ Sumbry who is playing in his 9th country overseas scored 5 points while 2022 JBBL finalist Roy Krupnikas hit a trey. The ball movement and energy of the guests was on par while Rhondorf was a bit sluggish and still figuring things out. But Rhondorf then got going with a 11-2 run with better spacing and got the pick and roll going as the Spanish magician Jorge Mejias hooked up twice with ex Oberaching big man Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) with 2 dunks. Ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic also made a trey and Kenan Reinhart an off balance shot for the 13-10 lead. The guests then found their offensive rhythm and got good support from young Irish center Etinosasere Ehoghae with 2 baskets, but the Dragons Rhondorf punched back with a Reinhart trey and Dujmovic basket to tie the game at 18-18. Rhondorf continued to attack the rim with a Dusan Ilic lay in and Dujmovic scored on transition as Mejias fed him his fourth assist of the game. “We couldn´t crack Vechta´s pick and roll defense in the first minutes, but then got on track with Mejias and Sadikovic. We then concentrated more on our defense”, stated Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 44% from the field and 25% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Roy Krupnikas from outside
The turning point of the game came in the second quarter where the Dragons Rhondorf got away from Rasta Vechta 2 allowing only 8 points and led comfortably 45-29 at half-time. The Dragons Rhondorf took charge right away going on a 14-4 run to extend their lead to 35-26. In the run Jorge Mejias took a break from his strong playmaking and pretty dimes and instead penetrated to the rim 3 times in a row that led to free throws and 2 lay in´s. Role player Lagui Diallo also was aggressive and scored twice on the drive including a reverse lay up and Sadikovic made a tip in. The Dragons aggressive defense led to contested shots and steals that helped them take charge of the game. 3 free throws by 2024 NBBL champion Moritz Gruess stopped the run, but Rasta Vechta 2 just couldn´t muster any offense as Rhondorf had no down phase, but finished the first half strong with a lethal 10-0 run. Dujmovic showed just how dangerous he can be as he let his inside out game sparkle with 7 points while Ilic made 3 points. “Sumbry had foul trouble and was on the bench. We wanted to take advantage of our size. Dujmovic really dominated and took charge”, added Benjamin Sadikovic. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31Y% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Epke Kruthaup at the FT line
Rasta Vechta won the third quarter 16-14, but couldn´t make any ground on the Dragons Rhondorf as they were still able to execute solidly to lead 59-45 after three quarters. Kenan Reinhart got the Dragons Rhondorf on the board first in the second half with a lay in in traffic. Before the season began, Reinhart was mainly labelled as a three and D player, but he warned that he wanted to improve other phases of his game and did with the drive, mid range and playmaking. “I gained weight which helped my physicality as well as practicing with the BBL team helped my drive. I see I made a step forward there and since my double double of points and assists, I realized also that I got better with passing”, commented Kenan Reinhart. Young German 17 year old talent Epke Kruthaup found his range from outside nailing 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 still trailed 49-37. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to hold their double digit lead, because they continued to make good decisions and execute well as Reinhart made the perfect pass to Sadikovic for the dunk and then hit a floater for the 53-37 lead. Roy Krupnikas had a tough first half with only 3 points, but in the latter half found his range dropping 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 couldn´t gain any ground because Mejias and young German Carlo Schmid made baskets to lead by 14 points after 30 minutes. “The third quarter has often been our worst quarter this season, but in the last games, we came out strong and we did that again tonight”, smiled Kenan Reinhart. “I was in foul trouble. When I´m out, it really limits our size. They took advantage of that as their bigs got easy baskets and got free throws”, stated AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Kenan Reinhart with the runner
In the fourth quarter Rasta Vechta 2 still had energy to make one last push and cut the Dragons Rhondorf lead to 7 points, but could never get over the hump. Jorge Mejias began the fourth quarter with a 20 footer as Rhondorf led 61-45 and it didn´t seem like they could let the guests come back. But Rasta Vechta 2 still had some extra gas in their tank going on a 8-2 run to trail only 61-54. Rasta Vechta 2 attacked the rim as Krupnikas scored twice including once with his left hand, 2025 Pro B champion Joel Lungelu made a left handed lay in and German Moritz Dresing scored on transition. Rhondorf had no aggressiveness with their 1-1 defense allowing easy scores. However the Dragons Rhondorf stopped the run getting some vital buckets as Mejias made a runner and Dujmovic a lay in for the 66-56 lead. Rhondorf would annoy Rasta Vechta 2 time in and time out with their aggressive work in the paint with scores and offensive rebounds. Gruess and Reinhart then traded three pointers, but Rhondorf still led 69-59. Rhondorf continued to get super production from Sadikovic who was a real work horse as he was relentless on the glass getting a lay in and put back for the 74-63 with 2 minutes to play. Time was running out, but the guests never lost faith going on a timely 6-0 run to trail 74-69 with 31 seconds to go. Sumbry, and Lungelu free throws and a Krupnikas lay in were made. But Rhondorf took good care of the ball and Reinhart nailed free throws to secure the victory. “We were too relaxed in crunch-time and thought we had the win. We realized the game wasn´t over and closed out the game well”, said Kenan Reinhart. “I´m proud how we fought to the end. We played with urgency and stopped their second chances and hit big shots. We just came up a bit short”, added AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Duje Dujmovic with 20 points. Benjamin Sadikovic added 16 points and 18 rebounds and Jorge Mejias had 11 points and 9 dimes while Rasta Vechta 2 were led by Roy Krupnikas with 17 points while AJ Sumbry added 14 points and Epke Kruthaup had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 42% form the field and 24% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 36%
After a slow start into the 2025-2026 season where the Skyliners Juniors were a poor 3-10, the club has rebounded in 2026 having a 7-1 record and are making a real push for the Pro B South playoffs. It is no secret that the 10-11 team have had a real scoring boost from new American Desmond Watson who was averaging 27,0ppg while experienced ex Pro A player Moses Poelking had been a force under the basket at both ends. Their next opponent were the 11-11 Ahorn Camp Baskets who like Frankfurt wanted to secure a playoff spot and came into the game in 7th place, but had lost 3 of their last 4 games. On a rare late Friday night game Frankfurt welcomed Speyer and Pro B legend DJ Woodmore who had played in the BCM gym the last decade and played his 229th Pro B and it was his 213th Pro B game where he scored in double figures netting 13 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Skyliners Juniors won 91-74. It was a contest that was at eyelevel for 3 quarters, but a crazy buzzer beater trey from Lukas Smazak (188-G-2007) to end the third quarter paralized the Ahorn Camp Baskets which led to a 27-16 fourth quarter that allowed Frankfurt to win. ‘We didn’t defend well in the first quarter and then stepped it up more in the second quarter. We upped our game in the second half. We moved the ball better, made tough shots and played transition. We also stuck together which was important’, stressed Skyliner Junior Lukas Smazak. The Ahorn Camp Baskets played well for three quarters, but also lost energy in the fourth quarter as that Smazak buzzer beater hurt them mentally. ‘We ran out of gas and fell flat in the second half. They hit shots and the flood gates opened up and that was that’, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore.
