Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 208cm power forward that is playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played the last 2 seasons with the TSV Oberaching Tropics and last season averaged 5.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career with TS Jahn Munich where he played NBBL. In his last season he averaged 11.7ppg, 10.0rpg, Blocks-3 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 95-90 road win in Neustadt.
Congrats on the massive 95-90 win in Neustadt to break the teams 3 game losing streak. How good does this win feel? It felt extra good, because I didn´t play last week in Rostock, because I was with the easyCredit BBL team. The win tasted really well, because it snapped our 3 game losing streak. It couldn´t be any better especially beating a top team like Neustadt.
It was the first road win of season. How enjoyable was the trip home? On what things did you personally reflect on? The trip home was really fun. The atmosphere was really good. We listened to a lot of music. I was just happy about the win, but at the same time was also looking forward to the next game against Herten on Sunday.
Did the Dragons Rhondorf go into the game with a must win mentality?
I don´t think that we necessarily had that must win mentality going in. However we wanted to get a better grip on certain defensive habits like our tag ups. We just wanted to get back to playing our game.
The Dragons Rhondorf led quickly 8-2, but Neustadt battled back in the first quarter to trail 23-22. How big of a focus are losing that mentality and letting up a run? It seems to be a problem that the team has this season?
I think those problems arise because we are very young. We have many guys that don´t know about those situations. Because we are missing experience, young players tend to lose their nerves. We did a good job against Neustadt staying calm and not getting influenced by their runs.
Neustadt took control in the second quarter scoring 29 points and leading 51-46. What were the main reasons for them to get the lead back? They seemed to play good team basketball. Yes they did play good team basketball. We started well and their gym was quiet, but as it got louder, we weren´t able to adjust to the noise as well. Their fans were able to give them extra energy.
Matej Jelocic led Neustadt with 27 points. What is the biggest problem in slowing him up better for 40 minutes?
He has very good qualities. He can make wild three pointers. You can´t let him be open. He doesn´t need much space to get up shots and can get hot. He had a good game against us.
In the third quarter there were ups and downs of both teams and Neustadt led 70-67 after 30 minutes. What was it like defending David Craig. He only played 8 minutes, but made back to back dunks in the third quarter. He is a monster. He is very big and hard to move. He is slow though, but when he gets the position down low, then he is difficult to stop.
In the fourth quarter was tight, but Neustadt kept the lead. Why couldn´t the Dragons get over the hump? The drive from Neustadt was unstoppable.
We had too much respect for their shooters. We came out too much sometimes which gave more room to drive. We rather gave up the drive then the three pointer
You had big baskets in crunch-time. How big was the tip in to trail 90-85? You seemed to save your absolute best for last? That tip in definitely gave us some extra energy. It was a hustle basket. We worked hard to get that shot.
The team was down 90-87 with 2,01 to play. The Dragons then closed out the game with a 8-0 run. What did the team do best on the defensive end?
We had been a bit sloppy at time controlling the rebound during the game, but in the end, we really buckled down on the glass. We gave up no more second chances.
What was the team´s best stat? The 35 free throw attempts or 50 team rebounds?
Both stats were huge, but I think that the 50 rebounds were more important than the 35 free throw attempts. If you get more rebounds, it gives the opponent less possessions.
The Dragons Rhondorf next battle Herten at home who are 4-5. What will be key to getting win?
We can´t underestimate them. They are an old team compared to us. That team reminds me a bit of my team Oberaching last season. We have to play our game and play quick and not let them slow it down.
You had 6 of 8 points at end. Was that fourth quarter your best basketball this season? I think it was one of the best phases for me this season if not the best.
Kenan Reinhart had a tough shooting game. Did you feel that need to step up extra as a scorer? I didn´t think like I had to score more last night. My shots weren´t forced. I had open looks. I think I had an easier time simply because the opponents defense focuses more on Kenan giving more space.
Juhwan Harris-Dyson is the team´s Swiss army knife, but does the team need more scoring from him to be successful? It seems like when he scores more the team wins. I think that whenever he has the ball in his hands and gets to the rim, then he is a big advantage for us. Not many can get to the rim like he does. His drive opens up more space for everyone else and makes our lives easier.
You had a great 28/9 game on 10/11 shooting. How much confidence does a game like this give you for the next ones? The success of my game in Neustadt gives me a lot of extra confidence. I feel like I didn´t start the season so well and didn´t play at the level I should of. I showed what I´m really capable of.
Your averaging 11,6ppg, 7,3rpg, 1,3apg and 1,8bps. You are making a big jump from last season in Oberaching. How content are you so far with your game? I´m happy with how I´m playing now. But I´m not satisfied now. I need to continue to develop. I can score more and rebound more. I want to end the season averaging double figures in rebounds. I also want to be at the top of the shot blockers.
Your start has been good. Does your goals change more now or are you still going with the same season goals? If I reach my goals at say the midway point then I will adjust them. However I feel like reaching my goals will take the whole season.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or David Bonning? I win most times.
Marko Djordjevic (200-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 200cm forward playing his first season with Orange Acemdy. He began his basketball career with Sudhessen and also played a season with Alba Berlin (NBBL. He played 2 seasons with the White Wings Hanau and the last 2 seasons with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 4.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg and 12.4ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 17.7%, FT: 60.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 73-72 win against Leitershofen
Congrats Marko on the big 73-72 win against Leitershofen. Did this win feel extra special since you made winning free throw? Thanks. Yes it did. Every player wants to win a game sometime on the last shot. Even if mine was a free throw, it was just as important.
Was that the first winning points of your career? In a 5-5 game it was. But I had one in a similar situation in 3 X3. It was between 2 teams in Hessen.
Orange Academy won the first quarter 19-14. How vital was setting the tone early despite Leitershofen battling back in the second quarter? It was very important for us to start like that being able to set the tone. We are a team that always wants to make the first punch.
Endurance AIyamenkhue gave great energy with a lay in and dunk back to back. How valuable is he on every possession?
He does such a great job in every game. He is so valuable at both ends of the court. He fights every game and does a great job rebounding and setting screens. He does a great job against stronger and older players.
Leitershofen went on a lethal 21-2 run in the second quarter to lead 36-26. Leitershofen is a explosive team, but what happened on the defensive end that allowed this turn in the game? We are a young team and we tend to have black outs at certain times of a game. But we are good at reacting against runs and being able to recover well. Our fight and energy always gets us back on track.
