Pic credit: Angel Media

If one had to chose what has stood out most in the dog days of summer with the EPG Baskets, one could choose 2 things, but most likely stick with the unique Dragons Rhondorf connection for the 2025-2026. The other thing was how well the organization brought in new pieces for the club especially at the German spots. Bringing in veteran bigs Marko Bacak and Alexander Moeller was enriching as well as young talented Badu Buck. The signing of 23 year old Serbian Aleksa Kovacevic who has 5 years of easyCredit BBL experience was a masterpiece. One has to simply commend the off season work of head coach Stephan Dohrn and team manager Thomas Klein. But what really stood was the Dragons Rhondorf connection. Head coach Stephan Dohrn had a new challenge after helping the Dragons win the 2024 Pro B title and found enough room in his baggage for his assistant coaches KJ Sherril and Kai Schallenberg to join the ride. However the movement down the Rhein to Koblenz didn´t end there as coach also hauled in 2024 Pro B champion Badu Buck and Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama) who played his rookie season last year with the Dragons Rhondorf. Smith Jr had a potent rookie season averaging 17.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82.5% and was a Eurobasket.com All-German ProB Group South Second Team and has the perfect coach with Stephan Dohrn to help him make the next step in the Pro A.

It is no secret that players overseas are always seeking to move up leagues. It is the survival of the basketball fittest. Especially Americans in the Pro B have demonstrated that since years. A good example was Devon Goodman who broke out with the Dragons Rhondorf just a few years ago and made the next step to Crailsheim or William Christmas who actually made as far as the easyCredit BBL. It was no surprise that Ohio native Smith Jr would want to go this route and absolutely no surprise that he would get gobbled up by a Pro A team. “Making this move is incredibly exciting. Playing in the Pro A is a big step forward in my career and I´m grateful for the opportunity to compete in a higher league”, stressed Tim Smith Jr.. It is obvious that Stephan Dohrn played a massive role in his decision to join the EPG Baskets, but there were also other reasons. I mean it´s no secret that the organization wants to compete in the easyCredit BBL. “The club´s ambition really stood out to me. They have a clear vision to reach the BBL and I want to be part of a team that’s striving for something bigger”, warned Tim Smith Jr..

It is also no secret that Tim Smith Jr. who compares his game to Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum had a lot of success under Stephan Dohrn even if they only worked together for about 5 months before coaches dismissal. Who wouldn´t want to work with a coach again after having a big role in his rookie development. It must have been a no brainer for him to be reunited again with Dohrn. “It played a huge role. I trust in coach Stephan and I know he believes in my development. That trust and Familarity made the decision easy”, commented Tim Smith Jr.. Working with coach Dohrn wasn´t only fruitful for his development, but he made learning fun. “Working with coach was very enjoyable. He brings great energy and creates an environment where players can grow and be challenged”, stated Tim Smith Jr.. It isn´t always easy for Americans come overseas and be an impact right away, but he had no problems adjusting to everything on and off the court and having a great coach like Dohrn made it easier to develop as well. “Coach Dohrn was extremely important in my rookie development. The most important thing that I learned from him was how to stay mentally locked in and approach the game with a professional mindset”, remembered Tim Smith Jr.. Smith Jr has the game and perfect coach, but the question still is can he make the adjustment to the Pro A and can he be an impact player? Smith Jr is a hard worker and is prepared diligently at home for his second pro season. “I´m confident that I can make the adjustment. Last summer I worked on my body, refining my skills and studying film so I´m fully prepared for the next level”, added Tim Smith Jr.. One big adjustment he will have to make, is that his role probably won´t be as big as with the Dragons Rhondorf. His minutes will most likely be down a bit and he will be surrounded by more guys that can explode on any given night in the scoring role. So exactly what type of player will we see in the Pro A? “You´ll see a player who´s locked in, focused and ready to impact the game however I can whether it´s through defense, energy or making smart plays in limited minutes”, warned Tim Smith Jr.. So far he hasn´t disappointed as through 8 games, he is averaging 13,5ppg, 4,4rpg and 1,0apg while shooting a potent 41,0% from outside. After putting up the big goose egg against BG Goettingen in game 1, he has scored in double figures in the last 7 games. He definitely has arrived in the Pro A. It will be interesting to see not only where the journey will go with the always ambitious EPG Baskets, but how well Tim Smith Jr. continues to develop. The formula of Dohrn and Smith Jr is a special one that wants to continue to grow and prosper in the Pro A.