Leif Zentgraf at the FT line
The first quarter was a real scoring affair as 49 points were scored in total and the Ahorn Camp Baskets had the slim 25-24 advantage after 10 minutes. The Skyliners Juniors had the quick 5-3 lead as rookie Ohio native Desmond Watson made a jumper and German Next Gen player Jamie Edoka hurled down a trey. However the guests from Speyer found their rhythm rapidly as lock down defender Dennis Diala and Austrian guard Felix Angerbauer connected for trey’s for the 10-7 advantage. The game turned into a game of small runs and quick lead changes as Leif Zentraf scored 5 unanswered points to give Frankfurt the 15-14 lead. Watson free throws gave Frankfurt the 17-14 lead. Both teams were strutting with a lot of self confidence as Speyer now had some added burst of energy going on a 7-0 run to lead 21-17. In the run DJ Woodmore who tested his 27% from outside stroked home a trey and Angerbauer executed on transition. Speyer also was able to hurt Frankfurt with their drive as Woodmore and German Oskar Humpert scored for the 25-19 lead. However Frankfurt didn’t wilt in the last minute going on a 5-0 run to trail 25-24 after one quarter. German Joshua Zentgraf made a lay in after getting the fancy over the head dime from Watson while German Dusan Nikolic made a 2 handed dunk. The Skyliners Juniors shot 62% from the field and 50% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 50% from the field and 43% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 2 turnovers. ‘It was a quarter of two teams trading baskets with no real big defensive plays. Nobody was able to start a run. Both teams moved the ball well and there were some good individual plays’, stated Eintracht Frankfurt (NBBL) head coach Thore Bethke.
David Aichele at the FT line
In the second quarter there was a little less scoring and 7 lead changes as the Skyliners Juniors had the slim 41-40 advantage going into the break. The Skyliners Juniors got going right away escaping on a 5-0 run as German center Moses Poelking made a lay in and then a monster block which led to a trey from Ivan the universal genius Ivan Crnjac for the 29-25 Frankfurt advantage. Edoka made a nifty extra pass for the dime. ‘It looked like Jamie was going to shoot from a tough spot, but Ivan yelled ball. Jamie was able to pass it in the last second. It was a nice play’, stressed Thore Bethke. However the Ahorn Camp Baskets were patient and found fortune going on a 10-2 run to gain the lead back at 35-31. In the run, Speyer got big input form their bench as German Joshua Kreilein added 5 points while Woodmore added a trey and ex Koblenz guard Ade-Eri made a lay in. Both teams then punched back and forth as there were 5 lead changes. Frankfurt received added three’s from Watson and Nikolic while Watson also dropped a lay in while Speyer got a trey from Angerbauer and lay in from Humpert. ‘There were few fouls in the quarter. Poelking did a good job when he was in, but when he was out, Frankfurt had problems on the boards as Ade Eri did a good job getting inside. Frankfurt needed to match him better’, said Thore Bethke. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 43% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Desmond Watson with the runner
The third quarter continued to be a very tight game where the Skyliners Juniors never looked behind them keeping the lead, but never leading by more than 4 points until the last shot by Smazak that proved to be the turning point of the game. Alvin Oyiya and David Aichele produced for their teams as Onyia got to the free throw line twice and scored while the big man Aichele made a free throw and lay in making a big heads up play catching an airball by Ade-Eri to trail 47-46. The young bucks of Frankfurt Edoka and Crnjac executed well while Ade-Eri really carried Speyer as he remained non stop aggressive getting to the free throw line 3 consecutive times and made a lay in to dead lock the game at 54-54. He never got a real chance in Koblenz and now can show his abilities in Speyer. Frankfurt continued to have their neck in front as energizer Dusan Nikolic came from the bench and gave instant energy with 6 points including 2 on drives and one with his left hand. Speyer got some good support from 2023 JBBL finalist Noah Koch who made an acrobatic lay in, but Frankfurt still led 61-58. Then came the turning point of the game as Smazak launced a deep trey that fell at the buzzer as the Skyliners Juniors led 64-58. ‘I saw them put their head down at center court as I came with the ball and there was one second to go. I let it go and I knew it was going in. That shot hurt them mentally. We went from 3 to 6 up’, said Lukas Smazak. ‘That Smazak shot really shifted the momentum. If we would have been more focused for 2 more seconds then it wouldn’t have been a 6 point lead. We had our chances and stayed with them’, commented DJ Woodmore. The Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 40% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 43% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 7 turnovers.
Felix Angerbauer at the FT line
In the fourth quarter the Skyliners took the Smazak buzzer beater as momentum and began with a lethal 12-4 run to slam the door shut on Speyer and from there managed the lead until the end. Frankfurt received big three’s from German Leif Zentgraf and Smazak as well as lay in’s from them for the 76-62 advantage. The Skyliners Juniors heightened their defensive pressure and strung along some stops benefited with a few steals that led to transition buckets. Speyer then strung along 3 consecutive stops, but their three stops at the free throw line only produced 4 points, but they trailed only 76-66. But Speyer was running out of steam as the Skyliners Juniors now ultimately closed out the win with a brutal 14-3 run to lead 91-69. Frankfurt demonstrated precision shooting as Edoka, Smazak and Crnjac all dropped three pointers and Poelking unleashed a dunk for good measure to give Frankfurt their 11th win of the season. Smazak’s trey was a desperation shot that somehow fell for him. ‘I had 2 seconds on the clock to shoot it. I didn’t know this was going in, but I was hoping’, smiled Lukas Smazak. The guests closed out the game with a 5-0 run as Angerbauer hit another trey and dropped free throws, but it was too little too late. ‘We did a good job on defensive rebounds and we defended aggressively and moved the ball well. They were tired at the end. We stuck together. We have to keep the momentum for the next games’, warned Lukas Smazak. ‘They found their rhythm and started to hit shots. They played great defense and we got flushed. We got turnovers and they made us pay with made shots’, said DJ Woodmore. The Skyliners Juniors had 6 guys score in double figures and were led by Jamie Edoka with 16 points while Lukas Smazak added 14 points and Desmond Watson 13 points. The Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Dam Ade-Eri with 16 points while Felix Angerbauer had 14 points and Dj Woodmore added 13 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 46% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.
