It is always interesting for me to see how many connections I have with a player. With some guys, I just interview them and that’s it. There is no connection. With other guys there may be just 1 connection for example that we come from the same state or something. With other players, the connection may be more intense. One player from the way past that I had a connection with was Chris Rojik. The most obvious connection is that were from Boston and both adore the Celtics. Another connection we have is that he played his last pro season in the Frankfurt Skyliners organization one I have been covering for more than 20 years. Another connection was that I remember observing him play in a pre season tournament almost 20 years ago in Rhondorf in 2006. 4 teams competed then with Rhondorf with Rojik, the Frankfurt Skyliners that had a great roster that season with guys like Travon Bryant, Eric Chadfield and George Reese, but no chemistry that totally underachieved, the Telekom Baskets Bonn that had amazing character guys like Jason Conley and John Bowler and the Rhein Stars Cologne that had top player Demond Mallet that had already won a BBL title with Bamberg in 2005 and 2 years later would win the ULEB Cup with Ricky Rubio and the beast Marcin Gortat who had began with basketball very late and only 1 year later would commence a 13 year NBA career something that not many could have predicted in 2006 except for maybe Stephan Baeck. “I remember Marcin was young, tall, skinny and athletic. He obviously became a great player but at the time I didn’t think he was going to play in the NBA”, stated Chris Rojik. In 2006 Rojik was a top second Bundesliga player coming off a 17/9 season and would have a few more potent years ahead of him. He would go on to play 13 pro seasons in Germany.

Christopher Rojik (200-F-1974, college: Holy Cross) who lists Magic, MJ, Bird, Duncan, and Shaq on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore was born on September 5, 1974 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was 9 years old when the Boston Celtics won their second NBA title with Bird and 11 years old when they won in 1986. He was growing up at a time when Boston Sports was flourishing as the Redsox reached the World Series and Patriots the Super Bowl as well in 1986. It was only logical that he was a diehard Boston Celtics fan. “Growing up in the 80s and 90s I got to see the greatest basketball in the NBA and college. Boston was and is the sports capital of the world so I was lucky. I have great memories watching the games growing up. The rivalries were great back then”, stressed Chris Rojik. The Celtics had so many great players, but it was no surprise who his favorite players wee back in the mid 80´s when the Celtics ruled the NBA. “It had to be the big three, Bird, McHale and Parish. Have to include Dennis Johnson and Ainge as well”, said Chris Rojik. He played college ball at Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts from 1993-1997. “I had a great experience at Holy Cross and was lucky to be a part of that program. I played with a lot of great players and fortunate to be coached by some great coaches. Besides Patriot League and Ivy League schools, we played Boston College, UMass, Cal, Santa Clara, Butler, Northwestern. Great times traveling the country and playing teams from all over”, added Chris Rojik. He made big strides in his game in his last 2 seasons averaging 13,0ppg and 6,0 rpg as an undersized big at 200cm. “I developed a three-point shot and became more of a perimeter player my last two years”, commented Chris Rojik. He was fortunate to be coached by William Raynor and George Blaney who were 2 individuals that groomed and prepared him to have an enriching career overseas. “They were great coaches and I was lucky to play for them in college. So many great memories of practices and games and being with the team. A great learning experience that I will always remember”, expressed Chris Rojik.

Holy Cross teammates reunited

The big man who remembers having his battles with John Kerr at Holy Cross on the court, but doesn´t remember the outcomes came overseas in 1998 and played most of his pro career with second Bundesliga team Dragons Rhondorf for 9 seasons. His first tour of duty occurred from 1998-2000. Every American overseas have their classical wake up call to being overseas and it wasn´t any different with Rojik. “The wakeup call was seeing players sent back home to the states if they had a bad game”, remembered Chris Rojik. I actually had another connection with him in that he was teammates with current Frankfurt Skyliners CEO Gunnar Wobke, a guy I have known for more than 2 decades and seen and talked with at games. He had a very special connection with Gunnar Wobke that not many players would ever have. “Gunnar was awesome. He gave me my first job in Rhoendorf and my last one in Frankfurt”, smiled Chris Rojik. He then played in Iserlohn from 2000-2003 helping move them up to the Second Bundesliga averaging 25,0ppg in the Regionalliga and in the Second Bundesliga averaged 26/10 in his last season there. “I had great times in Iserlohn. We had some good teams playing in the second Bundesliga. I remember Quackenbruck going undefeated and destroying everybody with Chris Fleming as coach”, said Chris Rojik. He was fortunate to have been teammates with the great Matthias Grothe who unfortunately passed away in 2017. He is a guy that has forever remained in his heart. “Matthias was a good friend of mine and I still stay in contact with his family. He was a great player, teammate, coach, and friend. Watch out, his son might play in the NBA someday”, warned Chris Rojik.

