DeLonnie Hunt (183-PG-2001, college: Richmond, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 183cm guard playing his rookie season with KK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia-Premijer Liga). He began his basketball career at Rock Creek Christian Academy and also played at DC Premier (DC) (UAA U17). He then played at Wagner College (NCAA) from 2020-2023 playing a total of 99 games. He then finished at the University of Richmond (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 76.6% and 15.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 84.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his 44 point game.
Thanks Delonnie for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 44 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in first division Croatia which is a very respected league in Europe. What does this feat mean to you?
It means a lot to me personally just proving that I can compete at a very high level in Europe and that all the work that I’ve put in to prepare for this stage is paying off! Especially having that type of game against ABA league competition following a 30pt performance against another ABA league team (Zadar) also proves that I can be consistent in scoring the ball at an efficient rate!
You have been a good scorer in your NCAA career but not a guy that averaged 20,0ppg or more. Did this scoring total surprise you a bit?
I wouldn’t say surprised me but definitely impressed myself! My last year at Richmond I showcased this scoring ability before I was injured, It was just during my time in college I was never asked to score at such a high rate. That didn’t mean I was incapable but just meant I had to contribute in other major ways to winning! I always knew and had the confidence to put the ball in the basket so I can’t say it surprised me but it felt good to have those kind of numbers and result in a win.
Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?
No, nothing really special just treated the day like any other game day however we did travel to split by van the same day of the game so once we got on the court I took some extra time to rollout and band stretch than usual.
How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?
Just really focused, was a much needed win to put us in a better position going into round 3, didn’t really go in overthinking just more so focused and willing to do what it took to win!
How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?
My captain Gara (#5) found me on back to back fast breaks for a three that I made after I had made a layup so those quick 8 points really kind of got me going! It wasn’t until about the 3rd quarter when I realized the rate I was scoring because like I said before I was just focused on doing what it took to win the game
The team had 22 assists in the game and you 6. How many of your buckets were made on the isolation?
A good amount were made on isolation, some came from transition and P&R too. My coach trusts me not only to score but to make the right play late shot clock and when defenses switch and also I’m surrounded by shooters so I’m able to use my speed to get down hill on driving lanes and create space for 3s as well.
You produced well from the 2, 3 and FT line. Is it fair to say that you displayed your 3 level scoring well?
For sure as a small guard it’s important to be able to score in all different aspects, opens the game up for myself and my teammates.
You followed up the next game with 33 and had 77 points in 2 games. Does a performance like that of Bam Adebayo give you hope you might score 50 points one day?
Lol Not something that I am hoping for, I think it would be an awesome accomplishment but I can’t say it’s something I’m hoping for if I feel I can make it happen it’s beneficial for the team then it would be even better
What was your favorite own basket of the 44 point game?
Probably the one that gave me 40! Not just because of the points but that basket put us up 10 with 3 minutes left which is pretty tough to come back from for any team!
Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?
Yes for sure! Every message I got was special to me because it just shows the support system and the amount of people keeping up with me even though I’m not in America anymore!
Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?
Lance Jeter (191-PG-1988, college: Nebraska) is a former professional player that enjoyed a prosperous 8 year career overseas playing in countries like Holland, Poland, Germany, France, Lithuania and China. He began his basketball career at Beaver Falls high school and then played 2 years at Polk and then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.9% and 11.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Thanks Lance for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you?
Back Home In Pittsburgh Pa Coaching HS Basketball With Brother Ramone In Our Hometown Beaver Falls PA & Also Running Our AAU Basketball Organization 4th Through HS
You retired back in 2019. Has time flown by quickly in the last 6 years? Times Sometimes Feel Like It’s Moving Fast But I Enjoy Being Home Coaching My Kids Watching Them Grow Up & Giving Back To My Community!
I always saw you as a player that everyone wanted as a teammate and everyone hated to play against. Is that a fair assessment of how you were as a player?
Yes Always The Type Of Player To Pass First & Get My Teammates Involved & Focus On Winning That’s Always Been My Main Goal! Play Physical & Tough & Always Be A Leader Out There! Even If It’s Sacrifices My Personal Stats I All I Wanted To Do Was Win!
You won 7 titles as a pro and that is probably more than 85% of all pro´s in the world. Did you achieve most that you wanted as a pro player or was their something you didn´t achieve that you would have liked? Like I Said The Main Goal Was To Win always Has Been Since I Was a Kid Playing This sport! I wanted to Be very successful As A Player & When It Was All Set & Done They Would Say No Matter Where He Went He Won!
You had a nice 8 year career. But I´m sure you could of played longer. How was your body feeling like in 2019?
My body Was feeling great. I Just Came Off averaging 24 Points A Game In Europe Cup Play With Donar & Was feeling Good! It wasn’t My Idea To Stop Playing Covid Came & Things Was Unclear And Uncertain In The World So That Kind of was The Reason I Stoped Playing & The Market Changed Oversea With Pay And That Nature!
Often guys retire because the body is hutting down or some great opportunity off the court came about. Why did you retire at age 30? Yea Wasn’t My Idea To Be Done I Felt Great Was Training To Get Ready For The Next Season & Now Since I Train 4 Times A Week It’s Just Old Habits Athletes Can’t Break Just Wanted To Be in Shape & Live A Healthy Lifestyle But Then Covid Happened & That Just Change Everything In 2019 & Was The Waiting Game After That Then Two Years Go Bye. You Have To Provide For Your Family Can’t Keep Waiting!
Was the first year tough after retiring? What did you miss most from the game?
It was Very Tough Especially because It Wasn’t On My Terms Like I Said I Wasn’t Ready To Be Done & Felt Like I Had A lot To Prove Still So It Was Tough Mentality For Sure! Darks Days You Go From Doing Something You Love and Then Suddenly It Stops So I Had To Really Get Out That Head Space & Find Something That Makes Me Happy Again To Avoid That Empty Space In My Heart!
What have you been doing since retirement? Do you have a normal 9-5 job?
Coaching Basketball & Football & Running My AAU Basketball Organization With My Brother! It’s Giving Me Focus & Happiness To Help The Next Generation & My Community To Take This Thing Further Than I Ever Did & Just Give Them The Opportunity & Things I’ve Learned Over The Years & Push Them Further Than I Did!
Do you still have a connection to basketball? I Still Have The Connection To Basketball State Side & International! Like I Said I’ve Find Ways To Filled That Gap That’s Been In My Heart From Not Being Able To Play Professionally Anymore & Help The Next Generation Coming Up & I Love It!
You began at Polk College. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but one that they wouldn´t have missed for the world. How was it for you?
The Toughest Times For Sure Because You Feel Like Your Being Left Behind! Your Watching All These Guys You Compete Against In HS On TV & They are On The Big Stage On TV & You Took The Juco Right Knowing You Belong On The Same Stage as Them So It’s Tough But It Builds Character and Makes You So Much More Hungry and Humble With A Chip On Your Shoulder To Get To That Next Level & You Build Life Long Friendships/Brothers From Juco Some Of Best Friends Came From Polk County With Me & We Been Locked In 10 Plus Years Now!
You then played 2 seasons at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.9% and 11.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.8%. What kind of a player did you become there?
Nebraska Really Showed Me What Type Of Player I Could Be! My Junior Year & Senior Year Was Night & Day! Had To Get Used To How Fast & Strong The Big 12 Was At That Time & It Was Tough My Junior Year But Once I Got Used To It My Senior Year Was Great! I did A lot Of Great Things In Those Two Years & Was Coached By A Really Great Coach In Doc Sadler! I Really Left My Mark On Nebraska In A Short Period Of Time!
