JJ Frazier Jr (178-PG-1995, college: Georgia) is a 31 year old 178cm point guard playing his 10th professional season and second with the LANDAU Lions Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). He has played in many countries overseas including France, Italy, Germany and Turkey.as well as in the G-League. He began his basketball career at Faith Baptist Christian Academy and then played at the University Of Georhia (NCAA) from 2013-2018. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 41 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game.
Thanks JJ for talking to germanhoops.com. I interviewed you back in January 2026. Has time flown by since then? Yes time has flown by. I need to talk to you more often. Whenever I talk to you, I score 40 plus points. I´m appreciating life and enjoying it. It felt like yesterday when I last talked to you.
I was going through social media yesterday and saw that you scored 41 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game. I was like I know that dude. How does that feel? Getting 41 points in Fiba Europe Cup and getting the win felt really good. I scored 48 points in a league game last season. My coach told me to keep shooting and get the job done and win.
You actually scored the most points overseas yesterday. What does it mean knowing that nobody scored more points than you yesterday? I always just want the win. The way I was able to score that much was just how the game played out. It was the flow of the game and not forced. We played good defense and made plays. Only Gediminas Orelik and I have played at this level in Fiba Europe cup. I had to tell my teammates that you don´t have to be scared. It´s just basketball.
I saw highlights of the 41 point game. So impressive. How much do you enjoy having the capability to be that lethal 3 level scorer?
With me being so small, my pop taught me to score over opponents and not around them. That is a lost art. I know how to get to my spots, be comfortable and shoot with confidence. I believe each shot I take is 50/50. Last night my three ball was more effective than my two ball. Usually it is the other way around.
You continue to put up incredible numbers since leaving the Skyliners. You rocked 2 seasons in a row in the Turkish TBL and now in your second season in Azerbaijan. Were you in your prime in Turkey or have reached it now? I actually believed that I was in my prime when I played in Germany. My son had surgery during that season and had no movement in his right arm. So I was back and forth from USA and Germany that season. I wasn´t focused so much on the game. I regret my time with the Skyliners, because that wasn´t me the player. I always knew that I could dominate the BBL, but I just was mentally locked in.
How quickly did you know going into the game that you might have a really good scoring game?
We had no pre season games and all these other teams did. We still are learning how to play together and deal with high pressure situations. I was in rhythm shooting the ball all week. Having that mentality of always thinking the ball will go in helped me as I just kept shooting.
How proud were you about your three point range? You came into the game being 4/18 in Fiba Europe Cup play?
I have always believed in my shooting qualities. My shooting percentages don´t really reflect how good of a shooter I am. Teams realize how well I can shoot the ball. My most dangerous shots are my mid range and floater. Teams took that away from me last night. I had to go to my three ball and it fell. I believe in it.
You scored 41 points despite going 4/18. If you would have hit those shots better, you could have had 50 plus? I could have had 60 points. I missed shots I usually always make. It was just one of those games where I missed shots that usually go it. I made the tough shots though.
Does a game like this give you more confidence and drive to go for 50?
I always believe first in being a point guard and leading the team. I never go into a game believing I will score 30, 40 or 50 points. Each game is different for me. I do whatever the team needs to win.
You really filled up the stats sheet with 7 assists and 5 steals. One doesn´t often see guys who are top scorer and top assist man. How special was your overall game in comparison to just having that big scoring game? I play the game to be the best player on the court and not be that player that only scores 40 points. My mindset to be the best is always the same. I have make plays and be a defensive presence so my teammates follow suit.
What was your favorite own basket of the game? I never look at the big moments, but enjoy the little ones. I hit a corner three which gave my team energy to come back and win the game.
Did you get any congratulatory messages from people who you may not have expected from? I got too many. I´m always appreciative of the love. If someone saw something that I did and reached out, then I never knock it.
After reaching the league final last season, how big is the hunger to finally get the chip this season?
I can´t even describe how big the hunger is now. We were in the final last season without a big man and still did ok. We believe that we can win it all this season.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Perkins? It won´t even be close. But he is my boy.
Sometimes the basketball world can be so small. For months and months I had seen this name Faiz Mirela Hodovic daily on Instagram showing me love concerning my posts, but had no real idea who he was. I obviously wasn´t paying attention to much, because he was the dad of a very talented young Bosnian player who actually was playing in Germany´s Pro B and his name was Dzenis Hodovic (190-PG -2008). I mean over the years I have had examples of how dad´s have told me how talented their sons are. I mean I´m always open for getting interesting information about young talent all over the world. Covering and seeing young talents is a big love of mine of covering basketball now for 24 seasons. Recently he told me the first time about his son Dzenis and how proud he was of him. That was the first time where I had heard of him? There are so many great talents, some fall off the radar while others don´t. Faiz had written me making me aware of his son´s incredible 40 point game in a 96-87 victory over Jahn Munich. One day later he was amazing again scoring 22 points in a Pro B game against his ex team FC Bayern Munich in a 93-84 win. I was very impressed and that was the first time he had ever told me about his son. His words about his son were very beautiful. “I was very happy that he was able to play so well against his former team and played so mature and at a high level without getting disrupted by his nerves. He showed character, concentration, and quality and showed he can overcome big challenges and play very well against strong opponents at a high level. It wasn´t the first time that he showed to what he is capable of. I am a very proud father”, said Faiz Mirela Hodovic. Shortly after this, I would get to see him play in Frankfurt in a Pro B game and he didn´t disappoint. He finished with 24 points in a tough 102-72 loss against the Skyliners Juniors. He showed amazing scoring qualities and maturity for an 18 year old kid and I was most impressed with his crazy slick handles. I have followed many youth players over the years and after this game, I have to put him in a top 3 of best I have seen in the last 5-6 years and put him in a class with a Ivan Kharchenkoc of Arizona (NCAA) in that list. One can see a very special bond between father and son. “My dad gave me absolute everything. He pushes me every day and supports me so much. I understand very much that not many kids have the kind of opportunity that I have with basketball”, said Dzenis Hodovic.
Pic Credit: Jan Pawliczek
Dzenis Hodovic was born on May 19th, 2008 in Bosnia and came to Germany in 2023. The parents thought it would be best for their son´s basketball future and development. His parents wanted him to have the absolute best chance to develop as a player and use his potential to the fullest. The family business was closed after 24 years. What one does for the love of the child. “Germany wasn´t a foreign country for me. I had lived 5 years during the war in Sindelfingen. I knew the country and system. I knew what kind of opportunities young people have in Germany. That was important for us coming to Germany as a family in 2023. We didn´t see any perspective for him in Bosnia”, warned Faiz Mirela Hodovic. When one observes his amazing ball handling skills and shooting qualities, it is no surprise that he lists his basketball role models with Donovan Mitchell and Damien Lillard. He was also very lucky that he was able to play with the famous FC Bayern Munich for 2 years right away when he came to Germany. “It was a very nice experience playing in that organization. I had many great coaches and teammates. I played NBBL and second Regionalliga. I learned so much there. The most important advice they gave me was too always give 100% and to never give up”, stressed Dzenis Hodovic. It is no secret that the competition for a top German youth program is overwhelming. Some kids stay while others leave for new opportunities. Dzenis decided to go not necessarily because he wasn´t up for a challenge continuing with FC Bayern Munich, but had a great coach that was at Munich Ost. “A big reason for going there was head coach Hasib Büljubasic who has been Dzenis´s individual trainer since 5 years. He gave me a chance and let me be the leader of the team something I may not have become with FC Bayern Munich”, stated Dzenis Hodovic.