That the NBA is defined by it´s offense, athleticism, eye popping dunks and Wemby at the moment, it is a wonder at times that defense is still played in the NBA. But it isn´t all about offense as there are enough guys that can be called 2-way players or guys that are simply real lockdown defenders. Some guys that come to mind in the NBA are studs like Jrue Holiday, Alex Caruso. OG Anunoby or Luuentz Dort. That a more focus on offense has also shifted overseas is nothing new as on the last Euroleague game day from March5/6, there was no team that scored 100 points or more, but still 4 teams that scored 90 points or more and the rest 80 points or more. One can still see real hardnosed defense in the Euroleague as it is led by lockdown defenders like Nick Weiler-Babb, Thomas Walkup and Isaac Bonga who all played in Germany at one time or the other. But it isn´t only in the top leagues where one can see top notch defense, but also in lower leagues all over the globe. Even in the German Pro B, one can witness lower scoring games and even there there are lock down defenders who pride their game on making a massive impact on the defensive end. One of those guys is young 22 year old German Dennis Diala (196-SF-2003). It is really enriching to see such effort and engagement from young players on the defensive end since often it then where young bucks want to make an impact on the offensive end. One doesn´t only need a great skill set and work ethic to be a potent defender, but also extreme confidence in one´s craft. “I see myself as a lock down defender and one of the best in the Pro B. I can defend any guard and usually defend the other team´s best defenders”, warned Dennis Diala who ranks Michael Jordan as his GOAT. DJ Woodmore definitely sees him as a sturdy defender who can make an impact. “Dennis has been our best perimeter defender the last few years. His wing span and good instincts make it tough for any player to get a clean look. I think that he has taken a huge step physically this season and it shows every weekend. I still think that he is only scratching the surface of what he can be. I put him on the list of the top defenders in the Pro B”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer guard DJ Woodmore.
The 197cm guard/forward who lists ex Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith and Yanic Niederhauser of the Los Angeles Clippers as his toughest opponents so far in his career began his basketball career with SG Heidelberg/Kirchheim and then played Regionalliga with USC Heidelberg and played with their NBBL (U-19) team. He will never forget Matthias Stein as he was his mentor in his early years. He got to practice with the MLP Academics and even played 2 easyCredit BBL games against Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. He then made the next jump in his career and joined the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer. Is he calling Speyer his second home now in his fourth season? “Yes it has. I´m originally from Heidelberg. When you are in an organization for a longer period of time, it really feels like home. I feel very comfortable in Speyer”, said Dennis Diala. The club has made big strides the last 3 seasons having reached the playoffs. Will they make it a fourth consecutive season to the promised land? “I´m very confident that it will happen again. We have a strong team and deserve to be in the playoffs this season. We lost some bitter games this season that we shouldn´t have lost, but I feel that if we can beat Frankfurt and Dresden, then we will have good chances”, warned Dennis Diala. He played in the playoffs against Wolmirstedt, RheinStars and Leverkusen. Was there a favorite series for him? “I think the RheinStars series is the one that I remember most. We were up 15 points in game 1 and lost control in the fourth quarter and lost. It was similar in game 3. I think that had we won that series, that we could of gone far”, remembered Dennis Diala. The initiator of the success has been head coach Carl Mbassa who has been at the helm now for 13 seasons. He was a solid second Bundesliga player and even played parts of 2 seasons in the BBL with Frankfurt and Nordlingen. “He is a very emotional coach. He knows what he gets from each player and always tries to bring the best out of each player. He works hard at helping us be able to make the next step as a player”, commented Dennis Diala.
Pic credit: Sabine Jost
The athletic German who lists and DJ Woodmore, Kelvin Martin, Rob Lowery, Shy Ely, Brekkott Chapman as his 5 best teammates of all-time has been more than fortunate having a teammate with DJ Woodmore from the start. Woodmore like Mbassa has been a Speyer lifer and has been instrumental in Diala becoming the type of player he is today. “Foremost DJ is a great person and teammate. I have defended him so many times the lasty years in practice which has really helped my game. I have to admit that I have copied some of his moves. He forced me to take shots when I was younger. I´m really thankful how he has helped my game over the years”, stated Dennis Diala. But it isn´t only Woodmoore that has helped his game and the success of the club, but two other Germans with veterans Christoph Rupp und David Aichele who combined have been with the organization for 10 years. “Rupp is a very smart player and one of the smartest players that I have played with in my career. He is really good at how he moves on the court and brings opponent´s defense out of their concept. It is so easy to play with him. He makes every teammates´ life easier. David is a big presence, can get every rebound and always ready on defense. He is a real force on defense”, explained Dennis Diala. The German has made solid strides in his 100 games pro B career. He averaged 8/3r his first 2 seasons and currently is at 9/4. Head coach Carl Mbassa never parked him on the bench when he arrived, but simply threw him into the shark tank early. “He believed in me since the start. I came as a NBBL player from Heidelberg and it wasn´t a given that he would give me trust. He trusted me after 4-5 games and began to insert me in the starting lineup. He pushed me from the start and I´m very grateful that he did”, added Dennis Diala.
The lockdown defender who lists his NBA, Euroleague and German Mount Rushmores with players Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Giannis, Nikola Jokic, Luka Donic, Tony Parker and Dennis Schroeder, Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, and Detlef Schrempf is a player that has never really compared his game to any player. He does watch many video´s of top players and hopes one day to become a mix of Kevin Punter and Kevin Durant. He has demonstrated in the last 3 years that he can be a durable scorer. In his second season he scored in double figures 9 times and last season and this season 11 times. Last season he even exploded with 28 points against Erfurt. He is so close to cracking the 10,oppg in a season. Can he attain this plateau? “I believe I can make it. I just have to continue to work hard”, said Dennis Diala. His three pointer is still a work in progress as 2 seasons ago he was at 31% and last season at 23% and currently is at 23%. “I have improved my three pointer the last years. I feel that my hard work over the summers really paid off. I think that I can get better. I feel like my open and catch and shoot shots are solid, but I have to work on my off the dribble shooting better”, expressed Dennis Diala. He knows that his defense is already at a good area in his game, but it´s his offense that he still needs to tweak to reach the next level. “I want to perfect my three pointer and improve my drive to the rim”, commented Dennis Diala. So what goals does he have as a player? He wanted to play in the Pro A this season, but had no offers and returned to Speyer. A run in the playoffs this season could really help him for the next step next season. His dreams are definitely big. “I want to play at the highest possible level. My dream is to play in international competitions like Euroleague or Eurocup”, stressed Dennis Diala. But he should go one step at a time. He definitely deserves a Pro A gig next season.
