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 It Was A No Brainer For Danas Kazakevicius To Join The Dragons Rhondorf As Leon Bulic´s Said Danas You Have To Do It 

Danas Kazakevicius (207-PF-2005, agency: Highlight Athletes) is a 19 year old 206cm power forward from Lithuania playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 11,9ppg, 8,2rpg, and 1,3apg. He came to Germany ín 2021 and played with the at Brose Bamberg / Troester Breitenguessb. U19 Team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 10,2ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.6%. In 2022-2023 he continued to paly with the Brose Bamberg / Troester Breitenguessb. U19 Team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 10.8ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.0%, FT: 75.5% and also played with BBC Coburg averaging 3,4ppg and 2,4rpg. Last season his roles grew with BBC Coburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 7.6ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP-3 (70.6%), FT: 79.2% and with Brose Bamberg / Troester Breitenguessb. U19 Team (Germany-NBBL) averaged 21.7ppg, Reb-5 (9.7rpg), 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Danas for talking to germanhoops.com.. Did you sense a winning culture mentality when you arrived in 2024?

Yes I did. Many guys remained and they are hungry to win again. My goal is to win a title. First we win as much as possible in the regular season and then see what happens in the playoffs.

You came from a very well known program Bamberg to Rhondorf. It seems like a step back, but you don´t think it is. Why?

I really believe it´s not a step back, but a step forward. I want to keep improving my individual skills and think I can do it best in Rhondorf.

Ex Head coach Stephan Dohrn was very high on your qualities. What were the main reasons for signing with the Dragons Rhondorf?

I think the whole package fit for me. I like the communication between BBL team and Dragons as well as seeing how well the Dragons organization works and of course the great fan support.

How did the first talks go with coach Dohrn? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

I really like his mentality. For him the small details are very important. He always wants to make everything as perfect as possible. If anything is wrong, he always wants to explain and fix it. My playing style fits his coaching style.

Before we talk about your game, please talk a little about your childhood in Lithuania. Who were your basketball idols growing up?

Domantas Sabonas, Jonas Valanciunas and Kobe Bryant

How vital were the first years in Lithuania for your basketball? Was there a coach or person that influenced you the most?

I can´t name just one. There were many that influenced me and still help me with my game during the summers.

You came to the Bamberg program in 2021. How did the contact come to Bamberg and why did you chose to go there?

A Bamberg coach saw me play in Lithuania and I was invited to a tryout. I was there 3-4 days and they liked my game.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

People compare me to Domantas Sabonis, but I´m a bit smaller.

You’re a big man that fills the stat sheet very well. Would you classify yourself as a classic modern day big man?

I´m not a typical big man, but play the 4/5 position. It really doesn´t matter if I play the 4/5, because in today´s game they do the same job.

You can do so much offensively and are very quick and mobile for 206cm. What do you think is your biggest strength on the court?

I´m a big man that likes to run the court and I like to pass the ball. I can pretty much do many things really well, but not one thing best.

You’re a very good rebounder. What do you still need to improve with your rebounding?

I need better timing and knowing where the ball will bounce off the rim. I can also improve boxing out and knowing where the ball will land.

You only attempted 4 three´s in the Pro B last season. Do you plan to implement your three more into your game?

I hope so. I have worked all summer on my three pointer. I have spoked to coach Stephan and they want to add my three to the game plan.

Do you feel like your defensive skills are still raw? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

You will have to ask coach what kind of a defender I am right now. In the future I want to be able to switch 1-5 and have no problems with mismatches. I want to become a very mobile defender.

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

I´m working on all areas of my game, but mostly on being able to make quicker decisions.

You came to Bamberg in 2021 and played NBBL. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in Germany where you knew that you were far away from home?

I was 15 years old when I came. The first months were tough. I was confused about how my life would work there. I was far from home and scared about the language problem. But after time, my teammates made me feel comfortable and it felt like a second home.

In 2021 you played in the U-17 World Cup and saw the massive talent Cooper Flag put up 5/6 stats in 17 minutes. What memories do you have from him them? He recently practiced with Team USA before the Olympics.

At that time, people were already talking about him. He was a silent boy and doing a lot of the dirty work on the court. It was nice to play him. He looks like he will be the #1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

In your second season and first with Coburg, you were teammates with Leon Bulic. How vital was he for you that season? How did he help you most to grow?

We were close. We had a type of bond in that he came from Croatia and I from Lithuania. We battled every day in practice. It was always difficult to paly against him. I surely annoyed him at times with my fouls and he complained. However we are still friends to this day. When I asked him if I should go to Rhondorf, he said Danas you have to do it.

Last season your game rose as in the Pro B you averaged 7.6ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP-3 (70.6%), FT: 79.2%, and in the NBBL with Bamberg averaged (21.7ppg), Reb-5 (9.7rpg), 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.3%. How did your game grow last season?

My game grew in the NBBL. I had a huge role in the NBBL while in the Pro B, I was a big fighting for minutes. When the NBBL season ended, I focused more on the Pro B and I was able to step up my game.

You had to incredible games against Rhondorf and FC Munich 2 scoring 25 points a piece and shooting combined 20/23. What game was better?

Well we did lose both games. I think my game against Rhondorf was the better game. I was playing against my old teammate Tyrese Blunt and a top team with Rhondorf.

Who is the toughest player that you ever played against in your life that reached the NBA?

There are too many to name. I played against many tough BBL players

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

All my teammates in the Bamberg youth teams.

What is your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Doncic, Nowtzki

Paul and Marc Gasol, Guershon Yabusele, Rudy Fernandez

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

Thanks Danas for the chat.

