Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops..com to talk basketball.
How tough was it to digest that loss against low ranked Rendsburg?
Man, that was a tough one. Losing on a buzzer beater always hurts, especially when you feel like you had control of the game most of the night. Those are the ones that stay with you, but at the same time, you’ve gotta turn the page and get better from it.
Do you think there was any underestimating of Rendsburg? I wouldn’t say we underestimated them, but you can’t look at records in this league. Any team can beat you if you don’t bring it every possession. They came in aggressive, played free, and we didn’t match that intensity for the full 40.
What was key in letting Rendsburg come back? It came down to execution. We had some defensive breakdowns, didn’t get key stops, and on offense we had a few possessions where we didn’t get great looks. When you’re up like that late, every detail matters, and we slipped in a few areas.
How did you experience the last possession?
We knew who they wanted the ball in. Harvey made a tough shot — you’ve got to give him credit. From our side, it’s frustrating because you feel like one more stop and the game’s over.
Harvey scored 35 points. What was toughest to contain? He’s a bucket-getter. What makes him tough is his confidence and his ability to score at all three levels. Even when you defend him well, he can still rise up and make difficult shots.
You had 27/6/4/2. How did you feel about your shot selection from three? I felt good about it. The shots came within the flow of the game nothing forced. You always want to see them go down, but I’m comfortable taking those shots when the defense gives them to me.
What will be key against Wolfenbüttel?
Consistency and focus. We’ve got to play a full 40 minutes, take care of the ball, and defend at a high level. If we do that and stay together, we’ll give ourselves a great chance to get the win.
David Craig (218-C-2003, college: Tenn Tech) is a 22 year old 218cm center from Johannesburg, South Africa playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters averaging 5,7ppg and 5,4rpg. He began his basketball career with McCallie Prep School in Tennessee. He then played a season with Mercer University (NCAA) averaging 5.5ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 55.4%, FT: 58.8%. He then played 2 seasons at Tennessee Tech University (NCAA) averaging 2.5ppg, 2.5rpg and 2.1ppg, 2.2rpg. He got his first pro career with the MBB Blue Soldiers (South Africa-D2) averaging 4.8ppg, 3.8rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.He didn´t want to answer questions about his NCAA days saving that when he is more established as a professional player.
Thanks David for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season with the TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-ProB). You always wanted to play in Germany. Has a dream been fulfilled? It definitely is. I’ve had a great respect for basketball in Europe and to travel the world to play basketball is always a dream come true.
You have signed with ambitious Pro B team TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-ProB). What was so appealing about this organization? What did you appreciate most about the club?
I had some good discussions with the head coach, as well as with my agent. Overal it just seemed to be the best fit for me. What I appreciated the most about the club is that they were very intentional about what they wanted and how they wanted things done. Overallit showed me that I would step into a professional and positive environment.
Head coach Allan Ray really wanted your services. How did the talks go with him? What did you instantly appreciate about his basketball philosophy?
They went really well. What I enjoyed most is the transparency in our discussions and sharing similar thoughts on how we can improve my game and what I can bring to the team. I instantly appreciated his philosophy of how he wants to structure the offense because it’s got efficient structure and has many possibilities for me to make an impact in it.
You never were able to really show your game in the NCAA for many minutes. Do you believe like you can be an impact player given sufficient minutes?
I definitely do believe that. If you go and look at the games in which I played sufficient minutes, I was pretty much getting close to a double double almost every time. The NCAA scene is very complicated and I had to jump through a lot of hurdles that should never have been there to begin with. It makes no sense for me to have my best college games in the beginning of my career because I only improved as time went on.
You’re a classic 7 footer which is very rare plus of South African/British decent. You began basketball with 12. How tall were you then? What sports did you play before basketball?
I have a British passport however I have never been to the UK, I’m solely a South African. When I began playing I was around 5 foot 6. I used to play rugby, cricket, squash, tennis and football.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 218cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I like to model my game to Ivica Zubac. We share a physical dominance that is coupled with high IQ, rebounding, scoring and shot blocking.
You can rebound the ball very well. What other strengths do you have?
High IQ, post scoring, setting screens, making high level passes and reads, shot blocking.
How would you describe your defensive game at the moment. What kind of a defender do you still want to become? I want to become a more versatile defender that can guard a forward and continue to be better in guarding pick and roll. I think at the moment I am able to provide a very effective presence at the rim and so now it’s a matter of expanding it.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I’ve focused a lot on my jump shooting and agility this offseason. I see these two areas as the next steps to take for my game. The better I can get at these the more it will open things up for myself and my teammates.
You got your first pro experience in 2025 playing for the MBB Blue Soldiers (South Africa-D2): Basketball Africa League averaging 4.8ppg, 3.8rpg. What kind of an experience was this. How was the playing style compared to what you had seen in the NCAA?
It was a great experience being able to play with NBA calibre talent. The playing style was more physical, but the offense was not as structured because of the 24 second shot clock instead of the 30 second clock. The BAL had more physical bigs which was different than the college big that is usually not physical but more of a rim runner. The BAL format brought out the talent of players more than college does, college is too dominated by coaching style in my opinion.
You had a 9/10 game in Africa. How valuable was this short experience especially for your self confidence moving forward to Germany? I always knew I could dominate, it was just that this was the game I was given that opportunity. It did boost my confidence but by no means was I shocked or taken by surprise. I knew very well that I would have a game like this when my opportunity came.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA? Dalton Knecht
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Michael Zanoni, Teafale Lenard Jr, Jalyn Mccreary, Daniel Egbuniwe, Pieter Prinsloo
Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time? Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille o Neal
Who is your Goat? Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
lol I didn’t see the sequel so I don’t know what this is about.
