Allin Blunt (201-F-1999, college: UMass Lowell) is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Washington DC who has 2 years of professional experience under his belt. He played this season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz avergaing 7,5ppg, 3,4rpg and 1,8apg. Last season he played with the Laguna Sharks Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 4.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1spg; and in Jan.’24 moved to Kordall Steelers Rodange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 16.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 67.7%. He began his basketball career with Gonzaga College high school and then played at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 146 NCAA games. In his last 2 seasons he averaged 11.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 68.7% and 10.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 84.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Allin for talking to germanhoops.com. Did you ever seek advice from ex assistant coach Louis Hinnant about overseas ball? He played in Europe including Germany. Coach Lou has been a big part of me getting to the point I’m at today. I talk to him often and I still workout with him. He’s been nothing but influential in my basketball journey and that’s since my senior year of high school, I can’t thank him enough.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? Jalen Williams of the OKC Thunder. Just his ability to score at all 3 levels and then he defends 1-4 also.
You are an undersized forward, but a guy that can do it all. Would you call yourself a modern day big man?
No, I wouldn’t say I’m a modern day big. I’m just a bigger guard I can play 2-4 on the offensive end and guard those same positions as well. I’m your do it all type of guy.
How much does your football backround help you with going to those places where it hurts in the zone?
It helps a lot especially when attacking the rim and rebounding being aggressive and not shying away from contact, my football background definitely helps with that.
Your also a very good three point shooter. Where would you rate your three point development at the moment?
I’m always working on my 3pt shot, it’s a big part of my game. Being able to stretch the floor is something that is very valuable in today’s game so being consistent with my shot is a big thing for me.
What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I’m definitely a versatile defender I can guard 1-4 and then using my advantages depending on my matchup. Guarding smaller guards just using my length and size to alter shots and then with bigger guys using my speed to take up space and putting pressure on them.
On what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?
At the moment my cardio and ball handling are what Im working on the most. Then just getting up a lot of shots and keeping my mechanics on point.
You played your rookie season with the Laguna Sharks Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 4.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1spg; Cup: 2 games: 6.5ppg, 3.0rpg, in Jan.’24 moved to Kordall Steelers Rodange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 16.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 67.7% What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? When I landed in Turkey for my connecting flight to Bucharest, Romania and I had no cell service, that was my wake up call haha.
You played half a season in Romania. You experienced real growing pains there. Could you take any positives out of the experience? The biggest positive is that I never gave up. I kept working and believing in my abilities and now it´s starting to pay off.
In Luxemburg everything worked for you. Your game cooled down a bit in the last month, but still adjusted well after a tough start in Romania. Did the Luxemburg experience give you the needed self confidence to make the next step in Koblenz? I always had the confidence, I just needed a better situation and in Luxembourg Kordall provided me with that. So I can’t think Dan Elvinger and Coach Tara enough for taking a chance on me.
You played at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) from 2018-2023. The first 2 years you averaged 15 minutes, but in the last 3 seasons you averaged 29 minutes per game. How did your game grow in your last 3 years?
With work. That’s all it was, a lot of extra work. Putting aside distractions and focusing on my game so I could be the player I know I always could be.
In your second season you played against NCAA powerhouse Michigan scoring 6 points. What memories do you have of that game playing against future NBA guys like Franz Wagner? All I remember is the sold out crowd and I could not hear my own thoughts at first. But once the game started within a couple minutes. I was good to go. I did outscore Franz that game too haha.
You had so many great games in the NCAA like scoring 33 points against UMBC. What was your favorite game in the NCAA? My favorite game I played in would have to be senior night for me. Just to see how far I’ve come over the years and then reaching 1,000 points in that game it was just an all around amazing day for me and my family.
How did head coach Pat Duquette groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
He instilled confidence in me and he did that from day 1 when he offered me a scholarship. He saw the potential in me and he made sure I didn’t take it for granted.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Max Brooks? I did every time haha. Max is a great player but 1-1 vs me. He hasn’t won yet and it’s about a 99.9% chance he never will.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? In college I would have to say my tougher matchups none of them have reached the NBA but if I had to choose between those that did probably Toumani Camara that went to Dayton.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Anthony Blunt
Christian Lutete
Obadiah Noel
Chris Lykes
Prentiss Hubb
What is your NBA Mount Rushmore? Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady
Who is your Goat? Lebron James is the Goat but my GOAT is Carmelo Anthony
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America movie? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
No I haven’t seen it but I feel like with certain movies you shouldn’t do sequels to them because it ruins the legacy of the original and this movie in my opinion falls into that category.
The up and down play of the 8-8 Dragons Rhondorf continues. The good news was that they were at home again in their own living room. But this season that unfortunately doesn´t mean anything when your 3-4 at home. The team is fighting for the playoffs and desperately needs to go on a run. They are only 4-4 since December ist and there doesn´t seem to be any rapid development. Winning doesn´t come easy anymore and it didn´t get any easier with the 10-6 Fellbach Flashers who continue to sparkle in the Pro B since arriving last season. They are a team with veterans and top bigs with Daniel Mayr and Brian Butler and a hungry and talented American with Malik Whitaker (198-G-2000, college: Fort Lewis, agency: Starting 5) The Dragons had some confidence going into the game remembering beating Fellbach on the road 78-75, but that game was the first of the season and since then the guests had improved. On a mild Saturday evening in Bad Honnef, fans in the Dragon Dome witnessed the debut of New head coach Marko Zarovic who had replaced Stephan Doehrn only few days earlier. Would a change in the team´s play occur? It definitely didn´t show at the start, but throughout the game, the Dragons Rhondorf heightened their game every quarter until the end, but they never got over the hump despite fighting hard for 40 minutes. “We got better every quarter, but when you dig such a big hole,it is just really difficult to come back especially against a good team like Fellbach. We played with so much energy in the last 3 quarters that it was contagious for our offense”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. Offensively Fellbach had their ups and downs, but defensively they played very well except for the third quarter where they allowed 32 points. The Flashers continue to play great basketball despite not having Zaire Thompson and Mickey De Souza than more than a month. “We did a good job sticking to the game plan for 40 minutes. We played great defense and were disciplined. Despite being banged up, we had others step up”, stressed Fellbach Flasher Malik Whitaker
Brian Butler at the FT line
In the first quarter the game was at eye level for the first minutes, but The Fellbach Flashers found to their game then going on a 26-7 run to lead by 21 points after 10 minutes. It was no secret that it would be a massive mismatch having 218cm giant Daniel Mayr battling against the undersized Dragons team. In the first few minutes, Mayr who played 1 Euroleague game with FC Bayern Munich scored 6 points and dominated the paint area. The Dragons Rhondorf also tried to go inside getting a basket from Ohio native Tim Smith Jr and free throws by German Janne Muller, but Fellbach led 10-6. Fellbach then really found their game going on a 13-2 run to lead 23-8. Brian Butler led the charge with 5 points like Mayr dominating the paint area with his quick moves while the team also got great support from their role player Jeremy Kolev who scored 4 points and Nikola Jekov also scored. “Jeremy has been big for us since the new year. We always knew he could play. His hard work has paid off as he has become a starter. He makes big plays for us”, warned Malik Whitaker Fellbach was playing with great intensity at both ends, had a stifling zone on display, got transition baskets and dominated the boards. The Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t hit the ocean and couldn´t get the 50/50 balls. Young German Kenan Reinhardt made a rare three pointer and Kelvin Omojola a lay in, but all in all their offense wasn´t moving the ball well and were forced to tough shots as Fellbach were everywhere on defense. On offense, they got 5 points from ex JUCO player Malik Whitaker and Lithuanian guard Tauras Ulevicius nailed a three pointer as Fellbach led 36-15 after 10 minutes. Fellbach shot 72% from the 2 point area and 25% from outside and had 17 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33% from the 2 point area and 14% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 6 turnovers. “We weren´t ready to play. We knew they had size, but they still punished under the glass. They also had a good zone which we had prepared for”, said Kelvin Omojola.