RaiQuan Gray (203-F-1999, college: FSU) is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Ft Lauderdale playing his 5th professional season and second overseas and second with AEK BC Athens. He played his first 3 professional seasons in the G-League with Long Island and Austin and also played 3 NBA games with the Spurs and 1 with the Nets. He began his basketball career at Dillard High School and then played at Florida State (NCAA) from 2018-2021 and in 2021 was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets at #59 in the second round. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.
Thanks Raiquan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with AEK BC Athens. What have you enjoyed most about the experience? It has overall been very enjoyable. I have a new journey and it´s been a lot different to what I was used to from the States. I´m really happy playing for AEK BC Athens.
Has Athens become like a second home for you?
For sure. It took some time to get familiar with all, but it has been great. It is great competition and crazy fans. Greece is a very beautiful country.
Was there some culture shock at first coming from the smaller Ft Lauderdale?
Not as much. As soon as I got to understand everything, it was good. The people are all nice. The biggest adjustment was being ahead 7 hours to home.
The team is playing well and is in third place in the Greek first division standings. How enjoyable is the challenge of competing against the 2 Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos?
It´s been great. I´m a competitor and always want to play the top teams and measure up to them to see where I´m at. It is great competition. I have shown that I belong on that stage.
The team next battles the 3-0 Alba Berlin in the Basketball Champions League. Does AEK have what it takes this season to win a international title? I think so. My primary purpose why I came back was too win the BCL. We as a team went so far last season and know what it takes to get so far. Now we want to win it. We feel like we have good chances to win. We want to build off our momentum and keep getting wins.
How valuable has a guy like ex NBA player James Nunally been for you? Is he like a mentor for you?
Yes for sure. He has been playing for a very long and has a great IQ. All ears are on him when he is speaking. He is a really good teammate and guy.
Your having solid seasons in both competitions. You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet really well. What exactly is your role on the team this season? I do it all. I feel like that has always been my role. I´m a versatile player and can affect the game in many ways. If it means rebounding, scoring or defending the other team´s best player, I will do it.
Your almost averaging 4,0apg in the BCL. Have you been asked to be more of a facilitator in the BCL?
I think that I have always been a natural passer. Roles are always changing. Last season we had more of a passing center with Grant Golden and this season, I have been called upon to be more of a passing forward.
You never took many three´s in the G-League. Is incorporating a three pointer more into your game a goal of yours? Yes I do. I want to have better three point shooting percentages. I think that I just need to take more reps and I´ll be fine.
You were overseas last season for the first time. What was your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I think it happened during a domestic game last season. I didn´t play in the second half. I didn´t have a good first half. I understood after that I needed to have a better focus and understanding of the game so I would play more. I needed to learn more about the game, but still be myself on the court.
You reached the BCL Final 4 beating French team Nanterre in an exciting 3 game series and then lost Malaga. What memories do you have of that run? It was so electric. We hosted the Final 4 in Greece. The atmosphere was amazing and so were the fans. It was real high level hoops. One won´t really know what that feels like unless you were there. It was one of the best experiences in my life.
You played your first 3 pro seasons in the G-League and NBA. You played 4 NBA games and scored in double figures in 3 of them. Those are pretty unusual stats. Do you feel like you got a fair chance to show your game? Not really. No one really ever asked me that question before. I never felt sorry for myself. I mean I feel like I did the most I could with the opportunity that was given to me. I feel like these times helped me grow. I couldn´t have asked for a better opportunity then.
You played your rookie season with the Long Island Nets averaging 7.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.3%, FT: 82.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie?
That first year showed me that I had to fix my habits and create good habits and be confident. I needed the right mind set and it made me hungrier.
In your second season you averaged 15.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 64.9%, but only played 4 minutes more than the season before. Did head coach Ronnie Burrell discover your scoring abilities?
I don´t know if he discovered it. I will always appreciate that he believed in me and let me be myself. I was aggressive and played with that chip on my shoulder. He saw something in me and pulled it out.
You were really consistent that season and didn´t get a call up until the end of the season. Was this another good example that politics rules the NBA business? Possibly. A lot goes on behind the scenes that one can´t control. I just go out and take what´s given to me and do the best possible.
You made your NBA debut against the 76ers and had a fine game with 16/9/7 in 36 minutes. How much fun was that game? You were a bit in the shadow of Cam Thomas´s 46 points though.
It was a really cool moment. My family was there to witness it. I was actually home 2 days before my debut and then flew back to play. I knew before the game that I would play well. I knew since I was a little kid that I would be a NBA player one day. I had put in so much work. I was confident and ready to have a good game.
The next season you played with the at Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 15.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.1% and played 3 NBA games with the Spurs. Once again you got called up at the end of the season. You won the last game against Detroit. What was your personal highlight from those 3 games?
I got extended minutes at Oklahoma City. I let it all out on the court. I hit shots early and felt good. I also had a solid game in Detroit. I was able to fit into a system and be myself around good players.
You were teammates with Victor Wembanyama and saw what he did then an dhow he has continued to develop. Where do you see his game being in 5 years?
He will be the best player in the NBA in 5 years. I saw what he could do behind closed doors. He had an incredible mentality and work ethic. He was different.
How big is your personal NBA goal? Guys have gone back after coming overseas. My goal is still the NBA. I will never shut the door on the NBA dream. I´m 26 at the moment and not 30. I feel like I still have a small window open. If the opportunity ever presents it´s self then I´ll take it. Meanwhile I will keep building my resume overseas.
You played at Florida State from 2018-2021 and reached 2 NCAA Sweet 16´s. What loss was tougher? To Gonzaga or Michigan?
I think that Gonzaga was the tougher loss. I wasn´t ready for the moment. It was my first year in the NCAA- The game was super fast. We had the team to do it that year.
You had many great games at FSU including beating North Carolina twice as a senior. What was your fondest moment on the court?
It wasn´t my moment, but when Trent Forest dunked on Jordan Nwora against Louisville. We were #5 at that moment. It was the loudest that I ever heard the crowd.
How did head coach Leonard Hamilton groom and prepare you best for a professional career? He taught discipline early and gave me freedom. He taught me to be professional, take care of business and how to communicate. He held me accountable, but also allowed me to make mistakes and be able to learn from them and grow.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malik Osborne?
I will take myself.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court in your life that reached NBA? Marvin Bagley and Zion Williamson.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Trent Forest, Terrence Mann, Justin Linder, DayRon Sharpe and Mfiondu Kabengele
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant
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 didn´t see it.