Battling against his ex teammate Matthias Grothe

The American then returned back to Rhondorf for the down stretch of his career and also his best years as a player. “Rhoendorf was a great place to live and play basketball. We won a lot of games and had a lot of success”, said Chris Rojik. In his first 2 seasons he averaged 20/7 and in his next 2 seasons 17/7. In his second to last season probably had his best personal season averaging 19.1ppg, Reb-5 (9.1rpg), 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 80.5%. He topped off his stay in Rhondorf helping them win the Pro B title in 2010 averaging 16.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.3apg, FGP-3 (67.7%), 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 80.2%. “I had some great teammates in the Pro A and B. Every season we were competitive and one of the top teams in the league. The 2010 season was fun”, smiled Chris Rojik. That 2009-2020 team was very special. They had talented guys like Deandre Spraggins and Nick Larsen just to name a few. “Larsen was a great captain and point guard. Spraggins had the perfect season that year with his highlight dunks and threes. We had some great road wins. The team had a good mix of veterans and young guys”, remembered Chris Rojik. He was also fortunate to the see the future of German basketball develop and grow and was teammates with a very young Jonas Bottermann-Wolfarth that would go on to have a great career in Germany. “What memories did he have of young German Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann. It took him a few years to make his breakthrough but he did. Was he still a bit raw when you were teammates? “WoBo was awesome just dunking on everybody left and right. It’s great to see all the success he’s had over the last decade”, said Chris Rojik. He then finished his pro career overseas with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt Second Team (Germany-ProB) averaging 18.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 87.4%. “I had a great year at Frankfurt playing and coaching. Thankful for all the coaches there. It was fun to coach the young guys and see their success as they got older”, stressed Chris Rojik. Did he notice in the 2010-2011 season that something special was developing in Frankfurt with their youth program? Guys like Voigtmann and Barthel would join soon after and become Euroleague players? “Coach Perwas and Herbert are great coaches so all the success they had completely makes sense! Their focus on young German talent is also very significant”, added Chris Rojik. So where is Chris Rojik in 2025? Of course back in his home state. “I’ve been living in the Boston area since 2011 with my wife and three kids and everything is going great. I’ve coached all of my kids through youth basketball and AAU”, said Chris Rojik. Is there anything that he specifically misses about the game. “There’s nothing like getting on a court and playing basketball. I still get to run up and down once in a while. You can usually find me on the sidelines now coaching my kids. That keeps me involved in the game”, added Chris Rojik. One thing is for sure bigs that played in Germany during the 2000´s will never forget the game of Chris Rojik who was an undersized big, but that already had the modern day big man game 20 years ago.

Dorian Grosber (197-PG-2006) is an 18 year old 197cm forward from Luxemburg playing in the Alba Berlin organization. He primarily plays for the farm team Lok Bernau averaging 9/4/2 and and for the NBBL (U-19) team averaging 11/6/3/2. He also has played 2 Euroleague games. Last season he played 10 games for Lok Bernau averaging 2,8ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,7apg and with the NBBL team averaged 9/6/3. In the 2022-2023 season he helped Alba Berlin win the NBBL title averaging 5/3/1. He began his basketball career with BBC Sparta Bertrange U17 team (EYBL) and also played with the CFBB Luxembourg U16 team (EYBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com before the 2025 NBBL tournament in Berlin.

You are from Luxemburg and began your career at BBC Sparta Bertrange U17 team. What memories do you have from these years? Did you have a mentor growing up in Luxemburg?

I remember winning the u18 Cup Final. That was a very nice memory. I had a lot of people helping me in Luxembourg, but the coach who helped me the most was Christophe Flammang, who was also my school teacher in 6th grade.

You played 2 World Cup qualifying games for Luexmburg. What kind of an experience was that? What is the state of Luxemburg basketball? Are there some other interesting young players coming up besides yourself?

It was an unforgivable experience to represent my country. Luxembourg basketball is evolving a lot in the past years. We have good talents with Namik Muratovic from Bayern Munich, Ehis Etute (Oregon) and Isa Hamalainen (Colorado)

You came to Alba Berlin in 2022. How special was the NBBL team in 2022-2023. It has some really great players like Rikus Schulte, Ellias Rapique and Linus Ruff just to name a few.

We had a very special team with incredible talents on every position. The team chemistry was amazing. I still have contact with a lot of them. I learned a lot from Elias, Nils and even Jack Kayil, who’s my age.

Last season the Young Rasta Dragons beat Alba Berlin in 3 games in the semi-finals. How tough was that series and what will you always learn from it?

It was tough, because I came back from an injury that series and the Top4 was in Berlin. I learned that losing only makes you stronger.

You continue to make steps in the Alba Berlin organization. Has there been a coach in the last years that has impacted you most with his basketball teaching?