Ok so it´s only been 3 games and one never wants to jump the gun so early but is Skyliners rookie Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis) Malik Parsons Reloaded 2,0 or possibly the next Justin Cobbs? When I first saw Swope play, he reminded me right away of Malik Parsons who was fifth best BBL scorer last season at 16,3ppg. He has that lightening speed that Parsons had, but seems to be more of a playmaker and better three point shooter. He knows exactly when to score and when to dish something that also Justin Cobbs mastered in Frankfurt as a rookie quickly and held on through out his professional career. Parson´s didn´t have as much success winning games, but through 3 games, point guard Isaiah Swope has shown his leadership skills leading the team to an early 2-1 record as this is the best start of the Skyliners organization since the 2017-2018 season where they began 5-1 under the guidance of World Cup champion coach Gordon Herbert. Back when Cobbs was a rookie, like Swope is, he helped lead Frankfurt from a 1-6 start into the playoffs and Eurochallenge Top 4. It is still early, but Isaiah Swope has a bit of both players and can simply play ball. But he isn´t really Malik Parson´s reloaded 2,0 or the next Justin Cobbs, but simply the Rookie Isaiah Swope looking to make his own identity as a professional player.

Isaiah Swope who lists Kevin Durant as his GOAT was born on April 22, 2003 in Newburgh, Indiana. He began his basketball career at Castle high school and as a senior averaged 22,2ppg, 3,8rpg and 3,9apg. He received a HS Associated Press Indiana All-State High Honorable Mention. He started his university career at the University of Southern Indiana (NCAA2) averaging 8.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 36.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 72.7% and 15.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 74.5%. He made a big jump in his second season and needed no adjustment time getting used to the NCAA. His head coach Stan Gouard was a big reason for him being able to make the next step so easily. “Having good veteran teammates my freshman year and when we transitioned from D2 to D1 I had a plan that summer of how I wanted to workout and what I wanted to get better at. Coach G allowed me to be myself and I am thankful for that”, stressed Isaiah Swope. In his first season in the NCAA 2 he scored in double figures 10 times, but when he moved up a level his minutes rose from 20 to 32 and he was a real scoring bucket. He scored in double figures in 25 of 33 games including 27 points against Semo and 26 points against Tenn Tech. Despite the losses, he had a great 28 point game in the win against his future school Indiana State. Was that performance his screen test for Indiana State? “I never knew I would end up going there but I truly believe that everything that happened was for a reason so in the most natural way maybe”, smiled Isaiah Swope. He picked up a All-OVC First Team selection and NABC Division I All-District 18 Second Team selection. He then moved to Indiana State where he continued his consistency as a player and averaged 15.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 73.6%. He played for veteran head coach Josh Schertz who left a massive lasting impression on him. “This season was extremely important because for the past two years of my career with Schertz I have been playing in a Pro system and without him I don’t think I could be here today”, warned Isaiah Swope. He was a walking bucket again scoring in double figures in 31 of 37 games including 30 points against UIC and 27 points against NIU. He was a vital performer in the successful run to the NIT final. Indiana State lost a heartbreaker to Seton Hall 79-77 where he contributed 19 points. Despite the loss, he will never forget the special group of teammates. “I just remember the overall journey and how close we were as a group. There is a reason we are all still close to this day”, commented Isaiah Swope. He picked up a All-MVC Second Team selection and was selected to the MVC All-Newcomer Team.