Pic Credit: Andi Mayr
The guard who lists Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Luka Doncic, Carlik Jones, Kendrick Nunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic on his Euroleague Mount Rushmore continues to play with NBBL (U-19) team Munich Ost and Pro B team TSV Oberaching Tropics. “The Tropics are a nice organization. It is like one big family. I´m very grateful to play for this organization. I´m sure that we will be successful this season”, said Dzenis Hodovic. The club has had a marvelous start with 4-2 and want to keep the winning moving along. “Our ball movement is very good. We want to defend well and all give their all. Everyone understands their role and plays it to the fullest, We simply play as a team”, added Dzenis Hodovic. He also has been very fortunate to have a great coach in Mario Matic who is a legend with the Tropics and continues to form good rosters and give young players a chance. “My role is pretty simple. I have to shoot and score a lot and play defense like a dog. I very thankful for coach Mario that he gives me plays as a young player. He is a very good coach and believes 100% in my abilities. He has taught me a lot and always stresses to give all I got on the court”, commented Dzenis Hodovic. Currently he is tearing up the NBBL averaging 30/2/2/1 and shooting 45% from outside while in the Pro B is a top youth player in that competition averaging 14/1/1 stats and shooting 42% from outside.
With Oberaching head coach Mario Matic
The great shooter who has similarities to Bogdan Bogdanovic is an offensive force and it is not by accident that his ball handling is so advanced and incredible for his age. “My biggest offensive strengths are my shooting and drive. I´m also good at changing speeds. I learned to work a lot on my ball handing from my coach Hasib Büljubasic. I practice ball handling every day 30-40 minutes”, expressed Dzenis Hodovic. He has that dog mentality on the defensive end and he definitely has the right mindset to become a very good defender down the road. “I am an aggressive defender. I believe that you can´t be a good defender, if you don´t love to defend. I love to play defense. I believe that if I defend well, it also will help my offense”, warned Dzenis Hodovic. As a young player one is always diligent in the lab and working on one´s craft. What is the young Bosnian concentrating most on with his game? “I´m working most on the pick and roll at the moment. I am improving every day”, stressed Dzenis Hodovic. He is also showing his basketball skills with the Bosnian youth teams. “Basketball is big in Bosnia, but football is #1. We have a good future. My role on the team is to play aggressive defense and guard the other team´s best player and take open shots”, stated Dzenis Hodovic. He has had many memorable moments in his basketball life especially in Germany in the last years, but his most memorable one happened in Bosnia. “I met Dzanan Musa in Sarajevo once. He is one of my favorite players. We were both in a gym. At that time I was playing basketball and football. He told me not to give up playing basketball and he wanted to see me play for the Bosnian national team one day”, remembered Dzenis Hodovic. If Dzenis Hodovic continues to develop as rapidly as he is, then that dream of playing for the Bosnian national team could happen very quickly.
After a slow 0-2 start into the Pro B season, the Skyliners Juniors have finally found their groove winning their last 2 games. They made an incredible fourth quarter comeback against the Dragons Rhondorf to win their first home game and then returned 72 hours later easily disposing of Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. However Frankfurt didn´t have an easy next opponent with the TSV Oberaching Tropics who had witnessed one of their best starts in a while having a 4-1 record. The club led by experienced head coach Mario Matic could have been 5-0 had they not lost a close nail bitter to Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. Both teams had current winning streaks and wanted to maintain their momentum in this game. On a cool early autumn afternoon the TSV Oberaching Tropics entered the game as the favorite on paper, but after 40 minutes had experienced a shocking 102-72 loss. The Skyliners Juniors sped slowly away from their opponent in the second quarter, but totally decided the game in the third quarter with a lethal 34-12 quarter keeping their winning streak alive at three games. “I think that we did a good job staying pretty much steady for 40 minutes. We were never too high or too low. It wasn´t a great ending letting them have a big run in the fourth quarter, but we could afford it with such a big lead. However we should focus on not letting that happen again. We were consistent today and hit our shots really well in the second half. We did a good job figuring out who their 3-4 main scorers were and slowed them down”, stressed Skyliners Junior Jamie Edoka (194-G-2008). The TSV Oberaching Tropics had a solid first quarter, but later had problems slowing down the lethal Frankfurt offense and couldn´t erase mistakes on the offensive glass. “We played a good first half, but our defense wasn´t aggressive enough. We didn´t have a good start to the second half and our shots didn´t fall. Our zone also didn´t work, but we never gave up”, stressed TSV Oberaching Tropics guard Dzenis Hodovic.
Dzenis Hodzic with the lay in
The first quarter saw a few little runs from both teams as no team was able to get away for a good lead. TSV Oberaching Tropics had the 6-4 lead early on getting a big dunk from Frankfurt native Max May and ex Bonn/Rhondorf (NBBL) guard Frederick Mueller also scored in the paint. The Skyliners Juniors were still figuring out to find a groove and did with 2026 AST winner Jamie Edoka who added 5 rapid points with back to back buckets and the 9-6 advantage. The game was a high tempo and the TSV Oberaching Tropics did a good job using their bench and the role players stepped up. Ex IBAM forward Daniel Riedrich hit a trey and ex Limburg center Aike Bensmann made a lay in and Nedzad Muratovic made a beautiful old school running hook shot ala Toni KuKoc for the 17-12 lead. However the Skyliners Juniors were able to punch back and serve good execution as the universal genius Ivan Crnjac nailed a trey, Maxi Peters snuck inside for a lay in and Moses Poelking used his swiftness to make a pretty left handed hook shot, but Frankfurt trailed 17-16 after 10 minutes. Both teams had miserable 3 point shooting percentages with Frankfurt at 22% and Oberaching at 14% while the field goal percentages were at 35% for Frankfurt and 47% for TSV Oberaching Tropics. Frankfurt had the slim 10-8 rebound edge, but had the 4-1 offensive rebound lead. The high tempo and aggressive defense led to 6 Frankfurt turnovers and 5 for the guests. “We had to get used to the style. They were pretty physical, but nothing that concerned us”, stressed Jamie Edoka
Moses Poelking at the FT line
In the second quarter the Skyliners Juniors stepped on the gas pedal and began hot going on a 10-3 run to get the 26-20 lead. One part of the TSV Oberaching Tropics game plan was to try to subdue the talented trio of Edoka, Crnac and Smazak, but in this run, Smazak added 6 points and Crnjac a lay in. Energizer Dusan Nikolic added a lay in. The TSV Oberaching Tropics began sluggish and couldn´t match Frankfurt´s intensity. Frankfurt´s aggressive defense didn´t allow the guests any good ball movement and their hustle on the boards rewarded them with extra possessions and easy baskets. Mueller stopped the run with a lay in, but Frankfurt didn´t hesitate to punch back right away as they went on a 9-3 run to lead 35-25. The Frankfurt offense was smooth and in a groove where good team basketball created good opportunites with a 15 footer form Edoka and a lay in on transition by Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors also remained aggressive at the same time attacking the rim resulting with free throws from Nikolic and Peters. The TSV Oberaching Tropics couldn´t muster much offense except for Hodovic who nailed a trey. The 18 year guard from Bosnia that played 2 years in the FC Bayern Munich youth program had such a refreshing game as his inside out game and three level scoring sparkled. His intense incredible ball handling presented problems for Frankfurt´s on ball defense all day long. Frankfurt held the momentum in the waning minutes getting a lay in from Peters and Crnjac to lead 41-29 at the break. Team captain Alvin Oniya was instrumental in this quarter with his excellent floor general qualities and pretty dimes. “Alvin is a beast. He has a great motor. At both ends. He makes great passes, puts the tempo high an djust has so much energy”, stated Jamie Edoka. Philipp “White Chocolate” Bode made a long shot behind center court, but it didn´t count because time had elapsed. The Skyliners Juniors shot 41% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 40% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 12 turnovers. “We stuck to the game plan and defended really well as a team”, said Jamie Edoka.