Undersized Kasey Draper(EPG Guardians) Shines With His Physicality And High IQ And Can Shoot With The Best Of Them

Kasey Draper is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Roanoke, Virginia playing his rookie season overseas with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. He began his basketball career at Northside High School. He then played 4 seasons at Roanoke College (NCAA3) playing 94 games. He had great seasons averaging : 19.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 69.1%, 20.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 70.3% and 17.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 70.3%. He added on a season with Assumption College (NCAA2) averaging 18.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 76.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Kasey for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the EPG Guardians. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you known any guys that have played in Germany?

I didn’t know much about Germany or Europe before I signed to come play here. However, I have quickly learned new cultural norms and met tons of friendly people. I feel like I have already started to find a groove living here only after one month. The people around me have made it a quick and easy transition. When it comes to knowing German basketball and other players in the league, I know very little. In general, I don’t know many people who have played professionally, so everything is new to me, but I am excited to get started and make new connections in the professional basketball landscape.

You signed very late and got signed late by Koblenz. How was that first pro transfer period for you? Did you have some more offers?

The first pro transfer period was a little stressful for me because everything was so new, and the unknown made me a little anxious. However, my agent, Stefan Heinrich, did a great job talking to teams and walking me through the whole process. I had other offers during the transfer period such as playing in Portugal, Sweden, Ireland, etc., but I am happy to have chosen Koblenz and am looking forward to the season.

Head coach Marco Van Den berg and Thomas Klein are really high on your abilities. What were the main reasons for signing with the EPG Guardians Koblenz?

The main reason for signing with the Guardians is the competition level of the ProA league. I am excited to play high level basketball against high level competition. I also believe that I fit in well with what the Guardians are trying to build in Koblenz. I love the physical mentality that the team emphasizes, and I think my shooting fits in well with the motion offense.

Marco van Den Berg is the first pro coach that your playing for. What have you learned to appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

The thing I have learned to appreciate the most from Coach van Den Berg is his demanding style. He demands greatness from every player on the team, and I feel that I respond to that well. I am my toughest critic, so striving for perfection, no matter how difficult it may be, is something I strive for.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm player. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I feel that Grayson Allen is a fair comparison for me because he is a solid role player who is efficient with his shooting percentages. He relies on his shooting to open up the floor for him where he can then put the ball on the floor and score from the mid-range or at the rim.

You play the 3 and 4 positions. Are you a biz undersized for the position? But you make up for it with physicality.

Yes, I am a little undersized for my position, but I have been told that my whole life. I feel that my physicality and high IQ make up for a lot on the court. The other thing that helps me is how hard I play when I am out there. I try to leave everything on the court and let the chips fall where they may.

You’re a lethal scorer, great rebounder and can shoot the ball at a high clip. What do you believe is your biggest strength on the court?

I feel that my biggest strength on the court is my versatility. I can score from all three levels and take advantage of mismatches when they present themselves. Over the last year, I have switched my mentality from getting to the basket first and then shooting second to establishing the three and then playing from there. I think this will translate more at the pro level.

Twice you reached the 40% plateau in school. Where do you see yourself at the moment as a shooter and what do you need to do to become an elite shooter?

I am very comfortable with my shot at the moment. I started my career in high school as a non-shooter, so to be where I am today with my shooting ability is something I am proud of. I became a good shooter because of thousands of reps in the gym, so I don’t intend to try something different now. The areas where I can improve with my shot are consistency and my mental toughness as a shooter by focusing on the next shot and not letting the last shot influence the present.

What kind of defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I am a physical defender, especially in the post. I am not the quickest, so I must anticipate well and rely on my instincts frequently. I have lots of room to improve guarding the perimeter, but I am up to the challenge and am looking to take a jump in this area this season.

On what areas of your game are you working on most, so you can continue to grow as a player?

Again, guarding the perimeter is an area where I need to improve. In addition, working on my ball handling skills and facilitating for teammates is also an area of improvement. Other than that, I am focusing on playing my role and continuing to fine tune areas where I can help the team most such as knocking down open shots.

You played at Roanoke College (NCAA3) from 2019-2023 and made big strides in your second and third seasons averaging 19.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 69.1% and 20.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 70.3%. How did your game grow in that time?

The main thing that helped me grow during this time was my confidence and self-belief. My coach instilled confidence in my game which allowed me to play free and know that the work I put in during the offseason was going to show during games. My teammates also believed in me and helped me along the way.

You reached the ODAC semi-finals in all 4 years. How tough was not getting g over the hump? What was your fondest moment there?

Not getting over the hump during my career at Roanoke is the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with during my career thus far. We lost to the same Randolph-Macon team every year in the same round. They were a very good team, and we were just never able to get the best of them. However, those loses always ignited the offseason and made me a better player. My fondest memory at Roanoke College was hitting a game winner my sophomore year during the Covid season with no one in the stands. This is because the game was senior night for our lone senior, Max, from Sydney, Australia. The two years I knew Max he always talked about his family making the journey to the states for his senor night. However, Covid put a halt to that. Max was one of the best people I knew, so hitting the game winner on his day and embracing him after the game was a special moment.

How vital was head coach Clay Nunley in your early basketball development? He seemed like to have given you the green light early on.

Coach Nunley was a huge piece in my development both as a player and a person. On the court, he instilled confidence in me as a sophomore in college by making me the captain and giving me the reigns of the team. Off the court, he taught me how to deal with adversity and be a strong man while still showing compassion to everyone I interact with.