How tough was that first season. The team started off hot winning 9 of 11 games, but then finished the season losing 14 of 16 games? What did you learn from that season? Getting Used To The Big 12! Every Night Your Playing Against A NBA Player Pretty Much So I Had To Get Used To The Pace Of The Big 12 & Like I Said It Showed Me What Type Of Player I Wanted To Be & Leader & I Was Very Hungry My Senior Year To Leave My Mark On My School & The Big 12.
You had many great games like a 27/10/5 game in a tough 83-82 loss to Iowa State. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA?
Best Moments Was My Senior Year We Beat Some Great Teams That Year! We beat a Good USC Team When We we were down By 20 At The Half! Beat The #21 Team In The Country Missouri Beat The #10 Team In The Country Texas A&M & Beat The #2 Team In The Country Texas So A lot Of Great Wins For Our Program That Year!
What memories do you have of German Christian Standhardinger. Was he a joker off the court?
Christian Standhardinger Was A Funny Guy Someone Who Could Score Everywhere On The Court and Knew How To Get To His Spots & Had A lot Of Energy. I Loved Playing With Him!
How did head coach Doc Sadler groom and prepare best for a professional career?
Coach Doc Helped Me Become A Better Leader On The Court! He Tested Me A lot and Pushed me to The Limit With Me To See If I Can Handle It and see If I’ll Break & I Owe Him A lot Since I Got There He Put The Basketball In My Hands and Let Me Run The Show I’m Very Thankful For That He Showed Me How Important Defense Was!
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Henry Sek? Sek Is Offensively One Of The Best Players I’ve Every Had The Chance To Play With He was a Real LIfe Master On Offense He is One Of Those Players Who Has Multiple Counters To Your Defense! Really A Student Of The Game I Learn A lot From Sek who is One Of My Good Friends! I´m Proud Of Everything He Does On The Court!
You played your rookie season for Lasaulec Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 16.ppg, 3.8rpg, APG-5 (3.4), 1.3spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 73.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
Holland is a Special Place. The People Are Great Very Welcome! Of Course My 1st Year Was Tough Just Learning The Culture Of Holland But Very Quickly I Felt At Home & Was Comfortable because Of The People Of Holland Made Me Feel That Way & I’m Forever Grateful To Them For Making It Easy!
How vital was Tjoe De Paula in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor for you?
Tjoe Was Very Important To My Rookie Year Someone Who Helped Me Soon As I Got There & Showed Me Around & Made Sure I Was Good! We Had A lot Vets On That Team Also Mark Sanchez Was Also Big Part Of My Rookie Year & Him & Tjoe Became Family To Me Years Later we Were Able To Win Championships Together So They are My Brothers & I Love Them Guys Very Much!
You played your second pro season with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 70.1%. You had so many incredible teammates like Daniel Theis, John Bryant, Per Guenter, Allan Ray, Phillip Schwethelm or Steve Esterkamp. What guy had the biggest impact on you?
Great Team In Ulm! With A lot Of Great Players A Special Season! Allan Ray & John Bryant Had The Biggest Impact On Me & Helped Me Get Through My 2nd Year I Had To Get Used To A New Country & New Language They Helped Me A lot Especially Allan Ray I Was With Him A lot He Showed Me How Take Care Of Business On & Off The Court! They Showed Me The Ways Of Being A Professional Appreciate Them Two So Much!
You played 1 Euroleague game and battled Mire Chatman who was one of the greatest American guards in his generation overseas. Does knowing that mean more to you now than back in the moment? You really played against incredible players.
Yes Got A Chance To Play Mire Few Times One Time In Euroleague & Couple More Times in Euro Cup He was Someone Who Made The Game Look So Easy He never Seemed Like He Was Speeding Up Game. He Was Very Smooth! I’m went Into The Game Not Knowing Who These Guys were But Found Out Quickly They Got A lot Of Game With Them!
What memories do you have of the tough 5 game series loss to Oldenburg? Games 3-5 were so tight. You battled against BBL legend Rickey Paulding. I Remember That Series Very Much. Per Guenter Was Injured In The Beginning Of The Series So I Started & Was Ready For My Moment & Had Some Good Games. I Remember Per Not Fully 100% But Coach Wanted Him To Start & Just Didn’t Feel Right To Me because I Felt I Was Playing Great That Series Knowing Per Wasn’t His Self So That Game 5 I Felt Like I Could of Played More Minutes! Ricky Paulding Is One Of Those Players I For Sure Looked Up To The Way he kept Himself Ready Each Year As He Got Older and The Way He Adapted To The Game. His Shot Got Better Later In His Career & Still Would Surprise You with A Dunk On You If You Weren´t Ready! He was a True Legend & Professional. He is a Great Person and it Was A Honor To Watch Him Through The Years.
You then played with Trefl Sopot (Poland-TBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 74.8%. You won the Super Cup which was your first pro chip. What memories do you have of that season? We Beat Rosa For The 3rd Place In The League. We Took Stelmet To 5 Games Where They Beat Us To Go On The Championship They Had A Really Great Team It Was A Tough Battle! That Season Was A lot Of Up & Down Moments For Myself & The First Time In My Career Where I Got Tested Mentally!
Then came your Jordan like run playing for Donar Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) and winning 6 titles from 2014-2017. Were these some of your best times in your life?
Being In Groningen Was The Best Times For Me, I was Used To The Country By Now & Knew My Way Around & Knew My Teammates From My Rookie Year In Leeuwarden & Had Tjoe With Me & Mark & Jason Made Everything So Much Better & Comfortable For Me It was Truly The Best Time With The Best Fans In Holland that Supported Us!
This was also your best years. You averaged 14,0ppg twice and led the Dutch league in assists and was second once. Was it playing with great teammates that helped you to success? My Success For Sure Came From Having Veterans Teammates Who Only Cared About Winning & Letting Me Be Myself & Play My Game With A Coach Who Let Me Be Myself & Just Having Fun On The Court & Off The Court Being A Real Family. It Showed On The Court When We Were Playing! For Sure I Owe My Teammates A lot Of Credit For Letting Me Be Myself!
Jason Dourisseau came in your second season and remained after you left and would win more titles there. Was he one of your best teammates ever?
Jason Dourissea is Probably My Best Teammate, Someone Who Was Always Finding The Positivity In Every Situation. Someone Who Was A True Professional and Came Ready To Work Every Day, A True Leader Someone I Looked Up To and Who Helped Me Become A Better Leader On The Court! He showed Me How To Be A Leader Of Men! He Is Someone I´ll Put him Up There With Ricky Paulding A Real Leader & Professiona. l Love Jason Like A Big Brother Little Brother Relationship! And I´m Rooting For Him As He Is The Head Coach For Groningen Now!
You beat Zwolle twice for the Dutch title. Which title was tougher to win?
When We Played Zwolle Those Two Years, I’m Going Be Honest It Wasn’t Tough At. It Was Very Easy To The Point All We Were Worried About was Nobody Get Injured & We Will Be Just Fine! Our Team Was Really That Good & Most Of Those Games We Barely Played In The 4th Q Because The Games Wasn’t Close Or Felt Close At All!
You also played a season with ultimate player Marcus Hatten. What memories do you have of him` Was he like a role model for you?
When I Went Back To Germany Marcus Hatten Came To The Team 2nd Half Of The Season & You Can Tell He Was a Smart Veteran Someone Who Didn’t Get Sped Up While He Was Playing & For Sure Someone Who Helped Me See The Game In Different Ways & Tried To Be Few Steps Ahead Of Your Opponent So He For Sure Help Me A lot During My Time There!
You played a season with JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA) averaging 6.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 63.6%. What memories do you have of France? How did the France Pro A compare to the best leagues you played in then? Was it more elite than BBL in Germany at that time?
