football

Jamie Edoka Powers Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Over Science City Jena 68-54 In Grind Out Win In NBBL Action

Sometimes it can go so quickly in basketball as U-19 team Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners witnessed the last weeks. Not long ago, the club was perfect 8-0, but then it was broken with a loss to IBAM. The losing continued with back to back loses to the powerful FC Bayern Munich who like most years are incredibly deep and talented. Munich will be very tough to beat in the post season, but thankfully that is still more than 3 months away. Frankfurt had to find a way back to winning and thankfully for Frankfurt they had to deal with Science City Jena who had only two wins this season. But the last thing that Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners could do was underestimate them, because they had lost 2 tight games to IBAM and one to FC Bayern Munich. Science City Jena was a way better team than their record showed. On a untypical Wednesday night, both teams came into the BCM and both had injuries, but none was as tough to digest as that of Ivan Crnjac who is the central figure of Frankfurt´s offense. Frankfurt´s offense wasn´t sparkling as usual, but their defense was in top form as they beat Science City Jena in a 68-54 grind out win. They held Jena to 30 points in the first half and stepped it up a notch more in the second half allowing only 24 points. “We had our ups and downs in the game, but we had many guys that played many games in a short amount of days. We had some sloppy moments on defense, but overall, we were there for each other. Our bench had a lot of energy and stepped it up. We had our problems with their press and on ball pressure. You could notice that Ivan Crnjac was missing in our offense”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliner guard Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008). Science City Jena was without 2 players and they are a young team, but they fought hard for 40 minutes, but just couldn´t get in an offense groove. “We didn´t use all the opportunities presented to us. We also weren´t able to use all our strengths. They were better prepared than we were. We had some good defensive phases. We didn´t drive enough to the hoop and we had mental phases”, stressed Science City Jena forward Daniel Biel.

Jamie Edoka at the FT line

The first quarter was a real battle as no team could break away and there were 4 lead changes as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had the narrow 3 point lead after 10 minutes. Frankfurt broke out taking the rapid 7-4 advantage as Jamie Edoka began aggressive scoring 4 points while Maximillian Peters made an offensive rebound and put back. But Science City Jena was aggressive as well on the defensive end stifling Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners with their press as Maxim Bader made 3 steals including a lay in and free throw to tie the game at 7-7. German Johan Grau gave some good energy from the bench with 2 buckets while Fabrice Heberer did the same for Frankfurt nailing an off balance trey for the lay in, but Jena led 11-10. But Frankfurt kept their nerves intact and closed out the first quarter with a 7-2 run to have the 17-13 advantage after one quarter. In the run, the Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners bench continued to sparkle as Chris Widmer unraveled an old school hook shot, Kostantinos Kapetanakis made free throws while Heberer made another trey on the pick and pop which had the guests somewhat surprised. “We had many turnovers. That is a big flaw of the team. It showed that Frankfurt´s offense was at a disadvantage without Ivan Crnjac and Julius Messer. We didn´t have consistent ball movement”, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Marvin Esser. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 29% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 31% from the field and 0% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Tim Rothämel to the rim

The second quarter remained a defensive battle as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was unable to get away and led only by 3 points at halftime. Bader got a free throw to get Jena on the board first, but Frankfurt responded right away as Maximillian Peters drilled home a trey for the 20-14 Frankfurt lead. It was only logical that some team would break out on a run at some time and Science City Jena was the first team to do that going on a 14-4 run to lead 28-24. Instrumental in the run was German Daniel Biel who scored 9 of the 14 points. He began with a great dunk. His coach Marius Linartas wasn´t kidding when he said before the game that when Biel gets in the open court, nice things happen. Biel´s onslaught continued with an offensive rebound and putback, lay in and three pointer. “I found back to my game in that run. I needed some words of inspiration from my coach. I slowed down the tempo and thought about what I was going to do”, stated Daniel Biel. Frankfurt´s offense floundered during Jena´s run. Jamie Edoka was trying to do too much himself as the team got away from team basketball. Frankfurt was really missing Ivan Crnjac´s one on one qualities, but Jamie Edoka also had them. After being a little unlucky the previous minutes, he now was more successful in execution and took matters into his own hands. He scored 7 of Frankfurt´s last 9 points and dominated on the drive one of his biggest strengths. “Biel´s dunk gave him a lot of energy and after that the hole looked bigger for him. Edoka did a good job at the end taking control”, said Marvin Esser. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 32% from the field and 7% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Jamie Edoka with the lay in

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners took control of the game in the third quarter heightening their offense and scoring 21 points and led 54-41 after 30 minutes. Luca May actually got the guests on the board first with a three pointer to dead lock the contest at 33-33. But that didn´t faze Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners as they stormed back going on a 11-2 run to take the 44-35 lead. Maximillian Peters began the run with 5 points and Frankfurt dynamic guard duo of Edoka and Omog did what they do best attacking the rim as Edoka scored twice and Omog once. Frankfurt increased the aggressiveness on defense which led to transition baskets. Jena´s offense was sloppy and they couldn´t get good looks. German Leopold Schmidt gave Jena some spark with 2 baskets to trail Frankfurt only 46-39. But Frankfurt wasn´t about to allow another run and closed out the third quarter strongly going on a 8-2 run to lead 54-41 after 3 quarters. In the run it was the bench again of Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners that stepped up as Chris Widmer scored twice and showed what a good role player is supposed to do. Omog added free throws and Lukas Brendel also scored in the paint. “We had a good talk at the break. We were upset that we were only up by 3 points. We knew that we had to step up our game. We were more awake on defense and were able to get out on transition”, added Jamie Edoka. “I think that we played more against ourselves than for each other. We knew that we were running out of gas”, commented Daniel Biel. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 35% from the field and 11% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Daniel Biel to the hole

In the fourth quarter Science City Jena had their chances early, but just couldn´t get over the hump as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners managed the lead well and were able to close out the game with the victory. Science City Jena stepped up their defense in the first minutes and held Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners to no field goal for many minutes. They stopped Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners 8 times and they only got one point through a Brendel free throw. However they were unable to make steps on offense during their defensive success as only Bader and Tim Rothamel scored as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners still had the comfortable 55-47 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners then added 5 quick points as Edoka made an offensive rebound and put back and dropped a trey for the 60-47 lead. Jena made 3 more stops which led to a Karl Haring lay in and Schmidt basket, but Frankfurt still led 60-52 with 3 minutes remaining. But Science City Jena was running out of energy and Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners used that advantage and slammed the door on them, Edoka hit a trey while role player Finley Pruever made a acrobatic lay in and steal and transition bucket to close out the game. “If the situation is there, I´m always ready for the kill. We all stuck together and helped each other out on defense. Big plays motivated all. This game wasn´t our best defensive performance of the season, but it was a good one”, warned Jamie Edoka. “We have had motivational problems this season. There are some guys that fight, but others give up”, expressed Daniel Biel. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 27 points and 12 rebounds while Maximillian Peters added 10 points while Science City Jena was led by Daniel Biel with 15 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 30% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 21 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 33% from the field and 14% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 23 turnovers.