How different the season of the Skyliners Juniors could have been had they not had had injury woes in the first month and they had found a way to win games at home better (1-4). But that is all in the past as the team simply needs wins to get up higher into the standings as they were resting in 11th place. They met last placed Basketball Lowen Erfurt who were sitting in the Pro B cellar. Sometimes records do disguise certain things as this seemingly lowly team were first in points scored and rebounds, but that didn´t get them a medal as they allowed 93 points per game and were second in turnovers in the Pro B south. The team featured the always potent Paul Albrecht and talented German Musa Abra and work horse Noah Kamdem. The Skyliners Juniors came into the game with a 3 game losing streak and last weekend had found no offensive rhythm losing 70-61 against Langen. They were facing a must win in their own living room. Despite an incredible shooting clinic with 10 three´s and 35 points by the universal genius Ivan Crnjac, the Skyliners Juniors weren´t able to secure the win as the CATL Basketball Lowen won 86-82. Frankfurt had to put up with the strong big man duo of Albrecht and Kamdem and with Abra and Mitchell at the guard position and in the end it was Mitchell who made the game winner and free throws. “I felt like we played well as a team and hustled well. However our defense wasn´t always awake. It was tough defending against 2 dominant bigs and 2 talented guards. They showed what they could do on the court”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. They combined for 66 of the 86 team points. The CATL Basketball Lowen needed a win so badly and fought until the end with the great support of their fans who made the long trip. “It was an even game for the most part. Even when Frankfurt got a good lead in the third quarter, we never gave up. I think that we had the better energy at the end and were more active on the defensive end. Our fans were also a big help”, stressed Erfurt guard Musa Abra.
Samuel Nellessen with the runner
The Skyliners Juniors found their offensive rhythm quickly taking the quick 8-3 lead as Ivan Crnjac got going right away netting 5 points and getting a great feel for the rim. Frankfurt was sharing the ball nicely early. However it didn´t take the CATL Basketball Lowen long to punch back as American Mike Mitchell Jr. (188-G-2002, college: Minnesota) and veteran Noah Kamdem nailed three´s dead locking the game 10-10. A 9-0 Erfurt run gave them the 14-10 advantage as Frankfurt was reeling for something positive. The Frankfurt 1-1 defense was weak as they allowed way too many easy baskets. Frankfurt took a time out and struck back letting it rain three´s as Crnjac was in the zone as he knocked down 2 more three´s while Mr Energizer Dusan Nikolic also hit from outside as did Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak as Frankfurt had the 22-16 advantage. Frankfurt couldn´t hold the momentum as Erfurt struck back with a 7-0 run as young German Jordan Brand connected for a trey and Mitchell scored back to back mid range shots for the 23-22 lead. Frankfurt had one more chance before the quarter ended and Skyliner Junior Alvin Oniya literally pulled a Larry Bird. Back in a pre season game in 1986, Larry Bird hit a shot from behind the basket against the Houston Rockets in Hartford. Onyia did the same thing and saw nothing but net. “Fabrice Heberer made a shot like that this season in the Regionalliga. Kids don´t usually practice that shot at least I hope they don´t. You try a shot like that in the game of horse. A shot like that can always help push a team”, said Skyliners NBBL coach Thore Bethke. A big focus in the game was to control the boards and Frankfurt did that 12-10 while shooting47% from the field and 43% from outside while the guests shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside. The Skyliners Juniors had 4 turnovers and Erfurt 0. “The Skyliners Juniors didn´t have it easy without Joscha Zentgraf and Marvin Esser under the boards, but they did a pretty good job as a team. It was difficult containing Mitchell and Abra. We gave up too many easy baskets”, stressed Thore Bethke
Jamie Edoka from outside
The second quarter remained tight as both clubs continued to punch back and forth, but in the last minutes before the break, the CATL Basketball Lowen got away and led 50-45. The CATL Basketball Lowen did a good job closing down the lane and gave the Skyliners Juniors the three pointer and they responded. Crnjac continued to fire away making another while Nikolic and Jamie Edoka did as well, but the guests always had an answer getting a trey from Mitchell who was always aggressive and lay in´s from Abra and ex Rhondorf forward Samuel Nellessen to dead lock the game at 35-35. After Edoka and Mitchell traded three´s, it was the guests that took the lead as Germans Paul Albrecht who once notched a triple double against Lok Bernau and Luca Forster made lay in´s for the 43-40 Erfurt advantage. Frankfurt continued to have problems with their defensive intensity allowing easy buckets. Frankfurt kept battling back getting free throws from ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf and a trey from Maxi Peters tying the game at 45-45. Erfurt punched back one last time closing out the second quarter with a 5-0 run as Abra hit a trey and Luca Forster made an off balance jumper with 0,8 seconds at the buzzer. “We had problems getting consistent stops. They continued to get easy baskets especially on Transition. Mitchell did a good job always pushing the ball”, said Thore Bethke. The CATL Basketball Lowen shot 47% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 42% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Musa Abra at the FT line
The Skyliners Juniors picked up their game at both ends of the court in the third quarter and led by as much as 8 points, but Erfurt fought back and trailed only by 1 point after 3 quarters. The Skyliners Juniors exploded to begin the second half going on a 11-2 run as Ivan Crnjac continued to have the hot hand nailing 2 three´s while Leif Zentgraf also dropped a trey and Crnjac also displayed his fine passing skills throwing up the perfect alley-oop lob pass for Jamie Edoka with the massive throw down and 56-52 lead. “They were giving the Skyliners the three. It was nice to see Ivan hit three´s again. It was a good omen for the game, because whenever he is on, Frankfurt has good chances to win”, stated Thore Bethke. After Mitchell found Forster for the back door bullet pass and lay in, it was Ivan Crnjac again who continued his superb shooting nailing 2 more three´s for the 62-54 advantage. However Frankfurt was unable to keep the momentum allowing a 9-2 run to end the third quarter and led only 64-63. Frankfurt had some annoying turnovers which led to easy transition buckets from Abra and Nellessen. Kamdem also made a difficult turn around shot while super role player Luca Forster connected on a clutch three pointer. “They had some nice highlight plays like that Edoka alley-oop dunk, but we executed well on offense and fought back to stay close”, commented Musa Abra. “We began well and hit the three well, but we had too many leek outs on defense and allowed easy baskets”, said Ivan Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 43% from the parking lotr and had 32 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen shot 41% from the field and 32% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 8 turnovers.