Philipp Bode from outside
The big turning point came in the third quarter where the Skyliners Juniors ran away with the game and led by as much as 34 points and at the end of 30 minutes led 77-44. The Skyliners Juniors came into the second half focused and reeled off a lethal 22-6 run to extend their lead to 65-38. Edoka began with free throws which was followed by 4 points from Smazak with a lay in and pretty floater. May who had a large cheering gallery in the stands did all he could getting inside and using his physicality for 2 big buckets. However Frankfurt then finally found their outside shot and let it rain three´s as Edoka and Peters let it fly which resulted in 2 three pointers a piece. One has really noticed in the early part of the season that Edoka´s three pointer has really improved. He went 5/9 increasing his confidence. “I have worked so much on my shot. My confidence is very high. I´m fortunate that being able to play at the Pro B level is a good chance for me to take and improve it”, comemnetd Jamie Edoka. The TSV Oberaching Tropics mostly used the defensive zone, but they couldn´t get any stops. Hodovic continued to play his game and scored on the drive again as Oberaching trailed 65-40. However Frankfurt´s offense was simply to well oiled on this night as their confidence kept growing which led to added positive execution. Smazak continued to remain hot as he dropped 5 more points for the 70-40 advantage. The defensive intensity just wasn´t enough to string along some extra stops for some added confidence. It also didn´t help the guests that they couldn´t hit free throws consistently. The team missed 11 on the night and May was extremely unlucky at 2/8. Nikolic added a lay in as well as little used Dutch forward Chris Widmer to end the third quarter. “They tried to give us different looks with their defense. Their zone didn´t work and we found quick shots”, explained Jamie Edoka. “We didn´t defend aggressively enough and had problems controlling the defensive rebound”, commented Dzenis Hodzioc. The Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 34% from the field and 22% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 17 turnovers.
Maxi Peters from outside
The TSV Oberaching Tropics had their strongest quarter in the fourth scoring 28 points, but couldn´t make any real ground to get over the hump allowing 25 points. The fans definitely had no complaints as there were 53 points worth of offense delivered in the last 10 minutes. Frankfurt decreased their defensive intensity a bit in the last frame which led to a Muratovic offensive rebound and put back and Niklas Schuler trey as all of a sudden he was left all alone on the three point line for the trey, but Frankfurt still had the overwhelming 80-50 lead. After a Muratovic trey, it was Frankfurt that released another severe blow with an overwhelming 15-2 run for the 99-56 advantage. In the run, it was Jamie Edoka who responded again finding his range from outside with back to back three´s and two free throws for his own 7-0 run while Smazak continued to produce adding 5 points while Oniya also got into the scoring spree with a lay in as Frankfurt led 99-56. It then took Frankfurt a little time to reach the 100 points as the TSV Oberaching Tropics then made the last punch of the game going on a strong game ending 16-3 run to at least finish the game with some sort of positive feeling. Oberaching added 7 points in a row with a May dunk and 5 points from Hodzic including a trey as Frankfurt led 99-63. Joscha Zentgraf then missed 4 free throws in a row, but got an extra fifth as a opponent ran to early after the free throw. The German finally hit the fifth free throw as Frankfurt had finally reached 100 points. Oberaching finished the game strong then with two more three´s from Hodovic and Muratovic. “We can´t allow fourth quarters like that where we have such a big lead. We have to learn from this and treat the next games fourth quarters with more discipline and treat it like it was 0-0”, warned Jamie Edoka. “We wanted to play our game and did. We stayed together as a team and finished strong”, warned Dzenis Hodzic. The Skyliners Juniors had 5 guys score in double figures led by Jamie Edoka with 25 points while Lukas Smazak had 20 points while the TSV Oberaching Tropics were led by Dzenis Hodzic with 24 points while Max May had 14 points and 10 boards. The Skyliners Juniros shot 48% from the field and 31% from outside and had 52 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 37% from the field and 29% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 21 turnovers.
Albert Oliver (187-PG-1978) is a 48 year old 187cm guard that is currently an assistant coach With La Laguna Tenerife. He enjoyed an incredible 25 year career playing 675 ACB games that was spent all in Spain. He played for teams like Caprabo Lleida, Ricoh Manresa, Pamesa Valencia, Asefa Estudiantes Madrid, FIATC Joventut Badalona, Herbalife Gran Canaria 2014, Coosur Real Betis Sevilla, and Monbus Obradoiro CAB scoring 5,211 points in the ACB. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of a ULEB cup game between Valencia and Frankfurt from 2007.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing ex NBA and North Carolina guard Shammond Williams in Frankfurt in 2007
When I say the date December 10th, 2007 Does anything pop up in your mind?
I actually remember that time very well. But not necessarily for basketball, but for another reason. My son was born on December 18th, 2007.
On this day you were in this arena in Frankfurt almost 19 years ago. Now being back does the arena seem familiar again` It actually looked a little familiar when I first entered for shoot around today. I thought maybe I had played here before. Now I know I played here since you told me.
What does it mean for you to be back here 19 years later? My first feeling is I´m old now. I was 29 when I played here then. Looking back I think we won. I never lost in Germany before.
I was here in 2007 and so were you. Now were here again in 2026. Does that show how small the basketball world can be at times?
Yes the world is small. I didn´t expect that. We here again 19 years later.
I remember the game really well. I interviewed Shammond Williams and Ruben Williams before the game for my radio show and then called the game on the radio. What about you? I don´t remember much. I do remember that we had a really talented team with those guys and others.
It was a low scoring game that Valencia won 76-68. Mindaugas Timinskas led Valencia with 20 points. Unlike like tonight which was a shoot out. He is from Lithuania and played the 3 and 4. Now it seems like everyone is going to the NCAA from Europe. He had done it also back then which was a lot more rare. He had played at Iona. He was a really good shooter, but more important a good person.
Do you remember the 203Cm Derrick Allen of Frankfurt. He had the special ballerina moves. No I don´t remember him. I played a lot of games in my career.
You had 0 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes. It was only the second game in Euro competition that season where you had the goose egg. As a point guard was scoring 0 points less than a problem for you since you were a fine playmaker? I obviously want to play better and score more, but for me the most important was always getting the win.
You were 29 years old in 2007 so ex NBA player Shammond Williams wasn´t a mentor. What memories do you have of him?
He was a really talented player especially on the offensive end. He was a scoring point guard that could do it all. He was physical and liked playing fast.
I will never forget him. He arrived at the game with a suit on as if he was still in the NBA. What was up with that suit approach? Yes he was always wearing a suit. Maybe he thought he was still in the NBA. He always dressed like that home or away. He had many suits.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Shammond Williams? Shammond for sure.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the ACB in your career? Elmer Bennett and Jorge Manuel Calderon
Who is your Spanish GOAT? Juan Antonio San Epifanio.
Marcelinho Huertas and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Frankfurt Germany
Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-1983) is a 43 year old 191cm point guard from Brazil playing his 23rd season overseas and 9th with La Laguna Tenerife. The Sao Paulo native began his overseas career in 20024 with DKV Joventut Badalona (Liga ACB). He also played with Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (Liga ACB), GMAC Real Estate Bologna (Italy-Serie A), and Caja Laboral Vitoria (Liga ACB). He then played 4 seasons with FC Barcelona (ACB) before making his NBA break through playing 2 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He then returned to Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz (Spain-Liga ACB) before moving to La Laguna Tenerife. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against German team Skyliners,
Marcelinho thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You are 43 years old and in your 23rd season after coming overseas in 2004. You are the Lebron James of overseas. What is your secret of being able to compete at the highest level?
There isn´t a secret for me. I live every day like if it was the first day of my career. My dream as a kid was always to be a pro. I never expected to get this far. What keeps me going is simply that the dream inside me is still alive. I couldn´t imagine my life any different. I just go out and play with passion and try my best. Obviously not having many injuries helped my body hold up. I play the sport I love competitively and with pride.
You have played 732 ACB games and retired player Felipe Reyes has the game record with 824. Are you striving to get by him? That is really something that really doesn´t concern me. For me it was never about chasing something and beating records. I just go out on the court and have fun, be a good leader and be competitive.