Vincent Bailey(Randers Cimbria Basketball) Wins First Title In Denmark In Year 10 But Still Remembers His Vechta Days As If It Was Yesterday

Vincent Bailey (201-C/F-1991, college: LMU, agency: BIG) is a 33 year old 198cm forward from Port St Lucie, Florida playing his 10th professional season and first with Randers Cimbria Basketball (Denmark-BasketLigaen) He has played in many countries including Germany, France, Belgium, Morocco, Luxemburg, Peru, Switzerland and Iceland. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently about winning the cup in Denmark and his basketball career.

Thanks Vinnie for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Hey Miles, nice to hear from you. Basketball life is good, no complaints. Enjoying grinding with a hungry team in Randers Denmark.

Our first interview was in June 2014. How many have we done do you think including this one?

Honestly not sure, probably about 3 or 4 now.

This is our fifth interview. I last interviewed you in 2021 prior to the season and you were playing a exhibition game in Germany in Rostock. Has time flown by for you since then?

Time definitely has flown by! Once you hit that 30 mark it moves at rapid speeds lol.

That season you played for Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen). This season your in Denmark again. Has Denmark become like a second home for you? Granted you did play some years in Switzerland, but what is so special about Denmark?

To continue playing the game I love and being closer to my significant other was important to me at this stage of my career. Denmark is actually home away from home now.

How did you experience that season? You were one of the oldest together with Palo Bubu. Did you guys have the keys to the team?

It was a challenging season, I really enjoyed playing with Bubu Palo. I got a chance to catch up with him in France last season when I returned to continue playing for Pays Salonis Basket.

You have experienced a lot in the last seasons including sitting out a season. Did you lose love for the game? What did you do in the 2022-2023 season?

I took time to enjoy my family, being away from home long periods of time got very difficult for me. It was a much needed year off for me personally. It also gave me and my wife time to establish our life in Denmark. I coached a bit and also worked on some other ventures I´m very passionate about.

What made you come back in 2023 to come overseas again? Did you have the itch to play again?

Firstly, I live now in Denmark. My wife is Danish, so I was still around I got that itch to come back to the grind, the passion was still there and I felt I had more to give before I hung them completely up.

In the 2023-2024 season you played with Pays Salonais Basket 13 (France-NM2). How tough was that season playing in the fourth league in France? You had never played in such a low league before?

It was a season I enjoyed very much. Coach Sebatian helped me get my legs back under me after not competing a whole year. Loved the team and community there, one of my favorite experiences in Europe actually excluding the level.

How did you experience that season? What did you learn about yourself and the game?

We came up one game away from moving the team up to NM1, lost against Metz in the final 4. I learned I still loved the game and I wasn´t ready to give it up so easily. I also learned that the south of France is one of my favorite places in Europe.

This season your playing with Randers Cimbria Basketball (Denmark-BasketLigaen) and are playing first division basketball again. How blessed are you to be playing at a high level again?

Very fortunate. But staying at this level was not my reasoning for sitting 22-23 season. I had opportunities, but sometimes life hits and you have to slow down and focus on other things that are important to you as a person.

You recently not only won your first pro chip, but also the first in that organizations history. Do you still feel like your on cloud 9?

It was a great team accomplishment. It’s been good playing for coach jeff and Randers. Finding that love for the game again is always a blessing. But we have other goals in mind so we are focused and moving forward to the next mission.

From the celebration pictures, it shows like everyone was very very happy. You had won 2 SAC titles. What does this title mean to you? To what would you compare it to?

Only 2 SAC? I have 3 rings lol but this title means a lot being my first one in Europe. I´m happy I came back to compete this season.

Talk a little about that cup win? What is so special about this season´s team?

The Cup win was amazing, like any team we’ve had our challenges throughout this season to help us grow as a team. We stick together through adversity. We are a unit, we want each other to win and we grind each day to push each other towards our goals.

Randers is holding strong this season currently in 5th place at 12-6. Your ex team Naestved and Svendborg are at the top. Do you guys have what it takes to make another run

Let’s find out, lots of basketball to be played.

You already beat Naestved by 18 points and you had a 9/5/3 game. How valuable was that win for the confidence level of the team?

We treat each game the same, with the same mentality. Our confidence is built in training the days before the game.

The team has a lot of skilled Americans including Marquis Addison. How thrilling is it being his teammate and what do you appreciate most about his game?

It’s dope to be on the same team as Marquis. We actually played in the 2014 D2 Reeses All American game together coming out of college and a few games against each other in Swiss, so it´s cool being teammates rather than opponents this go round.

Your only averaging 16,9 minutes per game, but averaging 8/3/1 stats. What kind of a role do you have this season?

I have more of a vet/leader role. Come in and effect winning, whether it be on offense or defense.

Was it a tough adjustment averaging up to 15 minutes less than in previous seasons?

Most definitely.

How valuable is it for you now being efficient? You are showing no problems of it?

I´m never one to be a cancer to a team, I’ll contribute any way the coach sees fit. But it’s definitely been a huge adjustment for me considering I’ve always been a starter playing 25+ mins in my career. But I´m good with how we are working as a team.

You played your rookie season in Germany in Vechta. Do you ever come back to visit? Do you have a favorite place in Germany besides Vechta?

I haven´t been back to Vechta in years! But love the community and basketball fans there. Me and my wife visit the Hamburg Christmas market every year with a small drive from Denmark to Germany. So I have to say Hamburg is my favorite place in Germany so far.

Many of your former Vechta teammates are retired, but Kevin Smit is still playing born in 1991 like you? Who do you think will hang it up first you or him?

Haha, great question. I loved playing with Kev, he is a go getter. I see me probably hanging them up before him.