My NBBL coach Vladimir Bogojevic and the individual coach Emanuele Berti have for sure had the most impact on me. I learned and am still learning many things from them.

You have had your break out season in the Pro B with Lok Bernau averaging 11/6/3 stats. How has your game grown in the Pro B this season?

Being used to playing against grown men since last season, has helped my game to grow this year. The confidence in my shot is slowly coming and being able to play through contact helps.

You also train with easyCredit BBL team Alba Berlin. How challenging has that been. What have you learned in the short time from Pedro Calles? He really has turned the season around.

It was challenging at first because of the pace they play at. You need to take quicker decisions and react faster. I learned from him that as a young player you have to work hard and always give 100%.

Is there a player that has had a real big impact on you? Maybe a Matt Thomas or a Martin Hermannsson?

No, not really. Elias Rapieque is helping me a lot, with giving tips and answering questions.. But I really like to observe how professional and how dedicated Matt Thomas is. He’s a really good role model for young players.

You have played a few Euroleague games. How cool has that been? Did you have jitters going into the Milan game?

That was so cool. Seeing the best players in Europe, like Mike James, was unreal. I was so freaking nervous against Milan, and winning the game too, was incredible.

How big is your goal to have a flourishing basketball career? You got a 1 on your German school test despite speaking French and English. What interests do you have outside of basketball if you had to have another job outside of basketball?

Basketball is my main goal. I like architecture, so something with buildings or designing houses.

Who is the toughest player that you have battled in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

I practiced with Franz and Mo Wagner, so probably them. I played against some top prospects in this year’s NBA Draft like Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré and Kasparas Jakucionis.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jack Kayil,Rikus Schulte, Elias Rapieque, Nils Machowski, David Torresani

Please list your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore of your 4 best players in each category?

I just want to say it’s my favourite players

Nba: Lebron James, Anthony Edwards, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady

Euroleague Kevin Punter, Wade Baldwin, Mike James, Milos Teodosic

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Who will reach the NBA final and then win it all?

Cavs and Wolves and the Cavs winning it all.

Thanks Dorian for the chat.

Marcus Graves (185-G-1996, college: Sacramento St.) is a 28 year old 185cm point guard that was born in San Diego that is playing his 6th professional season and second overseas with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA). He began his basketball career with Independence High School and also played at Westview High School. He then played 3 seasons with Sacramento State University and as a senior averaged 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.4apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 79.2%. He played his first 4 pro seasons in the G-League with the Stockton Kings, Salt Lakke City Stars, Wisconsin Herd and G-League Ignite. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Marcus for talking to germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would call it a mix of a lot of people. Growing up I loved watching guys like Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Russell Westbrook.

You averaged 5apg in the NCAA and once 7,0apg in the G-League. Are you a pass first point guard?

100%, I just try and play basketball the right way, make the right play every single time.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet very well. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

Getting other guys involved and managing the game, that’s been something I’ve tried to focus a lot on.

You have always been kind of a streaky three point shooter. What do you have to do to reach the magical 40% plateau?

Just keep being confident and keep putting in the work.

How have you seen the development of your defense in the last years? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’ve been trying to improve every day, it’s all just a mentality. I have the defensive tools and it’s been something I’ve been trying to focus on.

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

Being a more consistent shooter, I think that will open up a whole new world for me.

You played 4 years in the G-League for 4 teams. What positives did you get from these years? What was the biggest challenge?

Just learning how to be a professional and stay true to myself. The G is very up and down and as an individual you have to hold yourself accountable.

You had a really good stint with Wisconsin. Do you feel like you could have had a NBA call up with more time?

Potentially, I only played half a season there and felt like it was a really great spot for me.

You played your rookie season with the Stockton Kings (NBA G League) averaging 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 71.7%. What do you remember being your wake upcall to being a pro player?

Just adjusting to a role. Most guys come from college and were the best player on their team so adjusting to fitting into a role was challenging for me at first.

How big of a role model was a guy like Gabe Vincent. He began in the G-League and had to pay his dues and later reached the NBA in your rookie season and never left?

Gabe and I have a great relationship, we share the same mentor/trainer and agent so we usually are together all summer. The bond and brotherhood we’ve created runs deeper than basketball. Seeing where he is today is no surprise because I’ve seen the work he’s put in.

In your second season you played with the Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League) averaging 8.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 75.0%. What memories do you have of head coach Nathan Peavy and assistant Bryan Bailey? Both played in Germany in the BBL. Will one get a NBA head coaching job one day?

Both were great guys, it was a short season because it was the bubble but I had a great experience with both of them.

In the 2020-2021 season you split time with the Stockton Kings (NBA G League) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 73.0%, in Feb.’22 signed at Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League) averaging 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 7.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 34.4%. What was it like splitting the season with 2 teams. How difficult is it in the G-League to find a groove when you have to move around? You showed you could with the Herd?