Marco Rahn at the FT line
The Dragons Rhondorf upped their play in the second quarter especially defensively as they allowed only 15 points, but they couldn´t make up much of the deficit and still trailed by 17 points at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf woke up going on a 10-5 run to cut the Flashers lead down to 41-25. In the run, their mind set was more positive than the first quarter and was more aggressive at both ends. That led to an offensive rebound and put back by Danas Kazakevicius and offensive rebound and hook shot by ex Bayreuth center Marco Rahn while Marco Rosic hit a clutch trey. The Dragons were reborn on the boards as they had the 9-2 rebound edge in that phase. Fellbach didn´t have the easy shots anymore as they had more contested shots. But Fellbach fought back and moved the ball better and got 2 three´s from Texas native Malik Whitaker and a left handed hook shot by ex Schwelm center Daniel Mayr as Fellbach extended their lead to 50-28. The Dragons remained aggressive getting to the free throw line as Smith, Kazakevicius and Reinhart scored, but they still had a long trek to the peak as they trailed 51-34 after 20 minutes. “We were flying on defense. We were helping each other, had good communication and were simply all on the same page. Our defense was huge and kept us in the game”, stated Kelvin Omojola.The Fellbach Flashers shot 61% from the 2 point area and 33% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 8 turnovers and the Dragons Rhondorf shot 32% from the 2 point area and 11% from the three point line and 26 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Daniel Mayr in the pain area
In the third quarter the surge of the Dragons Rhondorf continued as they exploded for 32 points and all of a sudden trailed only by 10 points after 10 minutes. The Dragons Rhondorf are a strong offensive team and only time will tell when they will break out and they finally did going on a 16-9 run to trail 63-50. The Dragons finally let it rain three´s as Omojola connected twice as did Antonio Pilipovic and Marco Rahn. Rhondorf´s offense was clicking, but here and there still sloppy getting unneeded turnovers while on defense continued to be all over the court making it difficult for Fellbach to execute. But Fellbach always had an answer. Once they faced adversary, they came back with a 8-2 run to extend their lead to 71-52 as Ulevicius and Whitaker connected for three pointers. “Whitaker is a great player. He is so smooth and polished. He made us pay with his three pointer. It was pick your poison”, stated Kelvin Omojola. The only bright spot in the run for the Dragons was a nifty behind the back pass from Pilipovic to Smith Jr for the easy lay in. “We know that Antonio can pass like that. In practice he is always calling the Doncic pass. He is a great passer”, commented Kelvin Omojola. But Rhondorf stayed tough and on the door step of Fellbach as Janne Muller hit a trey and ex Schwenningen guard Alexander Lagerman for a lay in as the Dragons trailed 73-60. Despite a trey by Nik Schlipf, the Dragons continued to execute getting lay in´s by Smith Jr and Lagerman and Fellbach led 76-66 after 30 minutes. “We knew that they were a good team and strong at home. We also knew they would go on a run. They couldn´t stay cold that long. We never got down”, stated Malik Whitaker “We continued to bring energy and our three finally fell. We were getting stops and our good defense led to our offense”, added Kelvin Omojola. The Fellbach Flashers shot 61% from the 2 point area and 41% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 43% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and 31 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Alexander Lagerman with the lay in
Defensively the Dragons Rhondorf saved their best for last allowing only 11 points, but still couldn´t get over the hump never trailing by less than 5 points as they mustered only 16 points in the last quarter. The Dragons came out with fire going on a 6-2 run to trail Fellbach only 78-72 as Muller and Rahn made lay in´s and Reinhart a floater. However Fellbach made clutch baskets to keep punching back going on a 4-0 run as Jekov made a lay in and Butler a tip in to lead 82-72. Then it was time for the Dragons to punch back as they made key stops and went on a 5-0 run to trail only 82-77 as Mueller made a lay in and Omojola a trey. Mayr and Kazakevicius then traded baskets as Fellbach led 84-79 with 1,23 to play. The Dragons Rhondorf had their opportunities. Brian Butler missed 2 free throws, but Muller came back and missed. Tim Smith Jr then made a lay in with 19 seconds to play as Fellbach still led 85-81. Then Rhondorf forced a turnover to get the ball back with 18,2 seconds, but then coughed up the ball. Whitaker then sealed the win with free throws. “Our bread and butter our defense was key at the end. We remained locked in and disciplined. They were physical and hit tough shots, but we withstood their pressure”, said Malik Whitaker “We didn´t run out of gas. Turnovers hurt us. Good teams like them will make you pay”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. The Fellbach Flashers were led by Malik Whitaker with 27 points. Daniel Mayer, Brian Butler and Jeremy Kolev chipped in with 12 points a piece while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr with 17 points. Marco Rahn added 12 points and Janne Muller 11 points. The Fellbach Flashers shot 46% from the field and 33% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 35% from the field and 23% from outside and had 47 rebounds and 16 turnovers.
Ex Dragons Rhondorf player Kameron Taylor should be in their Wall Of Fame. He only played one season for the Pro B team, but he is without a doubt one of the best players in their history if not the best. He dominated in the 2017-2018 after coming from the higher league Pro A and knowingly took a step back so he could make 2 steps forward. The rest is history as three years later he reached the Euroleague with Maccabi Tel Aviv and then ACB in Spain the other top league overseas where he has been a mainstay since 3 seasons. If you were to ask 100 Rhondorf fans who saw him play in the Dragon Dome 7 seasons ago, I would have the audacity to bet that all 100 fans would all have something positive to say about him. He had an impact with his play on the court and character off the court. It is always interesting to meet ex teammates especially guys from college, because they also only have positive things to report. Overseas Pro Trevor Blondin was able to play with him for 2 years and can truly say that he has found a lifelong friend in Taylor. “Kam was a lot of fun to play with, as long as you had him on your team you felt like you had a chance to win against anybody. He was very unselfish and always played the game the right way on both ends of the floor. If you were open, he was going to find you, but also he knew when to take over and put the team on his back. My fondest memory would probably be when we upset Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They were ranked in the top 10 of division 2 basketball at the time. Kam went crazy that game, I had a pretty good game and we ended up beating them at home in a packed arena. And let’s just say it was a huge party after that”, remembered Trevor Blondin. There was one game against Carlow where Blondin had 27 points and Taylor had a monster 26/16/6 game. Despite Taylor´s stellar play at Seton Hill, did it surprise him just how far he got overseas? “I think it surprises you a little bit because not many people from Division 2 make it to that level and also he started in some lower leagues in Germany Pro A and Hungary. But at the same time, it doesn’t surprise me because I’ve seen his work ethic in person and know what type of person he is, and if anybody was going to accomplish something that unbelievable it would definitely be him. Honestly, his success in Europe gave me the blueprint for what I wanted to accomplish in my career. In a way, it gave me some belief that if he can do it coming from Division 2 Seton Hill, that I could do it to. But I’m super proud of him, there’s not really a more deserving person. While I was in Patras Greece, he got me some tickets to watch him live when his team, Unicaja Malaga played against Promitheas Patras in the champions league final eight. That was cool to watch him play and talk to him after the game and he told me he was proud of me for making it this far. And that meant a lot to me coming from him & knowing where we both started at”, stressed Trevor Blondin. But who won a 1-1 then and who would win now?” The competitor in me is always going to bet on myself. But Kam is obviously a beast and we used to have some good battles in practice back in the day. He was a little older so he probably got the best of me back then, but I’m hoping we can link up this summer and run it back”, said Trevor Blondin. He may not have had the same kind of career as Kam Taylor, but he definitely knows how blessed he is to be overseas in his fifth season. “I feel very grateful for all of the experiences that I’ve had over the last 5 years. I’m getting paid to play a game that I love, I’ve lived in six different countries, I’ve travelled a lot, and met countless people. It’s given me a very unique perspective of the world. To still be playing meaningful basketball at a high level isn’t something that I take for granted and I’m going to continue to do it for as long as I can. Coming from a Division 2 school it wasn’t easy to get a job overseas initially, even after scoring over 20ppg my junior and senior seasons. But I used that as motivation and continued to work really hard on my game. I’ve improved a lot since then and feel like I’ve surpassed a lot of those Division 1 players that were recruited over me. So just always having that chip on my shoulder has probably helped me stick around in Europe for so long”, stated Trevor Blondin.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Kameron Taylor in 2017 in Rhondorf
Trevor Blondin who lists the Martin twins, Caleb and Cody and Jordan McCrae, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and Isaiah Cannon as his toughest foes in his career so far was born In Haymarket, Virginia on March 13, 1996 and began his basketball career at Battlefield High School. He then played at Seton Hill (NCAA2) from 2014-2019 and was able to improve his scoring average each season. His game really took off in his last 2 seasons as he averaged 19.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 70.5%, and 20.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 75.4%. “Coming in, I was more of a catch and shoot guy on the wing but as my body got stronger I was able to get to the basket more and become an all-around player. It was really helpful that I got a chance to start and play like 35 minutes a game from the moment I got there as a freshman. I think that in-game experience helped my game develop faster. I had a 30pt game against Millersville my Sophmore year and after that I knew I could score at high level. Also I had some really talented older teammates like Kam Taylor and Dave Windsor, who made me better by competing with them at practice every day. But by the time I left, I was a scoring machine I averaged 20+ points a game my last two seasons and was 1st team all-conference in the PSAC”, remembered Trevor Blondin. He scored in double figures in 59 of 82 games at Seton Hill and in his last 2 seasons scored in double figures in 47 of 49. He had so many great games like hitting Clarion for 31 points and memories and actually had 2 coaches then with Tony Morocco and Kendrick Saunders and had mixed emotions about the 2 as one fit and the other didn´t. “The Clarion game was cool because I had my whole family in attendance. I remember they couldn’t really guard me that game. But my favorite memory was probably the And-1 3- point shot, game winner I made against California university of Pennsylvania. We had an improbable come back in the second half. I had like six points at half time and finished the game with 32. I knew the shot was good before the ball even went through the net. You can look it up on YouTube. Tony Morocco I really can’t say enough good things about him. I don’t think I would be here today without him. He really helped me develop as a basketball player and as a person on the court. He really cared about his players and their families and I have some really great memories playing for him. Kendrick Saunders on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He was hired my senior season, and would repeatedly tell us that we weren’t “his guys” because he didn’t recruit us, so we were expendable and he didn’t care about us. He created an extremely hostile environment that killed all the joy of playing basketball. So when I got to Europe the next season, it was a breath of fresh air playing for Jarno Nikula in Finland and I regained that joy from playing basketball again”, stressed Trevor Blondin.