My Time In France Was Challenging Because It Was A New League & It’s Where I Wanted To Be Challenged Coming From Holland I Felt Like I Did Everything I Could Possibly Do In That League And Was Looking For a New Challenge To Test Myself & The French League For Sure Did That. It was Very Fast Uptempo, Very Athletic Players Also Felt Being My 1st Year Of College Again Had To Adjust To The Game & I Think I Did That the 2nd Part Of The Season! It’s Two Styles Of Play. The BBL Is More Physical & France Pro A Is More Faster A lot Of Skillful Players Both Great Leagues!
You were in Lithuania, China and Holland for your final season. That was like a roller coaster ride. How crazy was this last season? You seemed to see it all that last season. It Was A Roller Coaster But I Just Wanted To Be Comfortable And Feel Like I Was At A Place That felt Like Home & Of Course Holland Was That Place But Not Just For Me But For My Family As Well So That Was My Main Reason To Head Back To Holland!
How would you like fans to remember Lance Jeter the player?
I would Like The Fans To Remember Me As The “General” Someone Who Cared About Nothing But Winning. A Leader Of Men Someone Who Had Fun & Love Playing The Game He Loved. A Player Who Made Sure To Involve The Fans With The Game! A True Winner!
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? There were So Many Players It’s Hard To Pin Point One! Kansas Had A lot Of Great Players Of Course Who Was Very Tough! The Morris Twins Had A Few Great Teams. A Few Of Those Texas Teams Was Very Tough With A Few NBA Players. Baylor Had A Few Great Players & Oklahoma State Had James Anderson. He Was A Elite Scorer There Texas AM Had Few Good NBA Players So Many Players!
Who were your 3 toughest players that you faced overseas?
Igor Rakocevic Is A Legend Was who was Very Good For The Red Stars! Mire Chatman Was Very Good Very Tough To Guard & Bobby Brown In The German League Made It Look Very Easy When I Was Playing Him & Jenkins For Oldenburg Was Very Tough To Guard So Quick and could Shoot The Ball!
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? 1. Allan Ray 2. John Bryant 3. Chase Fieler 4. Zach Peacock 5. Jason Dourisseau Honorable Mention Tjoe Mark Sanchez Chase Simon Sean Cunningham Ross Bekkerking
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?
Steph Curry MJ Kobe Bryant LeBron James Shaq
Who is your GOAT? My Goat (Kobe Bryant)
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? They Should Have Left It Alone Some Movies Don’t Need Sequel And That’s One Of Them!
Marley Jean-Louis (188-SG-1994) is a 32 year old 188cm guard that is playing his 14th professional season and first with DBV Charlottenburg (Regionalliga). He began his career in the Alba Berlin organization and then played for clubs like Munster, EN Baskets Schwelm, FC Schalke 04, EPG Baskets Koblenz, ScanPlus Baskets Elchingen, Rhein Stars, BG 2000 Berlin, and BSW Sixers Sandersdorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 52 points in a Regionalliga game.
Congrats Marley on scoring 52 points in a crazy 148-21 win over Buchorn Bau. You won by 177 points. How crazy is that?
Thank you Miles, I appreciate the Interview. That was definitely a crazy experience that I was not expecting starting the day. I think that was the biggest win I ever had.
You scored an incredible 52 points. They only dressed 6 players. Do you feel like that helped your quest for 52 points?
To be Honest it definitely helped with more guys or all their better players they would’ve had a bigger rotation and could’ve guarded more physical and better.
Not many pro players no matter what league score 50 or more points in a game. You did it in 27 minutes. That is super efficient. What does this feat mean to you?
It’s nice, I’m happy that I was able to keep my focus high during that game and had the trust from my teammates and my coaches. It’s good that I was finally able to give our commentator Arne his birthday present. He was asking for a 40 piece and I was able to give him even more.
Did you have a special breakfast in the morning or do something out of the ordinary that may have helped your game go off for 52 points?
It was actually a kind of busy day for me we had shootaround after that I worked out a kid because I’m also an individual Skills Coach. So I didn’t really spend that much time at home and was kind of stressed about it.
How did you feel going into the game? You had been averaging over 20,0ppg in the last 5 games? Did it feel different than other games once you started hitting shots?
I was surprised that they just showed up with 6 people and our coach was mad because of it. Rightfully so of course. He kept our head straights for the game and motivated to go out and make a statement so I was just trying to stay locked in and don’t let the appearance from the other team affect me.
How quickly did you know that you may have a great scoring game in the first half?
After I was hitting a couple of 3s in a short time. That was the moment where I thought to myself let’s see what’s type of day it’s going be for me today.
The team had an incredible 43 team assists. How thankful are you for your teammates always finding you again time in and time out?
Without my teammates it would not been possible. I did disappoint some of them in the last games when I missed some open looks. So it was my way to apologize.
You hit 12 three´s. How does that make you feel that the greatest three point shooter of all-time Steph Curry only hit 1 three more in a game in his life?
To be honest I was not really thinking about it. Now that I know I’m kind of mad because I definitely would’ve tried to hit 2 more to break his record.
Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?
No not really. But after I made the 3 for 50 points everybody was cheering and in the timeout Dilim told me from The stands that I had 50.
What was your favorite own basket of the game? That´s a good questions probably during that game always the next one.
Did you get any unique congrats via phone or social media after the game? No not unique. But I appreciate Adam our Marketing for uploading the video of every bucket of mine. It got a lot of love on Instagram.
Did you have to get donuts for the team? Hahaha no luckily not. I already got the team 3 or 4 donuts this season.
The Slim playoff hopes of the Dragons Rhondorf were still alive with 3 games remaining, but they were 2 wins away from the last spot, but really wanted to secure their place for next season in the Pro B. An untimely 6 game losing streak in 2026 didn´t help their fight, but as of late their 2 game winning streak was definitely refreshing. The Dragons Rhondorf had a must win in their next home game against doormat Vechta 2. The club that helps develop young Germans had had a tough season and came into the game with a 4-18 record and had lost 6 of their last 7 games. However they had some confidence coming into the Dragon´s living room having won their last game at home against the EN Baskets Schwelm. Rasta Vechta played a strong first quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back winning 76-70. Rhondorf was led by the potent big man duo of Dujmovic and Sadikovic who combined for 36 points and 25 rebounds. “It was an average game for us. We had good phases where we played aggressive defense and good offense, but also bad phases where we were lost, but all in all, we stayed together in the end and won and that is what was important”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. Rasta Vechta 2 fought the whole game and even cut it down to 7 points in the fourth quarter, but just couldn´t get over the hump. “We had a solid first quarter, but allowed too many offensive rebounds and open shots in the second and third quarters. I´m proud though that we didn´t give up and fought to the end”, stressed Rasta Vechta 2 American AJ Sumbry.