You are playing your 8th season with La Laguna Tenerife. What is so special about this organization that has made you remain so long? I found a place with this organization that I never expected when I arrived. But everything fits with this organization. The club, fans and city are great and my family and I feel very comfortable here since day one. It is simply a great surrounding where the players want to stay for a long time. We compete against the best teams and fight well in all competitions. There is no reason to have to move around like other players do. It is a perfect location and I´m happy.
Your teammate Aaron Dornekamp also loves the team as he is in his ninth season. Have you guys shared a special bond over the years more than other teammates? We connected here and I already knew him from when we faced each other with our national teams. We have a special bond, but that is also the case with so many of the other guys who have been here a while. We have created a really nice team bond here and we like to be around each other. When one has a winning environment, it makes everything so much easier on the court. We have so many high IQ players that it makes everything easier on the court.
Was winning the Basketball Champions League in 2022 your biggest success with La Laguna Tenerife? What was so special about this team?
That is hard to tell. Winning titles are important and mark a special place. But there have also been so many other moments in my time here. Having 1 great day winning a title can´t replace 8 years. I like being around nice people in a nice environment. There were also other great accomplishments like reaching the ACB semi-finals a lot. Beating Real Madrid as a eighth seed was also very special. I believe having nice ties with your teammates last longer than titles.
You have played often against German teams over the years. How have you observed German basketball over the years and how has it developed in the last 10-15 years? German basketball has grown so much. I see the results with the national team and they have been great. The teams have been so highly competitive and physical over the years. There are so many so gifted players like a few Brazilians that are playing for the team where I´m a bit bitter. They are a great team with a great future.
Before arriving in Tenerife, you played two seasons with Kirolbet Baskonia Vitoria. There you were teammates with current Euroleague player Johannes Voigtmann. How did you see his development the last two years and why isn´t a guy like him in the NBA?
Joe is such a talented player that can do it all as a big man. He can shoot, hit the 3, pass and play above the rim. He is one of those players where you don´t know how to guard him. He has gotten so much better and comfortable over the last years. He also has played with the best teams. Why he didn´t go to the NBA is a good question. You would have to ask him. Maybe he just knew that his place was in Europe. Sometimes it is better having a good status somewhere instead of having a frustrated dream. He has had a great career in Europe and I believe he is happy with that.
You played in the NBA from 2015-2017 playing 76 games with the Los Angeles Lakers. What kind of experience was that for you? What did you learn most from the experience?
I had to bring my A game each day. There was nothing guaranteed with my situation and I always had to earn my minutes. It was frustrating sometimes when I was in the rotation and out even though I believed that I deserved to be in the rotation. I had to always be ready and could only control what I could and not mess up. I feel like I did the best that I could. I was around incredible players and tried to learn as much as possible.
Was your 10 points and 9 assists in the win against the great Golden State Warriors one of your fondest single game performances? You can always tell your grand children that you beat Steph Curry in a game. That game was very special for me. Being able to beat the beat team in that era was great. It was so memorable winning and me having an impact in it. That game was my most memorable in my 2 years with the Lakers. I didn´t beat them, but we did it as a team.
You were teammates with the late Kobe Bryant. What was your fondest story with him? I will always remember Kobe being a really nice guy to me. I was very lucky to share special moments with him in the locker room. We sat next to each other in the locker room and training room. I will never forget having conversations in Spanish and Italian. He liked talking in different languages and not having his teammates know what he was saying. We spoke about random things and had nice private time together. But at the same time, I really respected his space and didn´t try to invade it too much.
What was the best example that you saw in your two year NBA stay that showed that the NBA is a business first and nothing else?
The NBA really is a business. There is so much money and ego´s involved. Clubs are so worried about reconstruction that the feelings for the players isn´t there. Sometimes decisions are made by clubs where the player has no power. Some guys will move to 2-3 teams in a season and that is hard. It isn´t easy for families, but that is part of the business. I was very lucky that I had no problems with that and stayed 2 seasons with the Lakers.
You played 4 years with FC Barcelona from 2011-2015 winning 4 titles. Would it be fair to say that this was the most memorable time in your professional career?
My dream as a kid wasn´t only to be a professional player, but one day to play for FC Barcelona. That dream came true. When I was there, I put in as much effort and competed at a high level and tried to win as much as possible. I had 4 good years, but am disappointed that I never won a Euroleague title. We reached 3 final 4´s. The Euroleague is that one title that I really wanted to win. We really tried our best, but it just didn´t want to happen.
There you played a season with the Lithuanian legend Sarunas Jasikevicius. What memories do you have of his last season. What story do you have of him that you will never forget? Sarunas is an amazing person foremost and was also an incredible player. When he was there, he was at the end of his career and he was nice to be around. I loved his stories and I was able to learn a lot from him on the court. We are still well connected today and talk often. He is a great coach now and I´m very happy that he is having success now as well.
You played 4 seasons with the Spanish legend Juan Carlos Navarro. What kind of an influence did he have on you and what kind of relationship did you have with him?
Juan was one of the most gifted players that I ever played with. What he did for the FC Barcelona organization and Spanish national team for so many years was out of the ordinary. His ability to score and lead the team was incredible. He didn´t speak much, but he was one of the nicest guys. He is very family orientated. He did so much for FC Barcelona. Being able to be around him and learn so much on a daily basis was very inspirational for me.
You played two seasons at Caja Laboral Vitoria with Dusko Ivanovic at. How do you remember his teaching and what valuable qualities could he give you that helped you become a better player? Dusko was very important in my career at that time. He shaped me then to be a better playmaker. He taught me how I could put players in position at the right time. His advice made click with me and I believed that I could be a better playmaker. He also taught me to fight through pain and to never give up. He forced me to the limit. I began to see things through a different perspective. I didn´t agree with him at first, but that helped me develop a certain toughness and I learned to bounce back during adversary. I´m really grateful to him.
In your second season you were 22 and a very talented 15 year old Ricky Rubio was on the team. What do you remember him doing in a practice that never left your memory bank?
When you saw him then at age 15, he wasn´t the future, but already the present. He was that good. I saw things from him at age 15 that I didn´t see from players at age 25. His maturity and expertise at that age was extra ordinary. We all understood the hype. He didn´t need to score and made everyone around him better. He was a great leader. He is still playing at a high level today which is really inspirational. I came to the team and was 21 and he was 14. When we saw him practice with his youth team, we were all amazed at what he could do on the court. How he took care of little things on the court were amazing. It was a joy for all to watch. Luka Donic was a bit older when he began to dominate.
How has basketball in Europe changed since your days in Badalona? Is there anything you miss from the early days playing in the ACB? Today teams play faster. The style also changed more since there are more Americans overseas now. Everyone is running more, quicker possessions and more three´s being shot. It is less structured now and the old fashioned game isn´t as visible anymore. But it is fun to see when teams play each other with different styles. There are more mental battles now. It is like a chess match. All you can do is to adapt as much as possible.
You played a very good World Championships in Turkey in 2010 as well as a very good Olympics in 2012. What tournament do you honestly feel did you play your best? Our best time with the national team was from 2010-2016. We should of won medals those years, but lost close games that we know that we should of won. We lost because of small details, being nervous and making bad decisions in crucial moments. I really wanted to win a medal for my country. I feel like we deserved more than what we reached.
How memorable was your 32 points in the 2010 World Cup win over arch rival Argentina? Is this a game that you enjoy rewatching? I never rewatch games of mine. I will watch highlights every so often. I think that when I retire one day, then I will have more time for things like that. I will be bitter and watch my old games and suffer. But I will remember moments like this and live with joy. I will watch my old games then with a different perspective. Now I´m focused most on continuing to learn and improve my game as best as possible.