You then added a fifth year at Assumption College (NCAA2) averaging 18.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 76.9%. You needed no adjustment time between division3 and 2. How did your game grow under Scott Faucher?

My game grew the biggest under Coach Faucher with my mentality. Coach Faucher gave me the ultimate green light and encouraged me to keep shooting the ball even if it wasn’t falling at the time. He taught me to establish my three-point shot first and then play off that. This mentality has allowed me to shoot with more confidence and open easier driving lanes.

You recorded an amazing 46 points against Saint Michaels on 17/27 shooting. What will you always remember most about this game and how quickly did you know that you would have a great night?

The thing I will remember most about this game is getting the win and celebrating with my teammates in the locker room. Saint Michaels was the top team in the conference, so beating them at home was special. I was just doing what I could to help the team win. The ball just happened to go in at a high clip that night. I hit a couple mid-range jump shots early and built momentum off that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kani Glover?

Kani and I never played each other 1 on 1, but he is a very good player, so it would be evenly matched.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

There are many players during my career that I have played who have reached the NBA such as Zion Williamson, Keldon Johnson, and Jacob Gilyard. However, the player that had the best game against my team and that I was most impressed with was Coby White. He scored 44 points against my high school team and made everything look easy.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

These five players truly embody the word teammate. They are both great players and good for the locker room. They are Julien Wooden, Jack Brestel, Colin Burns, Ethan Rohan, and Corey Brooks.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Larry Bird because of the way they all changed the game.

Who is your GOAT

The greatest player of all time is Michael Jordan, but my favorite player ever is Dwyane Wade.

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

I have never seen this movie.

Thanks Kasey for the chat

Working At Greensboro Airport In Between School Years Changed Jaylen Alston´s(Team Ehingen) Life And Made Him The Person He Is Today

Jaylen Alston (193-G, college: WSSU) is a 193cm guard form North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team Team Ehingen. He began his basketball career at Eastern Guilford high school. He then played a season at Gardner-Webb University (NCAA) and then played at Winston Salem State University and in his last 2 seasons averaged 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas in Germany with Team Ehingen. How blessed do you feel to be able to play the game you love for a living?

I feel really blessed because this opportunity is something that I got very late and I feel like it was an opportunity that God saved for me so I could be able to be somewhere where I could experience a great environment on the court as well as a great environment off the court so I truly feel blessed every time and practice or just in the games

What do you know in general about the country and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends play here in the past?

I really don’t know much in general, but I have been seeing how much they love the sport. I did know that Dirk Nowitzki was from Germany, but I do have two friends that have played here.

You came late into the 24-25 season. Was the job market tough coming from division 2?

The job market was definitely tough coming from division two and not only to mention coming from a historical black at college university. They don’t give many kids like us a chance so I just like to take my opportunity and be able to show everyone that if we were able to have more chances then we would definitely be in more of a market for basketball around the world.

What have you enjoyed most about the overseas experience? How big is that day to day feeling of being able to learn and get better?

What I have enjoyed the most is being inside of a new culture and seeing how they live every day, because it’s so different from America. The daily feeling of getting better and learning is what I think about when I wake up every day just because I know that this is my job and I have to be getting better and taking my job seriously so that way I can take this further than just this year.

Your only a rookie but one of the older guys. How enriching is it for you personally to be able to have young teammates? Does it sometimes feel like your in school again?

Honestly, I enjoy having young teammates just because I feel like I can teach them some things and show them new ways they can make themselves better and they’re all about learning so I enjoy the part of having those young guys, but it does have a feeling of being back in school.

Team Ehingen is fighting to stay in the Pro B. What is crucial now in being able to produce more wins? I´m sure the win over the RheinStars gave the team a lot of extra self confidence?

The most crucial thing now is for us to play with energy and have fight because that carries a lot farther than any of the statistics stuff. I definitely feel like it gives confidence to the entire team and the coaching staff because now we know if we can play against the number one seed, then we can play against everybody.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm swing man. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

The player that I will compare my game to is honestly Kawhi Leonard when he is healthy

Would it be a correct assessment that versatility is your biggest strength? You fill the stat sheet like no other.

Yes, I would definitely say versatility is my biggest strength and that’s something I Pride myself on being able to help the team in different areas any given night.

Last season at Winston Salem you averaged 8 rebounds and as a rookie in Germany almost 10 rebounds. Do you simply know where the ball will go on every shot? What is your secret?

I have a little trick on how I know where the ball might be in, but it’s something that I can just see for myself and I’ve been doing it since a kid so I honestly have a niche for it but it’s no big secret.

Talk a little about your defensive game? What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and where do you still want to go with your game?

I will honestly call myself a srappy defender and a defender that loves to help others, but I want to be a better on ball defender so that’s where I want to involve my basketball game mainly on the defensive side

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

The area I´m working on most now is being comfortable, making plays with the ball along with shooting the three ball.

You must have a big ambition to reach higher leagues? Have you ever checked out a BBL or Eurocup game in ULM? Do you feel like you could hold your own against players like that?

Yes, of course I have ambition to reach higher leagues but I feel like everything will happen in due time. I have never checked out any of the BBL or euro cup games, but it would be nice to go see and I always feel like I can hold my way against anyone no matter what level of basketball.

You began your NCAA career at Gardner-Webb but played only 9 games. How tough was this freshman year? Could you gain any positives out of it?

My first year was pretty tough considering once I enrolled into the school, the coach who recruited me left, so I was left to a situation where I really had nobody that would actually pay me too much attention, but I feel like the biggest positive I gained out of it was being comfortable with not playing minutes, but still seeing myself get better every day.