Benjamin Sadikovic at the FT line
The first quarter had a few runs, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 22-21 advantage. Rasta Vechta 2 got off to a rapid start leading 8-2. American AJ Sumbry who is playing in his 9th country overseas scored 5 points while 2022 JBBL finalist Roy Krupnikas hit a trey. The ball movement and energy of the guests was on par while Rhondorf was a bit sluggish and still figuring things out. But Rhondorf then got going with a 11-2 run with better spacing and got the pick and roll going as the Spanish magician Jorge Mejias hooked up twice with ex Oberaching big man Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) with 2 dunks. Ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic also made a trey and Kenan Reinhart an off balance shot for the 13-10 lead. The guests then found their offensive rhythm and got good support from young Irish center Etinosasere Ehoghae with 2 baskets, but the Dragons Rhondorf punched back with a Reinhart trey and Dujmovic basket to tie the game at 18-18. Rhondorf continued to attack the rim with a Dusan Ilic lay in and Dujmovic scored on transition as Mejias fed him his fourth assist of the game. “We couldn´t crack Vechta´s pick and roll defense in the first minutes, but then got on track with Mejias and Sadikovic. We then concentrated more on our defense”, stated Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 44% from the field and 25% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Roy Krupnikas from outside
The turning point of the game came in the second quarter where the Dragons Rhondorf got away from Rasta Vechta 2 allowing only 8 points and led comfortably 45-29 at half-time. The Dragons Rhondorf took charge right away going on a 14-4 run to extend their lead to 35-26. In the run Jorge Mejias took a break from his strong playmaking and pretty dimes and instead penetrated to the rim 3 times in a row that led to free throws and 2 lay in´s. Role player Lagui Diallo also was aggressive and scored twice on the drive including a reverse lay up and Sadikovic made a tip in. The Dragons aggressive defense led to contested shots and steals that helped them take charge of the game. 3 free throws by 2024 NBBL champion Moritz Gruess stopped the run, but Rasta Vechta 2 just couldn´t muster any offense as Rhondorf had no down phase, but finished the first half strong with a lethal 10-0 run. Dujmovic showed just how dangerous he can be as he let his inside out game sparkle with 7 points while Ilic made 3 points. “Sumbry had foul trouble and was on the bench. We wanted to take advantage of our size. Dujmovic really dominated and took charge”, added Benjamin Sadikovic. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31Y% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Epke Kruthaup at the FT line
Rasta Vechta won the third quarter 16-14, but couldn´t make any ground on the Dragons Rhondorf as they were still able to execute solidly to lead 59-45 after three quarters. Kenan Reinhart got the Dragons Rhondorf on the board first in the second half with a lay in in traffic. Before the season began, Reinhart was mainly labelled as a three and D player, but he warned that he wanted to improve other phases of his game and did with the drive, mid range and playmaking. “I gained weight which helped my physicality as well as practicing with the BBL team helped my drive. I see I made a step forward there and since my double double of points and assists, I realized also that I got better with passing”, commented Kenan Reinhart. Young German 17 year old talent Epke Kruthaup found his range from outside nailing 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 still trailed 49-37. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to hold their double digit lead, because they continued to make good decisions and execute well as Reinhart made the perfect pass to Sadikovic for the dunk and then hit a floater for the 53-37 lead. Roy Krupnikas had a tough first half with only 3 points, but in the latter half found his range dropping 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 couldn´t gain any ground because Mejias and young German Carlo Schmid made baskets to lead by 14 points after 30 minutes. “The third quarter has often been our worst quarter this season, but in the last games, we came out strong and we did that again tonight”, smiled Kenan Reinhart. “I was in foul trouble. When I´m out, it really limits our size. They took advantage of that as their bigs got easy baskets and got free throws”, stated AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Kenan Reinhart with the runner
In the fourth quarter Rasta Vechta 2 still had energy to make one last push and cut the Dragons Rhondorf lead to 7 points, but could never get over the hump. Jorge Mejias began the fourth quarter with a 20 footer as Rhondorf led 61-45 and it didn´t seem like they could let the guests come back. But Rasta Vechta 2 still had some extra gas in their tank going on a 8-2 run to trail only 61-54. Rasta Vechta 2 attacked the rim as Krupnikas scored twice including once with his left hand, 2025 Pro B champion Joel Lungelu made a left handed lay in and German Moritz Dresing scored on transition. Rhondorf had no aggressiveness with their 1-1 defense allowing easy scores. However the Dragons Rhondorf stopped the run getting some vital buckets as Mejias made a runner and Dujmovic a lay in for the 66-56 lead. Rhondorf would annoy Rasta Vechta 2 time in and time out with their aggressive work in the paint with scores and offensive rebounds. Gruess and Reinhart then traded three pointers, but Rhondorf still led 69-59. Rhondorf continued to get super production from Sadikovic who was a real work horse as he was relentless on the glass getting a lay in and put back for the 74-63 with 2 minutes to play. Time was running out, but the guests never lost faith going on a timely 6-0 run to trail 74-69 with 31 seconds to go. Sumbry, and Lungelu free throws and a Krupnikas lay in were made. But Rhondorf took good care of the ball and Reinhart nailed free throws to secure the victory. “We were too relaxed in crunch-time and thought we had the win. We realized the game wasn´t over and closed out the game well”, said Kenan Reinhart. “I´m proud how we fought to the end. We played with urgency and stopped their second chances and hit big shots. We just came up a bit short”, added AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Duje Dujmovic with 20 points. Benjamin Sadikovic added 16 points and 18 rebounds and Jorge Mejias had 11 points and 9 dimes while Rasta Vechta 2 were led by Roy Krupnikas with 17 points while AJ Sumbry added 14 points and Epke Kruthaup had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 42% form the field and 24% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 36%
That the NBA is defined by it´s offense, athleticism, eye popping dunks and Wemby at the moment, it is a wonder at times that defense is still played in the NBA. But it isn´t all about offense as there are enough guys that can be called 2-way players or guys that are simply real lockdown defenders. Some guys that come to mind in the NBA are studs like Jrue Holiday, Alex Caruso. OG Anunoby or Luuentz Dort. That a more focus on offense has also shifted overseas is nothing new as on the last Euroleague game day from March5/6, there was no team that scored 100 points or more, but still 4 teams that scored 90 points or more and the rest 80 points or more. One can still see real hardnosed defense in the Euroleague as it is led by lockdown defenders like Nick Weiler-Babb, Thomas Walkup and Isaac Bonga who all played in Germany at one time or the other. But it isn´t only in the top leagues where one can see top notch defense, but also in lower leagues all over the globe. Even in the German Pro B, one can witness lower scoring games and even there there are lock down defenders who pride their game on making a massive impact on the defensive end. One of those guys is young 22 year old German Dennis Diala (196-SF-2003). It is really enriching to see such effort and engagement from young players on the defensive end since often it then where young bucks want to make an impact on the offensive end. One doesn´t only need a great skill set and work ethic to be a potent defender, but also extreme confidence in one´s craft. “I see myself as a lock down defender and one of the best in the Pro B. I can defend any guard and usually defend the other team´s best defenders”, warned Dennis Diala who ranks Michael Jordan as his GOAT. DJ Woodmore definitely sees him as a sturdy defender who can make an impact. “Dennis has been our best perimeter defender the last few years. His wing span and good instincts make it tough for any player to get a clean look. I think that he has taken a huge step physically this season and it shows every weekend. I still think that he is only scratching the surface of what he can be. I put him on the list of the top defenders in the Pro B”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer guard DJ Woodmore.
The 197cm guard/forward who lists ex Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith and Yanic Niederhauser of the Los Angeles Clippers as his toughest opponents so far in his career began his basketball career with SG Heidelberg/Kirchheim and then played Regionalliga with USC Heidelberg and played with their NBBL (U-19) team. He will never forget Matthias Stein as he was his mentor in his early years. He got to practice with the MLP Academics and even played 2 easyCredit BBL games against Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. He then made the next jump in his career and joined the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer. Is he calling Speyer his second home now in his fourth season? “Yes it has. I´m originally from Heidelberg. When you are in an organization for a longer period of time, it really feels like home. I feel very comfortable in Speyer”, said Dennis Diala. The club has made big strides the last 3 seasons having reached the playoffs. Will they make it a fourth consecutive season to the promised land? “I´m very confident that it will happen again. We have a strong team and deserve to be in the playoffs this season. We lost some bitter games this season that we shouldn´t have lost, but I feel that if we can beat Frankfurt and Dresden, then we will have good chances”, warned Dennis Diala. He played in the playoffs against Wolmirstedt, RheinStars and Leverkusen. Was there a favorite series for him? “I think the RheinStars series is the one that I remember most. We were up 15 points in game 1 and lost control in the fourth quarter and lost. It was similar in game 3. I think that had we won that series, that we could of gone far”, remembered Dennis Diala. The initiator of the success has been head coach Carl Mbassa who has been at the helm now for 13 seasons. He was a solid second Bundesliga player and even played parts of 2 seasons in the BBL with Frankfurt and Nordlingen. “He is a very emotional coach. He knows what he gets from each player and always tries to bring the best out of each player. He works hard at helping us be able to make the next step as a player”, commented Dennis Diala.