The walking bucket who lists Alexander Pevadze, Josh Perkins, Kam Taylor, Ivan Gandia-Rosa, and Orlando Coleman as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his professional career overseas with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 69.1%. Every pro baller overseas had that certain wake up call to being overseas and it wasn´t any different for him. “I think maybe our first preseason game against Vilpas. I just remember noticing the drums and horns that fans bring to the game, that was new for me. You don’t really hear that in an American College basketball game. It really stood out to me at first but it’s funny because now I don’t even notice it anymore. Also the snow, cold temperatures, and darkness in Finland was different than anything I’d experienced before. I mean -20 degrees, with 2ft of snow on the ground, and 3 hours of sunlight everyday is not for the faint hearted”, added Trevor Blondin. He scored in double figures in 11 games and hit Ura Basket for 30 points. He will never forget having the perfect mentor in Trey Zeigler. “ It was incredibly valuable having Trey as a teammate and a mentor my rookie year. Not only was he a great player on the court and putting up ridiculous numbers that season. I really soaked up a lot knowledge from our conversations about the business side of pro basketball, and how to move up leagues, and navigate agents. I feel really lucky that I had an experienced guy like him on my team to show me the ropes. I think it really helped me make crucial decisions in my career later down the road. Shoutout to Trey Ziegler, he’s had a great transition into coaching college basketball for some really high level programs the last few years”, stated Trevor Blondin. He played his second pro season with Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging 15.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT-1 (92.7%). He played Spisski Rytieri tough in the regular season and then got swept 2-0. Despite not winning a chip, it was another enriching season for him. “I have good memories playing for Inter Bratislava in Slovakia. I think statistically that was one of my best seasons. Oleg Meleshchenko was an intense coach but also one of my favorites. I always liked playing for coaches that have played at a high level themselves and he played for the Soviet Union national team back in the day and has also coached at some high level teams in Russia and around Europe. Life was pretty good living in Bratislava and that team was a lot of fun to play on because we played an unselfish brand of basketball. Ivan Gandia-Rosa was our point guard, Džiguas Slavinskas was a great passer from the four position, Michael Fusek led the league blocks & we had Jure Zubac, & Timo Malovec as well. We had a lot of talented players, who went on to play for national teams, and in higher leagues. The series against Spisski was unfortunate because we had beaten them easily three out of four times in the regular season and we were dealing with injuries late in the season, and then unfortunately we got swept in the playoffs to a team that we thought we were better than. Definitely felt like we let one get away, I thought our team was championship caliber for that league”, commented Trevor Blondin. He scored in double figures in 19 games including exploding for 33 points against Prievidza.
In his third pro season, the Virginia native who lists LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Gilbert Arenas, & Jamal Crawford on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played with Laguna Sharks Bucuresti (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 12.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 74.4%. Once again he was battling in the post season, but that chip once again was denied, but he got a new stamp on his passport. He played a tough 5 games series against Steaua B and the last 3 games weren´t decided combined with more than 5 points. “That was a wild series, I’ll never forget that. I don’t think anybody gave us a fighting chance to comeback and win that series after we were down 0-2. We pulled off a miracle with our backs up against the wall and won 3 straight games to avoid relegation. That was just a group of guys that had a dog mentality and never gave up. We definitely celebrated that win afterwards. Shoutout to everybody from Laguna, I really liked that group of teammates and I think I developed a lot as a point guard that season thanks to Daniel Nelson and Milan Minic. Romania is definitely a hidden gem, Bucharest will always have a special place in my heart. I met a lot of cool people in my time living out there, it was honestly a blast. I wouldn’t mind making a return to the Romanian league one day”, warned Trevor Blondin. Once again he was consistent again with his scoring in double figures in 19 of 26 games including netting 22 points against Dinamo B and 21 points against Targu Jiu. Last season he split time with Okapi Aalst (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 10.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 40.6%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 76.1%, in Mar.’24 moved to AS Apollon Patras (Greece-GBL) averaging 11.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 95.0%. Last season was another stepping stone in his career. He finally made the jump to higher leagues. “It’s been a grind each season trying to bubble and move up the ranks of Europe. From starting in the Korisliiga in Finland to making it all the way to the Greek league is definitely something I’m proud of. It feels like the trials and tribulations were worth it. It was a lot of fun playing in Greece, you’re playing against Champions League & Euroleague caliber teams every night, there’s no easy games. It’s a bunch of killers and former NBA players on every team and you got to bring your A-game every night. Add in the crazy atmosphere that the Greek fans bring and it’s just a really fun environment for basketball. The fans show you a lot of love off the court also”, stated Trevor Blondin. He had some growing pains first in Belgium and the demonstrated in Greece that he could hold his own against Euroleague and NBA guys. “Playing for Okapi was a necessary step in my journey. I liked playing for Thomas Crab, I thought he was a good coach. I think I proved that I could play at that level right away scoring 17 points against champions league team Oostende the first game of the season. But I struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. Everything prior to Okapi had gone pretty smoothly in my career, so I think I needed to face that adversity in order to grow as a player and as a person. I have a lot of great memories living in Belgium. Brussels is one of my favorite cities and it was really enjoyable from a day to day life standpoint. Being the only American was tough at times, but not something that I really gave a whole lot of thought to”, expressed Trevor Blondin. In Greece he lost 30 points to Euroleague team Olympiacos. He held his own with 12 points and played against many ex NBA players including Isaiah Caanon. “That game was special to me. My goal was always to try to make it to the highest level of Europe, so it doesn’t really get much higher than that. It felt like the culmination of the basketball journey that I’ve been on since I was a little kid. I mean as a basketball fan you would pay good money to watch Olympiacos play but all of a sudden you’re on the floor playing against them and really seeing what Euroleague caliber looks like up close. But more so that you just want to prove to yourself that you belong at that level. I felt like I made some plays that showed that, like stealing the ball from Papanikalaou and getting a breakaway dunk, knocking down a couple of threes. Blowing up a hand off with Wright and Larentzakis. I mean, that’s arguably a top 3 team in Europe and a team that doesn’t really make a lot of mistakes, so to be able to force a couple turnovers against them. It really just started to feel like another basketball game at the end of the day”, stressed Trevor Blondin. In Belgium he scored in double figures in 12 times including 20 points against Mechelen and in Greece scored in double figures in 6 of 8 games including 24 points against PAOK
This season the scoring guard who lists Lebron James as his GOAT and feels they should of left the classic Coming To America alone is playing in Sweden for Boras Basket. It is his fifth professional season and sixth team and in his sixth country. A basketball globetrotter would be the perfect middle name for him. “It’s pretty crazy to think back on my career and all the different places the game has taken me. It feels like it was just yesterday that I signed my rookie deal in Finland. I was on the plane traveling to Europe for the first time not really knowing what to expect and now years later, here we are. It’s been a fun journey to say the least”, added Trevor Blondin. He signed recently as the job market wasn´t as easy for him as in the past. “It was an interesting off-season for sure. I thought I would get bigger offers after playing well in Greece and having good games against teams like Olympiacos, AEK, and PAOK. I had some offers that I turned down waiting for something better. Once I missed the summer signing window and the season started it got a little stressful. But I just stayed in the gym working out everyday with my trainer Moe Gray from B1B. My homie Nigel Johnson was in a similar situation at the time before he signed in Hungary and we just got after it everyday. They really helped me a lot just by showing up everyday and helping me stay locked in mentally. Eventually, I got the call from Borås and I’m really happy in my current situation”, said Trevor Blondin. He is on a great team and fully aware that he could win his first pro chip. “ That’s always been a goal of mine to win a championship at any level in pro basketball. That was a big reason why I joined this team because of the early success that they’ve had this season as well as their aspirations to win a championship. I think there’s a belief within this team that we have the right pieces in place to achieve great things. We have some talented younger guys mixed with some older experienced guys that know the league well and have a high basketball IQ. So I’m just excited to be a part of it and try to help them win games”, stressed Trevor Blondin. He has been really thankful for having a great teammate like Andreas Person for taking him under his wing. “He’s definitely played a vital role in my adjustment with this team. He’s got a lot of experience; he’s a great shooter, defender, and has a high basketball IQ. We got some other veteran guys that have helped me a lot too like Simon Gunnarsson and Fred Andersson. You can tell how much winning means to these guys”, expressed Trevor Blondin. He came in and scored in double figures in his first game. Scoring continues to be his bread and butter no matter where he plays. “ I think scoring has always just come natural to me. I love having the ball in my hand and from AAU, high school, and college, that’s always been my role. Coming from Division 2 they needed me to score 20 points a night and gave me the green light, so I think that helped me develop my offensive game a lot. I try not to be one dimensional because teams are going to scout you and figure out your weaknesses. So I try to be as versatile as possible and not have too many weaknesses. I’ve always been able to shoot the ball pretty well from three, I can get to the basket, or play o the ball. I just try to mix it up and be unpredictable. This offseason-season in particular, I think I’ve expanded my game and taken it to a whole new level. I’m excited to showcase it this season in Sweden”, warned Trevor Blondin. It will be interesting to see where his basketball journey goes in the next years. Who knows maybe he will suit up with Kam Taylor again. But for now he has only one goal and that is to win his first pro title.
Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.
Thanks Malik for talking to germanhoops.com. It was the battle of the best 2 Pro B south teams with the RheinStars and Leitershofen. How excited were you to go into this game? I was very excited about this game. I knew the energy and the fans would be crazy.
Cologne won the first game 85-80. What was the game plan going in? Just made stops and executed down the stretch of the game when we played the first time.
The RheinStars suffered a tough 94-92 loss against Leitershofen. How had they improved from the first game?
They had some guys play that didn’t play the first match up which helped them. But I still think we had opportunities to come out with the win
The first half was a battle and the RheinStars led by 6 points. What was key for having the half-time lead? We were making stops and rebounding pretty well. Also was executing in that first half pretty well
In the third quarter Leitershofen exploded for 31 points. What adjustments did they make to get the 4 point lead after 30 minutes?
We had too many turnovers as well as wasn’t getting back on defense fast enough in transition. Which gave them opportunities to get easy baskets.
Asa Williams exploded for 31 points including 8 three´s. What made it so difficult to contain him? We left him open too much. Most of the game he was open for a three and his teammates just made good efforts of finding him.
You had 6 seconds at the end down by 2 and you took the last three pointer and missed. Take me through the last seconds? Did the shot feel good?
Rupi came down the court as I sprinted to the corner and he hit me. The shot felt good but just slightly to the left.
You scored 24 points and shot 50%. How valuable was this game for your self-confidence? It was good for my confidence since I’ve been struggling a bit this month. But I felt I was being more aggressive than usual.
You next face Ludwigsburg who you easily beat in the first game. What will be key to getting the victory? The key will be play with a lot of intensity and energy. We just came off a tough loss so we have to come out the gate swinging.
