Pic credit: Fiba

Despite Germany having a poor 1-3 record in the group games, they did reach the next stage, but it was do or die against Sweden. Germany knew what was at stake and didn´t disappoint as they took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back winning 89-62. Germany once again were led by the duo of Mathieu Grujicic (196-G-2007) and Fynn Lastring who combined for 39 points while Jamie Edoka added 14 points. Germany showcased an all round strong game and now face Latvia in the quarterfinals. Germany had problems showing their total dominance on the boards in the first 3 quarters as they trailed Sweden, but they never took their foot of the gas pedal as they won the rebound battle after 40 minutes with a strong extra effort in the fourth quarter. “Germany secured a convincing win over Sweden with a strong all-around performance, fueled by defensive intensity and rebounding dominance. Their active hands on defense led to multiple fast-break opportunities, especially in the third quarter where they took full control of the game. Germany dominated the boards, consistently generating second-chance opportunities that wore down Sweden’s defense. The team’s organized defense kept Sweden from finding any rhythm. Overall, Germany’s ability to turn stops into transition and maintain pressure on both ends proved decisive”, stated Orange Academy head coach Florian Flabb.

Germany began on fire taking the rapid 7-2 lead as it was Mr everything Mathieu Grujcic who scored 3 buckets inside with his drive. The ex Alba Berlin guard brought such a vicious intensity that it could of just continued to go on like that, but it didn´t. Sweden settled down and rattled off a 9-3 run as Lukas Novakovic of SBBK Sodertalje (Basketligan) showed his inside out abilities scoring a trey and lay in, Prince Biose of the RIG Haga Norrkoping U20 team made a lay in and 204cm big man Idriss Kamara of RIG Haga Norrkoping U20 team made a lay in and suddenly Sweden had the 11-10 advantage just like that. Germany had problems controlling the drive as Sweden found their spots really well. Germany retrieved the lead back as walking bucket Mathieu Grujcic remained ultra aggressive as usual getting to the free throw line and Frankfurt Skyliner Ivan Crnjac connected on a floater. Crnjac has been a bit quiet and seemed to suffer a bit being in the shadow of Grujcic. Crnjac is a proven scorer at the youth level, but so far hasn´t been able to show it at this tournament. A real break out game would do Germany and Crnjac well. Another guy looking for a break out was ex Orange Academy guard Jervis Scheffs. He supplied great energy from the bench against Bulgaria hitting back to back three´s and against Sweden hit another as Germany kept the 18-15 advantage. Down the stretch of the first quarter, the game remained an up and down affair as no team could really get consecutive stops. Sweden crept back with back to back lay in´s as continued to give up easy points inside as Cheick-Oumar Fadiga of Hammarby IF Basket (Basketettan) and Ruben Mollermark of KFUM Blackeberg IK (Superettan) made lay in´s.Germany was feeling the pressure on the boards as Sweden had won the rebound battle 17-11 and had snatched 8 offensive rebounds. “Germany edged Sweden 18–17 in a competitive first quarter, driven by efficient inside scoring and strong defensive rotations. Fynn Lastring led the way with 12 early points, combining aggressive drives and outside shooting to set the tone. Sweden struggled with shot selection and efficiency, shooting poorly from both mid-range and beyond the arc. Lukas Novakovic kept Sweden close with 11 points, but his 4/11 shooting reflected the team’s offensive inconsistency. Overall, Germany’s balanced offense and disciplined defense gave them a slight early advantage”, said Florian Flabb.