Brendan Temple (206-C-2000, college: Purdue NW) is a 206cm center from Colorado playing his second professional season and second with Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 15,8ppg, 9,9rpg and 2,6apg. Last season he averaged 21.2ppg, RPG-5 (12.0), 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (60.4%), 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.7%. He began his basketball career at Douglas County high school and then played 4 seasons and 112 games for Carroll College (NAIA). In his last season there he averaged : 13.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.8%. He then played one more season with Purdue University Northwest (NCAA2) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 64.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Brendan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season overseas and second with Racing Luxemburg. Was it a no brainer to stay after helping the team move up to the first division?
Thanks for reaching out and yeah it was definitely an easy decision. I really liked my teammates and coaches, and I wanted to see what we could do together in the first league. On top of that, living in Luxembourg City has been a really nice experience, so it just made sense to come back.
You hail from beautiful Castle Rock that has a scenery many Americans would die for. What have you found beautiful in Luxemburg since arriving in late summer 2024? I actually grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago in La Grange, Illinois. Moved to Castle Rock in high school and have been living there ever since. Since coming to Luxembourg, I’ve noticed how beautiful and clean the city is but the rolling green hills outside of the city are definitely underrated and remind me a little bit of Colorado.
You lost a tough test game in Germany to the Dragons Rhondorf. Germany is the place for basketball since years ever since Germany won world cup and now they are Euro champs. Is Germany on your bucket list to play in one day?
Yes, I’d definitely like to play in Germany one day. I liked the style of basketball there; it was physical and methodical, which I feel fits well with my own game.
Racing Luxemburg is a team that wants to make waves in the first division Luxemburg. Is the goal really only to stay in the league? The goal is definitely bigger than just staying in the league. We want to turn some heads and make people change their opinion of the club. The focus is on making Racing prominent in the first league and showing that we belong at that level.
The team has many great veterans like home grown players Max Hilger and Steve Lanners. Does the team have the depth to remain in the league?
Yeah, I think the team definitely has the depth to stay in the league. We’ve got a group full of super competitive guys, and everyone knows their role and contributes to making winning plays for the benefit of the team. That kind of mindset is rare, but it’s also something you see in really good teams, and I feel like we have that here.
What has it been like being teammates with ultra veteran Antonnio Bivins? Was he like a mentor for you last season?
Tone has absolutely been a mentor for me. I’ve gone to him with all my questions, which is ironic because we have completely different play styles and energies. But when your teammate has had such a long and successful career, like he has, you tend to listen to what the man has to say. Having Tone help me with the start of my career has been a huge help.
Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? Drew Timme
Is it fair to say you have some old school in you? You had nifty hook shots with both hands as well as a running hook shot and nice fade away jumper. It looks like you have watched quite a few players in your life.
I really developed that scoring touch in college. The hook shot became a go-to for me because it’s such an efficient way to score in the post while only needing a few dribbles. I’ve always watched college basketball more closely than the NBA, and since post play is such a big part of the college game, it stuck with me.
Name some players that you have watched over the years where you have soaked up things from? NBA bigs that I have stolen things from are Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, Al Jefferson, and Jokic, just to name a few.
You take the three, but not that many. Are you working to incorporate more of a three pointer into your game? Oh absolutely, becoming consistent from the three will open up my game and make me harder to guard.
What kind of a defender are you now as a pro player? Do you still classify yourself a bit raw? What kind of a defender would you like to still become? Yeah, I know I can definitely improve on the defensive end. I have a good understanding of positioning off the ball and how to help my teammates, but I know I can still grow as a one-on-one defender. I want to be able to guard multiple positions well.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I’m trying to improve my three point and free throw. Getting more consistent in these areas will make me more well rounded.
Last season with Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) you averaged 21.2ppg, RPG-5 (12.0), 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (60.4%), 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? In the basketball sense, it was the first game against Mess. I realized the game was much different than college and how the refs call the game. In the world sense, it was going to the grocery store and adjusting to the layout, different language, and food brands.
You had so many great games last season. You had 40 points against Bascharage and a massive 20/21 game against Soleuvre. Which of these 2 games was your favorite. Bivins once had a crazy 52/24 game against the latter. The 40 point game against Bascharge. It was on my birthday.
You played 4 years at Carroll College (NAIA). How formidable were these years for your early basketball development under Kurt Paulsen? How did he help your game most?
My development at Carroll was not what I expected it to be. Believe it or not, I was a wing in high school, shooting the three and having very little post game. Then I got to Carroll and there were more talented guys playing on the wing. The opportunity for me to play was on the block. Coach Paulson developed my post game by teaching me how to finish through contact, having+ great footwork, and developing touch.
You reached the NAIA Elite 8 in 2021. What do you remember from that run? The team bowed out against SAGU: It was one of my favorite college memories. My favorite game during that run was the round of 16 game against #2 William Penn. I think we were the #15 seed and the team really came together and played our best game of the year.
You had some great games against Providence MT with 27/17 and a 27/13 game against UMW. What was your fondest moment there?
The game against UMW was the first conference home game as a senior. So it was special to start the senior year with a good game and a win. After 3 years of being a role player it was nice to step up for the team.
You then finished at Purdue University Northwest (NCAA2) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 64.6%. You had no adjustment needed going from the NAIA to NCAA 2. How did your game grow that year? I really credit it to Coach Boom. When I was looking for a new school he was clearly the coach that believed in me the most. He unlocked my game. At PNW, I was able to play make and impact the game from different areas of the court, not just in the paint. *
You had many great games in the NCAA 2. What memories do you have of your 15/5/7/1/1 game against GVSU where you had the game winning basket? My favorite memory from that game wasn’t the game winner, but the possession prior when I threw a lob to Kalil Whitehead, who is probably the most athletic guy I have ever played with, who just threw it down to secure the lead.
How did head coach Boomer Roberts give you the last needed preparation in being able to turn professional? Like I said earlier, the biggest thing Coach Boom did for me was give me confidence. He does this with all his players. He builds great relationships.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dalton Gayman? If it was on the block I would win in a 1v1 scenario but if it was taken anywhere outside the paint DG had my number.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA? I played Scottie Pippen Jr quite a bit growing up and he has turned out to be an outstanding player.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Shamrock Campbell, Andrew Cook, Antonio Bivins, Jovan Sljivancanin, CJ Jackson
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Michael Jordan, Jokic, Tim Duncan, Steph Curry
Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with Khyri Thomas in Frankfurt
Khyri Thomas (190-F/G-1996, college: Creighton) is a 29 year old 190cm guard playing his 8th professional season and first in Germany with the Syntainics MBC Weissenfels (BBL). He began his basketball career at Benson high school and alsomplayed at Fork Union Military academy. He then played 3 years at Creighton (NCAA). He then was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 38th draft pick. He then played 3 seasons in the NBA and G-League playing with the Pistons and Rockets in the NBA and with Grand Rapids and Austin in the G-League. He came overseas in 2021 and played in countries like Spain, Israel, and Turkey. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Khyri for talking to germanhoops.com. After stops in Israel, Spain and Turkey, your now in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about the experience? It’s been a decent journey so far, We have a great group of guys and staff has been very professional.