What has it meant to you being a teammate with Tiago Splitter in the national team and also in Spain? Is he a close second to being the greats Brazilin player of all-time behind Oscar Schmidt? It is tough to tell since my country has had many great players over the years. I wasn´t alive when we won Gold and Silver medals at the Fiba World Cup. I heard that that generation had incredible players. I watched Oscar play and that generation as well as my generation had great players as well. Spliter had an incredible career being All Euroleague and won an NBA title. His career was cut short due to a hip injury. He could have had a longer and had an even better career. We had so many great players that it wouldn´t be fair to others if he was behind Oscar. But he was one of the best Brazilian players. He had a huge impact.
Please list your 5 all-time best teammates in your career? I´m sure Tiago Splitter is on this list.
It is very hard to name just 5 players since I had so many great teammates. I will list a few bigs since they always made my life so much easier on the court. Tiago Splitter, Ante Tomic who was so smart and my current teammate Giorgi Shermadini. I have an unbelievable connection to him. I owe him a lot. I can name so many others like Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio, Juan Carlos Navarro or Kobe Bryant. I could add 20 more guys.
In the two years that you played in the NBA who was the toughest player you battled and who was your toughest foe in Europe? In the NBA, I remember Russell Westbrook being so quick and explosive in his prime. Steph Curry also. You blinked and lost him. In Europe, my toughest were Rubio, Diamantidis, Spanoulis, Lull Etc.
Please list your own personal NBA and Euroleague Mount Rushmore. Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James And Shaq Dimitrios Diamantidis, Vasilios Spanoulis, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Hines and Luis Scola
Who is your Goat? Michael Jordan. Steve Nash and Jason Kidd inspired me growing up.
D’Monte Brown (193-G-2000, college: Langston) is a 193cm guard from Petersburg, Virginia who is playing his first Pro B season in Germany with the Fellbach Flashers, He played his second season overseas with Culture City Weimar helping them move up to the Pro B. He played his rookie season overseas with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24,6ppg, 11,2rpg, 3,8apg, 2,9spg and 1,0bpg. He began his basketball career at Petersburg High School. He then played at 3 schools starting with Garrett College (JUCO) averaging 13.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 90.2% and 20.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 80.9%. He then played a season at Miami Dade College (JUCO) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 82.7% and then played 2 years at Langston University, OK (NAIIA) averaging 11.5ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 74.0% and 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.0%. He teams up with germanhoops.com to talk basketball every week and bring insight to his overseas journey.
Thanks Dmonte for talking to germanhoops.com. mI forgot to ask you before the game what your nickname was. I called you Mr acrobatic. I hope that was Ok? You were really incredible with your athleticism. What is your proper nickname? Yes it is nice.
A tough 72-57 loss in Rhondorf. That was not how the team wanted to perform. How tough and long was the ride home? Did you reflect a little on the loss and have ideas what the team could do better in the next game? It was a tough loss for us. I spent the long ride home trying to think of ways how we can win together as a team.
The first quarter was good scoring from both teams, but the second quarter became more defensive. What adjustments did the teams make? Both teams were struggling to shoot the three. Both teams were trying to find a rhythm.
The third quarter was back and forth and you had the slim 2 point lead. But in the fourth quarter, they began with a 12-0 run. Did that cut the Fellbach throats? Yes, big shots win games.
Rhondorf did a good job on Jonathan Zeisberger. How tough was it getting through their wall in the zone in the fourth quarter? I honestly think that we lost the game on ourselves. We couldn´t defend the three point line and didn´t rebound well. When we take that away, we win for sure.
24 turnovers against Reutlingen and 25 turnovers against Rhondorf. How do you explain the problems of not being able to take care of the ball? We have to all take care of the ball better.
You had a 23/5/3/2 game but 4 turnovers. Is turnovers your biggest own focus? I tried to get warmed up, but my biggest focus for this week is to win games and come back stronger and work on everything at practice to be better for this week.
You next play Speyer. They are a tough team. What will be key to getting the win? We have to believe in ourselves, trust each other and learn from the last two losses. We have to be ready and get better at practice. We have to be focused for Speyer.
Last weekend in the first quarter of the Dragons Rhondorf-Fellabch game, there was an offensive show being put on from athletic scoring guard D´Monte Brown who simply had the hot hand. He demonstrated his 3 level scoring and scored with ease time in and time out again. After 10 minutes, he had paved 14 points on to the stat sheet and it looked like he was on the verge of having a possible career night in the Pro B. He had balled the last 2 seasons in the Regionalliga and averaged 24,0ppg with Aschersleben and Weimar Culture City and even exploded for 40 points against Braunschweig. Could he do it again at a higher level in the Pro B? However at the end of 40 minutes, he had produced 23 points, which was still another good night for him and above his average. It was another good day at the office for him. Dragons head coach Max Becker had made an adjustment and put young German Marvin Nduche (190-SG -2008) on him in the second quarter and he was able to stop Brown on a few possessions and he would score no points in the second quarter as Nduche simple showed lock down qualities. It was also the German´s Pro B debut and it was only logical that he was super focused and motivated to give a memorable performance. He even got a feeling what trash talking feels like at the pro level. “We were talking during the game. He told me it wasn´t easy playing against me and said I´m a really annoying defender”, smiled Marvin Nduche. The German has had that lock down defender in him already in younger youth leagues. “I love to defend the opponent´s best player. I did a good job defending Davi Remagen in the JBBL. I love putting 100% focus on the opponent”, said Marvin Nduche. The German also sparkled against Fellbach´s other great scorer Jonathan Zeisberger blocking him twice. “Marvin is a young great defender that does a lot of the things not seen on the stat sheet. He does whatever the team needs to win and had a big impact against us. He will be great this season. He will prove a lot of players and teams wrong. I´m looking forward to seeing that happen”, warned D´Monte Brown.
After a disastrous fourth quarter and loss in Frankfurt 72 hours earlier, the Dragons Rhondorf returned home and needed a positive reaction against top team Fellbach. After 40 minutes they had begun a new winning streak with an incredible 72-57 win. “We were a bit shakey at the start, but I learned that you can come back with good defense and that is what we did. Our second five did many key things for the win. We played as a team”, stressed Marevin Nduche. The Dragons Rhondorf trailed 47-45 after three quarters, but totally stepped up in the first few minutes of the fourth quarter exploding on a 12-0 run to set the foundation for the win. “Coach Becker told us to stick to the basics and just trust ourselves. We concentrated on Brown and Zeisberger and had the wall in the zone that slowed them down as a team. We had the momentum then, and we were all flying around and played with extreme hustle. Everybody helped each other”, stated Marvin Nduche. At the end of 40 minutes, the stat line of Marvin Nduche read very nicely with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He had logged 20 minutes and shot 40% from the field and even netted two three pointers. “This game was a lot of fun. I liked playing in front of the fans. I liked how everyone supported each other. If I had to give myself a German school grade mark then it would be a 2”, smiled Marvin Nduche who´s toughest defenders so far in his career have been Noah Koch and Davi Remagen.
The German who compares his game to a mix of Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown is a 17 year old 190cm guard who is playing his third season with NBBL (U-19) team Bonn/Rhondorf. He made big strides last season as he went from averaging 3,5ppg, 1,0rpg, 1,0apg in the 2024-2025 to averaging 10.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 71.4% last season. At the same he has the massive challenge of fighting for Pro B minutes which isn´t easy with his competition with Malik Idbihi and Tom Viehofer. “My role with the Pro B is challenge my teammates putting up the intensity in practice and in games always being ready to step up. I´m a defensive motor and like trying to be a lock down defender, but at the same time also being able to display my offensive skills”, warned Marvin Nduche. His strengths on the court are visible and he understands that being in the lab is very important now for his future development. “I would say my catch and shoot three is my biggest strength on offense and my on defense just not letting my guy get by me and just being on him at all times. I want to get better at taking more responsibility on offense and being able to beat my defender better on 1-1 situations”, commented Marvin Nduche. He also has exact visions of what his future is and do the other young teammates motivate him to work harder? “My goal is definitely to become a pro. Guys Like Malik Idbihi and Carlo Schmid definitely motivate me. We are best friends”, added Marvin Nduche. It will be interesting to observe how Marvin Nduche continues to develop this season. One thing is for sure. It will be an extra treat to visit the Dragon Dome as new performances of his like against Fellbach will surely happen again.