Ivan Crnjac from downtown
The fourth quarter was a real dog fight as there were 9 lead changes as no team could get away form the other. Ex Skyliners Junior Noah Kamdem is always motivated to play his ex team and twice gave his team the 2 point lead with a trey and runner 70-68. Crnjac continued to be aggressive netting his 9th and 10th three pointers of the game giving his team the 74-73 lead. He finished the game with 35 points on 12/20 shooting. “The first ones felt good. It was good to get out of my shooting slump. We had an advantage because they gave us the three´s”, expressed Ivan Crnjac. After a Kamdem trey, it was Smazak that connected from outside for the 77-76 lead. Young German Musa Abra who has improved his play each season in the last 3 in the NBBL and Pro B has become a real go to guy and showed it in crunch time with a trey and lay in for the 81-79 Erfurt lead. “I showed responsibility. My drive was working well. My team has a lot of confidence in my game. My confidence keeps growing from game to game”, said Musa Abra. Smazak continued to be aggressive and confident in his shot as he hit a trey to tie the game at 82-82. Mitchell then punched back with a 20 footer for the 84-82 lead with 36 seconds to play. Erfurt then stopped Crnjac and Mitchell clinched the win with free throws. “We were very aggressive and had more energy. We were all active on defense and had good pick and roll defense”, stressed Musa Abra. “We could have had better looks at the end. We aren´t that good yet at closing out games. We are a young team. We have to work on that”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. The CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Musa Abra with 21 points. Mike Mitchell Jr. added 17 points and Noah Kamdem had 15 points while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Ivan Crnjac with 35 points while Jamie Edoka added 10 points. The CATL Basketball Lowen shot 41% from the field and 33% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 42% from the field and 37% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
Khadeen Carrington is a 30 year old 193 cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that has the American/Trinidad and Tobago citizenship and plays for the Israeli national team. He began his basketball career at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School and then played at Seton Hall(NCAA) from 2014-2018. He began his pro career in 2018 and has played in countries like Montenegro, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France and Israel. Currently he is in his fourth season with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a World Cup qualifying game against Germany.
Thanks Khadeen for talking to germanhoops.com. Happy Thanksgiving. You have been overseas 8 years now. How relevant can you make this national holiday overseas?
It´s tough being away from family and friends at this time of the year. But I have a job to do and am very grateful that I´m allowed to paly the game that I love. I have had tough times in my career, but am blessed to be able to play the game.
You have been playing for the Israeli national team now for some time. What kind of an experience has it been as an American playing for Israel?
It has been fun. The whole 4 years. I definitely have some special relations with some guys. It has been a great experience playing Eurocup and playing against some of the best players overseas.
You battle against Germany. How excited are to be playing against the world and euro champions? Is there a German player that you admire?
I have to be honest that there isn´t anyone particular. I have watched Dennis Schroeder. It was great seeing how the German team has developed over the years especially when I was with Ludwigsburg. Germany has a good foundation and the coaches have done a great job with the talent.
At the last Euro you averaged 7.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 32.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 62.5%. What exactly is your role and what is your biggest personal goal with your game in the team besides winning games?
My role changes a bit. During the Fiba tournaments, there are more guys on the team and now during the Fiba windows, my role is bigger. During the windows, I just be aggressive and play my game. I show my scoring and give pressure on the defensive end. I feel like I could have been better at the last Euro, but I will be aggressive in these next 2 games.
After your first four professional seasons, you went to Israel in 2022 and are now in your fourth season with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League). Could you see yourself being a lifer here?
Yes definitely. I have found a great place with Hapoel and Israel. We will see how my journey continues here.
What is so special about this organization? Do you have the perfect combo of club and lifestyle in one?
Yes it is the perfect combination. It was tough not having the home games because of the war. It is the perfect combination between lifestyle, club and basketball.
In your first season in Israel you beat Maccabi Tel Aviv and scored 20 points. How big was that win for you then and what do you remember from it?
I think so. I understood how important an organization they were. It was huge competing against such a well known club and great players. That was start of something special with the Hapoel organization.
You reached the Basketball Champions League final in 2023. You had 19 points in an exciting 69-68 win over Tenerife, but lost the final to Bonn 77-70. Was that thrilling semi-final win like your final?
I think that semi-final was like our final. That game against Tenerife took a lot out of us. We had some guys sick in the final including myself. Bonn was in a good flow that game.
You won 2 cups in Israel in 2023 and 2024. Which one was sweetest?
I feel like the first win was a bit more sweeter. The cup is a huge deal in Israel. I was just so super excited getting the first title with Hapoel.
You lost the last 2 playoff series against Maccabi Tel Aviv. How big is the hunger to beat them in a playoff series? The team has added fine pieces this season with Harper, Lamb and others. Could this be the year to win the Winner League?
Yes definitely. I feel like we already had great pieces last year to win it all. We weren´t able to finish game 3. I feel like we had, we would of won. We have great pieces this season and all are focused to win. Winning the title is a goal for us.
You have been teammates now for years with Yovel Zoosman in Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and the national team. Do you have a special relationship with him?
Zoos is a great guy. He is super quiet and laid back. He is a very hardworker. He is one of my favorite teammates.
You split the 2021-2022 season with Coosur Real Betis Sevilla (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 6.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 58.8%, 3FGP: 12.0%, FT: 64.5%, in Nov.’21 moved to JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 86.8%. In France you were teammates with diminutive David Holston who is nearing 40 and in his 11th season with Dijon. How inspiring was it being his teammate for a short time?
It was great being his teammate even if it was for a short time. He is another super guy that I have played with. I had just had my tough injury and he took me under his wing. He was a great teammate and was always there for me. I have no idea when he will retire.
You played briefly with at AS Monaco Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) in the 2020-2021 season. How tough was this season getting injured and with Covid? What did you learn from season?
It was tough sitting. I think the biggest part was the mental part. I thank God that I was able to overcome it. I always believe that everything happens for a reason.
You played the 2019-2020 season with MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 17.2), 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 82.8%. How big was this season for your career. Granted you had finished your rookie season strong in Belgium, but was Germany your break out year?
Playing in Germany was definitely my break through in my pro career. The way John Patrick delt with me was great. He gave me the ball right when I got there. He had total trust in me and I had a great season.
You played for John Patrick. How did you experience his coaching philosophy? Was he a coach that helped your game early on?
He was super orientated and liked the full court press and always giving high energy. On offense he just gave me the reins and let me go. He definitely was a part of me having success that season.
Your dad was a professional soccer player and coach in Trindad and Tobago. You did start to play basketball at age eight, but was there never any desire to play soccer? What drove you to play basketball?