In the second quarter both teams continued keeping their offensive execution on par and Germany got a big three pointer from Daniel Biel off the bench and a floater from ex Bochum center Fynn Lastring for the 23-21 lead and Frankfurt Skyliner Jamie Edoka followed with 2 free throws for the 25-21 lead. From this point on Germany was able to control the game even if Sweden did keep hanging around. Germany was able to let some others besides Grujicic execute as Daniel Biel continued to be an important spark plug from the bench nailing another trey while Jamie Edoka remained aggressive and stifled Sweden with his speed and physicality on the drive and Lastring buried a trey for good measure as Germany led 37-28 with 4,30 to play. Sweden did hang around continuing to use the drive as Mollermark and Novakovic went to the line as Sweden trailed 42-35. Germany did slow down Sweden´s drive execution better in the last minutes and got a 4-0 run to go into half-time as Edoka scored and Lastring connected on a thunderous dunk. Both teams had combined only 6 turnovers a piece, but the story was Swedens 27-24 rebound edge and 13 offensive rebounds. What did Sweden in at the break was their pathetic shooting percentages. Germany was shooting a potent 64% from the 2 point area. “In the second quarter, Germany outpaced Sweden 28–18, but a key highlight for Sweden was their effort on the offensive glass. Despite struggling with scoring efficiency, Sweden pulled down 13 offensive rebounds over the course of the first half —several of which came during Q2—creating valuable second-chance opportunities. Ruben Mollermark and Idriss Omaru Kamara were especially active, combining for 6 offensive boards, helping to keep possessions alive when shots weren’t falling. However, Sweden often failed to convert these extra chances into points, limiting the impact of their hustle. While Germany’s offense flowed, Sweden’s second-quarter surge on the offensive boards was a rare bright spot in an other wise tough stretch”, stated Florian Flabb.

In the third quarter Germany was able to manage their lead and continue to execute well offensively and play decent transition defense to slow down Swedens fast break. Germany got baskets from Tom Bruggermann on the drive, a massive dunk by Edoka, trey by Biel who was feeling it from down town, a lay in from the always in attack mode Grujicic and another lay in by Edoka who had finally really arrived in the tournament after a quiet first 2 games as Germany led comfortably 57-44 with 6,19 to play. Germany continued to keep up the pressure at both ends. On offense they continued to get to the free throw line and mixed in a press that led to a steal and three pointer by new Dragon Rhondorf guard Dusan Iiic as Germany had their biggest lead of the game 66-47 with 3,16 to play. Germany got a steal by Iiic which led to a putback by Grujicic as Germany was rebounding better on the offensive glass as well. Scheffs added another trey and now absolutely everything was going right for Germany as they led 71-47 after 30 minutes. Germany continued to shoot well and only had 6 turnovers, but for once didn´t have the rebound edge in their favor as Sweden had 22 offensive rebounds. “In the third quarter, Germany extended their lead with a dominant 25–12 run, fueled by aggressive defense and high-energy plays. Their 6 total steals, created transition opportunities that Sweden struggled to contain. Germany’s ability to turn defense into fast-break points gave them momentum and wore down the Swedish defense. On the offensive glass, Germany grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, extending possessions and leading to valuable scores”, commented Florian Flabb.

In the fourth quarter Germany had a little lull at the start, but then found their game again and rode into the sunset with the win. The fourth quarter began with a nasty one handed dunk by Daniel Biel on transition and then Sweden´s Cheick-Oumar Fadiga followed with a mean cross over past Biel. But Germany still led 73-51. However Sweden had nothing to lose and closed the gap a bit to 77-58 as they just chipped at Germany´s lead getting a couple of lay in´s and even a rare trey by Micheal Odinks of KFUM Fryshuset Basket Second Team (Basketettan.) However Germany couldn´t have a lull forever as they roared back with a lethal 8-2 run by Fynn Lastring who poured in 2 three´s and a lay in as Germany led 83-60 and nothing was going to get in their way on this night anymore with 3.06 to play. Germany played strong defense until the end and finished the game with a 6-0 run as the bench got into the action as Wurzburg´s big man Clemens Sokolov made a lay in and even Paderborn big man Leonard Kroger made a lay in to end the game. “In the fourth quarter, Germany maintained control by continuing to dominate the boards and stabilizing their defensive structure. Their rebounding presence, especially on the defensive end, limited Sweden’s second-chance opportunities and closed out possessions efficiently. Offensively, Fynn Lastring showcased his perimeter shooting, hitting timely shots that kept Sweden at bay”, said Florian Flabb. Germany was led by Mathieu Grujicic who just missed a triple double with 19/11/9 stats and Fynn Lastring added 19 points while Sweden was led by Lukas Novakovic with 16 points and Cheick-Oumar Fadiga added 13 points. Germany shot 42% from the field and 28% from outside and had 53 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Sweden shot 33% form the field and 25% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Peter Bullock (198-F/C-1982, college: Alaska-Anch.) is a 42 year old 198cm forward that was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and is playing his 20th professional season overseas and fifth with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). He has played his whole pro career in Norway for teams like Froya Basket Laksevag, Ulriken Eagles, Gimle BBK Bergen and at Baerums Verk Jets. He also played briefly in Australia. He began his basketball career at East high school and then played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.

