dallas-mavericks

Dragos Diculescu Explodes For 32 Points Leading BG Hessing Leitershofen Past The Dragons Rhondorf In Overtime 84-77

The tail spin of the Pro B season is in full swing as there were 5 teams from position 5-10 all with 10 wins as it couldn´t be more exciting. The Dragons Rhondorf have had an up and down season and were in a dog fight to reach the playoffs currently in position 9- After a massive win against Team Ehingen where their scoring was on spot again with 97, they wanted to extend their winning streak and momentum, but it wouldn´t be a cake walk against BG Leitershofen the number 1 team in the Pro B south. The Dragons Rhondorf were able to stay with them in the first meeting, but lost 115-105 showing they could score a lot. The Dragons would need all they had and more in the return game. On a mild Saturday night, the Dragons Rhondorf welcomed BG Leitershofen and sought revenge and played an incredible game and could of won the game in regulation, but BG Hessing Leitershofen forced overtime and then showed what potential title teams are made of as they dominated the last 5 minutes 9-2 winning 84-77. The Dragons Rhondorf gave BG Hessing Leitershofen a great fight, but a game isn´t always 40 minutes, but at times 45 minutes and the guests executed a way lot better and took a run and momentum from the end of the fourth quarter into the overtime. “We knew coming in that they were a very good team. They have a nice combo of experienced guys and young guys. It was a big fight and I´m very proud how the team played. We stayed together and had that next man mentality. At the end the difference was our effort. The Dragons have amazing fans and they are a lot better than their record shows”, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen Romanian Dragos Diculescu (196-G/F-1999, agency: One Motive Sports). The Dragons Rhondorf gave an amazing fight, but just couldn´t get the job done in the overtime period as they allowed easy baskets and couldn´t execute on offense. “Once again we didn´t play consistent for 40 minutes. I honestly felt like we played the better basketball. Diculescu hit tough shot after tough shot. This was a tough loss for us. We rebounded very well, fought hard and held them to 84 points”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Alexander Lagerman.

Asa Williams at the FT line

BG Hessing Leitershofen came out with a lot of energy and totally surprised the Dragons Rhondorf getting the rapid 12-3 advantage. Their on ball defense was one of the best the Dragons had seen this season as they coughed up the ball many times. Kelvin Omojola really suffered having 4 turnovers before 4 minutes were even played. The motor of BG Hessing Leitershofen is Dragos Diculescu and he supplied 6 points in the run while ex Iserlohn forward Elias Marei scored 2 buckets as the team was using it´s big strength with scoring inside. BG Hessing Leitershofen had 6 steals in the run and their great defense led to easy baskets. However basketball is a game of runs and the Dragons Rhondorf recovered and closed out the first quarter in fantastic fashion with a lethal 16-6 run to lead 19-18 after 10 minutes. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf played more aggressive especially on the offensive glass where they had the 6-0 offensive rebound edge after 10 minutes. Ex Frankfurt guard Lagerman was really key in the run getting a few offensive rebounds that led to a put back by him and a trey from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilpovic, while Tim Smith also added an offensive rebound and put back. Lagerman also nailed a three pointer and ex RheinStar Kenan Reinhart also made a jumper. “We began well with the right intensity and made the right plays. We caught them off guard at the start with aggressive defense. We have to play more like that if we want to win the title. But basketball is a game of runs and they came back well to regain the lead”, stressed Dragos Diculescu. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 31% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 6 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 88% from the 2 point area and 0% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Antonio Pilipovic from outside

In the second quarter both teams continued to battle as there were 7 lead changes, but at half-time, BG Hessing Leitershofen had the upper hand with the 43-37 lead. In the first 3-4 minutes, there was an exchange of punches as it went back and forth with the trading of the lead 7 times. Tim Smith Jr took that go to guy role in the first minutes adding 5 points while Diculescu continued to be the go to guy adding 5 points as well. But the Dragons Rhondorf had the lead out of the punching back and forth being aggressive and attacking the rim as Reinhart and ex BBC Bayreuth center Marco Rahn scored for the 30 -27 lead. But BG Hessing Leitershofen upped their defensive pressure and aggressiveness again which led to a lethal 10-0 run as BG Hessing Leitershofen led 36-30. Diculescu continued to dominate dropping a trey while Elias Marei did a great job finding his spots and agility to get 2 easy baskets while ex IBAM guard Tim Udovicic made a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf had a bad phase making bad decisions and coughing up the ball. However energy bunny Marco Rosic made a massive trey to cut the BG Hessing Leitershofen lead down to 36-33. However the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t match BG Hessing Leitershofen´s intensity as they closed out the second quarter strong as American Ása Williams made a lay in and Elias Marei made a lay while ex Rosenheim guard Bastian Marz made a big trey from the corner. Rhondorf continued to rebound very well having the 8-1 offensive rebound edge at the break. The Marei and Udovicic show was instrumental for BG Hessing Leitershofen getting the lead and keeping it at the break. “Tim and Elias are our energy guys that do the dirty work. We all played as a unit and sacrificed for each other”, stated Dragos Diculescu. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 79% from the 2 point area and 20% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the 2 point area and 33% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Elias Marei with the lay in