Isaac Johnson (213-C-2000, college: Hawaii, agency: Slash Sports) is a 26 year old 213cm center playing his rookie season overseas with Rigas Zelli (Latvia-LBL). He began his basketball career at American Fork High school. He then played a season at the University of Oregon (NCAA) averaging 2.5ppg, 1.2rpg. He then played 2 seasons at Utah State University (NCAA) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 84.6% and 3.9ppg, 1.9rpg. He then finished at the University of Hawaii (NCAA) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 88.5%. He played NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers averaging 7.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against Rostock.
Thanks Isaac for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your rookie season overseas with Rigas Zelli (Latvia-LBL). Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about a phrase in Latvian “”liela zivs” This is Big Fish. You got that nickname in 7thgrade when you were already 6,4. Do you see this nickname following you around overseas? Hopefully the nickname follows me around in the sense that people will want to be excited about who I am as a player because of how I play. The energy I like to bring, especially when I play well, is spurred on by the fans and a fun part of that in the past has been my Nickname.
As a guy who hails from Utah, your used to cold winters and it won´t be any different in Latvia. How have you adjusted to life there? What has stood out so far in their culture? So far, my wife and I have been adjusting very well. We have our regular amenities that help make us comfortable, and we have enjoyed learning some of the history of Latvia, seeing some amazing sights, and of course meeting some amazing people.
What kind of an experience has it been playing for RigasZelli (Latvia-LBL). What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization? So far my experience playing for this club has been so positive. The people of this club really care about making our lives as easy as possible so that we can give all of our attention to playing basketball. They are great people, who are personable and so nice. One thing I appreciate most about this club is how professional everything is done. We are professional basketball players, and should be held to that standard, but the coaching staff as well as all other staff also hold themselves to the same standard of being professionals in their own right.
What has it been like playing for head coach RokasKondratavicius? What have you appreciated most about his basketball philosophy?
It has been an honor for me to play for coach, even in such a short time. He is a great communicator and really wants to make sure his coaching is received well. He gives corrections as any coach does, but also backs up his corrections and coaching with positive reinforcement which I have seen through my experience as a very successful trait. I appreciate his willingness to work with the players and other coaches, he isn’t afraid to be a part of workouts or drills.
What has been the biggest adjustment on the court for you coming from the NCAA? Has big man Klavs Cavars been a mentor for you during the early going?
I think the biggest adjustment this far is just the pace of play. Not just in how fast people can get up and down the court, but in the small movements and pauses in order to create deception with their attack or set up for others to attack. It is fun for me to learn from other players that have been pro for so long, both from talking and especially observing. (Klavs has not been at practice yet because he is still with the National team.)
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 213cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?
I think I would best compare my game to Dirk or Porzingis. I’m able to stretch the floor, have a good feel on offense and am an underrated passer.
You fill the stat sheet well for a big man. Would you describe yourself as a modern day big man?
I would say yes, I like to think my game is not just being a stretch big, but also being able to play inside and make plays with the ball in my hand.
You can score and rebound well. What other strength does your offensive game incorporate? I think, as I stated before, that my passing ability is underrated. I am able to make passes and decisions that show my IQ and allow me to be more than just a big man who can score.
How would you describe the development of your defensive game as a rookie? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I think my defense is ok, but definitely has some improvements to make. I was able to average 1 block per game during my senior year, and I would like to build on that, as well as increasing my effectiveness in ball screen coverages.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player? The biggest part of my game that I am working on now is my confidence. I am a really good player, but at times, in the short term, I doubt myself instead of having the confidence that I will make the right decision regardless of the outcome. I am also working on being in better shape. The better shape I am in, the easier offense, defense and rebounding become.
Last summer you played with the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) averaging 7.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 80.0%. What kind of an experience was that? What was the most meaningful advice you got besides keep working hard?
The experience I had there was amazing! The staff and organization that the 76’ers have built and continue to build is modeled around great people who have immense basketball experience and knowledge. It taught me a lot about what it means to be a professional basketball player, and the type of player I am/need to still become.
You played against many big prospects in Las Vegas. Was there one guy you remember that stuck out most? I would say the prospect who stuck out the most to me was actually my teammate, Lebaron Philon. He was a super skilled player who worked really hard on both sides of the ball. It was awesome to see and great to play alongside him.
You were at the University of Oregon for a season and played only 13 NCAA games. There were 4 centers on the squad including future NBA player Nfaly Dante. How tough were these two years. What could you gain and learn from this experience? I was able to learn a lot about myself as a person as well as what it took to become a really good player. That year was difficult in the sense that I realized how I needed to make my expectations realistic. Of course you want to set high goals and work to achieve them, but also understand your role on the team and how it can change throughout a year.
You played your last NCAA game at Oregon against Utah State and then ended up going there. You played 2 seasons averaging 6.6ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 84.6%and 3.9ppg, 1.9rpg. It seemed like it was a coaching roller coaster as there were 3 coaches in 3 years. How do you remember these years. Was there one coach that helped you the most? I am very fond of my time at Utah State even though I had a new coach each year there. I would say the coach who helped me the most was Danny Sprinkle, who is now head coach of the Washington Huskies. He helped me to gain confidence, understand my role on that team well, and learn to take criticism and coaching and interpret them into what I really needed to hear.
You reached the NCAA tournament 4 times. Was your 19 points in the win over TCU one of your fondest moments there? One of the years, I was a red-shirt, and both of my other years at Utah State, along with my one year at Hawaii. I think that’s win will always hold a special place in my heart, but I would say my overall fondest moment was making it to the tournament with Hawaii. Even though we lost, it was the whole experience of being the leader to help carry our team to the tournament for the first time in 10 years.
You then finished at the University of Hawaii (NCAA) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 88.5%. It was your break out season. What kind of a player did you become there?
I would say I really was able to realize the type of dominant, and hard working player I can be while there. I became much more confident in my shooting, decision making, and overall trust of my coaches, team and self. I really caught a glimpse of the type of player I can continue to be in the future.
You had 2 massive games in 2 buzzer beater games against Call State Irvine and Fullerton scoring 22 and 15 points. What game was most exciting for you? I would say whenever we had the chance to play them was exciting, and always a battle. But every time we beat them was my favorite. They are well coached, and a good team, and proving we were better coached and a better team was always such a good feeling.
How did head coach Eran Ganot give you that last vital push to prepare you for a professional career?
He helped me to fall in love with the game of basketball again. He helped make the game fun. Because I was able to realize the type of player I am led by his coaching, he allowed me to realize the possibilities I have playing professional.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Yacine Toumi?
Me. Every time. No questions asked.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
I think I would say Benedict Mathurin
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
In sense of in a basketball game, or in sense of overall teammate are two different answers. But my favorite overall teammates, including both are:
Hunter Erickson
Landon Brenchley
Taylor Funk
Harry Rouhliadeff
Gytis Nemeiksa
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? LeBron, Steph, Dirk, Larry Bird
Who is your GOAT?