I actually started playing soccer. But coming from New York and it being the early 2000´s. there wasn´t much soccer around. It was easier to play basketball and it just gravitated me to play it.
You split your rookie season with KK Mornar Basket Bar (Montenegro-Erste Liga) and Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Euromillions League) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, APG-2(4.8), 1.1spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 85.1%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you very far away from home?
When I first got to Montenegro all was good. There were many tourists around, but then the weather changed in October/November and the home sickness started to kick in. But I overcame it. It got better when I got to Belgium. It was more americianized and easier to adapt for me.
You played NBA Summer League with the OKC Thunder and Detriot Pistons. What was your overall summary of your experience.
I could of played in the G-League, but I chose to come to Germany. The NBA Summer League is like basketball heaven. It was all basketball. You saw legends coming in and out.
You played at Seton Hall from 2014-2018 and once stated. ““It sounds weird, but I really enjoyed the ups and downs. The downs taught me a lot. It made me become a man. I learned a lot of things here in my four years, not only on the court but off the court probably more off the court”. What was the most important lesson you learned on and off the court?
I grew up at Seton Hall. You’re a person before basketball. We live life more than we do basketball.
You had so many amazing games like your 41 point explosion against Creighton, scored 29 points in a comeback win against Butler and scored 26 points in the NCAA tournament win over North Carolina State the first win in 14 years. Was your most memorable games one of these or was it another game?
The 41 point game was my most memorable moment. That was like a bubble game. It was a must win for us to get to the tournament. I felt really good that day. When I began and hit 2 shots, the basket then looked like the ocean to me. Putting up 41 points is tough to do anywhere.
How important was ex NBA player Isaiah Whitehead in your first seasons at Seton Hall for your early development? What do you feel was the most important thing you could soak up from his game?
It was great being his teammate. He already had great skill level as a young kid. He was highly recruited when he arrived and brought some lime light to Seton Hall. He was a super part of my journey during my college era.
Are you and Desi Rodriguez brothers for life. What was your favorite play in the four years you were there with him that would give justice to his nickname dunkin Dezi?
I know him since the 5th grade. He is playing in Israel now. We talk all the time and have dinner together. I remember him having a super big dunk in a come form behind win over Wichita State. That was a great game and one of the funniest games to play in.
How did head coach Kevin Willard who helped you make the switch to the point groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Seton Hall?
He was great and had a lot of knowledge about everything. He knew exactly what pro teams want in a player and had great work outs. It was fun to play for him.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Myles Powell?
It always went back and forth. We played a lot my freshman and sophomore years. We even played all hours of the night.
You played against many great players in the NCAA, but who was the toughest battle that is in the NBA now
I think that whole Villanova team with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges
Please name your best teammates of all-time?
My guys from Seton Hall Desi Rodriguez, Ismael Sonogo, Angel Delgado, Isaiah Whitehead
If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?
Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Steph
Who is your GOAT?
Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
They should of left it alone. You need to leave classics alone.
Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) is a 26 year old 198cm forward playing his fourth professional season in Germany and first with Science City Jena. He played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.8% and 13.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 60.9%. He palyed his rookie season overseas with at Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. He began his basketball career with Lorain, OH / Lorrain High School and left as the all-time leading scorer with 1,385 career points with 872 career rebounds and guided the team to a three-year mark of 69-8. He then played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and in his last year averaged : 16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. He played an extra season at Clemson University (NCAA) averaging 5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer bout basketball.
Thanks Naz for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we start, I keep reading the nickname “A One Man Buffalo Herd”. Where did you get that name?
The name One Man Buffalo Herd is something that has come since I’ve been in Germany. My playing style and motor have to be the reason the fans have given me the name, either way I like it. At home my basketball peers call me “Bully” for the same reasons these fans call me Buffalo.
When I say the #26 what does that mean?
I don´t know.
Well it means you have played 26 Pro A playoff games in 3 seasons. What was your favorite playoff game?
My favorite playoff game out of my time in Pro A outside of the game I won a championship is either game 5 versus Kircheim or game 4 versus Crailsheim. Both games were win or go home situations and the atmosphere in the Ischeland was second to none. Those are games you look forward to when dreaming about being a pro.
Your playing your fourth professional season and first with Jena. Is it fair to say that Germany has become like a second home for you? It is definitely fair to say that Germany has become a second home to me. If I can learn the language fluently maybe I can get a passport lol.
What do you enjoy so much about Germany? You played in Vechta and Hagen not real big places, but great basketball addresses These two places in particular are a big reason why I love Germany. I’ve been blessed to be able to be in two amazing basketball cultures and this has made my career worthwhile. Outside of basketball I enjoy traveling through Germany and just enjoying everything the country has to offer. I love to learn so being immersed in a completely different culture than what I come from has been amazing.
After playing 2 seasons in Hagen, your now in the easyCredit BBL. Was the fact that you could play in the BBL the biggest draw that you had for playing for this organization?
Since winning a championship and not moving up with the team, playing in the BBL has been a pursuit of mine. Playing in Hagen not only gave me a chance to be able to do that, but a chance to do it in a place that it would mean a whole lot. I’m a huge legacy guy and I love places that embody grit and grind. Those were my draws for playing for Hagen.
You had a 1-3 lifetime record against Jena. What was so appealing to battle them each time? The battles with Jena were wars. Every game had a great atmosphere and felt like a prize fight that went into the dog rounds.
How did the talks go with mastermind head coach Bjoern Harmsen. He first coached Jena when you were 9 years old. He has had a impressive coaching track record in Germany. What did you appreciate most about his coaching Philosophy?
The talks went pretty quick, but they were effective and efficient. We knew each other well from the battles we had and once we understood the feelings were mutual about working together it was an easy choice. I loved to play them because as a basketball junkie I could appreciate their offensive schemes and attention to detail to the game.
Your 198cm forward that isn´t afraid to bang with anyone inside. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I personally don’t do NBA comparisons but a lot of people say Draymond Green. However, I love watching guys that came before this huge analytical era. I believe anybody who can get to 6’6 or above, be physical, have a great IQ, and sharpen all aspects of their game can become mismatch nightmares.