You then went to Winston Salem State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 73.5%. You won a CIAA title in your first season. What do you remember of that run?

Unfortunately COVID cancelled the tournament after. I remember that run just being full of fun. We were really playing and clicking on all cylinders and have bought into what the coach wanted so I feel like that just gave us the edge over most teams and we were all on the same page.

Covid then changed so much for everyone. You missed 2 years and worked at Greensboro airport. How much did that change your life in that part of your life?

That drastically changed my life just because I was able to see how someone who didn’t play basketball or sports at all lived in everyday life and also gave me some life-changing events that I was glad to be a part of because it made me who I am today and has given me someone special I really needed.

You then returned to Winston Salem State University (NCAA2) and played 2 more seasons averaging 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. You won a second CIAA title. What do you remember from that run? You had some real defensive battles against Virginia Union and Lincoln.

I remember that run being really tough for me considering I played most of the season dealing with a knee injury, but that run right there gave me a different mind of how mentally strong I know I can be

You lost your last NCAA 2 game to Bluefield State scoring 34 points. Was that one of your toughest loses in your career?

I would say yes that is the laws of my career just because I knew that was the last game that I would ever play in a Winston Salem State jersey and I never took any of it for granted.

How did head coach Cleo Hill groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hill really prepared me for my career just by the terminology he helped us use in the way he showed us how to play basketball so the style of basketball that they play is exactly correlated to this style basketball that is played here in Europe, but I will also say both of the assistant coaches Lance Back with and Rick Wilson were two of the best coaches that I’ve ever been coached by.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaac Parson?

Me and Isaac honestly never played 1 on 1 basketball, but if I had to bet on who would win, I will always bet on myself.

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

The player that I have ever faced would be Coby White that plays for the Chicago Bulls just because at a young age he really understood the game of basketball and how to get to the spots. He wanted to shoot the ball in, and that helped me understand what I needed to do to get better as a player.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is in no specific order. I could trust these guys to never allow an opponent to score Xaiver Fennel Rob Colon Mase Harrell Ramal Patterson Imajae Dodd

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

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

Honestly, I have never seen the first coming to America all the way through. I usually fall asleep on some of those movies so I can’t honestly tell you too much about it.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat.

Joe Asberry Will Never Forget Playing 21 During Christmas And Will Always Be The Perfect Santa Claus Anywhere

If you ever met Joe Asberry (196-F-1965, college: SF State) and had a conversation with him, you will notice at latest after 5 minutes just how charismatic this dude is. It really doesn´t mater what you talk about, he will always entertain you. I mean I would personally book this guy as a Santa Claus, because he could play the role perfectly. There are no disagreements from him either. I often ask players who the best Santa Claus would be on a team “ I would be the perfect Santa on Any team”, warned Joe Asberry. I could easily see him being a Santa Claus in malls in the United States. Just imagine reading a massive poster or even better a billboard “Joe Asbery on tour as Santa Claus”. I would definitely buy a ticket. Well maybe he would put me on the guest list (LOL). Imagine Joe being in a movie with an Eddie Murphy, my favorite comedian of all-time. That is an amazing thought. Joe Asberry will never have to make a Santa Claus debut simply because he has done it before in the past. “I have already been Santa Claus in Hannover when we took a team from Stadt Liga to Pro A in Hannover so I have a bit of experience. I was also the Ghetto Santa at Wally´s All Star Games in Bremerhaven so shout out to Wally, he made me a household name in Bremerhaven”, stressed Joe Asberry.

One thing Joe Asberry doesn´t lack is words when he is having a conversation. However once in a while, he gets right to the point with little words like in our Xmas interview, but that’s Ok. Any kind of input from Joe Asberry in speech or written is always memorable. Joe Asberry had a long professional career mostly in Germany and remained here to work as an MC, social worker, coach and mentor. At the moment he is employed by Pro A club Artland Dragons where he is a coach for various team in the youth sector and woman´s sector. Christmas is a part of the year that he really enjoys in Germany and he has a special definition for it. “ Sharing is Caring, that´s how I define Christmas. I appreciate the big Christmas Tree´s, and all the lights. I´s really Beautiful here in Germany”, said Joe Asberry. The Oakland native has celebrated Xmas on various continents and for him everywhere is home for Xmas. When it comes to where he will celebrate this year, he is of the spontaneous kind. “ Christmas in Artland, Berlin,or Las Vegas is all the same to me, it´s Magnificent. I´m not sure where I´m going to Celebrate Christmas this year yet. I don´t like to jinx myself, so I´ll let it touchdown first”, expressed Joe Asberry. He also has a fancy of visiting Christmas markets in Germany, but one kind of special gift, he still hasn´t been able to find at one. “I enjoy the Christmas Markets for sure. I can´t say I saw any good gifts. I didn´t see anything Basketball related! LOL”, laughed Joe Asberry. Since having witnessed Xmas in USA and Germany, he definitely stays away from the comparisons between both countries during the holiday season. “I don´t ever compare Christmas to America. If home isn´t where your Heart is, you might need to get your HEAD EXAMINED! LOL! You can´t compare Christmas in America to Christmas in Europe. It´s much more commercial in America, the idea is to make sells”, expressed Joe Asberry.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Joe Asberry in Berlin in 2024