Pic credit: Sabine Jost
The athletic German who lists and DJ Woodmore, Kelvin Martin, Rob Lowery, Shy Ely, Brekkott Chapman as his 5 best teammates of all-time has been more than fortunate having a teammate with DJ Woodmore from the start. Woodmore like Mbassa has been a Speyer lifer and has been instrumental in Diala becoming the type of player he is today. “Foremost DJ is a great person and teammate. I have defended him so many times the lasty years in practice which has really helped my game. I have to admit that I have copied some of his moves. He forced me to take shots when I was younger. I´m really thankful how he has helped my game over the years”, stated Dennis Diala. But it isn´t only Woodmoore that has helped his game and the success of the club, but two other Germans with veterans Christoph Rupp und David Aichele who combined have been with the organization for 10 years. “Rupp is a very smart player and one of the smartest players that I have played with in my career. He is really good at how he moves on the court and brings opponent´s defense out of their concept. It is so easy to play with him. He makes every teammates´ life easier. David is a big presence, can get every rebound and always ready on defense. He is a real force on defense”, explained Dennis Diala. The German has made solid strides in his 100 games pro B career. He averaged 8/3r his first 2 seasons and currently is at 9/4. Head coach Carl Mbassa never parked him on the bench when he arrived, but simply threw him into the shark tank early. “He believed in me since the start. I came as a NBBL player from Heidelberg and it wasn´t a given that he would give me trust. He trusted me after 4-5 games and began to insert me in the starting lineup. He pushed me from the start and I´m very grateful that he did”, added Dennis Diala.
The lockdown defender who lists his NBA, Euroleague and German Mount Rushmores with players Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Giannis, Nikola Jokic, Luka Donic, Tony Parker and Dennis Schroeder, Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, and Detlef Schrempf is a player that has never really compared his game to any player. He does watch many video´s of top players and hopes one day to become a mix of Kevin Punter and Kevin Durant. He has demonstrated in the last 3 years that he can be a durable scorer. In his second season he scored in double figures 9 times and last season and this season 11 times. Last season he even exploded with 28 points against Erfurt. He is so close to cracking the 10,oppg in a season. Can he attain this plateau? “I believe I can make it. I just have to continue to work hard”, said Dennis Diala. His three pointer is still a work in progress as 2 seasons ago he was at 31% and last season at 23% and currently is at 23%. “I have improved my three pointer the last years. I feel that my hard work over the summers really paid off. I think that I can get better. I feel like my open and catch and shoot shots are solid, but I have to work on my off the dribble shooting better”, expressed Dennis Diala. He knows that his defense is already at a good area in his game, but it´s his offense that he still needs to tweak to reach the next level. “I want to perfect my three pointer and improve my drive to the rim”, commented Dennis Diala. So what goals does he have as a player? He wanted to play in the Pro A this season, but had no offers and returned to Speyer. A run in the playoffs this season could really help him for the next step next season. His dreams are definitely big. “I want to play at the highest possible level. My dream is to play in international competitions like Euroleague or Eurocup”, stressed Dennis Diala. But he should go one step at a time. He definitely deserves a Pro A gig next season.
Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye (193-G-1996, college: Bradley) is a 29 year old 196cm guard that has the British/French citizenship and currently is playing his third season with UMFN Njardvik (Iceland-Subway League). He also has experience having played in countries like Italy, France, Holland and Austria. He began his basketball career at the Bristol Flyers and then played at Bradley University (NCAA) and played a total of 129 NCAA games. He spoke togermanhoops.com after scoring 50 points in a first division game in Austria.
Congrats on scoring 50 points in a win over Armann. What does it personally mean to you to score 50 points?
The most important thing for me was getting the win but afterwards looking back at it, it felt really good. Not many people can say they’ve reached 50 points in a professional match and my assistant coach informed me afterwards I am only 1 of 5 people in club history to reach the milestone so it’s nice to join the club
You were never that explosive scorer before you came to Iceland. Did 50 points surprise you a bit that you could be capable of a feat like that? I feel like I’ve always been capable of being an explosive scorer but throughout my journey as a professional I’ve had to take on different roles at different times for the betterment of the team. I knew if there was a game this season in which I was feeling it early I would have a chance to have a big night. It was just my night that night and ended up going for 50.
There is a side story to your milestone. On the stats there was 48 points but you really scored 50 points. What happened exactly?
So on the paper I had 50 but on the online stats it was 48. But after, the game was reviewed and we learnt that human error on the table gave a dunk of mine in the 3rd Q to my big man Dominykas Milka. It’s crazy because we don’t look the same but the federation amended the issue and confirmed that yes it was in fact 50.
How strange is it knowing you had 50 points despite ending the game thinking you had 48 points?
It was weird because I just wanted to know the truth and know for sure which it was, but we got the 2 points on the league table for the win so that was all I really cared about.
Did you have anything different for breakfast or change something on your routine to amass so many points? The crazy thing is I was sick the last few days in practice and wasn’t able to do too much in the sessions. I maybe slept only 3 hours the night before the game with headaches and a runny nose. But with a playoff push needed for the end of the season I knew how much we needed to win and just tried to power through. And I was able to do it much better than I could have imagined. I guess there’s some magic in a flu game.
How were you feeling going into the game with your game? You had had 31 points in the previous game and scored 30 points or more 6 times in the season going in?
My coach and teammates do a great job giving me confidence and telling me to be aggressive in games. Coming off the international break you’re sometimes not sure if they’ll be rusty or not. But we had a game plan to attack some weaknesses Arman had and I knew if we executed it would be a good game.
How quickly did you know in the game that you might have a great scoring game? I think I knew at halftime, when my team mate came up and joked that he’d buy me lunch if I scored 50. ‘I was like what do you mean 50?’ Then he let me know that I had 24 points, which surprised me. But maybe the added motivation helped me get it. Safe to say I will be getting that lunch from him.
The team had 22 team assists and you had 6 assists. How much of your scoring would you say was done on isolation?
I wouldn’t say too much scoring is done in isolation, we have certain actions to try and punish the defense or put them in uncomfortable situations so we just try to focus on that.
How blessed are you to have such a talented big man in Dominykas Milka who had 8 assists in your feat? It’s a privilege to play with a big man like Milka. He’s selfless and willing to do whatever it is for the team. He sets great screens, does all the little things and is a beast on the rebounds. You add the playmaking too, he’s easily one of the most underappreciated players in the league. Playing now multiple seasons with him we’ve built a good chemistry and it shows in how many easy baskets he gave me.
Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?
When I got to 45 I knew, we had a timeout and some of the young guys on the bench let me know and just kept saying ‘you’re almost at 50’
What was your favorite own basket of the game?
I would say my last free throw gave me 50. We’d pretty much sealed the game now, I subbed out and my coach and team mates gave me a big hug and I could relax and really take in what had just taken place. It was my first 50 point game in my career so it felt nice to know it’s something I’ve accomplished.
Did you get any unique congrats via phone or social media after the game? Nothing crazy, just a bunch of messages from friends and family that were happy about the moment.
Did you have to get donuts for the team?
No donuts but I’ll have to bring in something for sure for everyone.