Joel Cwik then made 3 baskets in a row and Orange Academy only trailed 41-33. He is your Swiss army knife. He does so much on the court, but do you feel like his scoring sometimes gets underrated? I don´t think that his scoring gets forgotten. He can score and so can every guy on our team. Every player can score 20 points on any given night. We have a good balance in scoring. Joel played really good defense in the last few games.
What did head coach Florian Flabb tell the team to do better in the second half?
He told us we had to come out the same way did to start the game. They had outrebounded us at half-time. He wanted us to be more aggressive on the glass and bring more energy. Those 2 things helped us a lot in the second half.
Orange Academy struck back in the third quarter starting on a 17-4 run to lead 50-46. Did the team follow Flabb´s instructions the way he wanted it? We definitely followed his words. We were able to start like we did in the first quarter.
Orange Academy led 58-56 after 3 quarters. Jason George made some big baskets for Leitershofen How valuable is it for the Pro B to have a exceptional player like Jason George playing there? He is a very good player. I already played against him many years ago. I think that having him in the Pro B is an enrichment for all as all can get better playing against him. He really has an incredible skill set. He can do a bit of all.
The fourth quarter was a real dog fight. Young German Teo Millicic with 12 seconds to play to give Orange Academy the 71-70 advantage. How good is this kid? How mature is he for his age? Teo is a really good player. I really like his style and how he plays. He is a very smart player. His mentality is already very well developed for his age. He has shown this season that he can really help us in the clutch. As a playmaker he is always calm and has a high Iq.
Brian Dawson followed with a lay in to give Letershofen the 72-71 lead with 6 seconds to go. You got fouled. You made the first and missed the second. You are in general a solid free throw shooter. Did the pressure get to you a bit? To be honest I didn´t feel pressure at all. I had a good feeling shooting both. I came to the line with confidence, because I have been shooting the ball well this season. I missed the shot. It fell a little short. That can always happen.
You got the offensive rebound and got fouled again. Do you feel like Leitershofen didn´t expect you to miss?
I don´t know. I have to give credit to Endurance for hustling so well and showing his toughness against 3 opponents. He made the big play tipping the ball to me
You then missed the first free throw and had to make the second for the win. What was going through your head then?
I felt good again despite missing the last one. I was confident, because all I needed to do was make 1 of 2 free throws. They called a time out and I had a lot of time to think about my free throws. The first one felt good, but it was in and out. The second one also felt good and I knew it would go in when I released it.
You made the free throw and sealed the win. Do you have to still get donuts? I didn´t have to get donuts. Every player congratulated me after the game. It felt good.
The team got 54 rebounds and 17 offensive rebounds. Was that the team´s best stat of the game?
I think rebounding was our biggest stat of the game. Rebounding is a big strength of ours. We lead the league in rebounding. Our rebounding changed the game for us.
Orange Academy has started off great like FC Bayern Basketball. What is the team´s biggest strength besides chemistry and knowing each other? We are very young, but have so much talent. We have a good chemistry, but when we add our energy to it, we are even stronger. I feel like if we can bring both consistently in games, then we will be in the top 4 of the league.
The team next play the Dresden Titans. They are only 2-6. How sure that you won´t underestimate them and what will be key to winning the game?
We can´t underestimate them even if they only won 2 games. Everybody can beat everybody in this league. If we can bring our energy then we will be in good position to win.
You had a 8/9/3 game, but didn´t shoot well. What was your summary of your own game?
I always try to play for the team and give my best in each situation. My shot wasn´t falling as well as in other games. So I just tried to help my team in other ways like with my defense. I made some key shots in the second half.
Your averaging 9/6/3 with Orange Academy. The team has much talent and scoring. What is your role on court?
As captain, I need to lead my team to success. I also am like a mentor for the younger guys and want to give my input on and off the court and continue to develop my game further.
In the last 2 years at Speyer you went from 4/3 to 12/7. What are your goals as a player this season?
I want to continue to develop mentally and physically so I can make the next step. I´m still waiting for my German passport. When that comes, then I feel like I have good chances to move up to higher leagues
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Meissa Faye It would be a tight battle, but I would win.
Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.
Congrats on the big 93–73 win over Bremerhaven. How good does this win feel? It feels really good. We wanted to make a statement at home, and winning by 20 against a team like Bremerhaven shows the level we can play at when we’re locked in. The energy in the gym was great, and we fed off that for all 40 minutes.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Were there any phases where Bremerhaven were really threatening?
Yeah, especially in the second quarter they had a stretch where they hit some tough shots and sped the game up a bit. They cut the lead and tried to shift the momentum. But we stayed disciplined, tightened up on defense, and answered their run with ours. Overall, we controlled the game well.
Ibrahim Jabby was solid with 10 points in 15 minutes. What do you enjoy most about his game? I love his energy. Ibrahim comes in and instantly impacts the game. He runs the floor, finishes strong, and doesn’t force anything. He plays the right way, efficient, intense, and always ready. Those 15 minutes from him were huge for us.
Which stat was the most worthwhile for the team: 35 free-throw attempts, 20 assists, or 10 turnovers?
For me, it’s the 35 free-throw attempts. That shows we attacked the rim all game and played aggressive, physical basketball. When we live in the paint like that, everything else opens up — the ball movement, the spacing, the rhythm. The assists and low turnovers were great, but getting to the line that often really set the tone.
You had a 15/4/5/6 game. How content were you? You played both ends of the court. I’m pretty happy with it. I wanted to impact the game in as many ways as possible. I felt good offensively didn’t force shots, found teammates, and stayed in control. Defensively I really tried to be active and disruptive. So overall, I’m pleased with how I contributed.
You had 6 steals. Was it mostly anticipation or some luck too? There’s always a little luck with steals, but most of it was anticipation. I felt like I read their actions well and got a good feel for their passing patterns early. Once you get one or two, your confidence grows and you start seeing the game a bit slower.
You’ve had games with 6 and 7 steals this season. Do you feel capable of reaching 10? Yeah, I do. It would take the right game, the right pace, and being locked in defensively from the start, but I definitely think it’s possible. I’m getting better at choosing the right moments to jump lanes without gambling too much.
Next you face Oldenburger TB (4–5). What will be key to getting the win?
The biggest key will be controlling the tempo and not letting their shooters get comfortable. They can score in bunches if they find a rhythm. We need to rebound well, communicate on switches, and attack them early. If we set the tone physically and play our style, we’ll put ourselves in a strong position to get another win.
Kevin Tumba (206-C/F-1991) is a 34 year old 206cm forward that has the Congo/Belgium citizenship an dis playing his second season with Antwerp Giants (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). He began his basketball career with Dexia Mons-Hainaut. He played most of his pro career in Belgium, but also played in Greece and France and parts of 4 seasons in the Spanish ACB with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against Rostock.