Markus Roewenstrunk is a German coach who has been coaching for 20 plus years. At the moment he is the head coach for the Artland Dragons as Pat Elzie has taken a leave of absence. He has sampled experience in Spain and mainly in Germany being with organizations like Herford, Konigsdorf, Cuxhaven, Dresden, Dragons Rhondorf, RheinStars Cologne and BG Bonn. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Markus for talking to germanhoops.com. You have seen a lot as a coach the last years. Now another new challenge this time with the Artland Dragons. What kind of an experience has it been so far?
Hi Miles and thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences. It has been great with the Artland Dragons, a professional organization, with very good facilities to practice and play but even better people who take care of everything needed to focus on basketball. Therefore, the signing of the players, the arrival and medical checks, as well as the pre-season with all the events and games have been going very well.
You have been head coach and assistant for teams. Shouldn’t But wouldn´t the goal beafter a while to try to always get a head coaching job after you have paid your dues. Why be an assistant again?
Yes I have been an assistant and head coach through out my 10+ years of professional coaching and I like to think that I am a great asset at both positions. I haven’t taken on the responsibilities of a head coach in ProA so being the assistant to the UK great Vince Macaulay is a good fit. He appreciates my help with the German approach and system.
How enticing was coming to the Artland Dragons and working for Vincent MacCaulaey and Pat Elzie? I´m sure that many others would take that assistant job?
Oh yes, I believe there were many applicants, but I was very fortunate that I have known Pat for quite a long time. He reached out to me after he was appointed as the sports director with the idea of bringing me to the program regardless of the head coach. I was very excited about that opportunity and have enjoyed everyday since I am here. Working together with Pat and Vince but also Marius Kröger and the other staff members has been very good.
What other reasons were there coming to the Artland Dragons? What do you like about the organization in general?
Well, the club has a very interesting history, playing in the BBL with widely known players and coaches such as Chris Fleming and Arne Woltmann. Even though now we play in ProA, the organization still works very professional which made my decision to come here a lot easier. Additionally, the distances between the apartments and the practice facilities as well as the arena are very short so that working becomes highly efficient. I appreciate these factors.
What did you enjoy most about the coaching philosophy of Vincent McCauley? He is a UK coach. One doesn´t always see them in Germany.
Yes, there aren’t many but that makes it even more interesting. He shares his experiences and stories through the British lens, and I can tell him about the Basketball development here in Germany. Vince is a very friendly and open person; we exchange our thoughts and strategies regularly. Specifically, I enjoy his approachability for the players and myself as well as the fact that he allows all players to show him their abilities.
What were your main duties as assistant coach this season and what is your greatest strength as a coach?
The question should be, what are not my duties, joking. I am involved in pretty much everything. We have a great team manager in Ole Reumann who organizes our schedule, practices, games, travelling etc. but of course in exchange with me. I then filter what the head coach has to be included in and what I can spare him with. Same goes for events and school practices that our players attend which I manage with our Mini-Coordinator Andre Röding. Apart from that I scout the opponents, create videos, support or run practices and drills. So, everything ?? and because I am pretty well organized, I enjoy the challenge and the diversity of the tasks.
There was turbulence so far in the pre season with players going. Despite that how much potential does the team have? Well, we had a relatively hard pre-season schedule with quite a few first league opponents. It showed us in what areas we had to improve. According to that we made some changes and acquired two players rather late. Their integration is still an ongoing process and by far, we have not reached our full potential yet. What that potential may be exactly is not that simple to say but we are aiming for the play-offs.
How vital is a guy like legend Joe Asberry? He brings a real breath of fresh wind. He could not only excite young kids for the game, but keep the pro´s in check with his experience or not? Oh yes, very much so. Joe is a motivation monster and just a good guy to have. The experience he has as a player, coach, social worker, and in life in general is very valuable for our pro’s. His famous saying is: “it’s the work you put in when nobody is watching …” and even though it’s becoming a running joke here, its so true. Joe is a great asset for the entire Artland Dragons organization.
You were a pro player in the late 90´s2 and early 2000´s2 which was a very long time ago. How do you remember the game being back then in comparison to today? How would you have survived as a pro in today´s game as a young buck?
The game was different, not so much P&R, more mid-range and post-up and less 3p shooting. For example, many coaches didn’t allow 3 pointers in transition whereas today that is a good shot. But in general, I believe that most old school pros could also play today and vice versa. To become a professional player in any sport, you have to have a strong mindset and work attitude. So, pros from the past would adjust to today’s fast pace and shooting dominant game just as players today would develop mid-range skills and become more physical (if talking about NBA).
I started playing basketball relatively late when I was 16 years, and I worked my way to second Bundesliga and NCAA with defense, rebounds, and hustle play. Over the years my offensive game also became better. I guess the later would have to develop faster than it did back then but player development and practices also changed so that I am confident I could have achieved the same or more if I would be a young buck now ??
You were teammates with Pat Elzie in 1997 in Paderborn and also played for him in the second Bundesligain 1998 he was coach. How has his coaching changed and developed in the last 25 years? Teammates is a bit overstated; Pat was the second league head coach but played a few games with the second team in Regionalliga and I was a double license player. So, I was fortunate to share the court with him a few times and loved his guidance. As far as I know Pat has always been a player’s coach. He was always authentic, approachable, empathetic, and caring. Making sure that the style of play would match the skills of his players. And even when players were not the right fit for his teams, he tried to find them better situations and didn’t leave them hanging. I remember that he had us play the flex offense 1998 in Paderborn, he was running it in Vechta and after as well. But of course, he developed and adjusted his coaching over his long career. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so successful through many decades.
You played with the College of the Sequois (Junior College) and with CSU Stanislaus (NCAA). What memories do you have of those days? Against what great players do you remember playing against in those days that reached the NBA? It was a totally different age of basketball. The moment one of my best friends, Emeka Erege, went to high school in the US and later played college ball at Davidson, I wanted to do the same. Fortunate for me, Pat Elzie had great contacts of course and helped me get try-out opportunities with different colleges. I decided for the 2-year College of the Sequois (COS) in California at first because I thought it would be a great start into a new life experience. I also loved the sunny weather, and the presence of the German women’s player Anja Goebel made the adjustment much easier.
It was worlds apart from what I knew in Germany though and it was a different age of basketball, as you said. Before the season started, former COS player and NBA prospect DeeAndre Hulett (drafted by Toronto but never played) dropped by for pick-up games, and I was able to impress him and the others with my effort and rebounding. However, my team was very athletic, and I had to get used to the speed of play. But I was able to excel in the aggressive full court press and amoeba defense that coach George Tarkanian had taken from his legendary dad Jerry. We made it all the way to the California State Finals but came up a bit short. My second year, NFL great Antonio Gates (San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers) was my teammate, just a beast in basketball as he was later in football. Great memories and the chance for me to experience life and basketball in the US.
You also played in Kronberg in 2004. What memories do you have of seeing the Skyliner double license players like Alex King and Malik Badiane play there? Badiane had been drafted by the NBA and never made it and Alex King came out of his shell later and had a great career. I played in Kronberg with Alex King and Fredrick Kleemichen. Malick only played with the Skyliners, I believe. It was quite an experience playing with these two very talented players. Freddy was way taller than I and Alex was so strong for a 19 year old. It was a big challenge going against them in practice since I had lower back problem already at that time but it was very much fun when together on the court versus other teams. Later on, it was great to see how succesful especialy Alex became. About two years ago, when I was with the RheinStars Köln, Alex and I coached against each other in NBBL.
You always had to pay your dues in coaching, but 10 years ago worked with Pat Elzie again in Vechta. How do you remember those days? He helped that team move up to the BBL.
As a player, I never thought about coaching and I kind of regret that now. I wish I would have written down more from my coaches. Because after years of having lower back problems while playing, a disc herniated and ended my serious active time too early in 2007. However, not doing anything basketball related only lasted so long before I started coaching on the side. Then Pat again gave me a great chance coming to Vechta in 2013 to work as a professional coach for my first time. It was a great situation coming in because Pat just moved them up to BBL and the excitement of the organization and the fans was amazing. During that year, I was able to move the second team past Quakenbrück with Isaiah Hartenstein to Regionalliga and got to coach great youth players.
The second year with RASTA, I was trusted to be the ProA assistant coach for Stephen Arigbabu. Unfortunately, the season didn’t go very well but it was a great learning experience and in Stephen I found a dear friend and mentor. Since I am back in that region now, I get to remember those two years quite often with people from back then.
You also coached 2 seasons in the Regionalliga with BBGC Herford. What is the biggest challenge coaching in the Regionalliga in comparison to higher leagues?
Well especially the Regionalliga West has a very high level, close to that of ProB, but both leagues often face difficulties in structure and resources. Usually, these teams like BBG Herford can only employ a hand full of players full time so that practices have to be in the late evenings after work or university duties. Most often the gyms are owned by schools/cities, making it a competition with other clubs and sports for practices times. Even in ProA many clubs are not as lucky as we are here in Quakenbrück with a team of full time professionals and our own facilities.
You also coached in Cuxhaven and also coached in the youth? What memories do you have of that season?
Cuxhaven just moved back up from Regionalliga to ProB but didn’t want to continue working with the success coach Moris Hadzija. It was my first time as head coach in ProB and I think we did a pretty good job recruiting. But the structural conditions were not easy leading to two players leaving early and the replacements not filling the void. Towards the end, management brought in a veteran coach first as support who later took over. The experience of being fired sucked but since my duty was also to promote the youth during that season, I continued coaching a mixed under 12 group and enjoyed that very much.
You also coached in Dresden. How many strides has that organization done in the last years under Fabian Straus? You kind of set the ground workgroundwork in your season?
The Dresden Titans have developed very well over the last years under Fabian Strauß. The groundwork for the promotion to ProA and the continuing success was set after my short sting, however. I took over in December 2018 and we held the league, a change in management lead to my departure after the season. I am excited to return there with the Artland Dragons, talk to people but also to get the W.