Thanks Pete for talking to germanhoops.com. Your 42 years old and still playing. There haven´t been many Americans that have had such a long and prosperous career overseas. What has been your special secret to your longevity?

I have been blessed with good health and no major injuries while playing basketball up to now. I´m a competitive person and my favorite to exercise is playing basketball. I´m nowhere near my prime as a player but I think I´m still able to bring mentorship and toughness to the team. My two oldest kids that are 10 (Peter Jr.) and 8 (Bella) have been my reason to keep playing. They love being around the team and as their youth coach and father I feel they gain a lot of basketball knowledge by spending quality time around Norway’s top team.

If someone had told you in 2004 when you arrive din Norway that you would still be there in 2025, what would you have thought?

I would have laughed and never believed it. I always had in my head that I was here to work (play basketball) and would definitely return to the US. Life doesn’t always go as expected but I would say that now I am living the “Norwegian Dream”.

Why did Norway become your second home? What is so special about the country? I mean you were used to the cold since you grew up in Alaska.

I came here with basketball as my only focus but my wife made Norway my 2nd home. We have a wonderful family and life here but we are also really good at getting back to visit the US often and we are lucky enough to have US family and friends visit us here quite often. I don’t know anyone that has moved so far across the world to the same type of freezing climate lol. Definitely have to have the proper clothes for the weather.

You could of retired years ago. What keeps you coming back each season? Is it just the love for the game?

I have a pretty busy life working as a shipbroker and having 4 kids so it is definitely difficult to prioritize basketball. When I think with my head…I should definitely not be playing basketball in the Norwegian top league/ENBL anymore but the combo of my kids pushing me to play and my love for the game keeps calling me back.

Let´s go way back. You played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage (NCAA2) from 1999-2004. What memories do you have of those early years in your basketball development? It was a long time ago and basketball was different. How did you develop your game there?

Wow, that was over 2 decades ago! I had some amazing experiences playing college basketball at UAA. It was a surreal experience to be able to represent my hometown on the basketball court. 4 of our current players on Fyllingen have played for college teams that have traveled to Anchorage Alaska to play games. They always remind me how they remember seeing larger than life size pictures of me up at the UAA arena and my UAA sports hall of fame plaque. I am the type of person that likes to live in the moment and don’t think about past accomplishments but pretty funny when my much younger teammates bring stuff up like that. I developed my game thru hard work, dedication, being coachable, and listening to my upperclassmen mentors. My older sister that played D1 basketball at University of Iowa and I also would fly me down to stay with her in Iowa for the summers and would arrange for me to scrimmage and work out with the University of Iowa ´s team which prepared me greatly for the Division 2 level and for my my professional future.

You were always a guy that could score and rebound very well for your height. How do you believe would your career have gone had you been born 20 years later? The game has changed so much. Would you have been a different player today as a 24 year old kid?