Thanks Kevin for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing in Belgium now since 2022. 6 years prior you were in Spain, Greece and France. How did these 6 years help your game on the court?
Those six years abroad were crucial for my growth, both as a player and as a person. Competing in Spain, Greece, and France exposed me to different basketball philosophies more tactical in Spain, more physical in Greece, more athletic in France. I learned how to adapt to any style, read the game faster, and take pride in doing the little things that help a team win. It also taught me professionalism how to stay ready every day, no matter the situation.
Your playing your second season with Windrose Giants Antwerp (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). What kind of an experience has it been and what you like most about this organization?
It’s been a really positive experience. Antwerp has a strong basketball culture, and the organization gives players everything they need to perform. What I appreciate most is the professionalism combined with a family atmosphere. Everyone here from management to the youngest players wants to win and grow. That energy is contagious.
The team hasn´t won a league title since 1973, but did win the cup in 2023. How big is your hunger to finally win that first pro chip?
Huge. Every player dreams of winning a title, but for a club like Antwerp, with so much history and loyal fans, it would mean even more. The cup is something, but we want more. I came here to help build something lasting, and winning the championship would be a statement that Antwerp is back where it belongs.
The team is very young, but there are some veterans with you, Schoepen and Kesteloot. What exactly is your role besides being a leader? Leadership isn’t only about talking; it’s about setting a tone by giving the example every day: defending, working hard, staying locked in. I want to make sure the younger players understand what it means to be a pro consistency, focus, and respect for the game.
You have been a very special player your whole career. You were never an explosive scorer, but had other qualities. What do you feel allowed you to play 4 seasons in the ACB?
I always understood my role. I didn’t need to take 15 shots a game to impact it. Defense, screens, communication, rebounds, rim protection those are things every coach values. The ACB is a league of details, and I think my discipline and ability to do the dirty work kept me there. Being reliable is a skill too.
Two seasons ago you played with RSW Liege Basket (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 7.9ppg, RPG-4 (10.0), 1.3apg, 1.2spg, BPG-3 (1.5), FGP: 66.9%, FT: 44.3%; and in the ENBL averaged 6.9ppg, RPG-2 (8.7), 1.3apg, 1.2spg, BPG-3 (1.5), FGP: 68.8%, FT: 38.5%. How special was that season? Statistically it was your best.
It was very special, I was truly happy there. Liège gave me a chance to play freely again after a few challenging years abroad. The chemistry was great, and I felt trusted. Stats are nice, but what I really remember is how much I enjoyed competing every night and helping the team fight above expectations.
In the 2022-2023 season you split time with Circus Brussels Basketball (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 8.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 65.4%, FT: 53.6%, in Dec.’22 moved to RSW Liege Basket (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 5.0ppg, 5.2rpg, BPG-2 (1.5), FGP: 67.1%, FT: 38.0%. You had been away from Belgium for 6 seasons. What differences did you see in the basketball and competition level since you had left in 2016? The BNXT league was in place and had helped Belgium basketball.
Honestly, there’s still a lot of work to do. Consistency remains a challenge. Some teams are very professional, others still need to grow in terms of organization and competitiveness. Belgium has talent, that’s clear, but we need to keep pushing better infrastructure, improving the visibility, stronger clubs, and a culture that truly values development and winning
How tough was the 2021-2022 season? You split time with FOS Provence Basket (France-Betclic ELITE Pro A) averaging 2.0ppg, 1.5rpg, in Apr.’22 moved to Hellenic Coin Ionikos Basketball (Greece-A1) averaging 4.8ppg, 5.5rpg. What did you learn from that season? It was a lesson in resilience. Things didn’t always go my way that season limited minutes, new environments but it reminded me why I love the game. I m a believer of Christ and I always say « control what you can control, for the rest trust the Lord », so you can always control your attitude and effort. Those moments test your character, and I came out mentally stronger
You played the 2020-2021 seaosn with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-A1) averaging 4.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1bpg. You were teammates with 207cm power forward Kerem Kanter the brother of Enes. What memories do you have battling him in practice? Kerem is a tough guy strong, skilled, and very competitive (and very funny too). Our practices were intense, but always respectful. We pushed each other. I enjoyed that season because Greece is passionate about basketball, and you feel that every day.
You played with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (ACB) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 91 ACB games. How memorable were these 4 years playing in 1 of the world´s best leagues? Was this some of your most fun years as a pro?
Those were some of the best years of my career. Playing in Spain, especially in the ACB, is like a dream for any European player. The level is elite, every night you face world-class players. Murcia was like family to me; I grew so much there on and off the court. Murcia is a second home to me
In Feb 2017 you played your first time against Real Madrid and Luka Doncic who had 3 points and 4 assists in 19 minutes. He was a big prospect at that time, but would you ever have thought that he would become a top 3 player in the NBA? Honestly, yes maybe not this fast, but you could see something special. His maturity at that age, his vision, and his control of the game were unreal. He made everything look easy. You knew he wasn’t just another young talent; he was different.
You never beat Real Madrid, but twice beat FC Barcelona once by 1 point and once by 3 points. What was your most memorable game against FC Barcelona? The first win by one point was unforgettable. The atmosphere, the tension those are games you dream about as a kid. Beating Barcelona with a smaller budget team like Murcia showed what collective spirit can do. It was pure emotion.
You reached the Basketball Champions League Final 4 in 2018 losing a tough last game to AEK Athens 77-75. Was that one of your toughest loses ever in your career? Definitely. We were so close. That team had HEART and we believed we could win it all. Losing by two points hurt a lot, but it also reminded me how small the margins are at the highest level. It still motivates me today.
You had so many great teammates in Spain including American veteran Delroy James. What player on those teams had the biggest impact on you? Brad Oleson probably had the biggest impact on me during my time in Spain. He had an incredible amount of experience, and the way he approached the game being calm, professional, always in control really impressed me. Brad wasn’t the loudest guy in the room, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He taught me a lot about preparation, mentality, and how to take care of your body to last in this profession. Playing alongside someone like him helped me mature and see the game differently
You began your basketball career with Dexia Mons-Hainaut (D1). What do you remember from those early years. Did you have a type of mentor in those years? Perhaps a coach or a veteran like Ben McCauley? Those were formative years. Everything was new, and I was just trying to learn. I was blessed to have veterans around who took the time to guide me guys like, Justin Cage, Josh Bostic who pushed me every day. They taught me how to act like a pro long before I was one.