Your far away from big places like Detroit and Houston. Is it still a tough adjustment to off court things or is the quaintness of Weissenfels perfect to focus more on basketball? I am not a very needy guy so adjusting isn’t a big problem at all. Learning new things each week about Germany is fun.
The SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) are an incredible organization. They won the Fiba Europe Cup in 2004 and then had many not so successful years in the BBL and even moved down to division 2 and last season surprisingly won the German Cup. What is so special about this organization? What’s special is the group of guys are very unselfish and all about winning. Which makes things a lot more fun and enjoyable.
The team have so many interesting guys like John Bryant a BBL legend in his 15th BBL season, a Spencer Reaves, the brother of NBA player Austin or Collin Welp the son of Chris who helped Germany win the 1993 Euro. There many more guys and then there is you the ex NBA player. How does your character add to the uniqueness of this years team? I think just learning from each of those guys has made my style of play be great for the entire team.
From those guys I mentioned above or others, is there a player that has had the biggest impact on you this season? I’d say Akeem Vargas or John Bryant have been most helpful and their IQ for the game is very amazing.
The team has great scoring balance as 6 guys are scoring in double figures in the BBL this season. In Frankfurt you had big shots in crunch time as did Marcus Foster. What exactly is your role on the team and can any guy be the go to guy on any night? My role is to be best version of myself on the court and lead as well.
Last summer you played with the Calgary Surge (Canada-CEBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 77.8%. What kind of experience was it. The CEBL is a rising league. How did this experience help your game more than just being at home and working out? Simply just getting back in shape from a hamstring injury and knowing how tough this league can be.
Last season you played with Socar Petkimspor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 14.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.4%. That was your second tour of duty in Turkey. You lost a tough playoff series against Fenerbahce being swept. What was so tough getting over the hump in that series? We overcame a lot that season but a team like with that much talent and experience is always challenging.
How tough was the 2022-2023 season? You began in Turkey with Tofas Bursa but then stopped palying for personal reasons, but returned later in the season to Hereda San Pablo Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 10.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 86.5%. You had to play in division 2. What did you learn about yourself in this season? That season was extremely fun and going to championship was a huge confidence boost for me personally.
In Burgos you were teammates with Rasid Mahalbasic, a very unique player that had amazing seasons in the German BBL and had a string of triple doubles. Was that one of the most versatile bigs that you played with so far overseas? Too many to name honestly.
In your first season overseas you split time with RETAbet Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga ACB) and with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) averaging 7.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; and 3.5ppg, 2.2rpg in the Euroleague. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
Just score and try to get back into the NBA.
How big of a learning lesson was the stay in Tel Aviv? You played in the Euroleague, but overall witnessed that you can´t just jump in and expect 30 minutes. How did that stay help you adjust to the ballers life overseas? To simply stay ready and control what you can control.
You had some amazing teammates in Tel Aviv with Derrick Williams, Scottie Wilbekin and James Nunnally. Was a guy like Williams a mentor for you for your first season overseas? Absolutely, those guys were very professional, extremely talented, and very welcoming.
You played your rookie season with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 29 games averaging 2.6ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call being a rookie in the NBA? Control what I can control is all I could do.
You had some real veterans on the team at the guard position like Ishmael Smith and Wayne Ellington. Was one of these guys or someone else like a mentor for you in your rookie season? Ish Smith was always in my ear and teaching me things.
In your second pro season you played 6 NBA games and 2 G-League games. How tough was this season for you? How tough is it in general to continuing to make a name in the NBA when you can´t show your abilities? Does one lose the footing that one had established in your rookie season? Each season new young guys are coming into the league? I understood it was a business and nothing personal. Just hooped like always.
In your third pro season and last in the NBA you played 5 games for Houston and 7 in the G-League. How tough was this season during Covid? Was Covid another experience that derailed your attempt to continue to try to establish yourself in the NBA? Just keep trying to prove I deserve a chance to showcase my talent.
What was the best example that you saw in your 3 years in the NBA where you saw first hand that the NBA will always be a business first? Just being able to watch veterans be so professional was truly amazing and unforgettable.
You played against so many great players like Dirk Nowitzki, Shai Gillgeous-Alexander Devin Booker or Chris Paul in the NBA, Was there one meeting on the court with a player that you will never forget? I barely played so I just walked back to the locker rooms honestly.
You played 3 seasons at Creighton (NCAA) and 102 games. You made big jumps in your game each season. How did your game grow in those 3 years? Locking in mentally and going at the other top guys we played against.
What do you remember from the great NIT Elite 8 run where you beat Alabama and Wagner but lost to BYU? That was a huge jump in my role for the team going into the next season.
You then reached 2 NCAA tournaments losing to Kansas State and Rhode Island. What memories do you have of the big dance? S What was missing from going further? Playing with with guys whose last year ended in that type of game and environment.
You had so many great games like against Depaul and St Johns in your senior year. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA?
Simply winning the games and enjoying them with family friends and teammates.
How did head coach Greg Mcdermott groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Treated me like a son of his own. Couldn’t ask for more of him.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marcus Foster? ME!!
Who is the toughest player that you have faced in your career?
Marcus Foster!!
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Not fair to the rest of guys I’ve got to play with.
Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant.
Who is your Goat? Kawhi Leonard
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I have not seen it. Couldn’t tell sorry but most people I know didn’t like the sequel.
Aytor Alberto (188-G-2000, college: Cairn, agency: Dagger Basket) is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Holland that is playing his second pro season for Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). He played split his rookie season between Breidablik Kopavogur (Iceland-Division 1) averaging 18.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 39.2%, 3FGP: 39.0%, FT: 80.3%, in Jan.’25 moved to Kufstein Towers (Austria-2.Bundesliga) averaging 11.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 64.0%. He received early basketball experience at Victory Rock Preparatory School in Florida and then played a season at Clark Summit University (NCAA3). He then balled 3 years at Cairn University (NCAA3) and had his breakout season in his last season averaging : 21.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 45 points in a game in Iceland.
Thanks Aytor for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Iceland for Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). You recently scored 45 points in a game. You have had some big games in your career, but did you know that you were capable of a feat like that?
I’m extremely confident in my game, so I would never rule out the possibility of me having a performance this big, but to say I saw this realistically coming especially now as a pro would be a lie.