One Xmas tradition that he carried over from USA to Germany was having that pajama feeling in the morning and then getting down to business with the gifts. “I always open all of my presents on Christmas Day”, smiled Joe Asberry. Even if his childhood was a long time ago, he still has fond memories of that time in the bay area. “Christmas with my Family was beautiful, good food, and a lot of presents. My most cherished moments were playing games of 21 in front of our house. My big brothers and big homeys would destroy me. That´s why I´ll never have a problem creating my own shot. When you hoop vs multiple defenders when you´re a kid, you won´t play like a ROBOT once you turn PRO or when your young guys on your team challenge Coach Joe to 1´s ! LOL”, stressed Joe Asberry. It is also no surprise that his favorite present as a kid is very much basketball related. “My most cherished present was my Basketball from my Big Homey Russ Boogie and my Big Bro Michael”, stated Joe Asberry. The season has been a struggle thus far for the Artland Dragons. The season began so well with a rapid 4 game winning streak, but then out of nowhere an annoying losing streak commenced which led to the dismissal of head coach Vincent Macauley. Pat Elzie took over and the losing continued. Currently the ex easyCredit BBL team is riding a brutal 10 game losing streak. The best Xmas gift for the club would be a win on the 29th od December in Koblenz against the up and down EPG Guardians. But that´s not all. Joe Asberry has a special Xmas gift wish for the club. “The perfect gift for the Artland Dragons is that we get big Yassin Kolo back healthy and DUNKS from Tahj Green,and Lamont West. Those two dudes are Elite Athletes without a doubt. Santa Will be in town, when my Man Brandon Thomas aka “BT” hits a 40 foot buzzer beater! Taylor Johnson hits a halfcourt shot, Buzz Anthony breaks someone´s ankles, Thorben blocks a shot, Jo Jo hits a fall away 3 out of bounds, Badu Buck puts a balla on Ice skates with his shake and bake moves, and Big Rob Oehle Dunks on someone and knocks them on the floor. PS JK,, Jonas, and AD,t he young guns, get some minutes LOL! All jokes aside, I just want all of my guys to stay healthy and keep fighting”, warned Joe Asberry. My perfect gift for Joe Asberry would be nothing, because he is everything you need to be. He is one of the most charismatic guys I have ever met. He is simply a great guy that has done so much good in basketball Germany and just enjoys life being around people and making them feel good. Thanks Joe for being who you are. Merry Xmas and all the best

Kelvin Omojola Will Never Forget Begging His German Mom To Open Presents On Christmas Eve In The States And Feasting On Dampfnudeln In Germany

One of the benefits I had as a kid was being able to open presents on Christmas Eve. I was born in the States to German parents and I never ever in my life opened up gifts on the 25th in the morning. I always loved the time in school leading up to Xmas and I could tease all my friends in school that I would got to sleep with a big grin on my face while the other kids would be trying to fall asleep having the night be like an eternity. Dragons Rhondorf second year man Kelvin Omojola grew up in the States and also had German roots as his Mom was German. However he wasn´t as lucky as I was. That USA tradition was kept up for the Omojola family. “When you do it in Germany I prefer the gift opening on Christmas morning, it just feels nostalgic to me. But trust me, especially being a kid, I begged my mom for us to open gifts on Christmas Eve! Being an adult now, I don’t care at all on receiving gifts but rather giving gifts”, stressed Kelvin Omojola.

Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 27 year old point guard that is playing his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany. He played his rookie season with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. In his second season he gained experience with PS Karlsruhe Lions (Germany-ProA) averaging 3.1ppg. He took a step back last season to the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB)n averaging 12.7ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 79.5%. He led the team to the Pro B title and wants to repeat this season. He is a guy that has seen Xmas in Germany and a person that really believes in it´s values. “I would define Christmas as the season of giving as well as spending time with the people you love the most. Christmas has always been important to me. From the Christmas NBA Games to spending time with loved ones, it’s my favorite holiday by far”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Last season he was in Bad Honnef for Xmas and enjoyed it again this season there. “It was very calm and quiet which I enjoyed”, said Kelvin Omojola. It is no surprise that he has had a mainstay in Germany the last years. Who can resist the Christmas markets in Germany? “I’ve been very fortunate enough to spend Christmas with my fiancé and my family in Germany. The weather and the Christmas Markets are the best things about Christmas time in Germany. It’s a lot different than celebrating in Las Vegas. The Xmas markets are mandatory! That is easily one of the best things about Christmas time in Germany. The nicest gift I’ve seen at the Christmas Market would have to be the variety of food and drinks! The dampfnudeln, glühwein, the different crêpes. You can’t go wrong with any of it”, stated Kelvin Omojola. ´He has experienced Xmas in both countries and he sees a big difference to both cultures. “Christmas is a huge holiday in both the states and Europe. I’m huge on family. Christmas in Germany is a lot more family oriented due everything being closed. It forces you to spend time with your loved ones. In the USA, specifically Las Vegas, everything is open! You spend a couple hours with your family and then it almost another day. I enjoy both though”, commented Kelvin Omojola.

The Las Vegas native remembers his childhood at Christmas in the states as well as I do stats of certain players and he has very special memories from then that still dance and swirl in his head today. “I remember spending time with my parents and sisters, my grandma, basketball tournaments, watching the NBA games with my Dad, everything. That quality time is the reason why I love Christmas so much to this day. What my family did special was on Christmas Eve started with having a light Christmas dinner and then Christmas Day we would open presents! After exchanging gifts we would watch the NBA games and just spend time with each other. I really do miss those moments”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. He is all about family and his fondest memory doesn´t have to do with presents. “The last time my Grandma came to Las Vegas and spent time with my family and I. She flew all the way from Munich so to be able to celebrate Christmas with her one final time before she passed was amazing”, added Kelvin Omojola. Every kid remembers their favorite gift. I remember getting a race track from Mattel toys and he also has a favorite. “A FIT BMX Bike! I’ll never forget it Miles”, stated Kelvin Omojola.