Thanks Vincent for the chat

Rookie Malik Whitaker(Fellbach) Knows You Have 2 Choices Get Determined Or Discouraged When Life Challenges You

The name Fort Lewis doesn´t come up a lot for me, bit every once in a while it does. There have been a few guys from there that made it overseas like Alex Herrera and Kofi Josephs, 2 ballers that I have interviewed in the past. However the first guy that I think of first when I read the name Fort Lewis is Deandre Lansdowne. He is a guy that I have covered since he came overseas in 2015. He is the ultimate Cinderella story going from lower leagues to the top. Lansdowne began in the German Pro B in 2015 with Herten. He not only made it to the top leagues in Germany, Italy and France. But also has played in international club tournaments like the Basketball Champions League and Fiba Europe Cup. These are the type of players I love to cover most and enjoy showing a lot of love to. In terms of Lansdowne, I have interviewed him 11 times and written one portrait on him. A week ago I came upon the name Fort Lewis again when I prepared an interview for rookie Malik Whitaker (198-G-2000, college: Fort Lewis, agency: Starting 5) who is playing his rookie season in Germany for Pro B team Fellbach Flashers. Whitaker also played at Fort Lewis and like Lansdowne has to grind in lower leagues to begin his pro career. Whitaker played only 1 season at Fort Lewis, but had an incredible season. He had no idea who Lansdowne is, but after hearing of his story has another focus to shoot for in the next years. “I didn´t know of him when I was there and we never talked or met before. His story is very inspirational knowing he came from Fort Lewis and also started in the Pro B like me. His story shows me that it´s possible to move up and depends on the work you put in”, stressed Malik Whitaker. He doesn´t have to go far as he can watch BBL basketball in Ludwigsburg about 30 minutes away or in Ulm or Heidelberg which is an hour away. He can dissect the games closely of guys playing his position. How far is he away from the BBL?. “I’ve checked out one BBL game so far. It was very entertaining and it had everything you would want to see from a fan and competitors view. I don’t think I am that far away, but I also know there are parts of my game that need improvement in order for me not only to get there but to succeed at that level”, warned Malik Whitaker.

Malik Whitaker who lists Trevelin Queen as his toughest foe so far on the court in his career was born on November 19th, 2000 in Humble, Texas. He began his basketball career at Atascocita High School. He then spent 2 years at Garret College (JUCO). It is always refreshing seeing guys do well at the JUCO level and then move up to higher college leagues and then make it overseas. Getting to the peak isn´t always easy at the JUCO level where guys are playing for their stats and trying to move forward with their careers. I don´t believe I have ever come across a player who didn´t regret playing JUCO. It was a grind, but worth it for every player. “That statement is true! It tests you everyday. It can bring out the worst or the best depending on what you make of it. I faced every challenge that came my way head on and it paid off. If I had a redo I wouldn’t change anything”, warned malik Whitaker. He made a massive jump in his game in his second season. In his first season he averaged 12.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 72.2% and in his second season 19.1ppg, 8.7rpg, 3.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 71.0%. Instrumental in his growth was head coach Dennis Gibson. “He let me know going into year 2 that I would be the leader, and he was expecting a big year from me. He trusted me to lead the team, allowed me to make mistakes, learn from them and continue to move forward with confidence. He is a huge part of why I am the player I am today”, stressed Malik Whitaker. In his second season in JUCO, he reached the Final 4. “ The chemistry with that team was great. We finished as the #4 ranked JUCO and only lost 2 games all season. The best thing about us was how we moved as one unit at all times on the court. There wasn’t any selfishness on the team which is rare at the JUCO level”, stated Malik Whitaker. After JUCO, he was rewarded by moving up and playing a season for West Virginia State University (NCAA2) averaging 13.8ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 89.4%. He scored in double figures in 17 games that season including having some big games against Wheeling and Frostburg State scoring 26 points apiece. But what memory is better than winning a chip? “The best memory from State is when we went to the Virgin Islands and won the Yes U.S. Virgin Island classic”, said Malik Whitaker. He then made one more move going to Fort Lewis College (NCAA2) averaging 11.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 50.7%, FT: 80.0%. Here he won another chip with the RMAC title. “We were a hungry team. Even when we were ranked #2 in the nation in NCAA D2 we felt like underdogs. We felt like we had more to prove and improve on at all times. It pushed us to become a special team and go down forever in the history books”, remembered Malik Whitaker. He had some really incredible games in his last college season including beating Regis 81-80 with a massive 26/10 game, but there were also other great games. “It was one of my better games of the year, but my favorite game of the season was against South Dakota Mines. It was senior night and I had 26pts 9rbs in our last home game of the year. We were undefeated at home for the season which was something we set out to do at the beginning of the season. So it was cool to have my last home collegiate game go like that”, commented malik Whitaker. He scored in double figures 19 times in that season and made the next step as a player under head coach Bob Pietrack. He pushed me everyday to be the best version of myself. The whole staff had faith in me and they wouldn’t allow me to take days off or cheat myself which I really appreciated. He told me once “when life’s challenges come your way you have 2 choices; get determined or discouraged”. And now I live by that sentence”, expressed Malik Whitaker who remembers winning his fair share of 1-1 battles with Amondo Miller.

The Texas native who lists Samier Kinsler, Dwaine Jones, Junior Garbrah, Obi Agbim, and Dmonte Brown as his 5 best teammates of all-time came to Germany for the 2024-2025 season and is lacing up his sneakers for the Fellbach Flashers in the Pro B. He has been there 5 months and simply loves everything on and off the court. “This has been a great experience Coach Kris had a vision for me from our first phone call ever. I’ve continued to trust him and his vision since then. It has put not only myself, but the whole team in a better place. The guys on the team are great people and teammates. I look forward to going out and fighting for 40 minutes with them every Gameday. There is a great fan base who comes and gives crazy energy during the home games. It’s been a great first international experience for me so far. I have enjoyed being in Fellbach. I like that everyone in the area is very active; you’ll always catch people walking around, riding bikes, etc. that’s not really the culture in the states for most cities”, added Malik Whitaker. Last season the Flashers just missed the playoffs. This season they are currently in 4th place with a lot of upside and the possibly to reach the playoffs. “That is a huge focus for us. It would be a step forward from the first season of the club playing Pro B. It’s also something that has never been accomplished in this club before. We as a unit are working to make sure we can accomplish this goal this season”, said Malik Whitaker. There was a span in the season where they won 8 of 10 games and currently have won 5 of their last 6 games. “ Our defense starts everything. It sets the tone for the game and sparks our offense. When we are disciplined defenders we feel as though we’re as good as any team in this league”, warned malik Whitaker. This weekend he will play his first time against the 2024 Pro B champion Dragons Rhondorf who snuck out a 78-75 win in the first weeks of the season. “It’s another game for me. I am looking forward to the challenge knowing we lost the first game at home, and will have to walk into a hostile environment to win an away game. I look forward to moments like those”, expressed Malik Whitaker. He has some great teammates including German giant Daniel Mayr and top pro B undersized center Brian Butler.” Brian is a great vet. He has been very helpful to me making this jump to European basketball. It still surprises me how he dominates most low post battles being “undersized”. He brings a great attitude to the team and is the veteran presence most clubs would love to have”, stressed Malik Whitaker. Currently he is having a very solid rookie season averaging 17/6/2/2 stats. Is that a stat line with what he can be content with? “I would say it’s been decent. It’s a different style of play from college basketball obviously, so of course there’s a bit of a learning curve. But I’m nowhere near being content with how I’ve performed until this point. There’s another level or 2 to my game now that I have not showcased yet, but I’m trusting the process”, warned Malik Whitaker.