Your teammate Jakorie Smith recently hit for 50 points. Did his game give you some extra motivation for your 45 points? Not necessarily, but I wanted to up my level of play moving forward just because I did not help him enough in that particular game to also secure the win along with his performance.
Did you have a special breakfast the day of your 45 points or was it just a normal day at the office with the usual pre game routine? Just a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary in regards to my routine.
How were you feeling when the game started? Did you have a good start with your game?
I was feeling very motivated, just because I knew we needed one more win to officially clinch for playoffs and the fact that we were playing against our rivals.
How quickly did you know in the game that you might have a real good scoring game?
Probably when I noticed at halftime that I already had 23 points.
How tough is it in general to have a great scoring game like that when you have another walking bucket on the team with Jakorie Smith who had 31 points in the game? It is definitely not easy especially since Jakorie is our main focal point when it comes to scoring the ball, but he is an unselfish player that allows me to also go when he notices that I’m rolling and vice versa.
The team had 13 assists not counting your 7. Was there a lot of isolation from your part?
Yes, there were several matchups that we were specifically hunting due to some players struggling to guard my speed, so we were looking for isolations against those players.
Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?
I noticed when it was like a minute left in the game, but at that point I was focused on securing the win because there has been games where we blew the lead down the stretch so I was heavily focused on making winning plays.
You saw Jakorie Smith hit for 50 and you had 45. Does that give you extra motivation to go the extra mile and shoot for 50 points in the future? Not at all. The way I ended up scoring 45 points was due to just how the flow of the game was going. Jakorie is our primary option, so I do not look at him as competition, I just try to compliment him as best as I can and if I happen to be rolling that game then so be it.
What was your favorite own basket of the game?
Probably when I attacked a switch in the second half on the right wing and hit an isolation side step three-point jump shot.
Did you get any special congrats after the win on social media? Yes, a lot of my friends and supporters from back home congratulated me.
Did you have to get donuts for the teammates? Not at all.
Kaan Kus (178-PG-1993) is a 33 year old 178cm guard playing for the Baskets Limburg. He has played with this club most of his life. He also has garnered experience with teams like TV Idstein and BC Wiesbaden. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
After almost 15 years of covering the Baskets Limburg, I finally can interview you. Sorry for the long wait. Oh that’s ok. Thanks for thinking of me.
You have been wearing a Limburg jersey for the longest time. What does it mean for you to wear this jersey?
Limburg is my home town. I play with so much love for this club. I have played for some other teams, but none ever felt like it does playing for Limburg.
What has been your summary of the season? The Baskets Limburg have been solid but not great?
Our goal this season wasn´t to move up. We have new management with Justin Stallbohm, Berkant Campinar and myself. Our motto this season was to develop the youth. We had 8 guys form Limburg. We still had a successful season. Our goal for the next years is to keep developing the youth.
What has it been like being teammates with Myles Howell? Where would you rate his poster dunk recently? He is a young athletic player that is always good spirited. I have seen many great dunks in my life, but his is at the top.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 178 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? Is Marcus Smart a good choice?
Yes Marcus Smart is correct.
Talk about your strengths as a player? You have never been much of a scorer, but what other aspects make you shine? That is true that I have never been a scorer. I´m a playmaker that brings calmness to the court. I do things that don´t pop up on the stat sheet. I bring a lot of energy to the game with my defense. I keep the team together and enjoy defending the other team´s best player.
Talk about your defensive game. Do you model your game after Marcus Smart on defense?
Yes I try to model my game after him. I´m a very nasty defender that likes to get under the skin of my opponent. I would never want to play against myself. I will get on opponent´s nerves and am able to defend bigger players.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now? I love to create for my teammates and don´t take many shots. Because of that, I´m always working on my shot, because with less shots that I take, I want to always make them.
How has your game developed over the years under Danny Stallbohm? What have you appreciated most about his coaching?
I like how he gives us freedom and just let´s us go out and play our game. If you deliver then you get minutes. He had been more offensive minded in the past, but now had become more defensive minded.
One of your best friends is Justin Stallbohm. Does he have the most incredible smile ever? Justin is a sweet guy. He has a great smile. His smile puts smiles on the faces of others.
How has he helped you be a better player over the years? We talk together a lot. We have been teammates on the court for many years. We are always helping each other on the court with tips. We have helped each other mentally to help each other get to the next level.
What is your fondest memory with Justin Stallbohm on the court? My fondest moment with Justin happened in our youth in the U-20 Oberliga. We won the Hessen U-20 title.
You played a season with the incredible Kris Douse. What memories will you always have of him?
He was an energizer and a great scorer. He was a super teammate and everyone liked him. It didn´t matter if you were young or old or a great player or not, he always tried to make everyone better.
You were also teammates with Kevin Yebo. He went from the Regionalliga to the Euroleague. Did you already see his talent 10 years ago? I saw that he was a raw diamond right away. But I had no idea that he could get to the BBL or Euroleague then. You saw right away that he had things that you couldn´t learn. He had that special athleticism and anticipation that you can´t learn. I´m still in contact with him today.
Your coolest Mantas Bernatavicius story? He was a phenomenon. He was one of our most important players even if he was never a scorer. He did such vital things like setting great blocks and being our anchor on defense. No player wanted to drive to the rim. He was so physical.
I remember in 2015 watching a young Isaac Bonga play in Limburg with Koblenz. What memories do you have of him in that game?
I remember that game with Bonga well. We all knew how talented he was. He was 3 heads bigger than me. He did a shifty spin move around me for the lay up.
What was your fondest moment on the court with a Limburg jersey? In my early years my fondest moment was when we went from the Regionalliga 2 to Regionalliga beating Kronberg with a buzzer beater.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court? Matej Kljaic. You can´t defend him on the pick and roll.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Justin Stallbohm, Berkant Campinar, Max Mattel, Kevin Yebo, Melvin Adrovic
Please name your NBA and German Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Rose
Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Pascal Roller, Per Guenther
After the massive home win over the SBB Baskets, the EPG Baskets didn´t have to have the pressure and stress to follow it up again soon after, simply because the Fiba Break was in the way. This allowed the EPG Baskets Koblenz who had lost 5 of their last 7 games to recharge their batteries and focus on the game plan ahead. With only 1 win away from the playoff spots, the team had 2 must wins in the next 3 games against the RheinStars and Paderborn, but didn´t have a cake walk with Cologne, because they were in 12th place and also in striking range of the playoffs. The RheinStars arrived into the game having won 2 of their last 3 games and had also lost 2 bitter nail bitters to Paderborn and Bremerhaven. Koblenz had to be wide awake for this next tough challenge and as usual played well for a half, but couldn´t keep up with the RheinStars who kept the pressure on and averaged 30 points in the first 3 quarters to secure the 113-96 shoot out win over the EPG Baskets Koblenz. “It was an offensive fire works from both teams. It was a physical game where we had to hit a lot of tough shots. We were well prepared and were able to match the physicality and were carried by vital Hujic shots”, stressed ex Frankfurt Skyliner Maxi Begue. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had another dismal defensive performance and proved that even when they have a strong offensive game, it isn´t always enough to pull out a victory. “Defense was a problem tonight. Our pick and roll defense was bad. Our 1-1 defense wasn´t good either. They moved the ball the way that they wanted to. We simply had no control on defense”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Aleksa Kovacevic.