In the third quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to keep the slight lead as the Dragons Rhondorf remained on their heels, but a last minute burst of energy allowed the Dragons to have the 61-59 lead after 30 minutes. The Dragons Rhondorf began hot going on a 4-0 run as Marco Rahn made a lay in and Kenan Reinhart scored on transition, but BG Hessing Leitershofen still had the 43-41 lead. But BG Hessing Leitershofen didn´t allow the Dragons run to grow more, but played nice inside out basketball getting a trey from Bastian Marz and lay in´s by American Christian Hinckson and Diculescu for the 50-43 advantage. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to get easy baskets and get consecutive stops, but the Dragons continued to do a good job staying close. Role player Mamadou Diallo made a big trey and Tim Smith Jr hit a turn around shot as the Dragons Rhondorf trailed only 50-48. Both teams continued to go back and forth and Tim Smith executed 3 free trhows to tie the game at 53-53. However the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t get the lead yet as BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to keep the pressure on especially on offense as Hinckson scored in the paint and role player Noel Duarte made free throws for the 59-55 lead with a minute to go. However the Dragons Rhodnorf saved their best for last nailing back to back three´s from Smith Jr and Kelvin Omojola who made his first field goal of the game. “We lost some aggressiveness on defense and didn´t make the best decisions on offense and rushed our shots”, added Dragos Diculescu. “We hit tough shots and got stops. We did a good job rebounding and getting extra possessions off offensive rebounds”, commented Alelxander Lagerman. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the 2 point area and 35% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 65% from the 2 point area and 17% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Tim Smith Jr at the Ft line

In the fourth quarter it looked like the Dragons Rhondorf might run away with the game, but basketball wouldn´t be basketball without runs. The Dragons Rhondorf began well like in the third quarter, but here went on a 7-2 run to lead 68-61. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf got another big shot from Omojola, while Lagerman tested his 53% form outside making a trey and Danas Kazakevicius made a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf defended with high intensity and didn´t allow BG Hessing Leitershofen anything easy on offense in the run. However they couldn´t hold the momentum as BG Hessing Leitershofen punched back with a devastating 12-4 run to recapture the lead back at 73-72. In the run, BG Hessing Leitershofen got great effort from Marei with a lay in while Marz and Hinckson hit three´s and as usual Diculescu was unstoppable with 2 lay in´s. Diculescu finished with an explosive game with 32 points and 11 boards. “I knew that I had to bring a lot of energy. I had to get the 50/50 balls and rebounds. I´m known as being a good outside shooter, but tonight I did it the hard way, but went to the basics getting most of my points in side”, stated Dragos Diculescu. Rosic then hit a huge three pointer for the 75-73 advantage. But BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to execute getting a lay in by Diculescu late to tie the game at 75-75. The Dragons Rhondorf had one more attempt, but Antonmio Pilipovic´s shot didn´t want to fall. “We never gave up. We scrambled a lot getting offensive and defensive rebounds. We never stopped believing. They had us on the ropes, but nobody landed the final punch in regulation”, expressed Dragos Diculescu. “They made a run at the end. We didn´t play with confidence, but played more with fear and played safe”, said Alexander Lagerman. BG Hessing Leitershofen dominated the overtime period going on a rapid 6-0 run to lead 81-75. In the run, BG Hessing Leitershofen got 2 buckets from Diculescu and a lay in by Marei. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to go to their bread butter of going inside and executed well. “They took the momentum of their run in the fourth into OT and did what they did best which was going inside. Our confidence went down more with every new basket that they made. We played handball and couldn´t adjust to their zone”, warned Alexander Lagerman. Kazakevicius finally got Rhondorf on the board, but it was too little too late. Diculescu scored one last basket to seal the win. “I told my teammates before OT that these are the moments that we practice for. We showed that we were best prepared. We won the hard way getting 2 point baskets instead of going for three´s where we could have had a bigger lead”, stated Dragos Diculescu. BG Hessing Leitershofen was led by Dragos Dicullescu with 32 points while Elias Marei added 14 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr with 20 points while Alexander Lagerman added 16 points. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 43% from the field and 18% from outside and ahd 42 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 36% from the field and 28% from outside and had 50 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Give Vladyslav Mustiata(ABC Leii Bucuresti) Grilled Chicken, Some Rice And A Lot Of Veggies And He´ll Explode For 42 Points 