The 198cm guard who lists Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and T-Mac on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a player that doesn´t compare himself to one player, but enjoys watching the games of certain players like Devin Booker, Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and Kobe Bryant mainly for his footwork. He is a player that has always been a guy that loved to fill the stat sheet at ease. Is versatility his biggest strength? “It’s the biggest emphasis on my game. Being able to handle, pass, shoot, rebound, and defend the ball are the basics. But being able to execute everything in live action makes you more than basic, and that’s what I strive to be”, warned Malik Whitaker. His three point shooting has been up and down in his career so far. He shot 42% in JUCO and a crazy 50% at Fort Lewis, but currently in the Pro B only at 33%. There is a reason for him having these fluctuations. “While the percentage was high in college the volume wasn’t. It was also a lot of catch and shoot open 3s. Now, I’m shooting more 3’s with “higher difficulty” which is something I am adjusting to and working relentlessly on. I enjoy the challenge though and I approach it everyday with the right mindset so I know it’ll turn around. That’s what’s going to help me be a next level shooter”, stressed Malik Whitaker. He definitely doesn´t want to be a one dimensional player as he sees his defensive game as a positive part of his game. “I’m far from a liability on defense but I want to become more of a guy to guard the other team’s best player. I’ve asked coach for the challenge a couple times, but I want that to be the normal for me so I’m working on it”, stated malik Whitaker. Reaching the playoffs is his biggest goal as well as staying consistent and improving strength. It will be interesting to see where the career of Malik Whitaker will go. If he keeps playing well as he does and Fellbach make history, I´m sure that Deandre Lansdowne will hear about it. In the meantime, he can wait until April 6th and see Lansdowne and his team Chemnitz play in Ulm. A meeting of ex Fort Lewis players would probably be a highlight for both.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 12

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Thanks Malik for talking to germanhoops.com. It was the battle of the best 2 Pro B south teams with the RheinStars and Leitershofen. How excited were you to go into this game?

I was very excited about this game. I knew the energy and the fans would be crazy.

Cologne won the first game 85-80. What was the game plan going in?

Just made stops and executed down the stretch of the game when we played the first time.

The RheinStars suffered a tough 94-92 loss against Leitershofen. How had they improved from the first game?

They had some guys play that didn’t play the first match up which helped them. But I still think we had opportunities to come out with the win

The first half was a battle and the RheinStars led by 6 points. What was key for having the half-time lead?

We were making stops and rebounding pretty well. Also was executing in that first half pretty well

In the third quarter Leitershofen exploded for 31 points. What adjustments did they make to get the 4 point lead after 30 minutes?

We had too many turnovers as well as wasn’t getting back on defense fast enough in transition. Which gave them opportunities to get easy baskets.

Asa Williams exploded for 31 points including 8 three´s. What made it so difficult to contain him?

We left him open too much. Most of the game he was open for a three and his teammates just made good efforts of finding him.

You had 6 seconds at the end down by 2 and you took the last three pointer and missed. Take me through the last seconds? Did the shot feel good?

Rupi came down the court as I sprinted to the corner and he hit me. The shot felt good but just slightly to the left.

You scored 24 points and shot 50%. How valuable was this game for your self-confidence?

It was good for my confidence since I’ve been struggling a bit this month. But I felt I was being more aggressive than usual.

You next face Ludwigsburg who you easily beat in the first game. What will be key to getting the victory?

The key will be play with a lot of intensity and energy. We just came off a tough loss so we have to come out the gate swinging.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

The Dolic And Volf Guard Show Power FC Bayern Munich Past Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners 84-72

One of the big showdowns for any club in German football or basketball or even other sports is playing FC Bayern Munich. It´s no different at the youth U-19 level. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners met Munich for the first time this season, but for one Skyliner, he hadn´t already played against many today, but had been teammates with many only a week ago. Recently universal genius Ivan Crnjac had the big honor to suit up with FC Bayern Munich during the 2025 Adidas Next Generation tournament. But on this time Crnjac was an opponent again. Frankfurt came in sporting a 8-1 record while FC Bayern Munich came in with a 5-2 record. Despite Munich´s record, they have an unbelievable strong and deep roster that will challenge all team´s the rest of the way and possibly continuing in the top 4 in May. Frankfurt isn´t too shabby either and last weekend won on the road in Ludwigsburg without their big 3 of Crnjac, Edoka and Omog. On a mild Sunday afternoon FC Bayern Munich rolled into the BCM gym and showed a strong and consistent game for 40 minutes forcing Frankfurt to play catch up basketball all afternoon long. Frankfurt was unable to get over the hump as they got a bit fatigued in the fourth quarter. FC Bayern Munich was led by the lethal guard duo of Dominik Dolic (190-SG-2006) and Ivan Volf who combined for 29 points and added big shots in the fourth quarter for the victory. ”In the end we found a way to fight through it. We gave up too many easy baskets 1-1 in the first half. We changed our game plan in the second half. We switched a lot to close the zone. We got steals and got out on transition”, stressed FC Bayern Munich guard Dominic Dollic. The Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners fought hard, but just couldn´t get over the hump. The guard duo of Dolic and Volf were simiply too much for them, “I felt like this game was at eye level of the 2 top teams in the division. They both know each other and have played together for years and know exactly what their doing. I think we were a bit tired in the fourth quarter. When Ivan Crnjac went down, everyone was shocked. Munich got too many easy rebounds and offensive rebounds. I think the load was too much on the shoulders of Edoka and Crnjac”, stressed Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepehr Tarrah.