Your physicality and leadership really stand out, but for me it´s clearly your versatility. You always had it already at Youngstown. Can you become even more versatile then what you already are?
As the 3 ball starts to fall for me I definitely can become more versatile. If I make the opponent respect me as a three point shooter it will only open up the rest of my game.
Your three pointer still is a work in progress. You only shot 12,5% last season with Hagen? What is your agenda on becoming a better shooter? Can it be more than just repetition? Do you ever work on changing mechanics? I’ve spent the entire summer working on shooting and it’s definitely gotten improved. Away from repetition my shot is and has been about consistency and that means me shooting the ball the same way every time. That coupled with the mindset shift of actually shooting it. I grew up playing basketball at the park and our mentality always was if you can’t stop me from getting to the rim why would I shoot it. However, in this new age of basketball I have to adjust to shooting if I want a long career.
How would you classify yourself as a defender? What kind of a defender do you still want to become? As a defender I believe I am versatile as well and that helps not only myself, but any team I’m on. As I go to higher levels I can become a better defender of shooting wings and the on ball defender of ball screens.
On what areas of your game besides your three pointer are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I’ve been working on handling the ball better, my overall touch and becoming a better athlete. These things will always translate to higher levels of basketball.
You played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen. How enjoyable were these 2 years? How did you grow further under Chris Harris? These 2 years were fun as hell. My 2 years at Hagen made that place home and it will forever be in my heart. Chris is my guy, outside of growing as a leader and learning how to manipulate the european game as a go to guy, Chris provided a space for me to grow as a man.
You played 2 incredible 5 game series against Kirchheim and Crailsheim. Was that Kirchheim series the most exciting time ever in basketball?
My most exciting time ever in basketball happened when I was 15 years old and playing in front of my hometown. My high school team was undefeated and it felt like we were living in a movie. Every game was sold out, we even sold out a college.
You had some incredible teammates in Hagen. Which player had the biggest impact on you. Perhaps Siler Schneider who you were teammates twice with?
Siler is my brother. That is definitely one of my all time favorite teammates. We were two hard nosed hungry kids from the mid west that gelled perfectly.
You played your rookie season with Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
My wakeup call from home had little to do with basketball actually. My wake up call was being in the grocery store for the first time and not being able to read the names of any of the groceries and being uneasy about asking for help because I wasn’t sure if someone spoke English.
What was so special with the Vechta team that won the Pro A title to reach the BBL? The Vechta team was special because of how competitive we were. With no disrespect our practices were sometimes harder than the games. “Iron sharpens Iron” and we epitomized that.
You tried to play in the NFL. You worked out with Jacksonville. How was that whole process. What were the main reasons in the end that it didn´t work out?
That process was great and taught me a lot. It’s something I’ll forever be grateful for. In the end I was a product of the business and I’m not mad at that. I was in a situation where I needed longer to develop than what the team had to produce a winning situation.
You played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021. You made a massive jump in your last season averaging 16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. How did your game grow in the last season there?
My game grew in my last season because I became more assertive and focused. I already have a great work ethic but that year my son was born and it kicked me into an entirely different gear.
You had many great games there like scoring 32 points against Green Bay or having a monster 14/20 game against Central Michigan. What was your fondest moment there? My fondest moment there is when I played on ESPN and made the game winning pass to beat the conference giant Wright St. I had 28 points 8 rebounds and 2 assists on a big stage and my entire community got to watch from home.
You played 1 more NCAA season with Clemson University (NCAA) averaging5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. You averaged 12 minutes less than the season before. What positives could you get from this season?
The season at Clemson prepared me to be a pro, specifically for the year at Vechta. Being on a team loaded with talent you have to be able to adjust and play a role even if it may be undesirable at first. While frustrated in the beginning of the year there, I grew to figure out a way to be successful in whatever time was awarded to me.
How did head coach Brad Brownell give you that last push and help prepare you for a pro career? Coach Brownell’s grit philosophy not only helps be a pro, but helps in every aspect of life. Passion and perseverance towards a long term goal while paying attention to details,being tough and being team oriented can help you in just about any setting in your adult life.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Hunter Tyson? In the few times we did play 1s we had great battles
Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?
My GOAT is Lebron. Simple and clear answer for me. As a basketball lover I am open to anybody else’s opinion.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I haven’t seen it, but I do think they should have left it alone.
Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.
Congrats Toru on the big 70–69 win over Oldenburg. This was the second close game won in the last 3 games. How good does it feel? It feels amazing. Any win in this league is tough, but pulling out another close one says a lot about our resilience. We’re learning how to stay composed in tight moments, and that’s something every good team needs. So yeah, really proud of the group.
Talk about the 40 minutes and the highs and lows of the game. Was it a nail-biter throughout? It definitely felt like a roller coaster. Neither team really managed to create a big gap, so every possession mattered from start to finish. There were stretches where we moved the ball well and defended exactly how we wanted, and then other moments where we let them find rhythm. But overall, it was one of those games where you had to stay mentally locked in the entire time. It was a grind.
Take me through the last seconds of crunch time. Did you feel like you had to take control?
In those moments, the game kind of slows down for me. I wouldn’t say I felt like I had to take over, but I knew I had to be aggressive and make the right decisions. Sometimes that means shooting, sometimes it means creating for someone else. We trusted the play, trusted each other, and stayed poised. That’s what made the difference.
The stats were very even for both teams. Can one say that this game was decided by a few possessions? Absolutely. When the numbers are that close, the game really comes down to execution in critical moments, one extra stop, one offensive rebound, one smart decision. We managed to string together just enough of those key plays to come out on top.
You had another great game with 31/9/6/2. How content were you with your game? I’m happy I could help the team, for sure. But I always look at how I can be better. The scoring is nice, but I focus on whether I controlled the pace, made the right reads, and brought energy on both ends. There’s still plenty to improve, but overall I felt good about how I contributed.
You had 4 turnovers. Do you feel like with added game experience you’ll be able to cut those down this season? Definitely. Turnovers usually come from either rushing or trying to force something that isn’t there. With more reps, more film, and more familiarity with my teammates, I’ll keep cleaning that up. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m confident the numbers will go down.
You next play against 6–4 Braunschweig. What will be key to getting a win? We have to set the tone defensively. They’re a team that can score in bunches if they get comfortable. Controlling the glass and dictating tempo will also be big for us. If we stay disciplined and keep sharing the ball like we have been, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.