It was tough getting traded mid season but for me when I switched teams I just went in with the mindset to be myself, and Wisconsin was a great fit for me.

What was it like playing with Frank Mason? Was it a challenge battling him in practices?

Frank was a good dude, great player. Obviously has had great accomplishments in his career and playing against him and learning things from him is something i don’t forget for sure.

You Played your last season in the G-League with the G League Ignite (NBA G League) averaging 6.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 73.5%. Did you lose faith in the NBA process?

I didn’t lose faith, Ignite came to me and I thought it would be a unique experience in my basketball life. I loved that year, on and off the court it’s something i wouldn’t trade for anything.

What was it like being teammates with ultra veteran Pooh Jeter? What could you soak up most from his game?

Pooh is definitely one of my top teammates ever. Great basketball career and player but the thing I learned most from Pooh was just being present, his energy and love for basketball and life every day is something you don’t see a lot.

You played 3 years at Sacramento State University (NCAA) and made a big jump as a senior averaging 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.4apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 79.2%. How did your game grow in your senior year?

I had back surgery the year before so sitting out a whole year I had a lot of time to develop my game and my body and the work all showed my senior year.

You were teammates with Nick Hornsby and was reunited last season playing against him in the Pro A. Is he one the most versatile players that you ever played with?

Nick is like a baby Draymond Green, he just plays basketball the right way and does a little bit of everything.

You had many huge games in the NCAA. What was your biggest personal game in the NCAA?

Probably having the first triple double in Sacramento State history

How did head coach Brian Katz groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Creating a routine and embracing the underdog role. Understanding I’ll never be given anything has always stuck with me

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Cody Demps?

We are probably even

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

Victor Wembanyama

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s tough, so many great ones to just narrow down to 5, definitely a lot on this Trier team now.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron, Kobe, MJ and Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

Jacob Gilyard (175-PG-1998, college: Richmond) is a 25 year old 175cm point guard from Kansas City Missouri playing his third professional season and first overseas with easy Credit BBL team Niners Chemnitz. He began the season with the Cleveland Charge (NBA G League) averaging 8.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 6.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 40.9%, 3FGP: 34.7%, FT: 72.2%. Last season he split time with the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets and with G-League teams Memphis Hustle and the Long Island Nets. He played his rookie season with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League averaging 8.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-1 (8.8apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 90.2%. He began his basketball career at Barstow High School and then played at the University Of Richmond (NCAA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 154 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career

Thanks Jacob for talking to germanhoops.com. You began the season with the Cleveland Charge (NBA G League) averaging 8.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 6.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 40.9%, 3FGP: 34.7%, FT: 72.2%. Why did you go? Did you lose a little faith in the NBA process?

I just felt it was time. I don’t think Cleveland was really the best situation for me. But I just wanted to get to a situation and find joy and fun playing again and I think Chemnitz has allowed me to do so.

How big of a goal is it getting back to the NBA via Europe? Have you set a plan or just take it day by day?

I just take it day by day. I know how the NBA works and there’s new guys coming in every year and the younger guys usually get the benefit of the doubt. So we’ll see. I’ve been watching more BBL and Euroleague games than NBA or College. and truthfully, since being over here I haven’t really put too much thought into it. Just being where my feet are.

You began your professional career with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 8.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-1 (8.8apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 90.2%. You had 22 games with 10 assists or more in a game. You won the G-League assist title. How special is a title like that?

I had a really good team my rookie year with the Hustle. I thought I showed what NBA teams would want to see and we were one of the best teams in the G that year. So it was a great start and the title was great to have. Just means I was fortunate enough to play with some good players!

You were rewarded with playing a NBA game against the Thunder having a 3/4/7/2 game in 41 minutes. How did you feel when you checked in and what do you remember from that game? The team dressed only 6 players.

Of course I remember. I was nervous and just trying to help the team in any way. I definitely didn’t expect to play 41 minutes but it was certainly something I’ll never forget.

In your second pro season you had a very good NBA Summer League with the Grizzlies and were rewarded playing 37 games averaging 4.7ppg, 1.2rpg, 3.5apg,and played 6 G-League games averaging 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 8.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 35.4%. You had 2 good games against Golden State in losing causes and other solid games. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I’m pretty sure we won one of those games but it was a blessing getting to play in so many games. Fondest moment i’s hard to pick honestly. I started at the Staples center against Lebron James. Got a block on Stephen Curry. Got a steal on Jayson Tatum. I would probably have to say getting my first start was the coolest moment and being able to share that with my Dad in the stands was special. Early in the season when we were trying to figure out how to stay afloat (I think game 11 or 14 of the season). I got a call saying I was going to start. So hearing my name called out for the lineups was a pretty cool moment for me.