Jamie Edoka at the FT line

In the first quarter FC Bayern Munich found to their game rapidly and took the commanding league and Frankfurt had to already get used to playing catch up basketball early. FC Bayern Munich led quickly 12-4 and showcased beautiful inside out basketball and surprisingly only 2 points were scored by the duo of Dolic and Volf as Dolic made a nifty lefthanded lay in. Desmond Yiamu scored 5 points including a trey and Greek guard Nikolas Sermpezis who averaged 20,0ppg at the recent ADNE also added 5 points as he also dropped a three pointer. Munich was playing aggressive on ball defense and also getting quickly out on transition while Frankfurt hadn´t found a rhythm. Frankfurt then finally found their rhythm as the big 3 of Crnjac, Edoka and Omog scored, but Frankfurt still trailed 20-13. Frankfurt couldn´t get consistent stops as their guard play executed and they also had problems with 213cm big man Killian Dueck who was a mismatch everytime he touched the ball. He also scored twice and was pulling down offensive rebounds at ease. Frankfurt weren´t able to spread the offensive love around as much as FC Bayern Munich as they only had Edoka who added 9 points and Crnjac 4 points. Edoka is about as unstoppable as you can get at the NBBL level. Every drive seemingly is either a lay in or he draws a foul. Down the stretch of the first quarter Jamie Edoka tested his 6,7% three point shooting and dropped one and also made free throws. Serbian Andrijia Sussic and Dolic added lay ins with their lethal speed as FC Bayern Munich led 25-18 after 10 minutes. “Frankfurt didn´t play particular good defense, They had little defensive intensity and had problems with pick and roll, close outs and rotations. Edoka did a good job getting to the rim”, stated former Skyliner Junior Drago Crnjac. FC Bayern Munich shot 53% from the field and 50% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 50% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Dominik Dolic with the drive

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners fought back, but were unable to get the lead as they trailed by 1 point at half-time. Frankfurt went on a 8-3 run taking advantage of 2 Munich turnovers to cut the guests lead to 30-28. The universal genius Ivan Crnjac added 2 three pointers while big man Lukas Brendal made a lay in. Frankfurt upped their defensive intensity and were more aggressive on the glass while Munich had up and down phases in their game. Ivan Crnjac got going in the run showing lethal production as usual. “It was strange that Ivan had so much freedom. There wasn´t really anyone assigned to him. But I did notice that Dolic was put on him at the end of the second quarter”, commented Dragon Crnjac. Whenever Frankfurt threatened, Munich always had an answer. It was either the great shooing guards or Killian Dueck. This time it was Dueck scoring back to back buckets including an offensive rebound and put back where Frankfurt trailed 38-34. Frankfurt put on the pressure in the last minutes closing out the quarter with an efficient 10-5 run to trail 39-38 at the break. In the Frankfurt run, it was 17 year old Jamie Edoka who took charge as he was a one man wrecking crew scoring 8 points. He continued to attack the paint area and executed. He always found ways to score or either draw fouls. Maximillain Petters also made a lay in as Crnjac made a beautiful touch pass. Munich got some good support from the bench from Isayah Marcin who made a lay in. Frankfurt´s defense was a lot stronger in the last minutes as Crnjac and Peters both made huge blocks. “You see really how good both of them work together. Ivan told me once that Peters is his best friend on the court. They have a really good connection on the court. Both are big wings that like to shoot, but also attack the close out”, stated Drago Crnjac. FC Bayern Munich shot 38% from the field and 28% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 45% from the field and from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 12 turnovers. “Even Frankfurt had problems with the Munich press, I think they were strong in the half court and moved the ball well”, stated Drago Crnjac.

Ivan Crnjac to the rim

In the third quarter FC Bayern Munich had their best scoring quarter as they erupted for 27 points and led by 8 points after 3 quarters. The lethal guard duo did their magic nailing back to back three´s to extend Munich´s lead to 45-38. Both love to have the ball in their hands and harmonize so well together. They have been playing together for many years and that shows on the court. “I know him since the U-12 and we have been playing together since the U-14. We have great chemistry because we are together 24/7. We know how to bring each other into rhythm”, explained Dominik Dolic. Both teams would have their mini runs with FC Bayern Munich keeping their head ahead. Omog scored 4 points in a row, but Munich punched back with a 4-0 run and Yiamu and Susic scored on drives and Frankfurt trailed 49-42. FC Bayern Munich had a good groove while that team play by Frankfurt had disappeared as too much 1-1 play was creeping out of the wood work. Frankfurt never gave up and had a positive phase going on a 12-6 run to trail only 55-54. In the run, Frankfurt continued to use their brilliant individual qualities as Ivan Crnjac made an offensive rebound and put back and also connected on another trey. Edoka also supplied another lay in while young German Ehiozogie Idemudia supplied great support from the bench hitting a three pointer. But as usual this was as close as Frankfurt would get as Munich would always slap back with a clutch three pointer by the guard duo of Dolic and Volf. This time it was Ivan Volf for the 58-54 advantage. This was the start of a 12-6 run for FC Bayern Munich as they got more support from Caspar Vossenberg with 4 points and Killian Dueck continued to be super efficient in the paint area with a lay in Frankfurt got to the free throw line, but missed way too many free throws and trailed 66-58 after 30 minutes. “We were good on the pick and roll defense and got some steals. We work on this twice a day with the pick and roll and zig zag. We want to be the best defense in Germany”, warned Dominik Dolic. “We had problems on defense. They got too many easy baskets. We couldn´t stop their transition. We dribbled the ball too much and had too little ball movement”, added Jamie Edoka. FC Bayern Munich shot 40% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt shot 44% from the field and 44% from the parking lot and they had 31 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Andrijia Susic at the FT line