He then made one more move playing for Saint Louis University. Here he made another jump in his game averaging 17.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 75.6%. Not many players can say that they played for the same coach at 2 different schools, but for him being reunited with Josh Schertz was more than just a blessing. “Throughout everything I think it made the most sense to stay with him. In the end I’m glad we went through all the good/bad times together. I think it made us closer in the end. I learned a lot on and off the court and I’m forever grateful that we crossed paths in this journey of life”, explained Isaiah Swope. He scored in double figures in 27 of 33 games including 30 points apiece against Quinnipiac and Loyola MD. Was there one game that stands out most in his thoughts from there? “I don’t have one specific moment but I appreciate the journey and the small moments over time make everything memorable”, said Isaiah Swope. He didn´t only spend time with Josh Schertz at 2 schools, but also with future NBA player Robbie Avila. Did they become like brothers and did he see him as NBA material? “I didn’t know anything about Robbie Avila until I got to Indiana State. On the court he’s one of a kind and with a basketball he can go anywhere he wants to go with it. Many people don’t get the chance to actually know him as a person. He is one of the most real and genuine people you can meet and glad to call him my brother”, stressed Isaiah Swope. He picked up a All-Atlantic 10 Third Team selection who never played 1-1 against his then roommate Kobe Johnson.

The explosive guard who lists Kyrie Irving, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Mike James, Trae Young, and Tremont Waters on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore for guards is playing his rookie season for easyCredit BBL team Skyliners. He saw so much in the NCAA at different schools and doesn´t take anything for granted and feels more than blessed to be able to call the Skyliners home. “I´m truly grateful and appreciative the Frankfurt Skyliners Organization that they have given me this opportunity to showcase my skills”, said Isaiah Swope. He did know a little about Germany before he came mainly because he was teammates with talented German player Kilian Brockhoff at Saint Louis. And was told that Germany is very multi-cultural and has a strong culture and passion for basketball. He couldn´t have come to a more cultural diverse city like Frankfurt and with head coach Klaus Perwas is playing for a person who is world champion. “I was more than aware of the legendary status of Coach Klaus and his basketball resume. I´m very appreciative to be able to be coached by him every day. He wants to win and cares about details”, warned Isaiah Swope. He is only 178cm, but that has never deterred him from reaching his goals. Has he heard any special lines about his height? “I’ve pretty much heard everything imaginable. I only focus on what I can control and throughout my career I’ve been able to prove myself right”, warned Isaiah Swope. Does he have a chip on his shoulder especially concerning his height? “I think it starts off with being aware that basketball is a tall sport. While also understanding the advantages that I can bring to impact winning and our team”, stated Isaiah Swope. A rare thing about him is that he doesn´t compare himself to anybody from the NBA. 99% of the guys I interview always have an answer to that question. If someone had asked me what I thought was his biggest strength, I would right away have said his speed and drive, but for him it is something totally different. “My biggest strength is being able to adjust. Basketball brings so many different situations in a game so being able to adjust on the fly sometimes can be pretty useful”, added Isaiah Swope. Through 3 easyCredit BBL games he is averaging 18,7ppg, 2,0spg, 4,3apg and 2,0spg while shooting an astronomical 58% from outside. He has picked his spots really well. What does he need to do to keep this shooting consistency up? “I just stay in the gym and stay the course throughout my workouts and the overall season”, warned Isaiah Swope. He is an incredible offensive player, but don´t let that overshadow his defensive game, because that is also an important staple in his game. “I can guard and I think my defense gets overlooked at times because of my offensive abilities”, warned Isaiah Swope. He has already taken the BBL by storm and knows exactly how his consistency will continue in the league. “Watching film has been one of the biggest areas that I have been focusing on”, stated Isaiah Swope. If Swope can be remembered as much as Justin Cobbs still has been 11 years since he played Frankfurt is unknown. An interesting side note is that Justin Cobbs is still playing now at age 34 as he is in his 12th professional season and has won 7 titles. However at the moment Isaiah Swope is only focused on taking his rookie season game by game and keep growing while being consistent and showing he can also be a leader