Julian Larry (190-G, college: Texas) is a 190cm guard from Texas playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began the season with Munster averaging 12,3ppg, 1,9rpg, 3,6aqpg and 1,4spg. He began his basketball career at Lone Star High School and then played at Indiana State (NCAA) from 2020-2024 amassing a total of 128 games. He then added an extra season with the University Of Texas. He spoke to germanhoops.com after beating top team Hakro Merlins with the 78-76 game winner.
Congrats birthday boy Julian on helping the EPG Baskets Koblenz gain a massive come from behind win over the Hakro Merlins. Could this be the turning point of the season? This could be the turning point of the season for sure. It just shows how together we were as a team and what can happen. This win is something that we can build off.
Was this today one of your best birthdays ever?
This was one of my best birthdays that I had recently. I don´t think that I have ever played on my birthday before.
Did you have specifically a special Birthday breakfast that sparked your play? It was nothing out of the ordinary. It was a normal routine just preparing for the game.
You told me a few weeks ago that your biggest wish was to help the EPG Baskets Koblenz make the playoffs. You weren´t kidding after your performance tonight. You left it all out on the court.
For sure we grinded this win out. It was a great ending to a game where we grinded all night long.
Was this your biggest win in your professional career so far? Of course. I haven´t had so many yet as a rookie.
The loss to the RheinStars was tough. Did you guys have a type of team meeting after that loss? We understood that we could of played better against them, but they did play a really good game. We just wanted to learn from our mistakes and give a better effort in Crailsheim.
With what kind of a mindset did the team come to Crailsheim. After the brutal loss to Cologne, I think the fewest believed a win could be possible? How were the spirits of the players?
Our spirits were like any other game. We knew of the task at hand. When you play against a really good team like Crailsheim, you always have to be prepared and we were.
There was no quick start by Crailsheim, but Koblenz was right there in the first quarter trailing only 23-21. Did you a different kind of body language in comparison to the RheinStars game?
I would say so. We struck through it and never gave in.
The Hakro Merlins led 43-36 at half-time. Koblenz mostly had an answer when they punched, but lost some steam in the last minutes. What did head coach Stephan Dohrn tell the team to do better in the second half?
He told us that we had a really good first half. We had to be better prepared against their ball coverage as they made minor adjustments in the second quarter. He also wanted us to get our offense flowing again.
Tyrese Blunt made big baskets the whole night. What was like battling him in the trenches?
It was a good battle. I had already played against him with Munster. I knew that he was a really good player and moves really well. He just made plays.
In the third quarter the Hakro Merlins led by as much as 12 points, but Koblenz never gave up and hurled a 11-0 run at Crailsheim. How big was that will to keep fighting? Was it the best that you have seen since you arrived? I would say so. We never stopped fighting against adversary and we never gave in. We knew that we had to be really alert, because they feed off opponents mistakes. We just took it possession by possession. We never lost that next play mentality.
In the fourth quarter Koblenz began with a 5-0 run to dead lock the contest at 60-60, but Crailsheim punched back with a 9-0 run to lead 69-60 with 4,49 to play. What was going through your mind at that moment? We just kept making plays. Our mindset wasn´t too crazy at that time.
The runs kept coming with 7 points from Koblenz and then a 7-0 run by Crailsheim to lead 76-67 with 1,51 to play. Were you feeling confident? I mean you had come back the whole game? We knew we had to keep putting pressure on them. That led to turnovers which resulted in easy baskets for us.
Koblenz then strung along stops and scored 11 unanswered points to win. Badu Buck hit a big three pointer to tie the game at 76-76. How key was the momentum at this moment? Do you feel like Crailsheim was feeling some uncertainty?
I don´t know if they felt uncertain, but you could feel the momentum shift when Badu made that basket. We made them pay. It was like looking down and then up again and the game was tied at 76-76.
You then won the game with a bucket. Take me through that last play?
I mean there wasn´t much time left with 7 seconds. I just ran downhill and planted my feet and let it rip as it landed off the back board and went in.
Did you know that your shot was going in? Of course. It felt good.
Did you want to bank it in? At first no, but when I released it and from the angle I had, that was the only choice to happen.
What do you believe did the team learn from this win tonight? We learned that when you stick through adversary then you can be really good.
RaiQuan Gray (203-F-1999, college: FSU) is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Ft Lauderdale playing his 5th professional season and second overseas and second with AEK BC Athens. He played his first 3 professional seasons in the G-League with Long Island and Austin and also played 3 NBA games with the Spurs and 1 with the Nets. He began his basketball career at Dillard High School and then played at Florida State (NCAA) from 2018-2021 and in 2021 was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets at #59 in the second round. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.
Thanks Raiquan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with AEK BC Athens. What have you enjoyed most about the experience? It has overall been very enjoyable. I have a new journey and it´s been a lot different to what I was used to from the States. I´m really happy playing for AEK BC Athens.
Has Athens become like a second home for you?
For sure. It took some time to get familiar with all, but it has been great. It is great competition and crazy fans. Greece is a very beautiful country.
Was there some culture shock at first coming from the smaller Ft Lauderdale?
Not as much. As soon as I got to understand everything, it was good. The people are all nice. The biggest adjustment was being ahead 7 hours to home.
The team is playing well and is in third place in the Greek first division standings. How enjoyable is the challenge of competing against the 2 Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos?
It´s been great. I´m a competitor and always want to play the top teams and measure up to them to see where I´m at. It is great competition. I have shown that I belong on that stage.
The team next battles the 3-0 Alba Berlin in the Basketball Champions League. Does AEK have what it takes this season to win a international title? I think so. My primary purpose why I came back was too win the BCL. We as a team went so far last season and know what it takes to get so far. Now we want to win it. We feel like we have good chances to win. We want to build off our momentum and keep getting wins.
How valuable has a guy like ex NBA player James Nunally been for you? Is he like a mentor for you?
Yes for sure. He has been playing for a very long and has a great IQ. All ears are on him when he is speaking. He is a really good teammate and guy.
Your having solid seasons in both competitions. You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet really well. What exactly is your role on the team this season? I do it all. I feel like that has always been my role. I´m a versatile player and can affect the game in many ways. If it means rebounding, scoring or defending the other team´s best player, I will do it.
Your almost averaging 4,0apg in the BCL. Have you been asked to be more of a facilitator in the BCL?
I think that I have always been a natural passer. Roles are always changing. Last season we had more of a passing center with Grant Golden and this season, I have been called upon to be more of a passing forward.
You never took many three´s in the G-League. Is incorporating a three pointer more into your game a goal of yours? Yes I do. I want to have better three point shooting percentages. I think that I just need to take more reps and I´ll be fine.
You were overseas last season for the first time. What was your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I think it happened during a domestic game last season. I didn´t play in the second half. I didn´t have a good first half. I understood after that I needed to have a better focus and understanding of the game so I would play more. I needed to learn more about the game, but still be myself on the court.
You reached the BCL Final 4 beating French team Nanterre in an exciting 3 game series and then lost Malaga. What memories do you have of that run? It was so electric. We hosted the Final 4 in Greece. The atmosphere was amazing and so were the fans. It was real high level hoops. One won´t really know what that feels like unless you were there. It was one of the best experiences in my life.
You played your first 3 pro seasons in the G-League and NBA. You played 4 NBA games and scored in double figures in 3 of them. Those are pretty unusual stats. Do you feel like you got a fair chance to show your game? Not really. No one really ever asked me that question before. I never felt sorry for myself. I mean I feel like I did the most I could with the opportunity that was given to me. I feel like these times helped me grow. I couldn´t have asked for a better opportunity then.
You played your rookie season with the Long Island Nets averaging 7.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.3%, FT: 82.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie?
That first year showed me that I had to fix my habits and create good habits and be confident. I needed the right mind set and it made me hungrier.