LeBron
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I am unaware of these movies.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Terrell Harris in Frankfurt 2026
The easyCredit BBL season is in full swing, but there are always new guys coming in at the start as guys are injured. That happened with the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier and they reacted bringing in a real veteran with easyCredit BBL, Pro A and international experience in Denmark, Turkey, Italy and Romania with Terrell Harris. He came to Trier having played 277 professional games. I read the press release and looked on my calendar and marked the cup date against the Skyliners as that would finally be the time again where I would see him play live again. The last time I had seen him play live was in the winter of 2021 during Covid when he was playing for the Niners Chemnitz. I entered the Skyliners arena and was disappointed when I didn´t see him on the roster for the game. I reported on a very exciting game which the Skyliners had won in superb fashion being led by their potent guard duo of Judah Mintz and Isaiah Swope combing for 34 points. After the game, I was in usual interview mode making the rounds and interviewed Isaiah Swope. Then out of nowhere, Terrell Harris stood there in front of me in mid question. I popped up and greeted him with a strong hand shake while Swope sat there waiting a bit bewildered. We said our hello´s and then he apologized to Swope for interrupting the interview. After the interview, I went to him and we had some small talk. He remembered our last meeting more than 5.5 years ago and even our photo we took, but the other guy who posed with us at had slipped my mind. “I remember that photo that we took. Virgil Matthews was also in the picture with us. I also remember our first interview a decade ago when I was a rookie with Pro B team Iserlohn. I also know that I´m 2-0 in Frankfurt when I was playing. We been in touch for a decade Miles, blessings to you and your career and I’ve been blessed to go a decade long in this overseas hoop life. Extremely grateful for year 10”, stressed Terrell Harris. I have been fortunate to interview Terrell Harris now 17 times in the last decade and it is always a pleasure talking basketball with the Florida native.
Virgil Matthews, Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Terrell Harris in Frankfurt in 2021
In the summer of 2025, I got a text message from the ex Georgia College & State University (NCAA2) guard asking me if he could get him some extra media exposure on eurobasket.com and my blog German hoops and I was more than happy to do it. We had done 15 interviews in the last 9 years and it had been a while since I had last interviewed him. It had been in May 2022 when he had balled with Crailsheim, so I was happy he had reached out since our contact had ebbed a bit the last years. He had missed the entire 2024-2025 season due to injury and wanted to get his name out again. He found not one, but two teams last season splitting the season with CS Valcea 1924 Rm Valcea (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 78.3% and then returned back to Germany and suited up with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 66.7%. “Last year was tough for me missing 18 months then getting the chance to play with both teams without having training camp and just fitting in on the fly. I’m sure I could’ve put up better numbers because I still have some more game left in me. I was just trying to fit in as much as possible without causing in interruption because both teams were already built and flowing”, stated Terrell Harris. In Romania, he was finally able to play the game he loves again, but getting back into the groove wasn´t simple. “I was still trying to get over the mental hurdle in Romania of returning to the court. Also we played with a two Romanians must be on the court rule which limited my playing time. I’m fortunate to be a part of Valcea history and roster. It’s a part of my story. By the time I start to feel like myself again, Ludwigburg came calling”, remembered Terrell Harris.
Terrell Harris in Frankfurt in 2026
The American who enjoyed being teammates with Euroleague player TJ Shorts in Crailsheim then returned back to Germany and had a new challenge with Ludwigsburg. Despite being there for only a short time, he got a lot out of the experience that didn´t allow team success. “Ludwigsburg was nice to play at even though I got there late. I enjoyed the coaching staff and players. 2 more games won and we would’ve been the number 6 seed. I just wish I was there from August with that certain group of guys who needed my leadership at the guard position. I think they would’ve been better from a mental standpoint”, stressed Terrell Harris. Ludwigsburg was definitely a learning experience and is blessed that he could spend time with the MHP Riesen organization. “It was extremely tough to get off a plane at midnight go through medicals to get cleared then have a walk through then play the next day vs a team like Chemnitz who were fighting for a playoff spot at the time. I did the best I could with the role I had with Lubu! I’m grateful they gave me a shot to return back to Germany basketball after 3 years. I leaned to stay ready and swallow pride because your role can be way different than what you’re accustomed to through the years”, stated Terrell Harris. Last season, he had a really good game against his future team Trier. Did he ever think that he would land there? “No to be honest I didn’t think I would land in Trier. I was home waiting for a call but Trier wasn’t on my radar. Glad Coach called for me to join a winning program though. So far it’s been fun”, smiled Terrell Harris who will tip his hat to a friendly 1-1 game in practice with teammate Eli Brooks. “Eli is young and quick. At 33 and a knee injury I don’t think I can stay in front of him. Unless I get 5 fouls. He’s a great player, I love his game. 1 on 1 is more his game not mine“, smiled Terrell Harris.
Now the scoring guard who always had versatility in his game has a new challenge once again in Germany with the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier and it is his 6th club in Germany with Iserlohn, Rostock, Chemnitz, Cralsheim and Ludwigsburg that he has played with. It is no surprise that he has returned back to Germany. Coming to a place where he has always been successful. “I’ve been very fortunate enough to build a career around Germany. I’m blessed that the GM and coaches still feel as if I can help contribute to their club. I guess my career was supposed to play out like this. I embrace everything outside of basketball in order to make the on the court easier. I have learned to get out and meet people and just connect with culture off the court to make life easier on the court. I struggled with that my first few years”, remembered Terrell Harris. There is a lot of history in Trier and the club is back in the BBL after a long tenure in the Pro A and are very successful in the BBL. It was not difficult to comprehend why he joined the team. “I wanted to be a part of winning and help a winning culture. What Trier built here the last 3 to 4 years has been amazing. I remember when the club was Pro A and struggling to become a top team back in 2019 and 2020. It is a class act organization. From management to coaching to players. Seems like everyone is on the same page here. Which it shows on the court. I’m glad I can write about this chapter of my career in this city because I know it’s going to be about winning”, stressed Terrell Harris. He is playing for a rising coach in Jacques Schneider and is ready to embrace his new role. “Coach is very straightforward and honest with his players but at the same time allow them to star in their role. Every player knows their role to the fullest. My role is to add on to everything this team already possesses. Play hard, play tough, play defense, and share the ball. I do not need to be a superhero here”, warned Terrell Harris. An interesting stat in his great career is that from 2013-2024, he always averaged in double figures in scoring. However he was always a versatile player and fills the stat sheet like no other. At 33, he knows exactly how he will help his new organization be successful. “I want to continue to play make and prove I can still contribute to a top team at a top level. Just give these guys whatever I’m called upon to give”, warned Terrell Harris. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to his new team. Like last season he came late to the club missing all of training camp. Unfortunately, I will miss the next BBL meeting in Frankfurt with Trier and Harris, because on that day, I will be calling a game elsewhere. However one thing is for sure. There will be a 18th story between Terrell Harris and I sometime. It just couldn´t be any other way.
Niko Jerkic (202-F-2007) is a 19 year old 202cm forward from Croatia that is playing with FC Bayern Munich. He began his career in Germany in the ratiopharm Ulm organization. He played NBBL reaching the final in 2025 and also played for their Pro B team Orange Academy and their Regionalliga team. Last season he played with FC Bayern Muenchen Second Team (Germany-ProB, starting five) averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 70.0%, played also with their NBBL team averaging 17.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 73.2% and also played 1 easyCredit BBL game. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the summer of 2026 about basketball.
Thanks Niko for talking to germanhoops.com. I know your Dad since a long time. I remember meeting you and Roko in Berlin in 2025 at NBBL top 4. I remember him telling you I was a writer. What other things do you remember him saying about me? He told me that you are in the Basketball scene a long time and a very good writer. Also that you are a commentator.
How did you get a love to basketball and when did you start to play the game?
First I started to play football and my dad was watching the games, I never touched the ball. Then after we had a conversation and I switched to basketball. I think I started playing at 7 years old. My dad always shot with me outside, that´s when I really fell in love with basketball.
Please name your career stops from when you began to play until you came to orange academy jbbl? Scanplus Baskets U10
Ulm U12, U14 and the JBBL two years with Orange Academy
Who were your early basketball inspirations? Was it a mix of German and Croatian players? When I was 12 years old, it was always Lamelo Ball. I always watched his mixtapes and game highlights. Now I really like to watch players I get compared to like Dzanan Musa or Mario Hezonja. Those are my main inspirations right now. But I also have more players I really enjoy watching like Mike James or Dwayne Bacon.