You then played with the Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Ethias League). There you were first and second best shot blocker in the league. How valuable were these 2 seasons for your basketball development under Jurgen Van Meerbeeck?
Very valuable. Jurgen trusted me and gave me real minutes. I could make mistakes, learn, and grow. That’s where I really found my defensive identity shot blocking, timing, positioning. Those two years prepared me for everything that came after. I will always be grateful to Jurgen
There you were teammates with Elias Lasisi and after 11 years again in Antwerpen. Plus you are teammates since years in the Belgium national team. Do you share a special relationship with him? Are you guys like brothers? For sure. Elias is like a brother. We’ve shared so many moments from young prospects to national team teammates. We’ve seen each other grow as men, not just as players. There’s a lot of mutual respect and understanding between us.
You then played a full season with Proximus Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Scooore League averaging 5.8ppg, 6.1rpg, BPG-2 (1.4), FGP: 56.2%, FT: 47.5%; and in the Eurocup averaged 8.6ppg, RPG-1 (9.9), 1.0spg, BPG-1 (2.6), FGP: 65.5%, FT: 56.0%. Once again you were a defensive stopper. What do you feel has been your career secret of being a top defender? Effort and anticipation. Defense is about pride and focus and being ready before the action happens. I study tendencies, I communicate a lot, and I take every matchup personally. You might miss shots, but defense is 100% effort, and that’s something I can always control. But mostly my teammates and the coaching staff allowed to be that person and be a real captain in defense.
You then played NBA Summer League with the Miami Heat in Orlando and Las Vegas. What memories do you have of that time? It was a lot different time than it is now. Is there one moment from then that you still remember? Like possibly a meaningful conversation with someone? One moment that stayed with me was a short conversation I had with one of the assistant coaches Juwan Howard. He told me, “Defense travels, if you can defend, you can play anywhere in the world.” It sounds simple, but it stuck with me. It reminded me that effort, discipline, and consistency are universal. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.
You played at 4 European Championships in 2015, 2017, 2022 and 2025. What memories do you have of these tournaments? Do you have a favorite one? In 2022 you lost to Slovenia despite 35 points from Luka Doncic.
Each EuroBasket was a different chapter in my career and in my life. 2015 was my first one and I was young, just discovering what it meant to compete at that level. Everything felt huge: the arenas, the players, the pressure. I was mostly learning, observing, taking it all in. By 2017, I felt more ready to contribute. We had a strong group, a real sense of brotherhood. Playing against the best in Europe guys like Gasol, Porzingis, it forces you to grow fast. 2022 was special because I think we had the group to do something very special. We had a lot talent and are group was also mature, we all knew each other everyone knew his role, but we came sort against Slovenian in Berlin. And 2025… this one feels like a turning point. Because I was the second oldest of the team, became a leader of the team, with a mix of young talent and experience. The competition is harder every year, but that’s what makes it exciting. You realize how far Belgian basketball has come, but also how much higher we can still go. My favorite moment is for sure the putback for the win of Matt Lojesky at Eurobasket 2015 against Lituania we won by 1 and we were able to go to the next round.
I remember guys like Herville, De-Zeeuw, Tabu or Von Rossom in the national team. Do you have one guy where you can say her was my favorite teammate in the Belgium national team? Wow this impossible to answer for me haha
Who was the best player that you ever battled in Europe that reached the NBA? Probably Luka Doncic
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
This one is very though
I would say
1 Facundo Campazzo
2 Brad Oleson
3 Loïc Schwartz
4 Dusan Sakota
5 Christophe Beghin
Please name your NBA, Euro and Belgium Mount Rushmore (best 4 player all-time in each one) NBA, Jordan, Bird, Kobe, Olajuwon
Euro, Nowitski Pau Gasol, Dragic, Parker
Belgium, Eric Struelens, Christophe Beghin, Sam Van Rossom, Jonathan Tabu
Who is your GOAT? Kyle Hines, because I spend so many hours studying his game, learning from his game. Maybe not for everyone but he’s my GOAT
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.
Alexander Moeller (208-C-1998) is a 27 year old 208cm center that is playing the 2025-2027 season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. He began his basketball career with the Telekom Baskets Bonn organization playing mainly for Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf, but also played 2 easyCredit BBL games for Bonn. In the last years, he has been played for teams like Duesseldorf, Iserlohn Artland Dragons and BG Goettingen where he played 7 BBL games. He has over 100 Pro B games experience and spoke to eurobasket about basketball.
Thanks Alexander for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment? Thank you very much for the opportunity. I’m in my hometown Xanten visiting my parents right now. I am happy to wind down a little bit, after I had a quite turbulent last season. But I am really looking forward to starting a new season with a new club soon.
Congrats on signing with pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz. Your 27 years old. This will be your 7th team as a pro. Do you feel like a German basketball-trotter? You know a guy who just enjoys playing for many teams?
“I’m passionate about playing basketball, and my career path has involved moving to different clubs to find the best opportunities for my growth and development.”
You have 80 Pro A game experience. How excited are you for this new challenge with the EPG Guardians Koblenz? I am very excited and looking forward to the upcoming season, the fans, and the city. I believe that I can continue to develop there and that we will function very well as a team, ultimately having a successful season.
What was the selling point that made you want to sign with the EPG Guardians Koblenz? First and foremost, it was definitely Stephan Dohrn and KJ Sherrill. I felt very comfortable in my conversations with Stephan. I believe we share a very similar basketball philosophy. I’m also really looking forward to working with KJ again, as we’ve always gotten along very well and I value him as a person. Secondly, the beautiful city and the club with its ‘team behind the team’ were certainly a major factor.
How did the talks go with head coach Stephan Dohrn? What do you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?
Stephan has a very clear basketball vision. From the very beginning, he clearly communicated what he expects and demands from me and the team in general. Also, as already mentioned, several points of his basketball philosophy resonated with me and align with my own views on the game.
How excited are you to be working with KJ Sherril? How have you followed his career?
I’m happy to work with him again. I have definitely followed his career throughout the years. We’ve known each other for many years now and used to be teammates in Rhöndorf. I’m happy to see him transitioning into coaching. I think he has great potential as a team coach and leader.
You had solid pro A seasons with the ART Giants Duesseldorf, but still looking for your real Pro A breakthrough. How confident that you can achieve this in 2025-2026?
I’m very confident. I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential yet. I can still develop my game and help lead the team, both on and off the court.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would that be? “ To be honest, I’ve never really thought about that. I generally don’t compare myself to others and prefer to focus on my own game. But if I had to name someone, it would probably be players in the area of Ivica Zubac or Jakob Pöltl.