Basketball wise it hasn´t been the best of seasons for the Dragons Rhondorf. They have been very up and down and were sporting a losing streak of 4 of their last 5 games, but cleaned that up beating rising team Speyer shortly before Xmas. Hopefully for the club, this win was a wake up call to the second half of the season. They played as a team again and had their best defensive performance of the season. Defense had been their sore point. Maybe now they will develop a defensive identity. I asked him what would be the second best Xmas gift after that win. He misunderstood my question as I meant basketball related, but as Steve Harvey would say on Family Feud during fast money, “Good Answer”, I agree with him. “If my fiancé was here celebrating with me easily. Thankfully, I have my mom and younger sister flying in to celebrate Christmas with me, so that’ll be great”, said Kelvin Omojola. I would have picked Danas Kazakevicius as the best team Santa Claus. We both do lay on the same wave length with certain topics. “ Definitely either Danas or Antonio Pilpovic lol. Make sure you tell Antonio I said that”, laughed Kelvin Omojola. He had a great rookie season in Germany with Speyer and I remember him hitting Frankfurt in that season for 31 and 27 points. He had his break through season that allowed him the next step to the Pro A. In that last game against his ex team, he faced off against Virginia Wesleyan legend DJ Woodmore. He has had a major impact on his career. “I love DJ. Definitely a mentor for me both on and off the court. Everyone knows he’s a great player on the court with a high IQ and skill level. But off the court? He’s a genuine guy, hilarious, smart. DJ is of my top 3 favorite teammates I’ve ever played with in my basketball career”, warned Kelvin Omojola. I have 3 fun facts about them both. “Both have great smiles, both would pose greatly as Santa Clauses and both are great leaders. Merry Xmas Kelvin and DJ.

Calvin Wishart Will Be In Athens Greece This Christmas But Will Never Forget The Xmas Eve Dinners And Broom Ball In Minnesota As A Kid

One of the great traditions in Germany are the Christmas markets. As a German/American and having lived in Germany now for 20 plus years, I have seen many incredible Xmas markets and it definitely never gets old. I have seen my share of pretty ones like in Frankfurt and Limburg and even got rid of some money for nice Christmas presents in an old castle named Arenfels. The place was perched high on a hill overlooking the Rhein River. The view was simply breathtaking even under the stars. For American ballers in Germany for the first time, visiting a traditional German Xmas market is something on every guys bucket list. It wasn´t any different for second year pro Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB) who is playing this season in the Pro B for VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). But for him walking around in Wurzburg and taking in the great atmosphere, delicious food and hand made trinkets at a Xmas market wasn´t enough, he just had too experience so much more. “I have been able to visit a few of them yes I have been able to go to some in Munich, Frankfurt, Landshut and Würzburg.”, stated Calvin Wishart. The Christmas time for him like so many other ballers overseas is a very vital time of the year. “Christmas is a really important time to be with family and friends. I think that’s the most important thing. Christmas is a magical time of year full of spirit, gift giving, and love. Through the winter time, it being cold and dreary, it’s something to bring up your spirits and enjoy what winter brings with friends and family”, said Calvin Wishart.

The Minnesota native already witnessed Christmas last season as a rookie in Portugal and this season has a massive luxury. In the Pro B, he has a 2 week break. If he would be playing in the easyCredit BBL or Pro A who play during the holidays, he would have to remain in Germany which would still be nice, but this season, he will experience a new kind of Xmas. “I will be celebrating Christmas in Athens, Greece this year with my best friend Anders Nelson”, commented Calvin Wishart. But he will have some interesting stories to tell in Athens about the German tradition as well. For him the Christmas markets remain one of the nicer things, but he also witnessed other things. “I appreciate how people are still outside. The Christmas markets are a good time for people to congregate and share a warm mug and conversations. We had a Christmas party with the Würzburg organization with all the guys and families of the players”, expressed Calvin Wishart. In Germany one opens up presents on Christmas Eve and in the States on the 25th of December in the morning. Would he ever change the tradition if in Germany? “I’m a firm believer that presents should be opened on Christmas morning after Santa has dropped them off via chimney access”, added Calvin Wishart. He also believes that the marketing of Christmas is just as big in Germany as in USA, but believes that one thing is done better here than at home. “I think it’s more decorated here in Europe. Even in Portugal. The towns here do a good job of dressing the city up in Christmas! obviously I’m away from family here in Europe during the holidays so it’s a bit harder, and I have fonder memories of Christmas in Minnesota”, said Calvin Wishart.