You also coached in Rhondorf. How tough was coming in late and not saving the team and then being fired the next season? You may want to change the question a bit, I was hired in the summer of 2019 after they dropped down.
I was hired in the summer of 2019 after Rhöndorf dropped down from ProB to Regionalliga. Simultaneously Thomas Päch took over Telekom Baskets Bonn and the cooperation between the two as well as the Hagerhof basketball boarding school was supposed to be refreshed. The goal for the Dragons was to develop the young German players such as Kilian Binapfl, Gabriel De Oliveira, the Falkenstein brothers etc. and at the same time win the league and move back up again. Many new wheels in place. We then didn’t start the season as well as we should have but it was a very young team, and I felt that getting fired after only 6 games and a record of 3:3 was not called for. Especially a young team needs time to excel.
I don´t know if you keep tabs on ex players you coached, but why is a guy like Curtis Hollis not balling in Europe. Since he left the Dragons in 2020, he has really paid his dues and now making good strides in Canada, but wouldn´t he have had a better resume now overseas?
Of course, I check on former players of mine and its great to see when they do well. Curtis has come around a bit, he played in Central America, Africa, Canada… But it seems that he likes it up north now. Maybe he could have a better resume if he stayed in Europe, he is a great athlete with good skills. I don’t know on what basis he made his choices; they don’t necessarily have to do with basketball. Nevertheless, I wish him all the best for the new season and thereafter.
You were 3 years in the RheinStars Cologne program as JBBL and NBBL coach. You saw some very talented young Players come up like Kenan Reinhart and Davi Remagen. What positives could you get from this experience?
I didn’t just see them come up; I worked a lot with these two and others. In 2020 when I started as the JBBL head coach for the RheinStars Köln, Anton Krings was coaching the under 14 with Kenan and Davi. He highly recommended that they should be with the JBBL as well even though they were only 13 years old. Anton was very right and did a great job developing them before I continued the process. The first season however was cut short due to corona but since both were state selection players, I was able to work with them countless hours on a 1on1 basis (in the beginning even with a mask on). We used the time as good as we could improving dribbling, finishing, shooting, and decision making. The following year the JBBL team was really clicking and improving over the course of the season, making it all the way to the second round of the play-offs. It was so much fun to see their rapid developement and joy for the game.
The experience with those young players was amazing. The fact that the RheinStars have their own practice facility (just like the Artland Dragons) is huge for kids, enabling vast amounts of hours on the court. At the same time, it is very important to monitor the stress load on those young tendon, ligaments, and joints to reduce the risk of early injuries.
You have coached so many young German players over the years? Which player do you remember being the most joy to coach?
Like you say, I have coached many but if you ask about recently, I have to go with Davi Remagen. Unfortunatly, Davi was hurt for the most part of the great 2021/22 JBBL season but I was so impressed by his moral and work ethic. Since he couldn’t take part in team practice, again we spend hours and hours working on fundamentals and not ones during those long months did he not have a smile on his face and his hopes up to return to action. In the beginning of 2022, he reached 81 made free throws in a row at the age of only 14 years old. I am very excited to see how he will do in the ProB this year and Kenan Reinhard in Bonn/Rhöndorf.
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore and Euro Mount Rushmore for coaches? My NBA Mount Rushmore for coaches is: Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley
My Euro Mount Rushmore for coaches is: Svetislav Pesic, Zeljko Obradovic, Ettore Messina, Pablo Laso and maybe one day Gordon Herbert (through a German lens)
Which coach is your GOAT?
I am an old school Chicago Bulls fan, so I go with Phil Jackson. He also got the same last name as I do now (laughing).Thank you very much Miles for the interview and the chance to share my story a bit. You have been doing great work all these long years, highly appreciated.
Kevin Hunt Jr. (190-G-1997, college: Denver, agency: Helping Ballers) is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Little Rock, Arkansas playing his second professional season and first with Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProB). He played his rookie season with the Little Rock Lightning (TBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 78.6% and then went overseas playing with BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-BSL) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 26.7%, FT: 57.1%, and later that month moved to Tundja Yambol (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career at Bryant High School and then played at 4 schools. He began at College of Central Florida (JUCO) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 73.5%. He then played a season at McNeese State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.4% He then played at Morehead State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.8%. He finished his NCAA career at Denver University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 78.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Kevin for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Thank you for interviewing me! It’s such a pleasure. Right now, I’m in the moment, not getting too far ahead of myself and moving forward from the previous days.
Your playing your second professional season and first with the Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProB). What kind of experience has it been for you personally having seen basketball in Austria and Bulgaria?
The experiences are all unique yet common from a basketball standpoint. Austria as you know was my first team and place to start my professional career overseas and although it didn’t turn out how I’d like it to personally, I enjoyed my time there. Bulgaria the same, I had great teammates and the city of Yambol was welcoming and put into place a different perspective of life for me. Basketball wise, I’ve got to see the difference in the style of play and really have gotten better in the sense of angles, knowing how to play better without the ball, and I think that’s what has helped me grow into the player I’m slowly becoming.
You had a solid season in Austra. Would you call this season taking a step back to possibly take 2 steps forward next season as the pro B is skill wise one behind the Austria BSL?
I believe everything happens for a reason, the skill level isn’t too far off from Austria to Pro B but I will say the athleticism in the Austria BSL was slightly better. I do think that, personally, I could bump up next season and continue to progress but as for now, my goal is to help Paderborn Baskets win and get back to Pro A.
Paderborn has been playing great ball as of late. What would say is the biggest strength of the team and what has been the secret to the success in the last 2 months?
Our biggest strength is our depth in the roster. From starters to players coming from the bench, we all bring something unique to the table and any given night can be anyone’s night. Everyone has bought into the club, our coaches, and most importantly each other. That’s what leads me to my next point, our chemistry off the court shows on the court. Coach always preaches to us to put our ego into the team so that’s what we all do on a daily basis. There’s no secret to success, it’s a daily grind of mistakes and the opportunities to learn from them. I commend everyone on the staff for putting together a great group of guys.
Your having a solid season in the German Pro B. Have you been content with your game? There’s always room for improvement in my opinion. I don’t want to be complacent because then I’d feel like I’ve gotten what I want out of this season. We’re #2 in the league and want to make a deep playoff run and eventually win it all, but one game at a time.
The team recently added walking bucket Justin Andrew. How do you guys compliment each other best?
We’ve had one game together so far and about a week of practices so there’s been a small sample yet he’s fit right into the system as if he’s been here the entire season. That goes to show how good of player he is to be able to get here so quickly and adapt. He’s a shot creator and playmaker so he can do a little bit of everything. We compliment each other because neither one of us needs the ball in our hands to help the team in whatever we need that night. He’s been a great addition for us.
What has it been like being teammates with German Lars Lagerpusch? As one of the team leaders, are you able to soak up a lot from him on and off the floor? Lars is my guy! He’s such a veteran player at a young age but sometimes age has nothing to do with it. He’s been able to help me see things on the court that I may overlook. Having a forward/big like him has helped me personally because when things are not going our way, I know I can look at him and he’s poised and can get us back on track with not only his leadership but gameplay as well.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I’ve been getting De’Aaron Fox comparisons for the longest, he’s left handed like me and quick like me and have similar play styles, although, he’s a bit more athletic than I am.
You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet well. What would you say is your biggest strength on the court?
My biggest strength on the court is my speed. I can push the ball and play in the open court. Also, my unselfishness contributes to my being able to make plays for my teammates. I like to say that I can make my teammates better not only with the ball in my hands but just a presence on the court with being vocal and leading by example.
Your three pointer has been up and down in your career. Last season you shot 43% in Bulgaria, but currently below 20%. How would you describe the development of your three at the moment? What do you have to do make the next step as a shooter?
I’ve been a solid shooter my entire life but I do have seasons where I go through slumps and most of it is in my head. I know that I can make any shot I take, but sometimes if I miss a couple in a row, I’ll second guess the next shot which throws me off. I’m a good shooter at the end of the day, the only way to get over the slumps is to get extra shots up, continue to shoot the ball, and keep my confidence rather I’m making shots or missing them.
You have also been a solid defender in your career. Where would you rate your game as a defender and to what level do you still want to get to?
Coach mentioned to me earlier this season that my defense has to improve if I want to help the team take a step closer towards the end goal. I’ve struggled earlier this season guarding but I’ve had to buy into myself and into the team if we want to achieve the ultimate goal. I’ve guarded great players in my entire basketball career, NBA players, great collegiate players, there’s no doubt that I can lock in on anyone. It’s all about going out there and doing it on a consistent basis.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?
As you mentioned earlier, my 3pt% is far below what I’m capable of and that’s my main focus now and moving into the summer. I have a solid game from the 3pt line and in but the 3s is where I take my game to the next level!
After your NCAA career, you sat out the next season and then got your first pro experience with the Little Rock Lightning (TBL). How tough was this time for you? Did you ever doubt the basketball process?
I was in a dark time mentally during this time. Every single day, I told myself I was good enough to play anywhere, but with each day slipping away, I slowly started to doubt myself and creep away from the game I love so much. I had a great support system around me, reassuring me to stay ready for my opportunity and trust in the process. I give credit to God for allowing me an opportunity to continue playing and my support system for being a light in such a dark time.
What was it like playing in the TBL? Was every player playing for their stats or did you find some guys that played team ball? It was an ok experience, I had a good time playing with players I played against growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was a selfish team of players, but it wasn’t the basketball I was used to playing at the time. I had personal problems outside of basketball that I had to attend to so I had to take a step away from the TBL.
You played your rookie season with BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-BSL, averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 26.7%, FT: 57.1%, released in Jan.’24, later that month moved to Tundja Yambol (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 76.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I’ve always been away from home since college, like hours away, but when I had to miss my first Christmas ever and being 7 hours ahead of my family, that hurt me. Only able to facetime my family and not being able to be physically there with them was a different type of sadness I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had to tell myself that this is the lifestyle that I chose and that it won’t always be like this but that was my first time.