You’re a big man that can score and rebound very well. What other strengths does your game incorporate?
Usually, I perform best right under the basket when it gets physical. I also believe I’m a good passer, especially out of the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop situations. And something I often hear about myself is, that people value my dedication to the sport and my understanding of the game.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can make an impact offensively in the Pro A? I’m working on further refining my ability to read the game quickly and position myself more efficiently on the court. That helps me recognize scoring opportunities earlier and make better decisions, whether it’s finishing myself or setting up my teammates.
How have you seen your development as a defender in the last years. What kind of a defender do you still want to become?
A great deal of defense is simply based on experience. You have to be able to read the offensive player, and that’s an area where I’ve developed immensely in recent years. Overall, I’m satisfied with this development, but I want to become even better. Of course, this also involves improving my speed and athleticism, which I’m constantly working on, as it helps me defend certain situations more effectively.
Last season you split time with BG Goettingen and the Artland Dragons. How tough was this season with BG Goettingen? What did you learn about yourself as a player and person?
It was a very challenging situation for me personally. On one hand, I developed significantly during those six months in terms of my physical condition and speed. On the other hand, I didn’t really get the opportunity to show that progress on the court. As a person, I learned how to maintain my positive attitude. I just refocused on my own development, giving my all, and kept pushing forward.
You then finished the season with the Artland Dragons. How important was this time? You helped the team stay in the Pro A despite also going through tough periods with the team. Even though I might not have been able to contribute on the basketball court as much as I had hoped, I believe I was able to help bring a sense of calmness to the team with my personality. I think that helped us work better together, especially towards the end of the season.
You played 2 seasons with the Art Giants Duesseldorf. How did your game develop in the Pro A and how vital were these 2 years for you?
The two seasons in Düsseldorf were incredibly beneficial for me. In the beginning, I had to adjust to the speed of the game and the tougher opponents. But from the midpoint of the first season, I was able to improve significantly. Specifically, my general athleticism and my ability to read game situations got much better during those two years. In general, I adjusted to the Pro A level quite well. Also, I learned to take on more responsibility, both on and off the court.
You witnessed the rise of Booker Colpin there. How special of a player is he and what was your nicest experience with him?
You could really see Booker’s development over that year. He was a very good player from the beginning on, but I believe he made huge strides mentally during that particular year, which ultimately helped him make it all the way to the BBL. It’s hard to name just one specific experience with him. He’s a great guy, a very kind person. We always had fun off the court, and it was always a pleasure to play with him because he was constantly willing to learn. That, I would say, made the experience of training with him very positive.
You played 2 seasons with Pro B team Iserlohn. How vital were these 2 years there for your development? Is it fair to say that you became a real pro player there?
Yes, you can definitely say that. Those two seasons in Iserlohn showed me the direction my career could take and also revealed how much fun the journey can be. I believe my development during that time clearly reflected that growth and showed what was possible for me as a professional.
How special was Toni Prostran? How much potential does he have as a head coach? Did you already see that coaching in him as a player? Definitely. I spent a lot of time with Toni, just talking about basketball and understanding his perspective on the game. You could absolutely see his potential to become a coach even back then. I really enjoyed my time with him because he also made an effort to understand me, and you could tell he was genuinely trying to make other players better. That was a truly special experience for me.
You had your first tour of duty with Duesseldorf in 2019-2020. What do you remember about your battles in practice with Deion Giddens? How special of a player was he?
The practices and battles with Deion were always great. We immediately had a good connection and got along really well on a personal level. It was always fun, especially because he’s a completely different type of player than I am, which meant I learned a lot from him and how to play against different player types. On top of that, he has a really great personality. I believe that season was very formative for both of us, which inevitably led to the friendship we still have today.
You began your basketball career with Bonn/Rhondorf. How special was this time for you? Did you have a mentor in those early years?
The entire time in Bonn and Rhöndorf was the most formative period of my entire career. Being able to live that dream as a teenager, with the goal of one day becoming a professional basketball player and dedicating my whole life to it, shaped my personality and continues to influence me to this day. I am incredibly grateful that I got the chance back then to go to the Hagerhof school and play for the youth teams in both Rhöndorf and Bonn. That whole experience set the course for me and showed me that becoming a pro was a real possibility. When I then received a contract in Bonn and played in both the BBL and for Rhöndorf, it gave me that final push of motivation that has never left me since. Regarding a mentor, in Christian Mehrens, I had truly the best mentor and one of the most influential people in my life. From the very beginning, he made it clear what I was getting into, he always worked hard with me, and he was there to catch me in difficult situations and build my confidence back up. I don’t think I would be where I am today without him.
How vital was German big man Florian Wendeler early in your career? What do you remember learning from him that helped you much as a teenager?
I was able to learn a lot from Flo, especially at the very beginning of my career. As a younger player, having to compete against a physically superior player every day in practice helped me immensely.
You had many great teammates with Bonn players like Gamble, Mayo or Polas. What Bonn player had the biggest impact on you in that time?
I would name three players. First, Julian Gamble, who significantly advanced my skills at my position. He showed me a lot about what I needed to do and was, of course, a great training partner. Second would be TJ DiLeo, who simply showed and explained a lot to me, specifically how I need to move as a big man to best support a guard. Third, to cover the mental and off-court components, was Tomislav Zubcic. He taught me so much about what it truly means to be a professional, how to interact with people, and he explained the business side of basketball and how to navigate it.
In the 2017-2018 season you were teammates with American Kam Taylor. If someone had told you in 2018 that in only a few short years that he would become a Euroleague player what would you have thought? Yes, I would have believed it immediately. You could see right away with Kam that his basketball IQ was extremely high. The way he played with such intense effort, not just for himself but also for his teammates, made it clear that he was going to make it very far.
Who is the best player that you ever battled that reached the NBA? I could name two, actually: Moritz Wagner and Isaiah Hartenstein. If I had to commit to one player, it would be Isaiah. The battles against him were always intense and we played against each other more frequently.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Benjamin Dizdar, Deion Giddens, Toni Prostran, Kameron Taylor, and Marijn Ververs.
Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of your best 5 players of all-time?
Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 21 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with TV Lagne. Last season he played with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 9.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 72.1%. In the 2023-2024 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 germanhoops.com after TV Langen´s first win of the season over Wurzburg.
Congrats Alex on the first win for TV Langen over 89-69. How good does it feel? You had a buzzer beater last season in Wurzburg. The win feels good. It was a big relief winning our first game. The funny thing is this win was around the same time as my buzzer beater with Rhondorf in Wurzburg last season. I seem to have Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg number. I always paly well against them.