In the fourth quarter FC Bayern Munich closed out the game not losing their consistency. Ivan Crnjac had hurt his foot at the end of the third quarter and returned in the fourth quarter, but was no factor. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners got on the score board first in the fourth quarter as Lukas Brendal made a lay in as he was very efficient from the field going 7/8 but had his problems from the free throw line going 1/7. Frankfurt trailed 66-60, but this was as close as they would get in the game. Both teams executed well and went on mini runs as Dueck made a lay and Dolic free throws and Omog made an acrobatic lay in and lock down defender Rephael Edward also madce a lay getting the nice pass from Crnjac as Frankfurt was down 6 again. FC Bayern Munich was able to increase it´s lead again into double figures as Dolic made a trey and lay in a nd Dueck a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 78-66. In this phase Frankfurt missed free throws again as all in all they went 13/25 form the free throw line. Th game was as good as decided as the dynamic duo of Volf and Dolic added consecutive three´s for good measure as Munich led 84-70. Brendel closed out the game with back to back lay in´s as he had his best game in the NBBL with 15 points. “Crnjac gave us big problems in the first 3 quarters. I think him hurting himself hurt them a bit. I think both teams were tired. Many of us had played Pro B the night before. We got key rebounds and were calm on offense. We were also lucky at times making our three´s”, said Dominik Dolic. “We were a bit tired. Some of us also had played Regionalliga the night before. Their bigs hurt us. We were undersized and didn´t box out well. Lukas Brendel played very well despite going against mis matches the whole game”, commented Jamie Edoka. FC Bayern Munich was led by Dominik Dolic with 18 points. Killian Dueck added 15 points and Ivan Volf added 11 points as did Andrijia Susic while Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 20 points. Ivan Crnjac added 16 points while Lukas Brendel chipped in with 15 points. FC Bayern Munich shot 41% from the field and 38% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 33% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Ivan Crnjac(Frankfurt Skyliners) Had Solid ANGE Performance Not Needing To Score Much But Showcasing His All-Around Game

pic credit: Martin Vogel & Hello.Itsjana

One of the basketball highlights in the youth sector every year is the Euroleague Basketball Next Generation tournament that is held every year in January. It is contested between the best basketball clubs in Europe in the under 18 age group. The first ANGE was held in 2003 and in the last 5 years Real Madrid has dominated the tournament winning 4 out of 5 tournaments. Over the years ANGT has seen big upcoming talents that became big time players like Luka Donic, Dario Saric and Dejan Musli while the last 2 MVP´s were Jan Vide and Hugo Gonzalez. This years tournament saw an array of great players again including German Ivan Crnjac who plays for the Frankfurt Skyliners. He had the special honor to suit up with FC Bayern Munich. He was one of the older kids on the team as there were many very talented players from the years 2008-2009 In the end, FC Bayern Munich couldn´t win the title, but reached a very satisfying 5th place and gained added valuable experience playing against the best young players in Europe. Ivan Crnjac was in Munich for a week training with FC Bayern Munich and then played 4 games last weekend. It was an exciting time, but also stressful at times. “It was ok. The days were slow and fast depending on how much training we had. The first day was long. We had 2 games and we had to get up at 6.15 AM”, stressed Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007)

Usually the teams only have the players from that team, but every once in a while, teams will add talented guys from other teams so they will get a chance to compete since their normal team wasn´t invited. In the case of Ivan Crnjac, it was strange in a way to be training with FC Bayern Munich, but in a way also familiar. “It was strange having other teammates, but I mean I knew many of the guys already. It was strange practicing in a different training facility, but I got used to it”, stated Ivan Crnjac So how did a day look for him leading up to the weekend where he would play 4 games? “It wasn´t always that exciting. I woke up at 9.00Am and had breakfast. I usually relaxed then or went for a walk. In the afternoon we had practice starting with work in the weight room. Then I went back to the hotel and slept. There were no wild times. The Munich players all had school”, said Ivan Crnjac Was the team able to generate chemistry in such a short period of time? “I felt we did do that. But you did notice that the team was young and inexperienced. You saw it at times in games. An older point guard would react differently”, commented Ivan Crnjac Was he able to see any of the easyCredit BBL players like rising young star Ivan Khartchenkov who is getting good minutes with the BBL team? Is a guy like Khartcehnkov a role model for him? “I watched a BBL practice and saw all the players. I also saw Gordie Herbert walking around. I saw Ivan but didn´t talk to him. I wouldn´t necessarily say he is a role model for me, but he is definitely a player where I would strive to have a career like him”, expressed Ivan Crnjac

FC Bayern Munich lost the first game to Cedivita 98-78 as Ivan Crnjac had 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. “That was a tough first loss. It was early in the morning and we didn´t play well as a team. They hit their shots well. It was a weak game and not the type of game that you want to start a tournament with”, said Ivan Crnjac FC Bayern Munich finally got on the winning track beating Aris 74-54. Ivan Crnjac produced 9 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. “This was our second game of the day and it was at night. We were mad after losing the first game. We put more emotion into the game. We were able to play our game. We defended harder and our offense was better”, added Ivan Crnjac They then fell to 1-2 as they lost to Valencia 103-82. “You wouldn´t think so from the result, but it was a tight game. The game was tied after 3 quarters. It was a real competitive game. We got tired in the fourth quarter”, stated Ivan Crnjac In the loss he filled the stat sheet well scoring 9 points, grabbed 10 boards, dished out 3 assists, blocked 2 shots and got a steal. FC Bayern Munich buckled down in the 4th game beating Derby 77-64. He had 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and a block. “We gave all we had because we wanted to end the tournament with a win. We struggled at the start, but played a lot better in the second half”, added Ivan Crnjac He was really impressed by 15 year olds Marko Volf (7/2/2) and Caspar Vossenberg (12/3) who held their own and were important players for the team. “Both are very talented. Volf has great skills and physical while Vossenberg is very strong and athletic. They both played great”, warned Ivan Crnjac Did the many practices and games take a toll on their energy as a team which led to poor team shooting percentages? “The practices were hard, but not so much that we were tired going into the games. All 4 games were played at a high intense level. I think our fatigue came from the games”, said Ivan Crnjac

The young German who lists Declan Duru as his toughest cover so far in his career has developed very well the last years and has taken the next step this season averaging 20,7ppg, 7,5rpg, 2,0apg, and 2,0spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B averaging 11,4ppg, 4,4rpg, 1,8apg and 1,1spg. With what kind of a focus did he come to Munich and ANGT? “I wasn´t assigned a role coming in, but developed a defensive role as the tournament went on. I always had to defend the other team´s best player”, stressed Ivan Crnjac Nikolas Sermpezis was the captain, but Crnjac was one of the older guys on the team. Did he feel like one of the leaders? “I felt that a little bit. I supported him and once in a while was vocal”, said Ivan Crnjac His stat line during ANGE in 4 games was 8,8ppg, 6,0rpg, 2,5apg and 1,3spg in 28,5 minutes. Was he content with his game against the best of Europe? “I think that my game was solid. I feel like I did everything except score. I wasn´t as focused on scoring. I really did all that I wanted to, but wish that I could of scored more”, stressed Ivan Crnjac He also noticed rapidly what he has to better in the future in order to reach the next level. He had 9 turnovers in the last 2 games. “I have to work more on my ball handling. Coach actually wanted me to play more at the guard position, but in the end I was playing the 3-5 positions. I really had problems with ball handling. I have to improve that”, warned Ivan Crnjac He had many great moments, but one that he won´t forget. “Our second win in the fourth game was my fondest moment. We finished fifth. It was a cool moment and the mood was better”, expressed Ivan Crnjac The 17 year old 3 level scorer and universal genius doesn´t have long to reflect on the enriching weekend, but was back on the court a few days later. Then he faced another team BBA Porsche Ludwigsburg in Pro B action that was full of young talents. He faced off against talented Julis Baumer who has BBL experience. Crnjac made another jump scoring a pro high for him with 29 points in a massive win. The grind never ends for the universal genius Ivan Crnjac