Vladyslav Mustiatsa (196-F-2002) is a 22 year old 196cm guard playing with with ABC Leii Bucuresti (Romania-Liga I). He began hjs basketball career with BIPA Odessa. He then got experience playing with Vis Reggio Calabria (Italy-Serie Cthen moved to Leonardo Servizi Dany Quarrata (Italy-Serie C) and with 4: Consorzio Leonardo Quarrata (Italy-Serie B Interregionale). He spoke to germanhoops.com after another explosive game scoring 42 points in the win over Targoviste.

Congrats Vladyslav on the 89-79 win over Targoviste. Talk a little about the 40 minutes. What was key for getting the win and having a 2 game winning streak?

Thank you! It was a hard-fought game. The key was our defense—staying disciplined and making it tough for them to get easy looks. Offensively, we moved the ball well and trusted each other. Everyone contributed, and that chemistry is what helped us secure the win and extend the streak.

You had another big game with 42 points. You must have had extra self-confidence after your 54 point game?

Yeah, the 54-point game definitely gave me confidence, but I tried to come into this game with the same focus and mindset. It’s about staying in the moment, taking good shots, and trusting the work I’ve put in

Did you do anything different in the week of practice with your game?

Not really, to be honest. I focused on the fundamentals—footwork, shooting, conditioning, and gym workouts. Being productive during the week gives me confidence on the court

Are you superstitious? Do you have a special pre-game meal that you go with?

I wouldn’t say I’m superstitious, but I do like routines. My go-to pre-game meal is grilled chicken, some rice, and a lot of veggies. It keeps me fueled without feeling too heavy

How did you feel going into the game? Did you have a good feeling after the game warm ups?

I felt good. During warm-ups, I could tell my shot was smooth, and my body felt great. The energy from the team and the fans just added to that.

How quickly into the game did you know that you could have another big scoring game?

Probably after the first quarter. I hit a couple of tough shots early, and that gave me the rhythm I needed. From there, I just let the game come to me

You shot 5/15. Are you aware with 2 more three´s made and another 2 point basket, you would have had 50 again?

Yeah, I’m aware, but honestly, I’m more focused on the win. The main objective was to win by a certain margin

In the last 2 games you have made 96 of the team 207 points. How crazy does that feel?

It’s pretty wild when you think about it, but basketball is a team game. My teammates trust me to take those shots, and I trust them to create opportunities for me. That’s what makes it work.

You had a great game, but what about Daniel Makasa? He had a monster game with 14 points and 21 rebounds. How vital was he for the win?

Daniel was incredible. His rebounding was game-changing, especially on the offensive boards. He gave us so many second-chance opportunities, and his defensive presence in the paint was huge. We don’t win without him, no doubt. Considering he’s only 15 years old, I think he’s going to have an exciting career.

How has the team received you with these 2 great games back to back?

The guys have been super supportive. They’re hyping me up, but at the same time, they keep me grounded. It’s all about the team, and we’re all locked in on getting better every game.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

It has to be the fast-break dunk in the second quarter. The energy in the gym was electric after that, and it gave us a big momentum boost.

Thanks Vladyslav for the chat

Alex Lagerman(Dragons Rhondorf) Hits First Pro Buzzer Beater And Knew It Would Go In When He Released It

pic credit:Dragons Rhondorf

Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 20 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to eurobasket.com after the big 93-92 win over Wurzburg.

Congrats Alex on the big 93-92 win in Wurzburg. How big was this win after the tough loss against Ludwigsburg?

This was a very important win. We had good phases during the game. We weren´t focused at the end as we allowed them to go on a run. We almost gave them the game. We weren´t consistent for 40 minutes and were lucky that we could turn the game around at the end.

How proud are you that the team stuck together and won the game despite being down in crunch-time after having a big lead in the fourth quarter?