You were teammates with Derrick Rose. How much could you soak up from him and did he take you under his wing?

Pooh! That’s a legend. DRose was a great vet, player, mentor, friend, or whatever you want to call him, he was great at it. It’s hard to explain but when he was talking, it was like everybody should be listening. I don’t know how to describe it but yeah any chance I got to ask questions or talk about basketball or life with him, it was super impactful to me.

You were then briefly with the Brooklyn Nets and played 4 games. You were teammates with Dennis Schroeder. How did you experience him in the short time there?

He was great. One of the most competitive people I’ve ever met. Playing alongside him and seeing him do what he does in action was really good to experience, especially as a small guard. I actually got to play him earlier in the season when he was with Toronto which was fun to get a chance to go up against him. But he was helpful, I tried to pick his brain and get some pointers on areas of the game and he was quick to share knowledge. He actually texted me after we played Braunschweig my first game and was talking trash! So hopefully we get to play them in the playoffs and he finds a way to show up to a game.

You played at the University of Richmond (NCAA) from 2017-2022 reaching the big dance in 2022. What kind of a player were you coming in in 2017 and what kind of a player when you left in 2022?

I think I was just a kid trying to play. I didn’t really know how difficult college basketball was, I just thought I was good and eventually it would show, but I didn’t expect to have the type of success I did that early. I think I left as a player who was battle tested and had been through ups and downs and always found a way to adapt.

You won the Atlantic 10 title in 2022 over Davidson. Was that one of your biggest wins in the NCAA? You got revenge after losing 87-84 some months earlier.

Sort of. It was the A10 championship so it was a huge deal for us. But beating Iowa in the tournament was probably a bigger deal and then beating Kentucky in Rupp Arena was pretty special.

In your fourth season you beat Kentucky scoring 6 points and dishing out 6 dimes. What memories do you have of that game beating a NCAA powerhouse and future NBA players?

I just remember not really having a sold out arena because of Covid which made it less fun, but still was the bright spot of that year. I think I was on Sportscetner top 10 after that game for a play I made so that was probably the thing I remember most.

You played 3 seasons with Blake Francis. He said this about you in an interview I did with him last season. “We always definitely made each other better and got the best of each other. And yeah, him having success at the NBA/G-League level drives me to keep going because you never know what may happen in the future. What memories will you always have of him? Did you guys become like brothers?

Blake was as tough and competitive as they come. He was exactly what we needed at Richmond when he transferred in. His first year playing was the year the Covid shut down the tournament, but I think we would have made some noise had it not been canceled.

How did head coach Chris Mooney groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I think coach did a good job of preparing me for being on the court with better players. We played a style of offense that was unpredictable and did not depend on one person having the ball in their hand the whole game. So as a pro (especially in the NBA) I found myself without the ball a lot and other guys making plays and being able to play off the ball. I think he preached playing the right way and that is something that is universal in this game so just continuing to always do that has gotten me to where I am today.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Blake Francis?

I’d say Blake and I had our fair share of battles. One day he would win and then the next day I would win… Just always back and forth. But in the end, we always brought out the best in each other.

Who the toughest player you battled that reached the NBA ?

I think the toughest player I ever had to guard was James Harden. That was my matchup for the Clippers last year. It was super fun and challenging to get to go against one of the best guards to ever play the game.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Michael Porter Jr. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson, Grant Golden.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Stephen 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?

I did not watch that sequel. Usually sequels are not as good as the original, so I tend to stay away from them.

Thanks Jacob for the chat.

Jordan Davis (188-G-1997, college: N.Colorado) is a 27 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Sigal Prishtina. He began the season with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-Liga ACB) and then in Nov.’24 moved to Hestia Menorca (Spain-Primera FEB) averaging 26.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.0apg, 2.0spg and then was briefly with ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL). Last season he played with CS Antonine (Lebanon-LBL) averaging 23.7ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 74.4%. In the 2022-2023 season he split time with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 7.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 6.3%, FT: 65.4%: and in the BCL averaged 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, FT: 80.0%, in Feb.’23 moved to the Veolia Towers Hamburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 11.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg. He played with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-Liga ACB) from 2020-2022 averaging 11.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 64.8% and 10.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, Steals-5 (1.3spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 75.3%. In his rookie season he split time with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 12.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3FGP: 22.2%, FT: 66.7%; in Nov.’19 moved to Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL) averaging 11.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.2% then signed at Hapoel SP Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) averaging 16.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 14.8%, FT: 63.0% He began his basketball career at / Canyon Springs High School. He then played at the University Of Northern Colorado (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 128 games and as a senior averaged 23.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball

Thanks Jordan for talking to germanhoops.com. You had short stints with Vechta and Hamburg. Could you ever imagine playing a whole season in Germany. What did you appreciate most about the country when you lived there?