Julian Larry from downtown
The EPG Baskets Koblenz were complete and had a solid start as their offense found a good rhythm right away. The ball movement was strong which led to 5 points by Ohio native Tim Smith Jr and 5 points by ex G-League player DJ Jeffries who had a trey and dunk for the quick 11-6 lead. On the pretty dunk by Jeffries, Calvin Wishart who is known for his overall stellar play especially his scoring also displayed his passing in his bag of tricks. He unleashed a pretty over the head pass in Larry Bird manner. “That was a strong pass. It looked like Larry Bird”, smiled EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein. Koblenz played fast which the RheinStars couldn´t match early and didn´t allow second chances. Their defense was solid and they continued to execute at ease on offense getting baskets from Wishart and a trey by 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck for the 21-12 Koblenz lead. Everything was working for Koblenz, but then came the turning point of the game where one player maimed the EPG Baskets mentality with Haris Hujic (193-SG-1997, agency: LUMANI 10.7). He scored 11 unanswered points as suddenly the RheinStars led 23-21. “We began slow. I hit some big three´s and woke my boys up. Then we executed our game plan the way we wanted to”, stressed Haris Hujic. Often in the past when one opponent gets hot, it has hurt Koblenz´s mentality to where they totally switch off all engines. “When one guy gets hot, we have to be able to stop other guys. We couldn´t do that through the course of the game”, warned Tim Smith Jr. Koblenz stopped the run and then got some three´s from ex Munster guard Julian Larry and from Buck again to lead 29-28 after 10 minutes. “We saw a wild west show at both ends of the court from us. When you know what a Hujic is capable of doing, you can´t let him get off like that”, stressed Thomas Klein.
Haris Hujic at the FT line
In the second quarter the RheinStars Cologne continued to execute with ease while there were 8 lead changes and the EPG Baskets Koblenz stayed with the guests, but then Haris Hujic got going again and Koblenz mentally shit off again and allowed the guests to take total control of the game. Ex easyCredit BBL player Aleksa Kovacevic carried the EPG Baskets in the first minutes with timely scoring as he added 10 points, but that didn´t faze the RheinStars as they continued to execute well and had no lapses. They got good support from their bench with German Jasper Gunether made a lay in, German Bjoern Rohwer made a last second desperation shot before the shot clock buzzer with a trey and ex Kirchheim guard Mike Miller made a fade away jumper as the game was deadlocked at 43-43. Then once again came Haris Hujic on to the stage and just destroyed Koblenz with 9 unanswered points with 3 three´s as the RheinStars led 53-43. The guests controlled the boards a lot better in the second quarter and had 8 offensive rebounds at the break. They also took good care of the ball with only 4 turnovers. They got good rebounding and scoring from French forward Kenny Baptiste with free throws and a jumper by Miller as the RheinStars led 59-47 at halftime. “We lost control of the game after Hujic´s hot shooting. We weren´t focused anymore and had no positive body language”, stated Thomas Klein.
Calvin Wishart at the FT line
The RheinStars continued pouring it on in the third quarter as their offensive execution continued, but defensively the EPG Baskets Koblenz had little to offer. “You have to give credit to the RheinStars in that they played well, but we let them play well”, said Thomas Klein. The RheinStars Cologne knew where Koblenz´s weak spot was and attacked it getting easy baskets inside by Miller, Baptiste, Rohwer (dunk) and a floater by Hujic to preserve the healthy lead. Koblenz got some three´s by Tim Smith Jr, but couldn´t gain any real ground as they trailed 71-57. The EPG Baskets continued to execute well getting some lay in´s by Minnesota native Calvin Wishart and from German Jonas Niedermanner to trail 76-64, but all in all, they were always a step slower on the rebound and on the closeout. The guests just continued to execute at ease and then also stepped up their defense a notch as they went on a lethal 13-5 run to close out the third quarter and have the commanding 91-69 advantage after 30 minutes. In the run, the guests received great support from scoring ace Cedrick Russell who played at Ohio State (NCAA) with 7 points while solid bench player Nate Watson who balled at Longwood College (NCAA) added 5 points in the romp. “We wanted to come into the third quarter and keep the momentum and bring the same energy form the second quarter and did. We motivated each other and had more energy”, stated Maxi Begue. “We weren´t focused and couldn´t generate stops. I feel like compared to other games, we did force them to tough shots. Hujic made some contested shots”, added Tim Smith Jr.
Bjoern Rohwer with the dunk
In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets scored 27 points, but couldn´t get a miracle on the defensive end as they allowed 22 points and got the loss. The EPG Baskets actually had a good start in the last frame going on a 11-5 run. One felt that they had more energy and the body language was better. Koblenz got hot from outside as Larry nailed 2 three´s and Wishart another as they trailed 96-80. However the RheinStars began to execute better again especially attacking the rim as Miller scored twice while the EPG Baskets Koblenz went the 1-1 route on offense as there was no structure in their game. Smith and ex Oldenburg center Marko Bacak connected for three´s, but the uphill climb was still so great at 105-86 and time was elapsing rapidly. Smith continued to leave his heart on the court as he connected on 5 more points, but they still trailed 111-92. Ex Skyliner Begue got some garbage points at the end to finish with 8 points in 15 minutes. The RheinStars had the big lead and the win in hand, so sthey hut down their machine a bit in crunch-time allowing the result at the end to look a bit more respectable. “We still had to be awake, because they are a dangerous team. They fought hard, but we finished the game strong”, stressed Maxi Begue. “We had no structure and were down 20 points. We tried to get something going, but couldn´t”, stressed Tim Smith Jr. The RheinStars Cologne presented 5 guys in double figures and were led by Haris Hujic with 26 points. Michael Miller added 19 points and Cedrick Russell 18 points while the EPG Baskets Koblenz also had 5 guys score in double figures led by Tim Smith Jr with 23 points while Aleksa Kovacevic added 16 points and Calvin Wishart 15 points. The RheinStars Cologne shot 56% from the field and 52% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 46% from the field and 46% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
German Hoops 