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 11

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the big 95-80 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners. How big was this win after the poor loss last weekend in Oberaching?

It was a great bounce back game after the loss. We got to playing the way we want to play.

The RheinStars exploded in the first quarter with 35 points and allowed only 14 points. Was that some of the best offense the team has played this season in one quarter?

A lot of the offense was generated from our defense. We got stops and were able to get out and run to get easy transition baskets.

The RheinStars had the comfortable 54-32 lead at the break. How key was the work on the offensive glass for being able to have the comfortable lead?

The rebounds were key. As a team we haven’t been doing a great job of that lately but we picked it up this game.

You had a solid 11/5/3/3 game. The stat line looks good, but you shot only 5/19. What is your summary of your shooting performance in that game? Did you not get as well to your spots?

Yeah I did struggle this game with shooting. Mostly probably because I had a minor injury and was trying to get my rhythm back. But not going to hold my head down about it. I had some good looks just didn’t fall.

You next play against Leitershofen who you beat 85-80 at home. The game on the road will be tougher. What will be key to getting win?

Yes this will be a tough game. I think the key thing is who wants it more. Who is willing to play the hardest and execute the best. Trying not to get out played will be the key.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Timo Lanmueller(Frankfurt Skyliners) Always Tries To Help His Team And Doesn´t Think About How Much He Can Score

photo credit: Zibart.de

Timo Lanmueller (193-SG-2001) is a 23 year old Austrian-German 193cm shooting guard that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He began his basketball career in the ratiopharm Ulm system playing in their youth program as well as for Pro B farm team Orange Academy. He was able to play 2 easyCredit BBL games. He then moved to the Tigers Tuebingen where he played parts of 4 seasons playing 100 pro A games and last season played 30 BBL games averaging 2.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 77-70 win in Bonn.

Thanks Timo for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 77-70 win. How big was this win in comparison to other wins this season?

This was an important win. The situation is to remain in the league. This win was huge because we were missing key players with Theodore, Calvin and Cooplin. In other big wins we had bigger rotations, but not against Bonn. We had that next man mentality as other guys stepped up. Garai Zeeb played a great game. He moved the ball well. We fought together and rebounded the ball well. I´m really happy with the win.

Was it tough coming into the game after only a few hours hearing that Booker Coplin couldn´t play?

We had found about it 1-2 days before. It affected us. We as a team have so much respect for Booker. He is part of us. He has a great character and is a true Skyliner. It was a shock when we found out, but we passed the character test and won as a collective.

Did you sense that the Telekom Baskets Bonn were a bit rattled after the tough Basketball Champions League loss to Reggio Emilia?

That is hard to say. I don´t know what their mind set was. We gave 100%. We knew that we were the underdog. It isn´t always easy for the favorite which was Bonn to play a team like us that are battling to stay in the league. Everyone expected Bonn to dominate. We had no pressure.

Frankfurt had the 22-16 advantage after 10 minutes. Did the start surprise you a bit considering the news of Booker Coplin´s not being able to play and the other guys not being able to play?

We had a quick lead at the start. We hit our shots and played good defense which gave us extra confidence. We understood that we had a chance to win.

Do you feel like the quick 10-2 start by Frankfurt took a toll on the team mentally and just having to always come back right form the get go?

Yes I think so.

Darius McGhee has been great most of the season. He gave early support and without him, Bonn would have been trailing by double digits. How special of a player is he?

His qualities as a player are great. He is a scorer that has unlimited range. He can score from anywhere. You have to be on him as soon as he crosses center court. I made a few mistakes on him in the game. He also made a contested shot on me. He is just really hard to stop. All you can do is just make it as difficult as possible. You just hope he has bad shooting percentages.

Bonn didn´t come out into the third quarter with the same intensity as the second quarter. Frankfurt began with a 8-0 run and led 66-56 after 3 quarters. What was key in the third quarter for Frankfurt to pull away?

Our defense and rebounding was key. We kept them to like 27 points in the second half. We did a good job on the defensive end. When you get consistent stops, it makes it a lot easier for the offense.

In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn were like reborn. They held Frankfurt scoreless for 7 minutes and 7 seconds and tied the game at 68-68. Was Frankfurt too relaxed? What was key for Bonn coming back into the game?

Our offense wasn´t executing our plays as well anymore. Bonn shifted up a gear and we couldn´t deal with their aggressive play. We made some turnovers. They are a good enough team to play like this. We just have to be ready for it.

Frankfurt closed the game strong with a 9-2 run. Did Bonn run out of gas?

Maybe a bit. They had had a tough BCL series against Reggio Emilia. But we were fortunate that Malik Parsons took over. David Muenkat also hit a tough three pointer from the corner. I think that we wanted it more at the end. We had that underdog mentality.

Malik Parsons scored 6 of Frankfurt´s last 9 points. He is a walking bucket. Is it almost a given when he has the ball you just let him have the ball and watch him produce?

You always want the ball in his hands. He has such great qualities to score the ball. The game plan of Bonn was to double team him whenever possible. When that happens, you have to find ways around it. He did a good job doing that.

When he is on he is unstoppable. What was his mood coming in? Was he extra focused?

He is more of a quiet guy. But you could see coming in that he was extra focused. When he has a bad game like against Alba Berlin, he takes it personal. He always wants to be a leader.

When you look back at the 40 minutes, what was the Frankfurt Skyliners biggest strength?

The togetherness of the team and our defense.

Kamaka Hepa has been playing better as of late. Has he finally found his groove?

I hope so. He has practiced really hard the last weeks. He was injured for a long time. I hope he found his groove and he can keep helping us.