Ricardo Lindo Jr. (203-F-2000, college: GWU) is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Washington DC that is playing his third pro season and first with JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 72.0%. He played his rookie season with Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.6ppg, RPG-5 (10.2), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, BPG-4 (2.0), FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 77.2%. He began his basketball career at Woodrow Wilson High School and then played 2 seasons at the University of Maryland (NCAA) and then 3 years at George Washington University (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.4apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 64.7%, 7.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 60.% and : 10.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 71.0%, 3PT: 23.0%, FT: 71.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz
Thanks Ricardo for talking to germanhoop. com. You continue to climb the basketball ladder after paying your dues as a rookie in Finland and last season you were in the top league in Israel and this season in France. How blessed o you truly feel? I feel really blessed, to be able to showcase my skills and versatility at a high level such as JL Bourgand it is something I won’t take for granted. Especially after climbing up the levels of overseas basketball!
Your playing your first season with JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). And Your playing your first season in the very competitive Eurocup league. Do you feel like this league could take your game to another level?
I definitely do feel playing for this club in the Eurocup can take my game to a whole new level, being able to play not just the best competition in France but also to travel around the world and play other top level competition can only help me improve my game for the future.
Your playing against top teams in Europe including the Niners Chemnitz. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Well from playing in the Heidelberg preseason tournament I’ve come to realize how physical German basketball can be and that’s something I need to experience if I want to continue play very high level basketball here in Europe
You fill the stat sheet like a 203cm Russel Westbrook. Is the Swiss army knife the perfect definition of you as a player? I’m glad you mentioned Russell Westbrook because he is my favorite player, and I do think a Swiss army is the perfect way to explain my game. I believe that every great team needs a player that like that and I just want to prove that I can be that player every game.
You have been a great rebounder your whole life averaging 10 rebounds in a season in the NCAA and Europe. To what level as a rebounder can you still bring your game to now in your third pro season?
I think being an elite rebounder shows I’m not afraid to do the dirty work and get physical with the bigs here in Europe, which is something any great team needs to be successful
You are also an incredible defender. How would you describe your defensive game and what NBA player as a defender is your biggest role model?
My defensive game is more of a versatile defender. Being able to switch and guard multiple positions is something I take pride in. I think I try to model my defense game after guys like Paul George, kawhi Leonard, even role players like Royce O’Neal, Josh Okege, Dorian Finney Smith, Robert Covington and even a younger PJ Tucker. Hopefully if I make it to the NBA that’ll be the role I’ll mostly have, so I want to showcase it now.
As a guy that can do it all on the court, what area of your game do you feel is still a bit off the radar?
I feel like my offense live playmaking is still off the radar but playing with a great team I think I’ll be able to show case that without having to force anything.
Last season you played with Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona (Israel-Winner League) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, BPG-5 (1.1), FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 72.0%. How key was this season in your pro career? Is it fair to say that that was your break through season in a top league? I think it’s was key season for me because after playing in Finland and doing great out there I was able to take on a bigger role in Israel and play against top teams who play in European leagues like the BCL, Eurocup, and even Euroleague and to be able to play and showcase my skills against those teams is what I believe got me in the position I am in today.
Last season you battled 5 times against Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and lost a 3 game playoff series. What will you always remember from that series? I’ll always remember how I can compete with those types of teams, even though I didn’t get a win I felt like I belonged and I wasn’t afraid of the name or the moment.
You played your rookie season with Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.6ppg, RPG-5 (10.2), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, BPG-4 (2.0), FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 77.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? That first week in Finland when I realized I had to figure everything out for myself. I couldn’t drive home to my parents and I was in a foreign country that I didn’t understand the language too. But staying in the gym and focusing on my goals is what got through that season
How valuable was it having a teammate like Thomas Gipson as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?
Thomas Gipson was a great Vet to have in my first season. Even thought he was there for half a season I learned a lot from him and he told a lot about how European basketball works.
In the summer of 2024 you played NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks (NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) playing 3 games averaging 1.0ppg, 1.7rpg. What kind of an experience was that for you? What was the best piece of advice that you got there? It was a great experience playing for an NBA team even if it was summer league. I was able to experience a lot of NBA level workouts and practices and being coached by coach Jared Dudley really helped as well. A piece of advice I still carry from the time is to always give 100% and no matter act like a professional, during the good times and especially during the hard times.
You played 2 seasons at the University of Maryland (NCAA) playing 63 NCAA games. You averaged 11 and 7 minutes and reached the NCAA tournament. What positives could you get from these 2 years and battling guys like Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Smith each day? Playing against those guys my first 2 years of college really opened my eyes to what’s it’s like being around NBA level guys. Just watching how they worked to where they are right now. It was definitely great sharing the court with those guys.
You then played 3 seasons at The George Washington University (NCAA). How did your game grow in those 3 years?
Playing at GW I was able to showcase my basketball ability a lot more than I did at UMD, but it still wasn’t enough to go straight to the NBA. I learned a lot while playing for the GW.
You had many great games there including against SFU and Richmond in double OT. What was your fondest moment there? My fondest moment would have to be beating South Carolina at home and also a top ranked Dayton team at home as well.
How did head coach Chris Caputo groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
I feel like coach Caputo really emphasized the professionalism of basketball to me, making sure we stayed on top of our game and how to manage ourselves after college.
You also have represented the Panamanian national team on many occasions. How is the state of basketball Panama? Do you have some future stars on the horizon?
The state of basketball is getting brighter as the sport is becoming more and more popular with a lot more resources being put into basketball
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA? I would have to say Lamar Stevens from Penn State
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? James Bishop, Brendan Adams, Noel Brown, Kyle Lofton, Bryce Brown.
Please name your personal NBM Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron? I grew up watching LeBron James so I would have to say he is my goat
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I did not watch the sequel, I don’t think I saw the first either lol
Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.
Congrats on the big 93–73 win over Bremerhaven. How good does this win feel? It feels really good. We wanted to make a statement at home, and winning by 20 against a team like Bremerhaven shows the level we can play at when we’re locked in. The energy in the gym was great, and we fed off that for all 40 minutes.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Were there any phases where Bremerhaven were really threatening?