I definitely wouldn’t have any problems playing in Germany it just depends on the playing style and financial situation of the opportunity. I appreciate the relationship that I made with my teammates Vechta (Trev Simpson, Kamari Murphy, Ish Wainwright) and Hamburg (Ryan Taylor).

Your played your first season with at ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL). What kind of an experience has it been playing in Greece after playing mostly in Spain?

I love my experience with Promitheas (Greece). I love the playing style of the Greek League. It’s a lot of great teams and talent in the Greek League.

Your still seeking your first pro chip. How much potential does this team have and can it make noise in the Basketball Champions League?

I think the team has a great opportunity to put together a run to shock people in BCL.

How tough is it in general to come to a new team so late in a season? You have needed no adjustment period as you had some really good games?

I think don’t think it’s that hard of an adjustment. I always focused on what abilities of mine can I add to a team and focused on plugging those pieces. That’s what has allowed me to have some success.

What has it been like joining a talented and crowded back court with Jordan Walker and Isaiah Reese? What have you appreciated most about their games?

It’s been a great experience playing with those two. It’s allowed me to take pieces of their games and add to mine and vice verses. The best part about it is the ability we have to make each other better. Iron sharpens iron.

You began the season with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 5.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 38.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%, in Nov.’24 moved to Hestia Menorca (Spain-Primera FEB) averaging 26.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.0apg, 2.0spg. How vital was it for your self-confidence playing so well in Feb after a tough start in the ACB. Why was your stay with Rio Breogan so short?

I know I have the ability to play in any league. So the self confidence part was never a problem. I think it was about letting people else know that I can play.

Last season you played with CS Antonine (Lebanon-LBL) averaging 23.7ppg), 5.4rpg, Assists-3 (6.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 74.4%. What kind of an experience was it seeing a different part of the world? What was your fondest moment there?

I loved my experience in Lebanon. The style of basketball I enjoyed and I played against some talented players that I wouldn’t have expected to see in that league. I cherish the relationship that I made with my teammates and organization.

You played parts of 3 seasons with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-Liga ACB). How vital was the ACB in general for your game? How did your game grow in this time?

UCAM/ACB allowed me to slow my pace down and become a better playmaker.

You were teammates with Thaddeus Mcfadden. What memories will you always have of him. Was he like a mentor for you?

McFadden developed a relationship that extends till this day. I think that the best lessons I learned were from us having to compete against each other every day. Allowing us to learn from each other. Iron sharpens iron.

You had many great games in the ACB, but I can imagine your 27 points in the win over FC Barcelona was your fondest moment? What memories do you have of that game?

The 27 points against Barca was definitely a great moment. I just remember DJ Strawberry telling me that I was a killer lol.

What did it feel like holding your own against great players like Nick Calathes and others. Did a game like that satisfy your inner self seeing that you could be the best player among ex NBA players?

I feel like I can play on every level of Europe basketball. I think playing against guys like Nick Calathes and other legends allows me to gain more knowledge, experience, and respect for the level of Overseas basketball.

You played your rookie season with BAXI Manresa (Spain-ACB) averaging 12.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3FGP: 22.2%, FT: 66.7%; and in Nov.’19 moved to Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL) averaging 11.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.2% then signed at Hapoel SP Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) averaging 16.1ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 14.8%, FT: 63.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call that season where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think my wake up call was having to travel by myself. From leaving the states to go to Spain then leaving there and going to Germany by yourself not truly knowing how to travel internationally by yourself. I left Manresa thinking I had to take everything with me and I remember trying to manage traveling with 6 suitcases by myself lol.

How tough was this season for you? Did it feel like your were living out of a suitcase? What did you learn from this season?

I definitely had moments of where you feel like you can’t completely settle in because you can move at any point but I think that it gave me a better understanding of how the business of basketball works.

You finished the season strong in Israel. You were teammates with veteran Mark Lyons. What memories will you always have of him? Could you soak anything up from his work ethic? He is still playing overseas today.

Actually Mark Lyons wasn’t on the team when I was there. However, I used to get comparisons of our work ethic and how hard we both worked on our craft.

You lost a tough playoff series to Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Were you in awe playing against Amare Stoudemire? Did you exchange any words? What memories do you have?

I think playing against Maccbi was a great experience. Me and Amare didn’t really speak. However, we did laugh about things that were happening on the court. My fondest memory is seeing people around the arena with flares lol.

Before turning pro, you played NBA Summer League with the Denver Nuggets averaging 6.8ppg, 1.3rpg, FGP: 23.8%, 3PT: 31.3%. What kind of an experience was that? You faced some future NBA guys. You had good games against Houston and Boston.

Summer league was a great experience. Summer league gave me a sense that I belonged but I needed to get better.

You never went the G-League route but came overseas.Did you never think that the NBA was realistic for you? Often guys try a few years of the G-League and then go overseas.

