berlin

Jamie Edoka(Skyliners) Knew 100% That His Corner 3 Was Going In When He Released It For His First BBL Points Against Alba Berlin



Foto: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) is a 195cm point guard that plays for the easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. He just completed his Pro B season averaging 10,oppg, 3,7repg and 2,6apg as well as leading the NBBL U-19 team into the playoffs. He played his third easyCredit BBL game against Alba Berlin and registered his first BBL points. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the loss to Alba Berlin.

Thanks Jamie for talking to germanhoops.com. Happy Easter. How did you spend easter?

Yesterday I was in Berlin with the team. Today I was home with my family. We all got together and had a nice Easter meal.

You suffered a tough 89-68 loss on the road to Alba Berlin. Did the team still have the Rostock loss on their minds?

I don´t think that the Rostock loss was still in our heads. That was a tough loss to Rostock where we fought very hard and should of won, but we were focused for Alba Berlin and wanted to compete and win.

What was it like entering the Uber arena? Was it as overwhelming as in Munich?

I actually think that Berlin was more overwhelming. My feeling when I entered the area was wow. I have never been in such a big and modern arena like that. It was shocking.

Alba Berlin took a rapid 8-0 lead. Did their aggressiveness going inside overwhelm Frankfurt?

A bit. They were very present from the start. They overran us from the start. They defended very aggressively and forced us to many turnovers.

Malik Parsons kept Frankfurt in the game with his overpowering individual qualities. Where would the team be without him?

That is hard to say. He is an incredible individual 1-1 player. He has helped us a lot this season with his 1-1 qualities. He is a very important building block on the team.

In the second quarter, Alba Berlin remained very aggressive on offense and Frankfurt didn´t execute well on offense. What was giving you as a team the biggest problems executing on the offensive end?

The Alba Berlin guards pressured us very well. We had problems getting into our plays. They denied well and their defensive awareness was excellent.

In the third quarter Alba Berlin continued to be overpowering and led as much as 21 points. How tough is it trying to come back by so much in an atmosphere like Berlin?

It is always a big challenge to play in Berlin. It is one of the toughest places to play in the BBL. The fans are loud and plus they are a Euroleague team that has good quality. Alba Berlin often had the momentum and it is hard to come back against that.

What was on your mind in the fourth quarter? The game was over. Did you think that you would get in?

I had played 3 minutes in the second quarter and had had a good feel of the game. I was supporting the team from the bench and was hoping to get back in. When I did go in again, I was very happy.

What was it like defending a player like Martin Hermannsson? What is most difficult in trying to slow him down?

He is a quick playmaking guard. He is high level that hits tough shots and also few up some alley oops. He can create for himself and others.

You got your first BBL points at the 1,42 minute mark. What did that feel like?

It was a good feeling. When I got the ball in the corner, everything felt good. I didn´t hesitate and shot it right away. At first I didn´t realize that it went in. I realized it when I was running back and saw my teammates clapping and shouting.

Did you know it was going in when you released it?

I knew 100% that it was going in

Do you get the green light to shoot from Klaus Perwas when your open`

I have the green light. He always preaches to not think about it, but make the right decision- I knew right when I got the ball that I would shoot it.

How much hunger do you have now to get the next basket?

I have much hunger. I know that I still have a long way to go to be able to play at a high level. I have been fortunate to play Munich and Berlin in only my third BBL game. I know what I have to do to be able to play at a high level and see how far I am from guys like Theodore or Parsons. With every new practice and game, My fire inside continues to grow.

What did you learn from the bench in the Alba Berlin game? I´m sure you learn something new every game?

I was impressed how Alba played the help defense. They always had an eye open. I watched how well Hermannsson reads the pick and roll and is able to make the right decision. I also try to learn from Theodore and Parsons how they make their hesitations.

Has Jordan Theodore been like a mentor for you? Did he take you under your wing?

I wouldn´t say that he has been a mentor. He is an older teammate that has taken me under his wing in a certain way. We don´t have the typical veteran/rookie relationship. I often ask him for advice and he is always willing to help me.

The team had 22 turnovers. What do you believe did the team learn from the loss?

I think that the Alba game was a good test to see where we stand now at the end of the season. We had a way better second half taking care of the ball.

What was your impression of Alba Berlin? Will they make the playoffs?

I think so. They had a tough start to the season, but have recovered. They belong to the better teams in the last months. They are fine now.

Frankfurt next plays Rasta Vechta who they beat 80-74 on the road. What will be key to getting the win?

Important now is that we can recover from the double week. We will strive for good practices this week so we will be ready for Vechta.

Who will reach the NBA final and who will win it?

I have Oklahoma City vs Boston with the Thunder winning.

Thanks Jamie for the chat.