In your second season you averaged 15.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 64.9%, but only played 4 minutes more than the season before. Did head coach Ronnie Burrell discover your scoring abilities?
I don´t know if he discovered it. I will always appreciate that he believed in me and let me be myself. I was aggressive and played with that chip on my shoulder. He saw something in me and pulled it out.
You were really consistent that season and didn´t get a call up until the end of the season. Was this another good example that politics rules the NBA business? Possibly. A lot goes on behind the scenes that one can´t control. I just go out and take what´s given to me and do the best possible.
You made your NBA debut against the 76ers and had a fine game with 16/9/7 in 36 minutes. How much fun was that game? You were a bit in the shadow of Cam Thomas´s 46 points though.
It was a really cool moment. My family was there to witness it. I was actually home 2 days before my debut and then flew back to play. I knew before the game that I would play well. I knew since I was a little kid that I would be a NBA player one day. I had put in so much work. I was confident and ready to have a good game.
The next season you played with the at Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 15.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.1% and played 3 NBA games with the Spurs. Once again you got called up at the end of the season. You won the last game against Detroit. What was your personal highlight from those 3 games?
I got extended minutes at Oklahoma City. I let it all out on the court. I hit shots early and felt good. I also had a solid game in Detroit. I was able to fit into a system and be myself around good players.
You were teammates with Victor Wembanyama and saw what he did then an dhow he has continued to develop. Where do you see his game being in 5 years?
He will be the best player in the NBA in 5 years. I saw what he could do behind closed doors. He had an incredible mentality and work ethic. He was different.
How big is your personal NBA goal? Guys have gone back after coming overseas. My goal is still the NBA. I will never shut the door on the NBA dream. I´m 26 at the moment and not 30. I feel like I still have a small window open. If the opportunity ever presents it´s self then I´ll take it. Meanwhile I will keep building my resume overseas.
You played at Florida State from 2018-2021 and reached 2 NCAA Sweet 16´s. What loss was tougher? To Gonzaga or Michigan?
I think that Gonzaga was the tougher loss. I wasn´t ready for the moment. It was my first year in the NCAA- The game was super fast. We had the team to do it that year.
You had many great games at FSU including beating North Carolina twice as a senior. What was your fondest moment on the court?
It wasn´t my moment, but when Trent Forest dunked on Jordan Nwora against Louisville. We were #5 at that moment. It was the loudest that I ever heard the crowd.
How did head coach Leonard Hamilton groom and prepare you best for a professional career? He taught discipline early and gave me freedom. He taught me to be professional, take care of business and how to communicate. He held me accountable, but also allowed me to make mistakes and be able to learn from them and grow.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malik Osborne?
I will take myself.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court in your life that reached NBA? Marvin Bagley and Zion Williamson.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Trent Forest, Terrence Mann, Justin Linder, DayRon Sharpe and Mfiondu Kabengele
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant
Who is your GOAT?
Lebron James
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I didn´t see it.
Brendan Temple (206-C-2000, college: Purdue NW) is a 206cm center from Colorado playing his second professional season and second with Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 15,8ppg, 9,9rpg and 2,6apg. Last season he averaged 21.2ppg, RPG-5 (12.0), 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (60.4%), 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.7%. He began his basketball career at Douglas County high school and then played 4 seasons and 112 games for Carroll College (NAIA). In his last season there he averaged : 13.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.8%. He then played one more season with Purdue University Northwest (NCAA2) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 64.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Brendan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season overseas and second with Racing Luxemburg. Was it a no brainer to stay after helping the team move up to the first division?
Thanks for reaching out and yeah it was definitely an easy decision. I really liked my teammates and coaches, and I wanted to see what we could do together in the first league. On top of that, living in Luxembourg City has been a really nice experience, so it just made sense to come back.
You hail from beautiful Castle Rock that has a scenery many Americans would die for. What have you found beautiful in Luxemburg since arriving in late summer 2024? I actually grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago in La Grange, Illinois. Moved to Castle Rock in high school and have been living there ever since. Since coming to Luxembourg, I’ve noticed how beautiful and clean the city is but the rolling green hills outside of the city are definitely underrated and remind me a little bit of Colorado.
You lost a tough test game in Germany to the Dragons Rhondorf. Germany is the place for basketball since years ever since Germany won world cup and now they are Euro champs. Is Germany on your bucket list to play in one day?
Yes, I’d definitely like to play in Germany one day. I liked the style of basketball there; it was physical and methodical, which I feel fits well with my own game.
Racing Luxemburg is a team that wants to make waves in the first division Luxemburg. Is the goal really only to stay in the league? The goal is definitely bigger than just staying in the league. We want to turn some heads and make people change their opinion of the club. The focus is on making Racing prominent in the first league and showing that we belong at that level.
The team has many great veterans like home grown players Max Hilger and Steve Lanners. Does the team have the depth to remain in the league?
Yeah, I think the team definitely has the depth to stay in the league. We’ve got a group full of super competitive guys, and everyone knows their role and contributes to making winning plays for the benefit of the team. That kind of mindset is rare, but it’s also something you see in really good teams, and I feel like we have that here.
What has it been like being teammates with ultra veteran Antonnio Bivins? Was he like a mentor for you last season?
Tone has absolutely been a mentor for me. I’ve gone to him with all my questions, which is ironic because we have completely different play styles and energies. But when your teammate has had such a long and successful career, like he has, you tend to listen to what the man has to say. Having Tone help me with the start of my career has been a huge help.
Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? Drew Timme
Is it fair to say you have some old school in you? You had nifty hook shots with both hands as well as a running hook shot and nice fade away jumper. It looks like you have watched quite a few players in your life.
I really developed that scoring touch in college. The hook shot became a go-to for me because it’s such an efficient way to score in the post while only needing a few dribbles. I’ve always watched college basketball more closely than the NBA, and since post play is such a big part of the college game, it stuck with me.
Name some players that you have watched over the years where you have soaked up things from? NBA bigs that I have stolen things from are Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, Al Jefferson, and Jokic, just to name a few.
You take the three, but not that many. Are you working to incorporate more of a three pointer into your game? Oh absolutely, becoming consistent from the three will open up my game and make me harder to guard.
What kind of a defender are you now as a pro player? Do you still classify yourself a bit raw? What kind of a defender would you like to still become? Yeah, I know I can definitely improve on the defensive end. I have a good understanding of positioning off the ball and how to help my teammates, but I know I can still grow as a one-on-one defender. I want to be able to guard multiple positions well.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I’m trying to improve my three point and free throw. Getting more consistent in these areas will make me more well rounded.
Last season with Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) you averaged 21.2ppg, RPG-5 (12.0), 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (60.4%), 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? In the basketball sense, it was the first game against Mess. I realized the game was much different than college and how the refs call the game. In the world sense, it was going to the grocery store and adjusting to the layout, different language, and food brands.
You had so many great games last season. You had 40 points against Bascharage and a massive 20/21 game against Soleuvre. Which of these 2 games was your favorite. Bivins once had a crazy 52/24 game against the latter. The 40 point game against Bascharge. It was on my birthday.
You played 4 years at Carroll College (NAIA). How formidable were these years for your early basketball development under Kurt Paulsen? How did he help your game most?
My development at Carroll was not what I expected it to be. Believe it or not, I was a wing in high school, shooting the three and having very little post game. Then I got to Carroll and there were more talented guys playing on the wing. The opportunity for me to play was on the block. Coach Paulson developed my post game by teaching me how to finish through contact, having+ great footwork, and developing touch.
You reached the NAIA Elite 8 in 2021. What do you remember from that run? The team bowed out against SAGU: It was one of my favorite college memories. My favorite game during that run was the round of 16 game against #2 William Penn. I think we were the #15 seed and the team really came together and played our best game of the year.