I considered the G-League but I only considered it if it was the right playing and finical situation.

You played at the University of Northern Colorado (NCAA) from 2015-2019 and topped it off with a massive senior year averaging 23.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 80.0%. You won the CIT title as a junior and scored 29 points in the final. What memories do you have of that run?

The biggest moment I remember from winning the CIT was texting coach Linder before the game that I was going to bring us home the Championship.

You had so many great games including a 36 point explosion against S Utah in a win. What was your favorite own performance in the NCAA?

My favorite experience was winning the CIT championship.

How did Jeff Linder groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Linder gave me the blueprint of what it will take to be a true professional on and off court. He held me accountable to always be better and always be improving.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jonah Radebaugh?

In 1 on 1 I have the record over Jonah lol but we both have won games.

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

Jarret Culver is the only NBA player I played in the College. If I’m including Summer League I will say Terrance Davis Jr. (Ole Miss).

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jonah Radebaugh, Andre Spight, Trev Simpson, DJ Strawberry, Ish Wainwright, Kamari Murphy

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

A.I., Bron, MJ, and Kobe

Who is your Goat and why?

A.I and Derrick Rose. Those are my two goats. I modeled my game off those two. A.I made me pickup a basketball and D. Rose grew my love for basketball. Both made me believe I can become a basketball player.

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

I think it was a good sequel. I think it’s always hard to make a sequel when it’s so removed from the original. Especially because the times are completely different.

Thanks Jordan fort he chat.

Simi Shittu (208-C-1999, college: Vanderbilt) is a 25 year old 208cm center from Canada that is playing his 6th professional season and first with ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL) after starting the season with Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket Denizli (Turkey-BSL). Last season he split time with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 6.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 45.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 58.8%, in Dec.’23 moved to Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-GBL) averaging 9.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 55.9%. In the 2022-2023 season he palyed with the Lakeland Magic (NBA G League) averaging 13.8ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 62.0%, in Feb.’23 signed at Iowa Wolves (NBA G League) averaging 9.5ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 58.3%, FT: 64.3% and also played with the Calgary Surge (Canada-CEBL) averaging 15.5ppg, Reb-1 (10.6rpg), 1.5apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 68.1%. In the 2021-2022 season he had his first tour of duty overseas playing with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 52.9%, FT: 39.3%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with the Windy City Bulls (NBA G League) averaging 12.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 56.3% and with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) averaging 14.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 40.5%. He began his basketball career at Corpus Christi High School (Canada) and also played at Montverde Academy (USA) and Vermont Academy. He then played a season at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) averaging 10.9ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 5.6%, FT: 57.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Wurzburg.

Thanks Simi for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with at ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL). What kind of an experience has it been playing in Greece?

No problem. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Greece these past few seasons and feel like I’ve gotten better individually and in the European game. Also been able to show my abilities on both sides of the court with different roles.

Your still seeking your first pro chip. How much potential does this team have and can it make noise in the Basketball Champions League?

I feel like we have everything we need in terms of talent and our ability to defend and we can make noise in the league. We just didn’t have a good start and getting our team fully back because of injuries.

How tough is it in general to come to a new team so late in a season? Your still trying to find your rhythm. What exactly is your role on the team

I have done this before so it wasn’t as different as before but after learning the systems and plays I feel like I’ve been able to adjust pretty well. It´s always an adjustment coming to a new team especially in the middle of the season. My role on the team since I have been here is to control the rebounds, defend being able to guard different positions on switches and score inside/ create out of the short roll for myself and others given the opportunity and just to bring energy on the court by just playing hard.

You began the season with Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket Denizli (Turkey-BSL) averaging 2.9ppg, 2.9rpg. How tough was this part of the season? Do you feel like you got a fair chance?

Every situation is different in professional basketball so I just had to adjust and effect the games and stay ready when I was given the opportunity. I had a bigger role in preseason but we had new players come in right before so things were different once the season started.

Last season you split time with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 6.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1bpg, 2FGP: 45.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 58.8%, in Dec.’23 moved to Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-GBL) averaging 9.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 55.9%. It was your second season overseas. In what league do you feel were you able to showcase your game best in?

Both leagues I was able to show different parts of my game. In France I was able to show my defensive capabilities and versatility. In Greece last year I feel like I was able to show both sides of the ball and had a bigger offensive role and what I can bring offensively. But I was more comfortable in Greece by playing in the French league prior.

You held your own in all 4 games against Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. You battled against many ex NBA players. Was there a player you remember the most in your battles?

Both teams are very good and play great basketball and shown why they are regarded as top in Europe. I didn’t guard him as much but Kendrick Nunn obviously stood out and then Sasha Vezenkov that play at a really high level.