Did you ever have doubts about winning? How tough was the season up to now losing 5 in a row?
The last loses were tough on us as a team. We moved up from the Regionalliga and it was known that the club didn´t have much money. When that is the case, then you have to win other ways bringing more effort. We had doubts up to game, but during the game everything worked. Plus Wurzburg didn´t have their best game.
Wurzburg had the quick 5-0 lead, but you then scored the first TV Langen points. How did you feel? Did you think like you could have a great scoring day? Yes it felt good. I noticed that getting to the rim was so easy. That was the moment where I believed that I could have a good scoring night.
Wurzburg got a lot of easy buckets inside. The team allows 87 points. Is 1-1 defense something you feel the team will be able to clean up in next weeks? Our 1-1 defense is our biggest weakness as well as rim protection. We don´t have the length and no big center so we have to defend harder and simply have more discipline. Paint protection and 1-1 defense are big focuses for us as a team.
How much energy did your dunk give the team at the end of the first quarter? TV Langen then got lead back at 18-16. The dunk was big, but also we had a phase before and after the dunk where we got steals and transition baskets which helped us a lot. Bring defense to offense was key.
TV Langen led 46-35 at the break and took control of the game thanks to Niklas Pons who produced 12 points. He was a one man wrecking crew. How special of a player is he? His play is vital for our success. He is a playmaker/glue guy. He always gives the team unbelievable energy especially on defense. He also does a great job getting to the basket. He is our internal engine.
He already achieved a triple double this season. Does his play motivate you in general as a player to work on your total game? Yes he does. I see his complete game and some of the things that he does well are my weaknesses. I try to soak up as much as possible from his game. He is an expert on 1-1 defense and knows how to punish defenders.
TV Langen really broke open the game in the third quarter and led 70-48 after 30 minutes. You had 10 points. Did you feel like you were in the zone at one point? Yes it felt like I was in the zone. I finally hit a three pointer after many attempts. My confidence rose after that and I hit a few more three´s after that. We really controlled the flow as a whole in that phase.
Wurzburg had a little run in the last quarter, but TV Langen still won by a large margin. How thrilled are you to have finished strong as a team? I´m happy that we finished so well. I think key was that everyone was prepared to play that night. Every player brought much energy. It was a complete team effort. It was a lot of fun.
TV Langen won the rebounds, had 24 assists, 21 steals and 12 turnovers. What stat was the best for you?
I feel like steals was the most important stat. The steals helped us get out on runs. Our defense helped us capitalize on scoring which turned the game around.
On what areas does the team have to improve on to keep the winning streak alive against 5-2 Speyer? Playing in Speyer is always difficult. I remember last season with Rhondorf having no chance there. We have to work on our 1-1 defense, rebounding and paint protection. On offense we have to work on spacing and getting better into our sets. Hitting more shots would also help.
You shot 13/29 having 33 points and 11 rebounds. This was a career high. Was this your best offensive game? It wasn´t my best shooting day as I have had better games where I scored a lot and took less shots. But overall with scoring, rebounding, passing and steals was it up with my best in my career.
You had good games this season with the exception of your 2 points against Orange Academy. Is your aggressiveness at a point now where your content? I like the aggressiveness that I have now. I will always take shots and not shy away from doing it. But for me the most important thing is that the team work well together to have success.
What is your goal as a player this season with TV Langen? Can you make the next step? My goal is to keep working on my game and get better and more consistent. I also want to be more of a leader on defense. I think that being good defensively will always help your team most.
Is being the number one scoring option important for you or are you content on sharing the important shots with guys like Washington, Crnjac or Pons?
I always want to share it. I never go into the game wanting to score the most points. I always want to share the scoring. Plus it takes the scoring load of your shoulder when many can do it.
What were the main reasons for joining TV Langen? Your from Frankfurt. How vital was being closer to home? I wanted to focus more on my studies. I will do a bank apprenticeship starting on 1.1.2026 in Frankfurt at UBS
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Drago Crnjac? He wins some and I win some. Drago has a knack for making tough shots.
Robert Smith (186-G-2001, college: Delaware St.) is a 201cm forward from Wyncote, Pennsylvania playing his rookie season overseas with KK Dynamic Vip Pay Beograd (Serbia-KLS). He began his basketball career at Bishop McDevitt High School and then played 3 seasons at West Chester University (NCAA2) averaging 14.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT: 74.2% as a freshman. In his second season he averaged 15.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 74.4% and in his last season averaged 17.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 77.9%. He then finished at Delaware State University (NCAA) averaging 18.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 78.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after his monumental 48 point game in Serbia.
Thanks Robert for talking to germanhoops.com You recently exploded for 48 points for Dynamic VP in a 106-97 win over Cacak 94. Was the win double special with your 48 points? Hi yes it was a double special seeing all the guys happy for me while we celebrated. The win was a great feeling.
You scored 30 + points in the NCAA 2 and NCAA, but never 48 points. Was that the most in your career that you scored? Actually I scored 50 plus somewhere else it wasn’t in the NCAA though. I´m just a natural scorer.
Talk a little about the game. How quickly did you know that you could have a really good scoring game? I always know I will have a good scoring game because that is just something that I do. I will get my shots regardless.
You improved your scoring each game in the last 3. Did the 48 points surprise you a little or did you always know that you could do that? Not really because I put up that kind of numbers before so it was bound to happen someday
Did you know in crunch-time that you were close to 50 points? No I was just doing anything to get the win. When I got my last and 1 and looked up it said 48. I said O wow
Does 48 points give you extra confidence that you might go for 50-60 points this season? That definitely gave me more confidence but I wont force it. I will let it come to me if it happens then it will happen like last game.
There were 20 team assists as your team was finding you well. Despite that did you still score a lot on the isolation? Yes my coach and I realize that they bigs could not guard so we basically used that into our advantage with getting the switch on them with me and I worked on my iso game so much for situations like this.
Did you get any special wishes from the states besides just family and friends? Not really mainly friends and family that wished me congrats and people from here as well.
What was your favorite own basket of the game? My spin ankle breaker in to the right hand finish And1 that was my favorite basket.
Will you take out your team or supply donuts after scoring 48 points or will they? I would supply donuts if they all want some because without them putting trust in me this not possible.