You had some great games in Austria? Why did you have to go early and what positives could you get from the experience?
As you can see, we were at the bottom of the league, and each game you go in with the intention and mindset of winning but that was far from reality at the end of the game. I spoke with my agent at the time about other opportunities and that’s when Bulgaria came about. I remember being on the plane from Austria to Bulgaria, looking outside the window over the clouds and telling myself to never get content with where you’re at or how you’re doing no matter how well you may be doing at the time because this is a business. The positives I got from it was I knew that I could have a great career playing overseas, made some great friends abroad, and got to experience different cultures and languages. I’m the first person in my family to be able to play professionally overseas so I try and make the most out of my experiences for my younger family members that may want to pursue a similar opportunity.
You began your career at College of Central Florida (JUCO) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 73.5%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO has said that it was a grin, but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you? They hit it right on the money! JUCO is not for the weak because you have 12-15 players competing for the same thing. You have to go out every single day with a chip on your shoulder. You’re playing in some treacherous places and have to grind it out in the classroom and the court. If you’re not mentally strong, JUCO will for sure be a struggle.
How important was a guy like Tim Ryan? How did he help you make the transition to the NCAA?
Coach Ryan and coach Jake both helped me understand that I can have a successful career in life let alone basketball! They were the ones who told me that I would thrive at PG which is why I’m able to play both the 1 and 2. I struggled early because I didn’t know when to score and when to pass but those are the growing pains that come with it. They guided me through those pains and reassured to me that those pains will only make me stronger in the end. Now I’m playing in year 2 in my professional career and I have them, along with others to thank for that.
You then moved to McNeese State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.4%. This was your first season in the NCAA. How important was this transition for you as you continued to move forward going to other schools?
This year at McNeese was the year that set up the rest of my college years to come. I didn’t know what to expect or how I could become a better player for each team I played for. I struggled there because there was a lot of pressure I felt to perform at a high level each game but some games were better than others. I’m glad I transferred because I needed that reset to find myself within the game and find the love I was losing for the game during a challenging season.
You then played a season at Morehead State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.8%. In your first game you played against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky having 4/2/2 stats. What memories do you have of that game and playing future NBA players? It was exciting because not everyone gets to play a blue blood school. COVID didn’t allow us to play in an arena full of people but playing in front of Calipari was surreal. The players were of course athletic and their game was well rounded but my excitement came from the experience of playing in Rupp arena in front of a legendary coach.
You then made one more move playing at Denver University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 78.8%. this was your breakout season in the NCAA. How did your game grow that season? I was allowed freedom from coach Dub. He recruited me early and told me that I’d have the keys and he had the utmost confidence that I could come in to help lead DU to a great season. There’s a saying by Ray Lewis I believe, which is: “are you more afraid of a pit bull on a leash or off the leash?” That’s all I needed was a coach with confidence in me and to play freely. I credit him for allowing me that space.
You had so many great games there including a 32/6/4/3/1 game in an exciting 81-79 win over North Dakota. Was that your fondest memory there? I actually have that game downloaded on my computer. Any time I’m in a slump I refer to that game and watch it second by second. I would say that’s my best collegiate game ever because it was my career high in college. I have some many memories from DU but that one is definitely a top 3 moment.
How did head coach Jeff Wulbrun groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
One of the very first things he told us when we got to Denver during the summer is, “if you want to be a pro, then you have act like a pro” That goes from how you approach practice, games, recovery, extra reps. He put in the mindset of carrying myself as professional in every aspect of life.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tae Gatlin? Tae is my guy, we talk every week, but Tae know what it is in them 1s lol.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA? Iso Joe! Joe Johnson man, he’s from the same city I am, and I grew up watching him as well. He’s a complete player, 6’8/6’9 and 250+. He can score on all levels and he make the game look so easy man. That’s probably the toughest but I give credit to players like Daryl Macon, Jaylen Barford, and Archie Goodwin! They all make me compete at the highest level possible every time we play each other.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? I love this question! Man, I’ve had so many good teammates. In no specific order, I’ll have to go: Braylon Steen, Calvin Allen, Carlos Dotson, De’Von Cooper, and Johni Broome. Honorable mentions, Jordan (Popi) Johnson and Tae Gatlin! First two are from High school and others were college teammates.
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Easy money! MJ, Allen Iverson, Rajon Rondo, and John Wall
Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan!
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
There’s this trend of nostalgic themed movies making returns which I like the concept but some movies should be left alone and that for sure is one of them!
Kevin Hunt Jr. (190-G-1997, college: Denver, agency: Helping Ballers) is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Little Rock, Arkansas playing his second professional season and first with Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProB). He played his rookie season with the Little Rock Lightning (TBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 78.6% and then went overseas playing with BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-BSL) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 26.7%, FT: 57.1%, and later that month moved to Tundja Yambol (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career at Bryant High School and then played at 4 schools. He began at College of Central Florida (JUCO) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 73.5%. He then played a season at McNeese State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.4% He then played at Morehead State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.8%. He finished his NCAA career at Denver University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 78.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the brutal 66-63 loss to the TSK 49ers.
Paderborn suffered a tough 66-63 loss to the TSK 49ers. How tough was this loss to digest? You won the first meeting 81-57.
It’s always humbling whenever you lose a game. Going into the game after a huge victory the week before, you never want to underestimate an opponent but I feel that’s what we did as a unit. Only thing to do is learn from our mistakes and prepare for the upcoming game
How were the TSK 49ers different as a team now then back at the start of the season?
They were locked in from jump to finish. We started off slow, got down double digits and were fighting our way back for majority of the game. They had more will and fight than us. What had been the focus coming in? You had forced top point guard Andriy Kozhemiakin to 9 turnovers, but last weekend to only 2 turnovers. Our focus was to control the rebounds and push the tempo, something we didn’t necessarily do at the level that we had practiced this entire week. Andriy didn’t have a good game the first match so he was maybe more motivated and focused to perform at a high level.
The TSK 49ers had the comfortable 38-29 lead at the break. Defensively Paderborn was over what they usually give up per game. What was giving the team the most problems defensively?
Our lack of focus was our biggest problem in my opinion. The small details like communication in pick and roll defense, defensive rebounding, those things hurt us throughout the game. We gave up 2-3 offensive boards from free-throws, those are the things that cost us down the stretch.
Kozhemiakin was playing great with scoring and rebounding in the game. Was he a different player than in the first game or was it more about the Paderborn mistakes? Every player was different. As the season progress, teams become more seasoned and figure out their identity, players figure out their roles, we knew it would be a dog fight coming in
In the third quarter Paderborn cleaned up their defense allowing only 9 points. What adjustments did the team make defensively? Just to go out and compete. X’s and O’s can only take you so far in games like these, you have to go out and compete and let everything else fall into place. Our starting 5 at half did a great job of locking and getting us back into a single digit deficit.
In the fourth quarter Paderborn had the 8 point lead early after you went on a 6-0 run and you scored 2 buckets. Did you feel the need to get aggressive? I felt that I had missed some easy lay ups early in the game that I normally make. So I knew that eventually I would make them if I focused in a little bit more. I wanted to do whatever I needed to do in order for the team to win.
They then kept chipping at your lead and Paderborn was held scoreless for many minutes. Did the team get too comfortable? We did let our foot off the peddle for a minute. In my experience from being on championship teams, that’s when you let defense win you games. The smaller things matter, limiting them to one shot, controlling our turnovers, running out the clock. We haven’t been in a close game like that in so long and It showed. Moving forward, we see what we need to do to win close games.
At the end Kozhemiakin hit a big three and then Dominik Von Waaden had a last shot but missed. Take me through the last 2 possessions?
Joaquin hit two major free throws down the stretch which tied it. We knew they’d milk the clock and keep the ball in their hot hand. In games where a team hits a go ahead shot, you want to blame that last shot for the reason you lost when in reality it was our gameplay throughout the game. We made a lot mistakes which lead to us being in that predicament.
How tough is it in general as a player to accept a loss when you defended well as a team?
You have to give credit where credit is due. They came out and competed from tip to finish. We did a lot of things well but not well enough to the point we come out on top as victors. It’s frustrating, of course, but tip your hats off to them and move on. We have a long week of practice and learning from our mistakes.
On what areas of the game will Paderborn have to work on most this week during practice? After watching the game, I say just focusing on the areas we’re not particularly great at like free throws, making the easy plays, shooting more open shots, and defending. I say that vaguely but there is a lot of detail that goes into those categories which is what will improve us as a whole moving forward.
How much fun is it in general to play with Spanish point guard Jose Carrasco? How much easier does he make your job?
It’s really fun because every single day, I mean EVERY single day, he comes in with great energy! A true professional and veteran player. He wants everyone around him to be better as a player and person. He sees things as a PG that I don’t see and understands the game at a distinct level many players do not. He wants to find the open players and does a great job dishing the ball out and running our offense along with defending at an elite level.
You had a solid game with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. You made an impact on defense. How content were you with your game?
I wasn’t content at all and felt I could’ve done more. I shot poorly from the field, took some questionable shots early in the game, and I was challenged at half time to figure out what was best for the team. I tried to make adjustments while I was out there but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough
Your 2 point game is working well, but your three isn´t falling at all. How tough is it being in a season three point shooting slump?
It’s been tough because I know for a fact I’m very capable. My teammates encourage me all the time to trust in my shot and to not overthink the misses. I’ve sought advice from players like Archie Goodwin, former NBA player, whose playing in China right now. He gave me advice that I take with me to work every day. All it takes is for me is to have one good shooting display from 3, and it will improve tremendously, I wholeheartedly believe that so I won’t stress it.
Paderborn next plays against the Berlin Braves. You lost the first game on the road 76-71. How big is the revenge factor?