I can imagine the American will tell some childhood stories in Greece when he meets new people. Every American has their special memories of how Xmas was as a kid and it isn´t any different for him. “Christmas as a kid was easily the best time of year. On Christmas Eve, my family would host both sides of the family at our home in Buffalo, MN. Mom and dad would put together a big spread of food and drinks for 20-30 people. My dad started the tradition, “Prime Rib Dinner at Wishart’s Tavern” when I was young and we did that every year. We would go to candle lit church service on the eve around 10 pm, come home and sleep and wake up on the morning to open gifts. Growing up my parents really spoiled us with the best gifts”, remembered Calvin Wishart. He also will never forget his favorite gift as a kid. “When I was in 1st grade Santa brought me a PSP, a PlayStation portable. I have it to this day and it’s my most prized possession”, said Calvin Wishart. But nothing is nicer than having the whole family assembled around the fire place on Christmas eve as the dinner is being prepared. There are so many special traditions in families and it isn´t any different with family Wishart. “The Christmas Eve dinners when the whole family would be at our house. We’d also play “broom ball” on our neighbors ice rink. Which is basically skate less ice hockey. With long paddles and a like a handball”, remembered Calvin Wishart. But he still has one order of business before he flies to Greece and that is playing one last game on December 21st. Wurzburg has had an amazing turnround after losing it´s first 6 games, it now has won 5 in a row thanks to the great leadership of head coach Alex King and the dynamic duo of Hannes Steinbach and Calvin Wishart. “A good road win at Bayern Munich going into the break bringing the streak to 6”, smiled Calvin Wishart who believes teammate Eddy Rantz would moonlight bets on the team as a Santa Claus. Unfortunately their winning streak ended in Munich. Now he and the team have a weeks to get their batteries recharged for the second half of the season.

One Of Omari Knox´s Biggest Xmas Memories Was Seeing The New York Knicks Play At Madison Square Garden In 2018

You can be thankful about so many things around the Christmas time and for me personally it´s having good health. It didn´t look so rosy some years ago for me, but just to still be around at this part of the year and being able to be around your loved ones is simply the best feeling. Basketball wise, I´m actually thankful about many things, but one comes to mind and that is that I actually will see the great Omari Knox (185-SG-1986, college: Bloomfield) play again this season not once, but twice. Last season I wrote a farewell article to his career as it seemed like he would retire, but no he is back again this season at the ripe age of 38 and still a main force in the Pro B with TSV Tropics Oberaching. He has played his whole career in Germany and seen many Christmas´s and like for so many ballers out there a very important time of the year. “I would define it as the annual celebration of Christ’s birthday. Christmas has always been important over the years to completely recharge and enjoy time away with the family. As an athlete you invest so much time away from your family, coming home later, and every weekend spent in the gym, so the winter break really allows you to get in some quality time without distraction”, stressed Omari Knox.

The explosive scorer grew up in Brooklyn New York and still remembers those special Christmas´s as a kid as if it was yesterday. Times haven´t changed as my 7 year old son in 2024 has some Switch games on his Santa Claus wish list and when Knox was a kid, he remembers one of his favorite gifts being a Sega Genesis gaming system. “I remember being too excited to go to sleep and wake up for Christmas morning. I would usually wake up to the smell of breakfast and the sound of Christmas music playing. I would be allowed to open my gifts right away. I’m not sure how old I was, but waking up to a living room full of wrapped gifts under the tree, that weren’t there before I went to bed. I had assumed Santa wasn’t coming that year hahaha. Only to be happily surprised and get pretty much everything that I had asked for”, remembered Omari Knox. I always remembered being able to open my presents at night in the States as my German parents celebrated Xmas the European way. When school resumed I would always annoy my classmates about having already seen my presents on Christmas eve. For the guard, he has seen both sides to the story. “I’ve experienced both as a kid so it doesn’t really make too much of a difference for me. I would say I always found it more exciting and more of a Christmassy Vibe, to wake up together in the morning, have music playing and open gifts as a family”, said Omari Knox.

This season he will be back in Bavaria for Christmas where he has been most of the time since coming overseas in 2009. But there have been exceptions when he was in the States like in 2018 when he experienced an incredible time related to basketball. “It was my wife’s first time in New York and we also got to see the Knicks at the Garden”, said Omari Knox. He also has a favorite Xmas here in Germany and that was in 2022 when his parents visited him and celebrated in Germany which was their first time in Germany. There are so many beautiful things that you can experience in Germany in the holiday time and one of those are the extraordinary Christmas markets that seem to be on almost every corner like Mcdonalds are in the States. “I think my first season in Germany, one of my teammates must have brought me over to see it for the first time. Now every year, I try to go at least once or twice. Especially if I’m not yet in the holiday spirit”, added Omari Knox. During the Xmas season he is still working as he has games every weekend leading up to Christmas and then has a 2 week break. This season he has a special basketball present he wants. “The perfect basketball Xmas present for me this season would be to finish out our last 2 games with wins. Especially with the last game being, a tough one on the road in Cologne against my former team”, warned Omari Knox. His team Oberaching has continued to rise as in the last 3 seasons finished 8,7 and 6 in the standings and this season are in 4th place, It is apparent that great coach Mario Matic´s developing of team chemistry and keeping guys for years has really paid off. “Coach Mario has done a great job of always keeping the core guys together, and only bringing in good character players to add to the band”, stated Omari Knox. He also would allow his teammate Peter Zeis to play Santa Claus for the kids as he would fit that bill perfectly. Will he celebrate Xmas any differently this season? “Hopefully, the same way I’ve always enjoyed it. I hope to be able to wake up on Christmas morning, have breakfast with my family, open some gifts, and give my son some nice core memories from the holidays”, commented Omari Knox. Some things never change during the Xmas season. Reliving those memories from your life will always be present. Merry Xmas Omari. Looking forward to seeing you in 2025 in the arena again.