You had some great games against Providence MT with 27/17 and a 27/13 game against UMW. What was your fondest moment there?
The game against UMW was the first conference home game as a senior. So it was special to start the senior year with a good game and a win. After 3 years of being a role player it was nice to step up for the team.
You then finished at Purdue University Northwest (NCAA2) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 64.6%. You had no adjustment needed going from the NAIA to NCAA 2. How did your game grow that year? I really credit it to Coach Boom. When I was looking for a new school he was clearly the coach that believed in me the most. He unlocked my game. At PNW, I was able to play make and impact the game from different areas of the court, not just in the paint. *
You had many great games in the NCAA 2. What memories do you have of your 15/5/7/1/1 game against GVSU where you had the game winning basket? My favorite memory from that game wasn’t the game winner, but the possession prior when I threw a lob to Kalil Whitehead, who is probably the most athletic guy I have ever played with, who just threw it down to secure the lead.
How did head coach Boomer Roberts give you the last needed preparation in being able to turn professional? Like I said earlier, the biggest thing Coach Boom did for me was give me confidence. He does this with all his players. He builds great relationships.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dalton Gayman? If it was on the block I would win in a 1v1 scenario but if it was taken anywhere outside the paint DG had my number.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA? I played Scottie Pippen Jr quite a bit growing up and he has turned out to be an outstanding player.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Shamrock Campbell, Andrew Cook, Antonio Bivins, Jovan Sljivancanin, CJ Jackson
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Michael Jordan, Jokic, Tim Duncan, Steph Curry
Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with Khyri Thomas in Frankfurt
Khyri Thomas (190-F/G-1996, college: Creighton) is a 29 year old 190cm guard playing his 8th professional season and first in Germany with the Syntainics MBC Weissenfels (BBL). He began his basketball career at Benson high school and alsomplayed at Fork Union Military academy. He then played 3 years at Creighton (NCAA). He then was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 38th draft pick. He then played 3 seasons in the NBA and G-League playing with the Pistons and Rockets in the NBA and with Grand Rapids and Austin in the G-League. He came overseas in 2021 and played in countries like Spain, Israel, and Turkey. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Khyri for talking to germanhoops.com. After stops in Israel, Spain and Turkey, your now in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about the experience? It’s been a decent journey so far, We have a great group of guys and staff has been very professional.
Your far away from big places like Detroit and Houston. Is it still a tough adjustment to off court things or is the quaintness of Weissenfels perfect to focus more on basketball? I am not a very needy guy so adjusting isn’t a big problem at all. Learning new things each week about Germany is fun.
The SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) are an incredible organization. They won the Fiba Europe Cup in 2004 and then had many not so successful years in the BBL and even moved down to division 2 and last season surprisingly won the German Cup. What is so special about this organization? What’s special is the group of guys are very unselfish and all about winning. Which makes things a lot more fun and enjoyable.
The team have so many interesting guys like John Bryant a BBL legend in his 15th BBL season, a Spencer Reaves, the brother of NBA player Austin or Collin Welp the son of Chris who helped Germany win the 1993 Euro. There many more guys and then there is you the ex NBA player. How does your character add to the uniqueness of this years team? I think just learning from each of those guys has made my style of play be great for the entire team.
From those guys I mentioned above or others, is there a player that has had the biggest impact on you this season? I’d say Akeem Vargas or John Bryant have been most helpful and their IQ for the game is very amazing.
The team has great scoring balance as 6 guys are scoring in double figures in the BBL this season. In Frankfurt you had big shots in crunch time as did Marcus Foster. What exactly is your role on the team and can any guy be the go to guy on any night? My role is to be best version of myself on the court and lead as well.
Last summer you played with the Calgary Surge (Canada-CEBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 77.8%. What kind of experience was it. The CEBL is a rising league. How did this experience help your game more than just being at home and working out? Simply just getting back in shape from a hamstring injury and knowing how tough this league can be.
Last season you played with Socar Petkimspor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 14.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.4%. That was your second tour of duty in Turkey. You lost a tough playoff series against Fenerbahce being swept. What was so tough getting over the hump in that series? We overcame a lot that season but a team like with that much talent and experience is always challenging.
How tough was the 2022-2023 season? You began in Turkey with Tofas Bursa but then stopped palying for personal reasons, but returned later in the season to Hereda San Pablo Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 10.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 86.5%. You had to play in division 2. What did you learn about yourself in this season? That season was extremely fun and going to championship was a huge confidence boost for me personally.
In Burgos you were teammates with Rasid Mahalbasic, a very unique player that had amazing seasons in the German BBL and had a string of triple doubles. Was that one of the most versatile bigs that you played with so far overseas? Too many to name honestly.
In your first season overseas you split time with RETAbet Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga ACB) and with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) averaging 7.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; and 3.5ppg, 2.2rpg in the Euroleague. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
Just score and try to get back into the NBA.
How big of a learning lesson was the stay in Tel Aviv? You played in the Euroleague, but overall witnessed that you can´t just jump in and expect 30 minutes. How did that stay help you adjust to the ballers life overseas? To simply stay ready and control what you can control.
You had some amazing teammates in Tel Aviv with Derrick Williams, Scottie Wilbekin and James Nunnally. Was a guy like Williams a mentor for you for your first season overseas? Absolutely, those guys were very professional, extremely talented, and very welcoming.
You played your rookie season with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 29 games averaging 2.6ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call being a rookie in the NBA? Control what I can control is all I could do.
You had some real veterans on the team at the guard position like Ishmael Smith and Wayne Ellington. Was one of these guys or someone else like a mentor for you in your rookie season? Ish Smith was always in my ear and teaching me things.
In your second pro season you played 6 NBA games and 2 G-League games. How tough was this season for you? How tough is it in general to continuing to make a name in the NBA when you can´t show your abilities? Does one lose the footing that one had established in your rookie season? Each season new young guys are coming into the league? I understood it was a business and nothing personal. Just hooped like always.
In your third pro season and last in the NBA you played 5 games for Houston and 7 in the G-League. How tough was this season during Covid? Was Covid another experience that derailed your attempt to continue to try to establish yourself in the NBA? Just keep trying to prove I deserve a chance to showcase my talent.
What was the best example that you saw in your 3 years in the NBA where you saw first hand that the NBA will always be a business first? Just being able to watch veterans be so professional was truly amazing and unforgettable.
You played against so many great players like Dirk Nowitzki, Shai Gillgeous-Alexander Devin Booker or Chris Paul in the NBA, Was there one meeting on the court with a player that you will never forget? I barely played so I just walked back to the locker rooms honestly.
You played 3 seasons at Creighton (NCAA) and 102 games. You made big jumps in your game each season. How did your game grow in those 3 years? Locking in mentally and going at the other top guys we played against.
What do you remember from the great NIT Elite 8 run where you beat Alabama and Wagner but lost to BYU? That was a huge jump in my role for the team going into the next season.
You then reached 2 NCAA tournaments losing to Kansas State and Rhode Island. What memories do you have of the big dance? S What was missing from going further? Playing with with guys whose last year ended in that type of game and environment.
You had so many great games like against Depaul and St Johns in your senior year. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA?
Simply winning the games and enjoying them with family friends and teammates.
How did head coach Greg Mcdermott groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Treated me like a son of his own. Couldn’t ask for more of him.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marcus Foster? ME!!
Who is the toughest player that you have faced in your career?
Marcus Foster!!
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Not fair to the rest of guys I’ve got to play with.
Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant.
Who is your Goat? Kawhi Leonard
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I have not seen it. Couldn’t tell sorry but most people I know didn’t like the sequel.
German Hoops 