Was your dad like a mentor for you? How has he helped your game most? Yes he is my mentor my whole life. He trained me since I was little and supported me the most with my mom, watching every and giving me tips during and after the game. He even watched team practices when I was young.
You played JBBL with Orange Academy. How do you remember those early years in Ulm. Did you have another type of mentor besides your dad? My first year no, my second year yes, it was my former coach Jochen Lotz. I enjoyed playing for him, because he saw my talent and gave me freedom to play. He pushed me every practice to go harder especially on defense.
In the 2023-2024 season you made the jump to the NBBL team and won ANGT over Zalgiris. What memories do you have of winning that title? We were a really talented team and had a deep roster. Our Chemistry was awesome and it was a lot of fun to play in Dubai. What I remember the most is having fun at the pool with my guys.
You also got your first real experience playing with men playing for BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 8.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 73.7%. How vital was this time? How did your game then profit most from Regionalliga ball? It helped me make the jump to senior basketball. That was my first year playing against grown men and also helped me to jump to the next league Pro b. I had freedom from our Coach Tim Roleder, that helped me trying stuff against better players and taking the next step.
How valuable was having a guy like Noa Essengue as a teammate and a guy you could battle in practice? What are your memories with him? He is obviously a great player, he plays for the bulls now. I only practiced with him shortly before the ANGT, I would describe him as a quiet guy, but very nice to talk to. He carried our team that tournament.
In the 2024-2025 season you got your first Pro B experience and played NBBL with Ulm. How did your game profit most under Florian Flabb? In the NBBL I was given freedom and had the ball in my hands. In the Pro B I had a different kind of role more off ball because we had other guys. He pushed me every practice to get better and I had some great conversations with him during my time playing for him.
You reached the NBBL final in 2025 in Berlin and averaged with ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (Germany-NBBL)16.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 75.0%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 75.4%. How tough was it losing to Munich in the final? What do you feel was the difference? I thought that we deserved to win, because we worked so hard towards this final game. At the end they just brought more energy to the game and we didn´t step up like we should have.
You played on many teams with Ulm with Swiss army knife Joel Cwik. How special of a player was he? Was he like a teammate mentor for you? He wasn´t a mentor for me because we are almost the same age. He is a player that always brings energy with his dunks and defense. He is a all rounder who can do a bit of everything on the court and is also a great funny guy to be around.
When you look back at your years in Ulm, what kind of a player did you become there? I think I developed good at Ulm. I became a player that can create for himself but also for others. I didn´t only develop on the court, but of the court I think I also became a better person, becauseIi was around mature and nice people.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 202cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a pro player who would best fit the description? Just recently I was compared to Dzanan Musa. I like Mario Hezonja a lot and feel like I play like him, I´m just not as athletic.
You’re a player that fills the stat sheet really well. How big is versatility in your game?
I would describe myself as a Big Guard and Point Forward. I can shoot and score but I think my passing is a bit underrated. My defense improved a lot the last years.
You shot 39% in the Pro B with Munich. How do you see the development of your 3 pointer last season and what goals do you have with it this season?
I had a good shooting season, even though I was injured for a long time. My goal is definetly to go over 40 percent this season, which is possible.
Talk about your defensive game. Are you still raw? What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? As I said my defense improved a lot, because I guard smaller guards at practice to get better. Also through the first team here in Munich my defense improved because I´m guarding Euroleauge players. I want to be able to guard multiple positions when I am done developing.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game best? This summer my focus is definitely on the athletic part, getting faster, more explosive and stronger. That is really what I need to become a pro. Of course I´m also working on my creating with the ball.
You played with FC Bayern Munich last season in the Pro B averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 70.0%, played NBBL and 1 BBL game. What is the best thing about playing for this great organization?
It is a really great organization. All the coaches and the staff cares about the player. The professionalism of all coaches and staff is at a really high level. I´m grateful to play for this amazing club and get a chance to develop as a person and a player. I have everything that I need here in Munich.
What is it like being teammates with brother Roko? What do you like most about him as a player and person? It´s so fun playing with my little brother and I´m so grateful to share the court with him. I hope we stay healthy this season so we can even play more together. He has so much potential, the way he scans the court as a point guard with his size is incredible. Of course he can also score and likes to get everybody involved. But when it gets time to takeover, he knows how to do it. His ceiling is set very high. He pushes me every workout and we spend a lot of time to getter of the court also.
How competitve are you guys? How many 1-1 games do you win in 10 tries? We are both really competitive and like to win. Of course I win 10 times you don´t even have to ask. Maybe in the future it will change, but for now I got myself every time. He will say otherwise, because he is a liar.
Your game really picked up in Feb 2026 after a long injury. How tough were those first months fighting the injury and getting fit again? It was definitely a hard time mentally, because I had the injury multiple times. I was in the weight room everyday and couldn´t touch a basketball, that´s what annoyed me the most. Thanks to the great coaches here in Bayern I got fit fast.
How tough was it losing NBBL playoffs to your ex team Ulm? You gave all you had with 55 points in 2 games. What was the difference in this series? Was Teo Milicic to much to handle? Yeah Teo definitely gave us problems, with his abilities to score but also to pass. We couldn´t stop him. Also Endurance really gave us problems with his size and grabbing rebounds and dunking on people. But also players like Milo Murray or Kayan Yeboah who are very versatile helped Ulm win. If we would have had a complete roster I think we would have won the series. We had guys like Roko Jerkic, Nikolas Sermpezis and Andrija Susic missing the whole series. They´re also some main guys.
You made new strides last season. How did your season grow further with FC Bayern Munich?
Because of my Injury I missed half of the season, but still I think I did a solid job. Bayern is really letting me develop by giving me freedom and trying out new things in games. I also trained a lot with the first team, which really helped me to get better. When you practice with them and then go to Pro B, it seems so much easier. Every Coach wants the best for you and wants you to succeed, I really like this whole philosophy and the ideas of the club.
You made your BBL debut against Braunschweig scoring 1 point in 3 minutes. What will you always remember from that first BBL game?
I will always remember Coach Pesic calling my name to get subbed in. Especially debuting for such a legendary coach is awesome. My first free throw I was a bit nervous, but then I calmed down and made the second one. Also all the fans and players cheering for me was a very special moment.
What was it like playing for legend Svetislav Pesic? Do you remember having a meaningful conversation with him about basketball or life? We had multiple conversations about basketball, he always tried to get me better at everything I did. He pushed me and always said I need to go harder and really compete.
If you had to pick 1 Munich BBL player who had the biggest impact on you what would it be?
Isaiah Mike
What are your personal goals for the 2026-2027 season? I would like to end up in first place in the Pro B and have a great Season as a team and individually.
You also play for the Croatian youth national team. How is the stat of Croatian basketball? What young talents are coming up for the future? Croatia has some very talented players, especially in the generation of 2010.
You played at the FIBA U16 European Championship Division B in Pitesti (Romania) winning Gold averaging 8.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 44.4%. What memories will you always have of winning that title?
We won because our team chemistry was great and we trained so much. I will always remember chilling with the guys at the hotels and having fun.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA or Euroleague? I think the hardest person I ever had to guard is Xavier Rathan-Mayes. His skillset is so unique.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? I will give you a Top 10 because I can’t decide. Not in order.
Milo Murray, Jervis Scheffs, Oliver Kullamae, Endurance Aiyamenkhue, Kayaan Yeboah, Caspar Vossenberg, Namik Muratovic, Andrija Susic, Teo and Zoran Milicic.
Please list your personal Croatian and German Mount Rushmore of all-time best 4 players? Croatia: Drazen Petrovic, Toni Kukoc, Ivica Zubac, Mario Hezonja Germany: Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroder, Franz Wagner, Isaac Bonga