So if I was going to have a do over, I would start playing the game much earlier and drill much harder on the basic fundamentals of the game. Now as a youth coach I make sure not to just put my big guys under the basket as pivot players. I believe it´s important to learn all the skills of the game so you don’t put limitations on what position you can play in the future. The more you work on skills the longer you can play the game of basketball. Unfortunately, as you age you definitely lose the athleticism you once had. At 6’6’’ I am more of a sg/sf size. I have played my whole career as a pf/c which pushed me to play with a high motor to make up for size at my position.

You lost a defensive battle against NCAA team Seton Hall. You scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds. You showed you could play against a top Big East team. What memories do you have of that game?

My memories from that game were pretty cool. I started school early so I was actually a college freshman already at the age of 17. I had just turned 18 and was playing in a game against a Big East team that had Stephon Marbury’s little brother and Tavorris Bell on the team. Tavorris Bell had rockets tattooed on his calves and I heard that he had just won a dunk contest the summer before at Rutger Park by dunking over a car. Instead of being intimidated I was excited for the challenge. When I was able to have success at a young age against a group like that, I was able to prove to myself that I was ready to play against anyone.

How did head coach Charlie Jones groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

My coach Charlie Bruns helped to prepare me for the professional level with two quotes: “You don’t know, what you don’t know” and “What have you done for me lately”. It took me awhile to decipher the first one but I understood it to mean always be well prepared every time you step on the court and the 2nd reminds me to always be hungry and bring it every time you step foot on the court. Never be comfortable and rest on what you’ve done in the past. I try to live by those two quotes.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Josh Evans?

Josh Evans is a beast. I remember watching him go back and forth with Carlos Boozer when Josh was a freshman in high school. But, I don’t remember losing many 1 v 1 matchups with college teammates

You got your first pro experience with the Rockhampton Rockers (Australia-QABL) averaging 23.5ppg, 14.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg. What do you remember being your wakeup call to being an American where you knew that you were far away from home?

My Rockhampton days were some great times. The people in that city and that basketball organization treated me amazingly. I spent two fun and competitive seasons in Rocky and still have close friends from there today. I knew I was far away from home when I attended a party with some of the locals and a kangaroo hopped right thru the middle of the dance floor (no joke).

You came to Europe in 2005 and joined Baerums Verk Jets (Norway-BLNO). What do you remember being your first impression arriving? It was the dead of winter. Did it feel somewhat like home because of the cold temperatures?

When I came to Baerum I was so focused on basketball and trying to make a strong impression to my team that I didn’t think of the weather at all. I actually got the opportunity because Serge Using was playing there and recommended me to the team. He played at UAA in Alaska before my time and is the school ´scurrent all time blocked shots leader I believe. When I arrived in Norway I had to go to my first practice straight after getting off the plane from the US. I still remember the thunderous dunk that I had over 7 foot Serge Using in our first team practice. Now when I look back on it, maybe I should have been more grateful that he helped me get the job and should have layed it up instead

You then played 4 seasons with the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BLNO). You were a real double double monster, You won league titles in 2007 and 2009. Which title was sweetest?

I have been fortunate enough to win 4 Norwegian league playoff titles and for me all of them are the sweetest. Rather I was the go to guy on the team or mentor/energy guy. There are many different roles in the game of basketball that all are keys to winning championships. Having a long career has allowed me to experience many different roles on a team which has helped me learn more about the game of basketball.

You needed no adjustment time and dominated the first division Norway. What do you remember being key for being able to step up right away?

For me to play with a high motor and to try to always think of every game as your last has helped me to be a productive basketball player. Experience against NBA and overseas caliber guys by playing in the Great Alaska Shootout and in the Iowa Prime Time League really helped me to be prepared for this level of competition.

Was there a player in those early years that was like a mentor for you?

More than having specific players as mentors I feel my approach of respecting the game of basketball and trying to always give the game my everything has really helped me. When I am finished playing I will definitely look back and smile about how my career has gone.

You then played 2 seasons with Gimle BBK Bergen. What memories do you have of this organization? Your consistent play continued.