3 things that Pro B clubs Frankfurt, Orange Academy and FC Bayern Basketball 2 have in common is that they are the fam teams of easyCredit BBL clubs, but one thing they don´t have in common so far this season are the results. FC Bayern Basketball 2 and Orange Academy had a combined record of 11-4 and were 2-3 in the standings and have really taken the league by storm while the Skyliners Juniors were still searching for their rhythm having only a 2-4 record. A big reason for their success had been simply that years of playing together had really shaped their team chemistry. Whereas other teams are still looking for their chemistry, Orange Academy and FC Bayern Basketball 2 have it. It also has helped that they have been successful at the youth sector. Orange Academy have guys that won at the JBBL (U-16) level and had guys reach the U-19 NBBL (U-19) top 4. FC Bayern Basketball 2 had 6 players from last seasons NBBL title team in the Pro B. The only good news for the Skyliners Juniors was that after starting slow losing 4 of their first 5 games, they struck back last weekend with a very convincing win in Speyer 84-69. They wanted to keep the winning streak alive against the 6-2 Munich team. On a mild Saturday night in Frankfurt, FC Bayern Basketball 2 controlled the game for 3 quarters, but in the fourth quarter couldn´t contain a massive Skyliners Juniors comeback, but in the end the guests prevailed with the grind out 95-90 win. “We played well for 32 minutes, but didn´t in the last 8 minutes. They played a zone that pushed us out of our offense. We came back together and closed out the game strong. However we shouldn´t have allowed them to come back”, stressed FC Bayern Basketball 2 guard Agust Kjartansson. The Skyliners Juniors had to play catch up basketball the whole night and saved their best for the last quarter scoring 35 points, but their massive comeback wasn´t rewarded in crunch-time as little errors caught up with them. The biggest problem for the Skyliners Juniors was not being able to show consistency for 40 minutes. “We can´t come out for 30 minutes and not be ready to play and stick to the game plan. We have to come back way to much this season in games. We defend and rebound well when we come back, but we have to do this for the whole game. It is a mental thing. We have to get our stuff together”, warned a distraught Dusan Nikolic of the Skyliners Juniors.
Nikolas Sermpezis at the FT line
The Skyliners Juniors were without German forward Julius Messer and Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak, but had 2 guys back after injuries with Ivan Crnjac and Maxi Peters. Both teams found their offensive rhythm right away as both teams got their bigs involved as Italian Alessio Calamita scored twice as did ex Kronberg big Florian Dietrich. Both teams were aggressive on the glass and there were 4 lead changes in the first minutes as Frankfurt had the 8-7 lead. But then came the first turning point of the game as FC Bayern Basketball 2 went on a 12-2 run to lead 20-10. In the run, the guests showed nice inside out basketball getting 3 three´s with one from Kjartansson and two from German U-19 ´world cup silver medalist Nicolas Kodjoe while Calamita continued to get good position getting a lay in while ex Dresden center Kilian Fischer connected on free throws. Munich defended with discipline and didn´t allow Frankfurt to score on the drive while Frankfurt had a lack of communication on the defensive allowing open looks. Crnjac scored his first field goal of the season and Nikolic dropped free throws while Greek youth national player Nikolas Sermpezis (196-SF-2007) added a 25 footer and free throws as FC Bayern Basketball 2 led comfortably 24-14 after 10 minutes. “The Skyliners Juniors were missing some key players and had to integrate 2 new guys which was difficult getting all on the same page. They were aggressive on the rebound, but missed too many easy lay ups”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners head coach Thore Bethke. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 42% from the field and 43% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners Juniors shot 26% from the field and 0% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Jamie Edoka with the massive dunk
In the second quarter FC Bayern Basketball 2 continued to control the game while fans saw 2 spectacular plays. Both teams found their offensive rhythm punching back and forth. Sermpezis nailed a trey while Frankfurt remained aggressive reaching the rim as Jamie Edoka and ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf made lay in´s, but the guests still led 29-19. After a Desmon Yiamu who came to Munich in 2022 during the Ukraine war made a lay in, it was the big moment of Jamie Edoka as he came from the wing and took no prisoners as he flew to the rim and made a massive poster dunk as Frankfurt trailed 31-21. “That was a great dunk. He read the close out really well. He has a 7,1 wing span which is crazy for his height”, added Thore Bethke. Both teams continued to trade baskets as American Gob Gabriel added 5 points and Frankfurt got lay in´s from Crnjac and Nikolic, but the Skyliners Juniors just couldn´t get over the hump trailing 40-25. After Yiamu hit an old school hook shot and Crnjac made a floater, it was time for the second great play of the quarter. Kjartansson who reads the game so well somehow had eyes in the back of his head as he made a sweet over the shoulder pass ala Jokic to an open Fischer who made the lay in for the 46-30 advantage. “That was a nice pass. You can´t let him be able to operate like that. He has so much experience and gives them good stability”, stated Thore Bethke. FC Bayern Basketball 2 simply had the better offensive execution and had the more aggressive defensive play that stifled Frankfurt time in and time out again were able to lead 50-32 at half time as Kjartansson dropped a trey to end the second quarter. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 49% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 1 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 35% from the field and 0% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 5 turnovers. “There were ups and downs with the Skyliners Juniors. Smazak was missing in the guard rotation and the pick and roll wasn´t that good. There were too many guys playing out of position”, stated Thore Bethke.
Caspar Vossenberg with the dunk
The Skyliners Juniors were able to improve their scoring in each quarter, but defensively still allowed 26 points and were unable to make any ground on FC Bayern Basketball trailing 76-55 after 3 quarters. Both teams continued to execute well on the offensive end as the guests got buckets from Calamita and Kodjoe in the zone while Frankfurt got lay in´s from Joschua Zentgraf and Dietrich, but couldn´t make any ground trailing 56-40. Kjartansson made his second great pass of the game making a behind the back bounce pass to Calamita. It was a mix of Doncic, Teodosic and Bird. “I have developed my passing over the years and I have a special feeling to pass the ball. I practice it a lot and do watch a lot of Milos Teodosic. That pass wasn´t Doncic or Bird, but just me”, smiled Agust Kjartansson. Even when the Skyliners Juniors found some daylight, they couldn´t hold that momentum long. Even after they went on a 6-2 run to trail only 58-46 as Nikolic added 4 points and Edoka made a floater, the guests poured on the pressure again going on a 18-9 run to have the 21 point lead after 30 minutes. 16 year old German youth national player Caspar Vossenberg got hot scoring 6 points while Serbian youth national player Andrija Susic added 4 points and Sermpezis made an off balance shot while the Skyliners Juniors got 2 three´s from Maxi Peters. “We came into the third quarter up by 18 points. We wanted to have much energy and keep the lead up and we did that. We executed well at both ends and didn´t let them have any easy shots”, commented Agust Kjartansson. “We didn´t play hard enough or together enough”, commented Dusan Nikolic. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot48% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 14% from the parking lot and had 31 reboundsa nd 8 turnovers.