Yeah, especially in the second quarter they had a stretch where they hit some tough shots and sped the game up a bit. They cut the lead and tried to shift the momentum. But we stayed disciplined, tightened up on defense, and answered their run with ours. Overall, we controlled the game well.
Ibrahim Jabby was solid with 10 points in 15 minutes. What do you enjoy most about his game? I love his energy. Ibrahim comes in and instantly impacts the game. He runs the floor, finishes strong, and doesn’t force anything. He plays the right way, efficient, intense, and always ready. Those 15 minutes from him were huge for us.
Which stat was the most worthwhile for the team: 35 free-throw attempts, 20 assists, or 10 turnovers?
For me, it’s the 35 free-throw attempts. That shows we attacked the rim all game and played aggressive, physical basketball. When we live in the paint like that, everything else opens up — the ball movement, the spacing, the rhythm. The assists and low turnovers were great, but getting to the line that often really set the tone.
You had a 15/4/5/6 game. How content were you? You played both ends of the court. I’m pretty happy with it. I wanted to impact the game in as many ways as possible. I felt good offensively didn’t force shots, found teammates, and stayed in control. Defensively I really tried to be active and disruptive. So overall, I’m pleased with how I contributed.
You had 6 steals. Was it mostly anticipation or some luck too? There’s always a little luck with steals, but most of it was anticipation. I felt like I read their actions well and got a good feel for their passing patterns early. Once you get one or two, your confidence grows and you start seeing the game a bit slower.
You’ve had games with 6 and 7 steals this season. Do you feel capable of reaching 10? Yeah, I do. It would take the right game, the right pace, and being locked in defensively from the start, but I definitely think it’s possible. I’m getting better at choosing the right moments to jump lanes without gambling too much.
Next you face Oldenburger TB (4–5). What will be key to getting the win?
The biggest key will be controlling the tempo and not letting their shooters get comfortable. They can score in bunches if they find a rhythm. We need to rebound well, communicate on switches, and attack them early. If we set the tone physically and play our style, we’ll put ourselves in a strong position to get another win.
Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.
Congrats on the tight 84-82 win over Bramsche. How did it feel winning a very tight game? It was a really good game, I feel like sometimes we need to be in games like that to prepare us for the playoffs and when things get hard we would know how to execute and focus on the little details.
Talk about the 40 minutes and crunch-time period. How did you see the 40 minutes and what was key at the end for winning the game? The key to this game was just defensively just being able to stop the ball in transition and not giving them any threes.
The team really let it rain three´s with 18. What was it like seeing the hot shooting. 6 guys hit three´s in the game. How special was that?
The last few games we had been struggling to make shots I feel like this is a good momentum starter for us again to carry on to the next game
How key was German Fabian Paetsch with 9 points and 3 three´s. What is so special about his game? He can really shoot the lights out of the ball. Just have to know when he’s ready to get the ball to him so he can let it fly.
What was it like battling Boston Stanton. He led Bramsche with 21 points. What made it so hard to contain him? I didn’t really get to guard him because I was sick. But he is a creative scorer.
You only had 6 points but 11 assists. How important was it for your game to experience a game like that? You only took 5 shots but impacted the game with your playmaking. Yes I had a running fever and I didn’t have the energy to really create open shots for myself so I was just able to find my teammates for open shots.
You next play 2-6 team Bremerhaven. What will be key to getting win`? Defensively just getting stops and moving the ball on offense.
The Frankfurt Skyliners continued to be a solid team playing 500 basketball having a 2-2 record going into the clash with unbeaten team Syntanics MBC. The Skyliners have sparkled on the road being unbeaten, but were still searching for their first dub at home. Frankfurt have defended very well on the road, but are still searching for their identity at home as they allowed 88 points in the first game. Getting that first win definitely didn’t get any easier against unbeaten Weissenfels. They have defended very well in the early going and showed their wealth sharing the ball nicely as 6 guys are averaging scoring in double figures. A big delight for fans was being able to see big John Bryant again as at the age of 38, you never know how much longer you will see him as he is in his 15th season in Germany. John Bryant might of only played 6 minutes, but was as productive and efficient as can be with 5/3/1 stats as so many guys came up big for the whole 45 minutes as the Syntainics MBC had to fight hard, but in the end were rewarded in OT with a 97-93 victory in Frankfurt over the Skyliners to remain the only unbeaten team in the easyCredit BBL at 5-0. ‘We were sloppy in the first half, but we knew what we had to do in the second half and just executed a lot better. We knew that we couldn’t continue to play like that, but had to pick up our game. We did a good job sticking together and always encouraging each other in the huddles’, stressed Syntainics MBC guard Khyri Thomas (190-F/G-1996, college: Creighton) who played parts of 3 seasons in the NBA with Detroit and Houston. The Skyliners gave a feisty fight for 45 minutes, but it was the little things that continued to hurt them throughout the game that always allowed the guests to get the advantage in many situations with points, rebounds or turnovers. ‘We really played with a lot of effort. We tended to make way to many little errors through out the game that cost us. This was a real tough loss at home especially in overtime’, stressed Skyliners guard Nahiem Alleyne.