Christmas Isn´t About The Gifts For Malik Riddle(RheinStars) But Having Special People Around To Show Love To

For American ballers playing the game they love overseas is an experience that they will never forget. Being able to travel all through Europe during a career and learn new things about different cultures is priceless. Being overseas during Christmas is also a very unique experience. There is always that first time like seeing that first NBA game, going to a wedding or getting that annoying speeding ticket. For ballers there is also that first time spending Xmas overseas. It isn´t any different for American Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) who is doing his first Xmas in Germany this season. He isn´t a rookie this season as he balled in Malta last season, but actually went home last season after his game on December 17th to celebrate Xmas in the States. Usually there is that certain excitement as to see what gifts one will get, but this season he already has a very special Xmas present that he knows about. “I will celebrate Christmas this year with my lovely girlfriend in Germany excited to spend Christmas in another country with her”, stressed Malik Riddle.

Malik Riddle grew up in Tennessee and got his first basketball experience at Rossville Christian Academy and then played at Morehead State University (NCAA) and Henderson State University (NCAA2). He celebrated Christmas in the States like any other kid and it is a time of year that he is always geared up for. “Christmas has always been a special time for me. Mostly just spending time with my family and loved ones make it’s special. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s the time to be thankful and joyful for family and friends. To me it’s not all about gifts, but it is really having special people around to show love to”, said Malik Riddle. Even though he isn´t a kid anymore at 25 years old, he still has those childhood Xmas memories tingling in his head as if it were yesterday. “I remember how exciting it was waking up to open gifts. And we usually had a family dinner at my house so it was nice when family came over for that. Back then basketball was very much involved on Christmas day and one that still ranks high on his list today. My fondest memory would be just being around family and enjoying each other company while watching NBA games”, smiled Malik Riddle. For small boys getting that first basketball or football is probably a gift that was one of their greatest or for girls getting that first Barbie doll or in 2024 getting a present pertaining to Taylor Swift. Thank God I don´t have a daughter so I wouldn´t know about what girly things are in. Anyway for the talented baller, he still remembers that special gift that he got as a child and it wasn´t a basketball. “It was when I got my first drum set, that would be my most cherished present”, said Malik Riddle.

Last season he was in Malta pre Xmas eve/day and still remembers how it was then. “It was nice out there in Malta during Christmas time. There were lights and decorations everywhere and a lot of Christmas spirit”, added Malik Riddle. He will experience his first Christmas market in Germany and what better place then to witness all the beautiful stands, decorations and food at the Cologne cathedral. The cathedral is the main visiting site in Cologne and one that is just breathtaking when your standing before it and just looking up and thinking about all the history involved. One can only imagine how unique the structure is with the bells ringing and a little snow present. It is the place to be in Cologne. It will also be his first Christmas where he is confronted with the question with how will we do the presents? Will it be the classic American way with breakfast and gift opening in the pajamas or in the more different way doing it the German way on Christmas eve? “I mean some families open present on Christmas Eve in the states so it’s not that different it’s a little different to me but nothing crazy”, stated Malik Riddle. Unfortunately a very cherished gift he would have liked didn´t come true. He was hoping that his team RheinStars would go into the break undefeated, but that wish was halted by Wurzburg as they continued their winning streak at 5 games. It would be funny to see though which of his teammates would fit the Santa Claus costume best and play the role best? We both agreed that the best fit would be a certain big man. “I think Bjoern Rohwer would be the perfect Santa Claus”, said Malik Riddle. He and the RheinStars will have a 2 week break to recharge and then return in the new year and get back to business. For now though, it is all about enjoying the Christmas season being thankful and having loved ones around.

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Quantez Robertson Turns 40 And Is Enjoying Life Watching His Kids Become Great Athletes

Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) is a former professional player that played 14 seasons for only one organization with the Fraport Skyliners. He won the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup and reached the 2010 easyCredit BBL final. His stats for 14 years were 479 games, 4,425 points, 2217 rebounds, 742 steals in 15,034 minutes. He spoke to germanhoops.com on his 40th birthday.

Happy Birthday Tez. How does it feel to be 40 years old?

It really doesn´t feel any different. It is a nice round figure.

Would you feel less old if you were still active as a player?

Yes I think so. I´d be lying if said no.

How are you celebrating the big 40 today?

Right now I´m with my baby girl. We will go to dinner and hang out.

No big 40th birthday?

Not on a Monday.

How cool is it now celebrating in the States as opposed to in Germany? What is different?

It is different because now I´m at home and can celebrate with family in friends. In Germany I celebrated with my team who were my extended family.

Was it a challenge as a kid celebrating it less than a week before Xmas? Did you still get enough presents?

Not really. They had to ration it out. Half now and half on Christmas.

How does a birthday like this feel different than the last big one 10 years ago?

I was still playing ball 10 years ago. Now I´m watching my kids become great athletes.

What are you most thankful about now that you have reached 40?

I´m thankful for good health, having had a great career, my wife who made me a cake every year even if some of them looked funny and my kids.

What were some of the gifts that you got from your kids?

No yet, but they will. Last year my daughter gave me a hat and shirt while my son gave me a wallet with a couple of dollars.

Who were some of the ballers that congratulated you for your birthday?

Some of the guys from the Skyliners. The Skyliners congratulated me on social media and posted some nice highlight clips and pics. Family and friends also congratulated me.

How is retired life treating you? You have a new coaching job right?

I´m coaching in Juco at Tennessee Valley Community Christian

Jordan Theodore is back for a third time. How cool is that?

That is pretty nice to see. He will make things happen again like in the past. He made a post saying he wants to be like me and play many years with the Skyliners

Will Theodore be able to get the Skyliners back on track?

I think he will. He still has some good basketball in him. He has shown that in the last years.

Who wins a 1-1 today you or Jordan Theodore?

It will be close, but I will get him.

Thanks Tez for the chat.