Florian Dietrich at the FT line
The future of the Skyliners Juniors looked bleak going into the fourth quarter, but then came the much desired comeback, but they fell just a bit short at the end. The Skyliners Juniors came into the fourth quarter energized and wasted no time breaking out on a 14-3 run to trail only 79-69. It was the Jamie Edoka show as he scored 9 consecutive points and 11 of the 14 Frankfurt points. He was a one man wrecking crew going down hill time in and time out and proving he can take responsibility for the team. Frankfurt followed Edoka´s energy while FC Bayern Basketball 2 didn´t play team basketball anymore and lost some discipline at both ends. The guests continued to lead with 10 points as Kodjoe and Susic hit shots, but Frankfurt didn´t wilt, but kept fighting as Dusan Nikolic added 6 points as his drive and aggressiveness carried him to success as Frankfurt trailed 85-79. The Skyliners Juniors continued to fight and defend with passion getting stops which led to a 7-0 run as Leif Zentgraf added 5 points and Edoka a lay in to trail only 89-87 with 1,35 to play. “Our pride took over. We didn´t want them to embarrass us. We really didn´t shoot well all game, but we just kept shooting and finally some shots fell foe us. We believed we could come back and played like men”, warned Dusan Nikolic. “We gave them hope. We are a young team and this is basketball. Things like that can happen. We allowed too many easy baskets”, commented Agust Kjartansson. But that was as close as Frankfurt would get. FC Bayern Basketball 2 stayed strong and didn´t fret. Sermpezis added free throws for the 91-78 lead. They then buckled down getting stops and got more free throws from Sermpezis and Gabriel to seal the victory. “We stayed calm. Sermpezis is a straight line driver and so important for us. He got to the basket at the end and made the free throws”, said Agust Kjartansson. “We gambled a bit at the end and couldn´t execute. They had more luck, but that can happen when they played better for 3 Quarters”, said Dusan Nikolic. FC Bayern Basketball 2 were led by Nikolas Sermpezis with 18 points. Agust Kjartansson added 12 points and Niclas Kodjoe had 11 points as did Adrijia Susic while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Jamie Edoka with 25 poiunts while Dusan Nikolic added 17 points. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 44% from the field and 40% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 32% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Elijah Miller (183-PG-1997, college: UPEI) is a 28 year old 183cm point guard from Ontario, Canada playing his third professional season and second in Germany with Pro A team Eisbaeren. Last season with the Eisbaeren he averaged 13.4ppg, 3.9rpg, APG-2 (6.7), 1.0spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 88.0%. In his rookie season he played for KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. He also played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 75.0% and 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. He began his basketball career with the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 82.1%, 20.7ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 86.6% and in his last year averaged 19.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 89.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring a career high 33 points in the 88-84 win over the Artland Dragons.
Thanks Elijah on the big 88-84 win over the Artland Dragons. The Eisbaeren are now 6-1. How good does another one feel?
It feels good, but I have to give credit to the Artland Dragons who played a great game. We have to be ready again for the next game at Paderborn on Sunday.
Does a win feel better every new week?
They feel great every new time. We show that a new guy can step up every game. Every win feels good, because it isn´t easy to win in the Pro A.
The Eisbaeren had the 22-21 lead after 10 minutes. You got your first points with the last basket of the quarter. Did you have any idea then that you could have a good scoring night? I not really focused too much on my scoring but just take what the defense gives me.
The Artland Dragons had the 42-41 lead at the break. You only had 5 points at the break. How did you go into the second half mentally with your own game? I felt like I had to be more aggressive and put more pressure on their defense. I didn´t want to force too much, but play team basketball. I knew if I did that, that shots would come.
The Artland Dragons went on a quick 11-2 run to lead 53-43. What defensive principles did the Eisbaeren get away from? We weren´t being aggressive enough. We didn´t show our best pick and roll defense. They were getting way too many easy baskets inside from their 5 man. They also found their shooters. That was the recipe for their scoring.
You got going in the last minutes scoring 8 points and Artland led only 61-60. Did you have to risk more or did you let the game come to you? I let the game come to me. In the first half, they wanted me to take three´s. I was more patient in the second half and didn´t force anything. I shot with confidence and my teammates trusted me.
You scored the first 7 points for your team in the fourth quarter to regain the lead. Did you take the momentum of the end of the third quarter?
Yes I did. As soon as I saw one go in, my confidence was really high. I made sure that we ran the right play for myself or my teammates. They made me go under screens and we made them pay with open three´s.
Hendrik Warner hit some big baskets in crunch-time. How huge has his game been this season?
Hendrik is a great player in the Pro A. He is a real work horse. Coach always tells us that we have to reward our bigs by getting them the ball inside for easy baskets. Coach always says that our bigs have the hardest jobs on the team.
You continued to execute and scored 10 more points to help seal the win. What was key in crunch-time for the win? I think key in crunch-time was just trusting the process. It was a long game and we did a good job disrupting them a bit. We found ways to get crucial stops and made big shots. We made sure that we scored and they didn´t.
You scored 33 points a career high. How good does that feel? It feels good. I´m really not too focused on scoring, but it does feels good. It feels even better when you win.
Does a game like that spawn you to want to go for 35 the next game?
Yes it does. I know that I can score at a high level. I think that a game like this puts pressure on other teams defense because they know I can score the ball and be dangerous while also be able to create anytime for my teammates. They know that you can´t fall asleep on me on defense
Your averaging 9,0apg going into the Artland game. How strange does it feel not getting a dime in the game? The last game where you didn´t have an assist was on July 11th in the CEBL. I feel like that was a mistake. I had at least 2 assists. I had an obvious assist to Jannis Von Seckendorf on the alley op.
The team continues to build chemistry and get better. How is this team better now than last season? I think key in our success has been keeping many guys from last season and the new core of guys this season have all learned the system and adapted to it very well.
The team also defends very well. What has Steve Esterkamp drilled into your heads about the importance of defense in the Pro A? We always practice defense first and offense second. Putting a lot of pressure on teams each game is key.
On Sunday you travel to 2-5 team Paderborn. What will be key to getting the win?
We have to stick to the basics. We have to follow our game plan and be disciplined. We have to play fast and make quick decisions and be locked into defense.
German Hoops 