You played your rookie season with the Windy City Bulls (NBA G League) averaging 12.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 56.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being employed by an NBA organization where you knew that you were far away from home?

I lived away from home since I was about 14 years old which wasn’t the main challenge but I would say my first five games in the g league I didn’t play and prior to that never happened to me, which made me realize that I need to adjust to find ways to get on the floor and working my way up in the roster also being the youngest player on the team at 19 years old.

You had great stats and were efficient in the last 3 months of the season and scored in double figures in 17 of 18 games. Did you ever feel like you were close to a NBA call up?

I feel like I was close and was only getting better and more comfortable but ultimately covid 19 happened which stopped everything and leagues around the world so I didn’t finish the season.

You had a 32/21 game against Canton. Was that your best game as a professional? What memories do you have of the game?

Statistically yes it was my best game as a professional. I remember going into it as a regular game but it was at a time where I was playing a lot more and was getting a rhythm and the ball was finding me and I had about 12 points in the first quarter so I knew I was due for a good game. I had some games that year where I was close to those numbers which led to a game like that.

You played your second professional season with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) averaging 14.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 40.5%. You had a shortend season. Do you sometimes wonder where your career may have gone had you played a full season there?

I haven’t thought about it in a while. Westchester was great experience for me and I was able to sign a two way with the Knicks briefly after the season. I think if the season was longer it would have defiantly helped bring other opportunities as well.

You were briefly teammates with NBA champion Festus Ezeli who also played at Vanderbilt. Were you able to connect in the short time that you were teammates? What memories do you have of him?

Festus was also with me on my visit to Vanderbilt so we had contact since then and it was good and helpful having him around and we were able to connect and I was able to listen to him about certain stories he had and his experiences being in the league.

After 2 years in the G-League you came overseas in 2021 and played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (IsraelWinner League) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 52.9%, FT: 39.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My first game ever was against Maccabi which I feel like I held my own but it was just an adjustment coming to a veteran team in the middle of the season and trying to fit in while learning a different style of play but as the season went on I was able to adjust and have good games against the top teams there.

You played twice against Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and lost a close game and had a 12/8 game. You played against long time NBA veteran Derrick Williams. What do you feel is still missing for you to reach the Euroleague?

I know I am still considered young in Europe and I’ve been able to show what I can do and compete against top teams and players but I’m just focused on getting better each day and working towards getting there whenever that time may be.

You then returned back state side and played in the G-League with the Lakeland Magic (NBA G League) averaging 13.8ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 62.0%, in Feb.’23 signed at Iowa Wolves (NBA G League) averaging 9.5ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 58.3%, FT: 64.3%. You averaged 21 minutes that season. You were really efficient with Lakeland, but no NBA call up. Did you realize that season that reaching the NBA with those kinds of minutes would be a reach? Did you lose faith in the NBA?

I feel like it all comes down to what a NBA team needs and I feel like I was able to show how productive and efficient I can be with those minutes. I was out for the month of January 2023 with an injury and then was traded to Iowa shortly after I came back so missing a month of games is always challenging too. I still haven’t lost faith in the NBA I know everyone´s path is different and I’m getting better and more experience playing in the top domestic leagues in Europe which can help me in the long run to reach my goals.

You played a season at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) averaging 10.9ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 5.6%, FT: 57.6%. You only played a season in the NCAA. How did your game grow that year?

Coming off my injury I feel like playing in the SEC which I think is the toughest conference in the country especially at that time helped prepare me for my professional career just with the physicality and tempo of the game. Plus the competition we were playing pros every night.

The team lost a lot after Darius Garland was out injured. Do you sometimes wonder where you might be today had Darius Garland played the whole season there?

As team Darius would of helped us a lot and would of contributed to the team´s success which would contribute individual success as well.

You played for Canadian youth national teams and won a silver at the U-16 Fiba Americas Cup. You were teammates with RJ Barret and Andrew Nembhard. How much fun was it getting fed the ball from them?

It was great we were also teammates the next year in the U17 world cup. We all played together or against each other since we were young so we had good chemistry on the court and enjoyed playing with each other.

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

I can’t think of anybody specific but in conference play every team had a few NBA players, so you had to be ready every night whether it was Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn etc.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I have had a lot of great teammates in my career but just coming to the mind I would say Darius Garland Aaron Nesmith Zach Lavine Ignas Brazdiekis and PJ Dozier

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? (Not in order)

Lebron James, Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Kevin Durant Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who is your Goat and why?

This obviously an opinionated discussion but for me personally Lebron James is my goat just because he’s broken almost every record by playing the game the right way and plays the game the way I see it and has been able to over achieve with by far the most expectations of any athlete since he was 18. Other reasons too but in a short form this is my opinion.

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

I have seen the first one only once so I may need to watch it again and the second one to refresh my memory. But people who meet me sometimes bring it up because of my name.

Thanks Simi for the chat.