I´m really proud of how the team stuck together, but we know that we have to get better. I believe that we have shown a few times this season that we can come back and win. It is a skill that we have. We always play to the end.

The team is 3-0 on the road. How do explain this top play on the road?

We are playing well on the road this season. I don´t know what it is, but maybe the match ups that we have had so far. We also have shot the ball well on the road which has helped.

Was the team extra motivated after the tough loss to Ludwigsburg? Was it tough not to underestimate them at 0-5?

We were very motivated to win and I feel like we didn´t underestimate them. They have nothing to lose and have good players. Despite some guys were missing, they still had a very good group on the court. Even if they are in last place, they aren´t a bad team. They have a lot of potential.

You got off to a rapid start with 2 back to back three´s. It seems like you are becoming more aggressive with every new game.

I just try to play solid and make the right decisions and don´t want to force anything. I feel like I become more aggressive when I know I have that advantage,

Rhondorf had a good lead, but basketball is a game of runs and Wurzburg came back. How tough was it containing Calvin Wishart?

He was hard to defend. He was also my man at times. He was very quick and could drive, shoot and find his teammates. He was my toughest match up so far this season.

In the second quarter the Dragons had a good lead, but once again allowed Wurzburg to come back as the game was deadlocked at 47-47 at the break. Why was it so difficult to keep the lead?

We just weren´t consistent enough. We had some good minutes and some bad minutes.

In the third quarter the Dragons exploded for 31 points. The offense was clicking. What was working better on defense?

We had the right mind set coming out of half-time. We controlled the game better then. We rebounded the ball well and gave no more open or easy looks to them.

In the fourth quarter Wurzburg scored 31 points and crept back. German Christian Skladanowski took pressure off Wishart and scored basket after basket. What was so tough in slowing him down?

I know him since the U-14 so I know what he can do on the court. He is very long, athletic and physical. He uses his body well and is dangerous around the rim. He is also strong defensively.

Wishart made one free throw for the 98-97 win with 3 seconds to go. Was that last touch down pass part of the plan? What was going through your head?

During the free throws, we actually planed the last play. We would have 2 guys sprint down the wings and a football touch down pass would be I had a slight lead on my defender going down the floor. Rahn made the perfect pass. I had separation with my defender as my thigh bumped him. I caught the ball around the free throw line and shot it. thrown.

The pass from Marco Rahn reminded me off the pass last season from Nils Leonhart to Trevian Bell for the buzzer beater win over Rhondorf. Did you know the ball would go in?

It was a pressure situation and this shot was easier to take obviously than one farther away. I always have those instincts when I release if it will go in or not. I knew my shot would go in.

Was that your first buzzer beater in your career?

I had one in the U-14, but as a pro this was my first.

Janne Muller was so calm after you hit the shot just sticking his finger in the air. How was the atmosphere after the shot later in the locker room? Do you have to get donuts?

No not yet, but I think that I will have to get donuts. Everyone was hyped and jumped on me. In the locker room we talked rational and knew we come out and play like that again.

Was this win a perfect preparation for the top game next weekend against Leitershofen?

This win was huge moving forward to next game in Leitershofen. We still have to correct some things so we can play better in Leitershofen. It is always a great atmosphere there with the fans. It won´t be an easy game.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Brandon Thomas(Artland Dragons) Wants To Remain Consistent And Feels No Pressure To Still Have To Bring It At Age 40

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Brandon Thomas in Frankfurt in 2024

Brandon Thomas (198-SF-1984, college: UMass, agency: Interperformances) is a 40 year old 198cm forward playing his 18th professional season and fourth season with the Artland Dragons. He has played most of his pro career in Germany having played with teams like Jena, Giessen, FC Bayern Munich and Braunschweig. He also played in countries like Argentina, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Spain, Denmark and Austria. He began his basketball career at Judson high school and then played at Long Island University (NCAA) and UMass (NCAA). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 106-96 win over Bayreuth.

Congrats on the huge 106-96 win against Bayreuth. Artland is 2-0. How good does it feel starting this well after last season?

It feels unbelievable. It is a lot different this season. Last season was one of the worst start for many of us. With this start we feel very hopeful. We feel very strong. This season is so different.

After a good defensive game against Nurnberg, Artland opted for a shoot out win. Is this years team unpredictable?

At the moment we are trying to figure out our identity. We are very versatile and have many options. That is dangerous. We rely on different guys on different nights. WE are hard to scout. That will be a real advantage for us.