Patrick Heckman is a force off the bench. What do you appreciate most about his game?

He is a veteran. He is a very good role model. He keeps us together. He is always solid, making the right decisions and not making mistakes. He doesn´t force anything and stays calm. He likes the extra pass and gives us that important veteran leadership.

The Frankfurt Skyliners now have 20 days off. Will it be more an advantage or disadvantage for the further development of the team?

That is hard to say. I hope that our injured players get healthy again. A few days is always good which gives everyone a chance to relax. Of course when you don´t play a game for 2-3 weeks, you can get out of rhythm, but that is no excuse not to give 100% against BG Goettingen.

You played your 11th game playing 7 minutes and having 3/1/1 stats. How tough is it being as efficient as possible?

It isn´t easy when you have a small role. I always try to give my all in a game or practice to help my team as best as I can. I try to hit my shots and play good defense and give my part to the success. I always try to help my team and not think about how much I can score.

What do you try to do better in practice that you can get more minutes?

My strength is to hit three´s and play good defense. I´m always working on having a consistent shot. I had some good and bad defensive games. My goal is to get minutes and for that to happen, I have to play better defense. I have to keep my guy in front of me. I want to become a good defender.

Who will win the Super Bowl?

I think that the Kansas City Chiefs will win. I´m not a fan of them, but they dominate.

Thanks Timo for the chat.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 10

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

The RheinStars Cologne lost a tough 89-85 game on the road in Oberaching. You had beaten them with 4 less than a month ago. Did you feel like their revenge factor was high?

Yeah I felt like they was more aggressive than we were as a team and they seemed like they wanted the win more than us.

You only played 56 seconds. Did you get hurt?

Yes got hurt blocking a shot sadly.

The RheinStars had the slim 43-40 lead at half-time. What was key for having the slim lead?

We were doing pretty solid job with playing fast as well as turning them over in first half.

In the fourth quarter Oberaching came back scoring 22 points led by Omari Knox and get the lead. What adjustments did they make?

Knox was making his shots. Some of our mistakes on defense gave him an opportunity to have some good looks, and for a shooter that’s all you need

Did the quick start by Oberaching in the fourth quarter and 2 three´s by Knox and Koegler seal the win? The RheinStars couldn´t get over the hump despite fighting back.

That hurt but we still had chances to take control of the game of opportunities to come out with a win, but I still think we made some careless mistakes by us.

How talented is Oberaching? Could they give teams problems in the playoffs?

They are very aggressive team so I could see them giving teams problems.

Davi Remagen had his break out game with 26 points and 7 assists after having a 40 plus points NBBL game a week ago. How talented is this 17 year old?

Davi is very talented and has a lot of skill and potential. Yesterday I could tell he was in a different attack mode and was playing great.

The next game is against Ludwigsburg who you disposed of by 25 points at home. What will be key to the win?

We have to come together as a team and not take any team for granted. We have to come out and be the aggressors and get back to playing our game how we did in beginning of the season.

Thanks Malik for the chat

Ariel Hukporti´s Best Friend Tyreese Blunt Believes That The Big Man Could Receive A Good Role As A Rookie With The New York Knicks

Tyreese Blunt (191-PG-2002) is a 22 year old 192cm guard playing his first season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played mainly for the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 15.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 70.1% and also played 8 easyCredit BBL games for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He played 2 seasons in the Bamberg organization and also played 44 games for farm team BBC Coburg. He began his career with the MHP Risen Ludwigsburg and played 1 BBL game there. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball and his ex teammate Ariel Hukporti who was drafted by the New York Knicks.

Thanks Tyreese for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Hakro Merlins. If the Dragons Rhondorf would have played Pro A do you feel like you may have remained?

It could have been possible, but you never know, I may have gotten other job opportunities as well.

Moving from the pro B to the Pro A was a logical choice. Was working with David Mccray a big reason why you signed there?

I think that my path would have brought me to the pro A sooner or later after 2 strong Pro B seasons. Being able to play for my ex coach David Mccray made my decision a lot easier. He is a super guy.

You already played for David Mccray in Ludwigsburg. What do you appreciate most about his coaching style?

I appreciate his work ethic most. He is always working and we train together every night. His work ethic gives me a reason to always give my best in practice or games. His work ethic boosts me to give my all.

You played the last 3 years in Bamberg and Rhondorf. How did you observe his coaching from afar? What are you expecting from him as a coach now 3 years later?

I will expect the same as before. I am expecting that he helps me become better and help me make the next steps. I also want to have a successful season with him on the court with the team.

How excited are you to play Pro A. How confident are you that you can become an impact player at that level?

I´m not that excited. Those days are over. I´m really looking forward to this season and believe that I can play a big role if I find my way quickly.

You were teammates with Ariel Hukporti in Ludwigsburg. If you could say one word describing him what would it be?

One word is easy. Hustler.

How proud were you that he was the last player picked in the 2024 draft by the Dallas Mavericks? It wasn´t self-evident that he would get picked as he was seen as a possible late second round pick.

I´m so proud of him. He went through so much already at a young age. Moving away from his mother wasn´t easy, but he fought through all adversary. He went through injuries, but always worked hard to achieve his goals

Describe the feeling when you heard his name?

I was so happy. At first I was speechless. I couldn´t realize it at first. I remember him calling me after he got picked and he couldn´t tell me that he was getting traded to New York.

Do you feel like he can crack the NBA rotation in 24-25?

Yes I think he can. It will be tough, but if he gets an opportunity, he will make it.

Everyone talks about his incredible defense and rebounding. What is off the radar with his game?

His athleticism is still a bit off the radar. Usually bigs aren´t so athletic, but he can really jump and is quick.

What is your fondest moment with him on the court?

It was always fun to play with him in every game. I can´t pick one thing.

He seems to have a massive heart for the people in his inner circle. What is your fondest moment with him?

We have gone through so much and are best friends. It is always a blessing to come together each summer and see each other again. I enjoy my time with him to the fullest. Every time we see each other, it is like we saw each other yesterday.

You big is still that bond from the Ludwigsburg days? Hukporti and Dejan Bruce are like brothers to you. How strong is this bond today?

It is big. Now in the summer we see each other a lot. During the summer we try to talk to each other every day. We always have a great time together. I value our time together highly.

What would you like to see Ariel Hukporti achieve in his first season in the NBA?

I honestly believe if he gets a chance, then he could get a big role. He wouldn´t be a main guy like Jalen Brunson, but have a good role.

Thanks Tyreese for the chat.