It’s important in two ways. One, we just lost a winnable game last game so I’m hungry to get back in the W column. Two, we’re playing at home which we obviously thrive at. It’s not more so the team we play this game but more so how do we respond after letting a game like the 49ers slip through our fingers.
Paderborn had way too many turnovers. Badu Buck left the team. What will be key to getting the win? First and foremost is to go out and compete at a completely high level. Focus from start to finish and execute the gameplan. Those are the things that will put us in a good place to win the game. Everything else will follow
Who will win the Superbowl? Kansas City or Philadelphia Eagles? The Chiefs for sure! My pastor and his family are KC Chiefs fans and since I’ve been hanging around them a lot, I’ve noticed myself rooting for all KC Missouri teams, Patrick Brady, I mean Patrick Mahomes is one of a kind, I know that he’ll pull off the 3 peat
Osun Osunniyi (208-F/C-1998, college: Iowa St.) is a 25 year old 208cm big man from New Jersey that is playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg currently averaging 4,8ppg, 5,0rpg, 1,0apg and 1,1spg. Last season he played his rookie season with Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) playing 22 BNXT League games averaging 9.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, 1.8bpg, 2FGP: 58.0%, FT: 58.6%. He began his basketball career with Mainland Regional and then played at Putnam Science Prep Academy. He then played 4 seasons and 111 NCAA games at St Bonaventure an din his last season averaged 11.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.9bpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 64.1%. He then played one more season at Iowa State University (NCAA) playing 33 games averaging 8.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 60.1%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 67.2%. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.
Thanks Osun for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we get into basketball, please tell me how you got this unique name? In Nigeria it is a state in the country. My mother and father had the names picked out. I don’t fully remember how
Congrats on signing in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. Did you ex teammate Courtney Stockard at St Bonaventure (NCAA) give you tips about the MLP Academics since he once played there?
I did send Courtney a text when I realized he signed with MLP Academics. He told me that it was a great area and that he enjoyed his time there and everyone is friendly and would take care of me.
What was your main motivation for signing with the MLP Academics? What was the deciding thing that let you sign on the dotted line? My main motivation was just trying to find an organization that was in a great league and that the coaching staff would help me continue to build my game and become a better player.
Let ´s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would bets fit the description? I can’t really pick a certain NBA player. I do pride myself as being a defensive anchor that loves to be the last line of defense and protect the rim at a high level. But I also love passing the ball. I think that is something that I have worked very hard on and it’s a huge part of my game.
You’re a player that consistently has scored, rebounded and blocked shots at the NCAA and pro level. Would you call yourself a high quality 2-way player? I would call myself somewhat of a 2 -way player. Defense has always been something that I have been great at. It’s something that has gotten me very far in my basketball career and something I pride myself on. Just being a tough defensive player.
You averaged 2,4apg in the NCAA. How well defined would you classify your playmaking at the moment for a big man?
Absolutely. I love passing the ball and getting my teammates points and getting them opportunities to score. I’ve always been able to pass and it’s something that I will continue to do and continue to work on.
You averaged more than 2,5 blocks per game in the NCAA per season and 1,8 in Belgium as a rookie. What is your secret to being an impactful shot blocker? What do you rely on most when swatting away balls? I don’t really have a secret to it. I’ve just always had the timing and ability to do it and it’s honestly my favorite thing about playing basketball.
Your already an incredible shot blocker, but where do you see your shot blocking art at the moment? Would a goal like becoming the best in Europe a realistic goal for you?
I think my shot blocking is the best part of my game just my timing and ability to not only block shots but alter shots and protect the rim. Personal accolades and awards are things that I don’t put too much time thinking about or worrying about. If blocking shots is helping my team win games and bringing a championship to the team then I’m going to work my very best to do that so we can win.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game? Everything. I don’t want to just be complacent with my game. Obviously my defense is ahead of my offense, but working to be able to guard every position on the court is something I work hard to be able to do, but If I had to pick one thing specifically it would be my offense. Just being more comfortable on the perimeter and being able to knockdown perimeter shots.
You played your rookie season with Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 9,8ppg, 5,7rpg and 1,8bs. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? Just getting that phone call from coach Ray Westphalen and having the conversation with him about the team and where he saw me being a part of his system and what I could do playing in the BNXT.
You had the incredible experience to be teammates with 38 year old ultra veteran Cliff Hammonds. How vital was he for a guy like you coming out of school? What was the most important thing that you could soak up from him?
Cliff was everything. Just being able to understand and learn different things from a guy who’s been all over Europe and just listening whenever he spoke. I think the most important thing I learned from him was taking care of my body everyday. Doesn’t matter If it was an off day just always do something to keep your body feeling good. Another thing was just watching how he played the game. For being 38 years old, I watched Cliff lock down some young guards and put his body on the line for the team every single game.
You won the 2024 cup with Limburg. What was most special in this run and how you achieved it with your teammates especially Robert Jones from Iowa State? Winning the cup was huge. It was a great experience. Playing in that environment in front of the Limburg fans and being able to bring the Belgium Cup to Limburg was amazing. The fans made that experience one I’ll never forget.
You played 2 NBA Summer League games with the Washington Wizards in 2023. You had an allround strong game against the Bulls. What will you remember being the coolest moment that you had during your stay? The coolest moment was just being out there with NBA guys and just experiencing what it was like to be and NBA player. I appreciate the Wizards organization for the opportunity and allowing me to represent them.
What kind of feedback did you get from the Wizards coaching staff? They told me to just continue to work on my game. Just told me how tough it is to actually be in the NBA.
You played at St Bonaventure (NCAA) from 2018-2022 winning the Atlantic 10 title in 2021 and reaching the NIT Final 4 as a senior. What was your fondest moment in those 4 years? I had a lot of memories St Bonaventure is my 2nd home and I loved every moment I was there playing in the Reilly Center. Winning the Atlantic 10 tournament was amazing. Winning the Charleston Classic was also a great time. I have so many great memories playing there it’s hard to choose just one singular moment that was my favorite.
How key was head coach Mark Schmidt for you? What more than freedom did he give you from the get go that helped you develop further? Mark Schmidt is a basketball guru. He is always thinking of different plays and things that can be done to win games. He is always thinking basketball and it’s what makes him a great coach. He gave me a lot of freedom, especially using my passing ability and putting me at the top of the key where I was able to pass and get my teammates involved. I loved playing in his system at St Bonaventure.
You had 7 blocks in your second NCAA game against Jackson State (NCAA). How vital was that performance for you? Did that give you the feeling yes I can play very well in the NCAA? At the time I was just trying to do whatever it took to help my team win. My freshman year I was just trying to learn and play my role whenever I got in the game. Blocking shots is something I’ve been doing since I started playing basketball. That game definitely game me the confidence that I could be a very good shot blocker.
You became the all-time shot blocker at St Bonaventure and had so many great games including many 7 block games and 18 blocks in a 3 game span. What was your favorite game there? I think honestly my favorite block out of all the blocks I had at St Bonaventure would definitely be either the record breaking block or the block that sealed the game for us on the road against Virginia. Just blocking that shot as the time expired and being able to wave bye to all the Virginia fans felt really good.
You followed Jaren Holmes to Iowa State (NCAA) for one more season averaging 8.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 60.1%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 67.2%, How did head coach TJ Otzelberger give you that added push and help groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach TJ was amazing and being able to play under him for 1 year helped my basketball career, because he taught me how to push myself to exhaustion every time I played, because that’s when I played to my fullest potential. He also helped me understand that becoming a professional would mean I would have to be able to play a role and understand my role and do it to the best of my ability and that would help me have a successful professional career. I appreciate everything Coach TJ taught me.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Robert Jones?
Rob and I would go back and forth. Some days he would get the best of me and the other days I’d get him. But it only made us get better every single day
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Probably Cam Thomas. I played him my junior year when we made the NCAA tournament and played LSU.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Kyle Lofton, Jaren Holmes, Dom Welch, Cornelius Brozell, Jalen Adaway
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Michael Jordan, Shaq, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Magic Johnson
Who is your personal GOAT? Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn ´t They have left it alone?
No I haven’t seen it. I did see the original and I’ve heard from my friends that they shouldn’t have made a sequel. Sometimes it’s better to just let the originals live on forever.
Thanks, Javontae, for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on scoring 45 points in a game in Switzerland. You scored the most points last week in Europe. How does that make you feel? Thank you very much! It feels amazing to have scored that many points in a game. I am truly blessed. Unfortunately we could not pull away with the win, so that kind of hurt but scoring 45 was awesome!
Was 45 points the most points that you ever scored in a game in your life or did you eclipse that in high school or AAU?
Yes! 45 points is the most points I’ve scored in a game in my career. I scored I believe 38 points in my last high school game and that was the highest until now.
Was it tougher to be able to enjoy this feat since Lugano lost the game in OT 107-103? It was definitely tough to enjoy it because regardless how good you play in a game, you still always want to get the win. Winning is more important to me than my performance. I am still very grateful to have played that well in the game though.
What was key at the end for not getting the victory in OT? Honestly with a game that goes into overtime, a lot of mistakes happen. We got called for 5 technical fouls as a team which is a huge game changer in a close game like that.
What can the team learn from the loss for the next game?
I would say as a team we definitely can learn that small mistakes like 5 technical fouls can really hurt the team in the long run.
How quickly did you know in the game that you would have a good scoring day at the office?
I could tell late in the first quarter that I was going to have a good scoring day because when I was knocking down all of my shots early in the game, I got this confidence boost that made me feel unstoppable.
You have had a great scoring season as a rookie. Do you feel like your scoring has been boosted by more self-confidence knowing you can lite it up on a regular basis? I can say yes because having self-confidence definitely helps me play better throughout the game, but my teammates and coaches being confident in me is the game changer. I owe it all to them for believing in me every game.