Marcus Foster at the FT line
The Skyliners came out starting the game strongly, but couldn’t keep up the pressure and allowed the Syntainics MBC find their rhythm which resulted in a close battle as the guests led 23-20 after one quarter. The Skyliners started aggressive at both ends and got the quick 6-0 lead as German captain Till Pape scored back to back hook shots in the paint and ex Saint Mary’s College of California (NCAA) guard Logan Johnson helped out under the basket with a tap in. Frankfurt was aggressive on the boards getting a few offensive rebounds from American Jaedon LeDee and the guests were very hectic in the opening minutes. Before the Skyliners really knew what had happened, the contest was dead locked at 8-8 as the Syntainics MBC found their rhythm with a couple of three pointers from ex University of Duquesne forward RJ Gunn and ex Xavier University (NCAA) guard Marcus Foster and ex KK Zadar forward Jure Planinic made a lay in. The guests continued to execute well and got a few stops upping their lead to 15-12 as Foster and Thomas added lay in’s. However the Skyliners fought back getting vital energy from ex Vechta guard Radii Casin who scored twice on transition and ex Creighton (NCAA) forward Ryan Hawkins connected for a massive trey as the Skyliners only trailed 19-18. However the Syntainics kept the slight 3 point lead after 10 minutes as their bench stepped up as ex Alba Berlin forward Kresimir Nikic snuck inside twice for 2 easy baskets. ‘We like to throw the first punch, but didn’t. We had too much of a urge to do the right thing. We finally got a feel for the game. RJ Gunn set the tone’, stated Khyri Thomas. The Syntainics MBC shot 50% from the field and 25% from outside and 5 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 14% from outside and had 15 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Jaedon LeDee jumper
In the second quarter the Syntainics MBC took control of the game and led by as much as 12 points, but the Skyliners kept chipping away and trailed only by 4 points at half time. After Johnson and Nikic traded free throws, the Syntainics MBC then commenced on a huge 14-5 run to extend their lead to 38-26. In the run the guests continued to get super production from Colin Welp who hit 2 three’s while Spencer Reaves scored twice with his typical mid range game. Point Guard Charles Callison who was quiet all game long made a runner which remained his only points of the game. The Skyliners had another spurt in their game where they didn’t show the defensive aggression needed which allowed the guests to get relatively open shots. However the Skyliners still had enough energy and buckled down going on a 12-4 run to trail only 42-38 at the break. In the run Frankfurt got good support from Nahiem Alleyne who came off the bench and simply executed being aggressive hitting a trey and netting free throws. ‘I knocked down some shots today. I should of made more. I just played loose and let my defense dictate what my offense would do’, said Nahiem Alleyne. Till Pape also continued to be efficient adding 6 points as he was a total menace in the point area. ‘We allowed them to come back and that was all on us. We read the plays a little too early or helped too much. Our communication also could have been better’, stated Khyri Thomas. The Syntainics MBC shot 44% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Isaiah Swope at the FT line
The Syntainics MBC continued to hold the lead in the third quarter despite the Skyliners always staying on the backs of the guests. The Skyliners got the lead back at 45-44 as they had a great start with a 6-0 run as LeDee hit his bread and butter the 20 footer, Johnson made an off balance shot and Alleyne made 3 free throws. Then came 5 lead changes as both teams had a solid rhythm. Frankfurt was probably executing at their best and led 53-50 as ex Artland Dragon guard Will Christmas made a lay in. The Skyliners were aggressive and getting easier baskets. But then all of a sudden came a big turn in the tide as the Skyliners offense turned static and they couldn’t hit shots anymore. The on ball defense of MBC was thrust up a few notches which resulted in a 14-2 run as they led 64-55 after 30 minutes. MBC’s offense was executing at it’s best as Welp dropped his next three pointer while John Bryant made his second. The team also remained really aggressive and made 8 free throws as RJ Gunn, Marcus Foster and Bryant scored. ‘Key in the third quarter was our rebounding. We got outrebounded badly in the first half. We buckled down and got first rebounds and kept executing on the offensive end’, commented Khyri Thomas. ‘We can’t give up on the little battles. Rebounding and 1-1 defense hurt us. But we still did give a great effort’, commented Nahiem Alleyne.
Spencer Reaves runner
The Syntainics MBC kept control in the fourth quarter and led by as much as 10 points, but the Skyliners continued to claw back and had a illustrious last minute being able to force overtime. Both teams came out gunning on offense as LeDee continued to use his mid range game to his strength making a 20 footer while Spencer Reaves hit a trey as MBC led 69-57. RJ Gunn also contributed well to the MBC offense with a lay in as John Bryant still has the court vision at age 38 with the pretty pass and then the strong big made a thunderous dunk for the 71-61 advantage. Rookie Isaiah Swope who is Malik Parsons 2,0 is definitely a player who has clutch secretly carved on his forehead began to lead the Skyliners come back attempt. He demonstrated his 3 level scoring with 2 treys and lay in plus free throws as he was a one man wrecking crew. However the Skyliners trailed 81-73 mainly because Khyri Thomas was just as lethal making a lay in and three pointer to keep them at bay. However the Skyliners weren’t done and kept fighting. Alleyne hit a trey and LeDee a jumper as Frankfurt trailed 83-78 with 1,02 to play. The Skyliners then played their best defense of the game forcing 2 turnovers which led to a Alleyne bucket to trail 83-80 with 18 seconds remaining. Then came the next MBC turnover which led to 3 Christmas free throws and overtime. ‘We played with desperation in the last minutes. We displayed great pressure on ball. We need to show that for 40 minutes’, warned Nahiem Alleyne. ‘We gave it away. They had many 50/50 calls, but you can’t blame the refs. We have to learn to play through it and make them call it and not bait it’, warned Khyri Thomas.
Marcus Foster at the FT line
In the overtime period, the Syntainics MBC made the first punch and the Skyliners were unable to punch back and get the lead back. Reaves began the OT period with free throws which was followed by a Thomas trey who showcased his calmness and great ability to pick his spots once again in the game making the next big timely shot. The Skyliners answered with LeDee free throws and a Swope 20 footer to trail 88-87, but MBC had no offensive lapses as Marcus Foster nailed a clutch trey for the 91-87 lead. LeDee added a big dunk and Christmas a reverse lay up, but MBC always had an answer as Thomas made free throws for the 94-91 advantage. With less than a minute to play, Logan Johnson missed 2 free throws. Foster connected on free throws for the 96-91 advantage. Christmas added free throws with 16 seconds remaining as the Skyliners trailed 96-93. Reaves made a free throw for insurance ending the game. ‘We were really pissed that we allowed overtime. We didn’t want to lose the game. We did a great job executing our stuff. We stuck together, rebounded well and got to the free throw line’, added Khyri Thomas. ‘Second chance rebounds hurt us. They also hit open shots. We can’t let that happen’, added Nahiem Alleyne. The Syntainics MBC were led by Khyri Thomas with 23 points while Marcus Foster added 17 points and Spencer Reaves had 12 points while the Skyliners were led by Jaedon LeDee with 18 points and 12 rebounds while Nahiem Alleyne added 17 points and Till Pape and Isaiah Swope had 14 points apiece. The Syntainics MBC shot 41% from the field and 35% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 22% from outside and had 53 rebounds and 17 turnovers.
German Hoops 