You led 57-53 at the break which could have easily been the score after 3 quarters. Was this just one of those days where defense wasn´t on the menu? Was it that tough guarding the 3 line? They hit 16 three´s

It is still early in the season and we are focusing on defense. We obviously didn´t want to give up so many three´s, but they had capable shooters. We did a better job in the second half. It is all a matter of concentration. It was nice to score, but our deefnse needs to be better.

In the third quarter Callum Baker-Magnaye got hot. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He is a good player that can drive and shoot the ball well. He was one of their main guys. We had trouble locating him in transition. He had a great game.

Bayreuth went on a run in the fourth and made the game very exciting. Robert Oehle made a shot and you made a trey. Did that shift the momentum in your favor?

Yes I think it did. That was a dagger. Who knows how the game may have gone had it gone 5 minutes longer. We are very fortunate to have many veterans and a talented point guard that can make plays in crunch-time. That sealed the win for us.

What was key in the last few minutes for holding the lead. Was this the best defense that Artland played down the stretch?

That is hard to say. I felt like we had good stretches in the game where we defended well. We have to learn to put it all together for 40 minutes

How key were the 23 free throws and 12 offensive rebounds? Was that the team´s back bone in the game?

It is always great to score more free throws than the other team. Plus getting more extra opportunities off offensive rebounds is always key.

How key is Buzz Anthony in general? Could he become the leagues best all-around point guard?

I believe so. He is everywhere on the floor. He does so much for us. He is a key player for us.

Is the word beast correct for Tajh Green. When you see his game what NBA player comes to mind?

I don´t like making comparisons. He is his own player. He can jump, and shoot and makes very exciting plays. He is willing to learn. He makes big plays on the defensive end. He is very versatile and just tough to stop. I´m really excited to be able to play with him.

How valuable is it having another physical big man coming from the bench with Robert Ohle? He just seems to keep chugging along year by year?

Robert is so strong and is just the ultimate professional. He is always in the weight room and still willing to work on his game even at his age. I think he sets the best screens in the league. He is an important part of our team.

How vital was Joanic Gruettner in the win. He recovered from a goose egg against Nurnberg to 10 points against Bayreuth.

He does the little things and is like a glue guy. He makes plays and is our best on ball defender. He may not score one game, but will be that offensive threat the next game.

Just how much of a true leader is Yasin Kolo. I think this may have been the team´s best pick up this season?

He is another veteran presence for us. He has so much experience having played in Japan and the BBL. He really understands the game. He is so big and strong and hard to stop under the basket. He was a great pick up for us.

Taylor Johnson was a late addition. What has been your impression of him thus far?

Taylor is relentless. He will do anything to win. He is a great shooter and on transition. Plus he is a great scorer.

You had a great game with 18 points. How is your 40 year old body holding up with 29 minutes?

I feel great now. I work hard during the summers so I´m best prepared for another season. I´m fit and feel good mentally. I´m trying to be the best leader possible and at the end of the day just trying to help win games.

With this start you must feel even more motivated. Does your inner-self ever pressure you to have to consistency even at age 40?

I want to always be as consistent as possible and yes that pressure to be a leader is there. I want to perform well and be reliable in some way. I enjoy pressure and am so fortunate to still be playing. The pressure is nothing for me.

What has been the secret of the early success? Some guys went and there seemed a bit of turmoil weeks ago. But now it seems like all are on one page?

It is hard to say since it´s still so early. We are just trying to keep improving each week. Our first win wasn´t pretty so we looked at the game and tried to improve. We won again last weekend and are trying to improve this week. We have great guys who want to get better. I hope the winning continues.

How dangerous is it not to get too euphoric with the start? Is head coach Vincent Macaulay keeping all down on earth?

He is keeping all down to earth and he has the veterans helping him. It is very dangerous if you get to complacent and comfortable. Adversary can always set you back, so just try to do your best to avoid it.

What has been his biggest coaching strength so far to get through adversary early and begin 2-0?

Vincent is very vocal and lets everyone know how he envisions the game. He doesn´t have that typical coaching style that you see in Germany. He loves excitement and just understands his players and how to get them on the same page.

My buddy Joe Asberry was very truthful and told me he wouldn´t be able to beat you in a 1-1 game. How vital is his presence for the young and old in the organization?

Joe is doing a great job. He has so much positive energy. It is really refreshing. He just makes everyone feel so good. He is a consistent presence. He is always there. It is a joy to have him here and I´m glad that he is here.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.