Gimle is a well run organization and they have been Norwegian Champions many times in recent years. I have nothing but respect for their club and the way they compete in the game of basketball. I had a great experience playing there but love playing against them now as well.

What memories do you have of 16 year old Chris Ebow-Ndow. I know you have played against thousands of players and had so many teammates, but do you remember him? He has had a great career and is playing in France Pro A now.

Chris Ebow-Ndow is a beast on the court. He has always loved the game of basketball and plays it the right way. He moved to Bergen on his own as a young kid and dedicated his whole life to basketball. I always remember him being a huge Lebron fan. His game as a youngster made me thing a bit of Paul George. It is fun seeing how much international success he is having now with the game of basketball.

You then played with Froya Basket (Norway-BLNO) from 2011-2020. You won a league title in your first season. What was so special about that team?

The Froya team was special because the team was so close as friends and coach Ron Billingslea was a great motivator of men. That group was a great example of a true team effort. Fun times at Froya forsure.

For the first seasons and many others you were often the lone American. What kind of an experience was that for you? What kind of a leader did you become over the years? The players must of really looked up to you.

Sometimes I was the lone American but we were usually two. When you are so far away from home, your import teammates usually become like your brothers. I have made great long term relationships over the years with Serbians, Bulgarians, Latvians and many fellow players with different nationalities. You also learn many life lesson from people coming from different parts of the world. My goal has always been to lead by example so rather if its practice or games I take pride in trying to always be the hardest worker every time I step in the gym.

Your playing your fifth season for Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). What has been so special about this organization? You won another league title last season?

Playing at Fyllingen allows me to spend quality time with some of my best buddies that are still active around the game of basketball and get much needed exercise. Fyllingen is trying to grow the level of basketball in Norway and take things competitively to the international level. Not only are we trying to do a good job as a team on the court, but we are also trying to have a positive impact on the local youth in our community here in Bergen. It was fun winning the Norwegian championship last year behind some of the phenomenal players we had but we also want to push to be a competitive team through out Europe.

How cool is it to be playing ENBL so late in your career? What do you cherish most about it?

ENBL is a really fun experience for a 42 year old. I want the Norwegian basketball to be able to have international experience for years to come so it´s important for me to give everything anytime I step on the court. The ENBL is a very well run league with strong competition. It´s an honor to still get a chance to compete on such a professional stage.

Your minutes have gone down the last years. What kind of a mentor are you?

My minutes have definitely gone down the last years. I have different priorities and responsibilities than the rest of the team but I give my all whenever I cross the lines. My teammates actually tell me that I demand I higher level of competitiveness at practices and games. If the young guys believe I am still helping, I want to be out there for them.

Isaac Likekele said this about you. ““Pete has been a great guy to play with because he is all about team and winning. Pete is a mentor & emotional leader for the whole team. He is our enforcer like a Draymond Green without him we wouldn’t have won this many games, and the box score might not say that. But, for everyone that tunes in and watches they can clearly see how much of an effect he has on the court each game”. How special of a player is he?

Ice is a big time player with great basketball pedigree. The sky is the limit for him. He is the type of player that will go as far as he wants to with the game. He was a complete game changer for our championship run last year. Unfortunately he was too good to keep playing in this league.

How much longer do you want to play? Could this be your last season?

This could definitely be my last year playing. Little bumps and bruises take much longer to heal at the age of 42 and I don’t have as much time to prepare when having a highly demanding full time job and 4 kids under the age of 11 that all have their own activities the I want to be able to attend to support them on a daily basis.

Who is the toughest player that you faced that went to the NBA?

The toughest player that I have faced that went to the NBA is Reggie Evans back when he was at the University of Iowa. He was a beast and played about 13 seasons in the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Top 5 teammates is a tough question that I will have to pass on. I have been blessed with some amazing teammates over my long career during my youth, college, and professional playing days.

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

Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Kareem

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron is my GOAT

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

The sequel of coming to America was a bit funny for sure but definitely should have been left alone!

Thanks Pete for the chat.