Were your teammates telling you at the end that you were over 40 points or did you first find out after seeing the stat sheet? I actually noticed when I checked the stat board to see how many fouls one of their good defensive players had. I was like wow that is crazy, but more importantly I was focused on trying to get the win.
You shot pretty well and could have had 50 with one more three pointer and 2 more free throws made. Is 50 points a realistic goal for you as a scorer now after achieving that?
I would love to score 50 points in a game. Now that I have achieved scoring 45 points, I believe I can get to 50 one day throughout my career.
Thomas Jurkovitz found you a lot. How blessed do you feel to have a guy like that finding you?
Truly blessed to have someone that believes in me and tries their hardest to get me the ball to score and help the team.
What was your favorite bucket of the night?
My favorite bucket was during OT when the other team went on like a 7-0 run to put them up 7 points and my teammates and I were losing the confidence that we would win. So I came down and shot a deep 3 pointer that put us down 4 with about 50 seconds left.
It is always a delight to watch 2 organizations that put a lot of effort, passion and love into their youth programs as the Frankfurt Skyliners and MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg do. Both currently have great young players looking to make the next step. However both teams the Juniors and Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg have struggled as of late having lost 2 of 3 games and 3 of 4 games. A few years ago, Juniors fans were shocked as Sebastian Schwachhofer hit a buzzer beater in Frankfurt to secure the win while this season, Frankfurt won an exciting 82-80 game in Ludwigsburg. On a untypical Wednesday evening Pro B game, Frankfurt welcomed Ludwigsburg and fans were able to see Junior newcomer Chrysostom Chukwuma from Finland for the first time. He was reeled in because German Philipp Hadenfeld is taking another semester abroad. The Finish guard exploded for 28 points in his Pro B debut in Cologne a few days earlier. On this night Chuku Chukwuma didn´t need another explosive evening as he finished with 13 points, but Frankfurt had enough other scoring options on this night including Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) who had a career high with 29 points leading the Skyliners Juniors to a 95-86 victory over Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. Frankfurt didn´t play their best game as they had a lot of depth compared to Ludwigsburg who had only 8 players for the game. “It wasn´t a great game from us. It was way to close of a game considering we had a full roster and they had 8 guys. But I feel we handled them well. Even if it´s a ugly game, you have to be able to win the game. It wasn´t a great team performance, but we had good ball movement”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. Ludwigsburg fought for 40 minutes and were led by the duo of Feneberg and Baumer who combined for 53 points. “We fought hard and at times played real good basketball. We were a little unlucky at the end. I was happy though how we played despite the thin roster”, stressed Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg head coach Kheeryoung Rhee. Crnjac had his career best in the Pro B tying his brother Drago who also once scored 29 in the Pro B. “It was a very good game performance from me. I´m sad I didn´t make more points. I missed some easy lay ups, but I´m still happy to be tied with my brother”, stated Ivan Crnjac. “I´m a bit mad that he tied my 29 points. He shot very well. He did a good job staying in the game after having 4 fouls in the third quarter. His teammates found him well and he was very effective. He didn´t do anything wild”, stated Drago Crnjac.
Ivan Crnjac at the FT line
The first few minutes of the first quarter were tight, but Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg then got away a bit only to see Frankfurt rally back and lead by 1 point after 10 minutes. In the first few minutes it was apparent to see that the guests were led by 2 guys Julis Baumer and Simon Feneberg who were the main guys running the offense. The U-18 youth national player Baumer added 5 points while Feneberg made a lay in. These guys would prove all night long that they were as good as unstoppable on the drive. Frankfurt on the other-hand were also executing well on offense as the new Skyliner Chuku Chukwuma added 5 points and Crnjac a trey, but Ludwigsburg had the slim 9-8 advantage. “Chuku Chukwuma isn´t only a classic scorer, but also a good passer. He made some nice no look passes. He calmed the team down when we needed it and also showed his strong 1-1 play on offense”, said Skyliner big man Florian Dietrich. Ludwigsburg then went on a 7-2 run to lead 16-10 as Sebastian Kuhn made a lay in, Baumer free throws and Feneberg a three pointer. Ludwigsburg were very aggressive on defense getting in the passing lanes well and causing turnovers while Feneberg was finding his spots well and Baumer was being an energizer and getting into the paint. However Frankfurt found out of their funk and finished the first quarter with a 13-8 run to lead 23-22 after 10 minutes. In the run, Frankfurt let it rain three´s as Crnjac found the hot hand early nailing 2 three´s while Philipp Hadenfeld also connected from outside. Athletric Lukas Modic gave good energy getting in the lane and scoring twice. “It is never easy playing against a team that is without some of their key players. We started slow, but once we realized that we could play well against 8, we executed better. It was also important that Chukwuma d to get integrated as he played well”, stated Florian Dietrich. The Skyliners Juniors shot 44% from the field and 57% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 47% from the field and 25% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Simon Feneberg from down town
The second quarter was a real dog fight for the most part, but in the waning minutes of the quarter, the Skyliners Juniors were able to spring free and lead by 10 points at half-time. Frankfurt kept the momentum from the end of the first quarter getting some easy baskets in the first minutes as they went inside. Dusan Nikolic who had a great 20/9/10 game against Nurnberg in NBBL play this season made a lay in while Malik Kordel made 2 dunks including a pretty alley-oop dunk with the prefect feed from Hadenfeld for the 30-25 lead. Modic hit a trey as Ludwigsburg was opting for the outside shooting. Ludwigsburg kept executing well staying with Frankfurt as Marko Masic hit a trey and Baumer scored inside. Long injured Julius Messer also added a three pointer, but the guests were on their tail trailing only 35-34. Frankfurt then got hot again finishing the second quarter with a 15-6 run to lead 50-40 at the break. Nikolic began the drive with an incredible 2 handed dunk from the wing. So what dunk was nicer the Kordel alley-oop or the Nikolic dunk? “Kordel´s was nicer simply because he jumped higher”, said Florian Dietrich. “I think Kordel´s dunk was a little more special”, smiled Ivan Crnjac. Frankfurt got good production from many sides as ex Hanau guard Bruno Albrecht nailed a trey while Jamie Edoka scored twice inside as did Chuku Chukwuma. Kordel made a lay in at the buzzer getting the prefect pass from Chuku Chukwuma. “We played a lot better against their pick and roll defense. Kordel got more touches inside”, said Florian Dietrich. The Skyliners Juniors shot 54% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 42% from the field and 28% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers.
Dusan Nikolic with the dunk
In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors did a good job managing their lead, but got a little sloppy in the last minutes allowing Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg to get close again, but then kept them at bay leading by 5 points after 30 minutes. Frankfurt got early support from Bruno Albrecht with another trey while Kordel and Hadenfeldt hooked up again for the dunk and dime. Feneberg continued to be all over the court finding his spots and dropping 2 three´s. Both teams were executing well as Frankfurt got a Crnjac three pointer and step back by ex Kronberg guard Felix Hecker as Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg just couldn´t make any serious ground as they trailed 60-50. After Crnjac made a trey for the 63-50 lead, Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg went on a massive 12-1 run to suddenly only trail 64-62 and it was a game again. In the run, Ludwigsburg got a nice tip in dunk by 205cm Daniel Mack and a trey by Masic while Julis Baumer led the charge with 7 points. “I have a lot of respect for Baumer. I know him since many years. He had made a great development this season and has seen BBL action. He has a lot of potential”, warned Ivan Crnjac. Baumer´s incredible energy sparked his team in this run as Frankfurt had lost intensity and had problems with their aggressive on ball defense. However Frankfurt kept their cool as utility guy Marvin Esser made 2 vital and clutch buckets to help keep the lead at 69-64 after 30 minutes. Esser had 5/4 stats in 6 minutes and couldn´t have been more efficient. “One could see that we were missing experience. Guys have had to take on different roles in the last weeks. Having guys out makes a difference, “added Kheeryoung Rhee. “We executed well and had important stops in key phases. They got too many easy baskets”, commented Ivan Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors shot 53% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 47% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 10 turnovers.
Julis Baumer at the FT line
In the fourth quarter Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg kept fighting and cut Frankfurt´s lead down to 1 poins, but they just couldn´t get over the hump as Frankfurt prevailed and broke away in crunch-time. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg began with a 5-2 run to trail 71-69 as Simon Feneberg made all 5 points. Even if it was the fourth quarter, it didn´t seem like Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg was getting weaker. Their energy was still as high as the first quarter. Crnjac continued to execute making a back door lay in and trey while Feneberg hit a 20 footer as Frankfurt led 76-71. After a Hadenfeld 15 footer and 78-71 Frankfurt lead, it seemed like maybe this was the time for the guests to throw in the towel, but no Feneberg continued to execute and was a real one man wrecking crew. He made 6 points in a row as Frankfurt led only 78-77. Feneberg actually had made 13 points in a row. Frankfurt continued to execute well getting a floater from Chukwuma and a trey from Crnjac for the 83-78 lead. Crnjac made 4 more free throws for the 87-80 lead. Feneberg continued to do his thing making free throws for the 87-82 lead. Baumer then got his 2 flagrant foul and had to depart the game. Albert and Crnjac then sealed the win with 5 free throws for the 91-82 lead. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg now was deep in the hole deep and wasn´t going to break free. Feneberg made a lay in and that was his 20th consecutive points. Kuhn then made free throws as did Kordel and Chukwuma to end the game. “We had some luck. Important that they had 5 team fouls early. That made it easy for me to get easy baskets. They had 5 teams fouls and we could still play hard”, expressed Ivan Crnjac. “We were too nervous and not disciplined enough. We had it in our own hands, but didn´t have enough self-confidence”, warned Kheeryoung Rhee. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Ivan Crnjac with 29 points. Chuku Chukwuma added 13 points and Malick Kordel 12 points while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg was led b Simon Feneberg with 33 points while Julis Baumer added 20 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 53% form the field and 44% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 22 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 15 turnovers.
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