football

Justin Anderson (FC Barcelona) Will Never Forget The Talks With Dirk Nowitzki On Plane Rides Or His Teammates Shouting Stay Down And Don’t Jump Against Kobe Bryant

Pic credit: FC Barcelona

Justin Anderson (198-G/F-1993, college: Virginia, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 31 year old 198cm forward from Maryland playing his 10th professional season and first with FC Barcelona Lassa (ACB) currently averaging 8,5ppg and 2,8rpg in the ACB and 6,8ppg and 2,8rpg in the Euroleague. He played parts of 6 seasons in the NBA with teams playing a total of 257 games for teams like Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Cleveland and Indiana. Last season was his first overseas playing with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-ACB) averaging 11.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 89.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 6.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg, in Dec.’23 moved to Valencia Basket (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-1 (91.9%), 2.2rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%. He began his basketball career at Montrose Christian school and then played with the University of Virginia from 2012-2015.He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with FC Barcelona. What kind of an experience has it been? What has been the coolest experience you have had off the court?

I have to be honest that I don’t do much off the court. I’m very generic. I live close to the beach at home so I would have to say going to the beach.

In the NBA you saw all the cities and now in your second Euroleague season many historic cities. Currently your in Berlin. Has there been a city in Europe that has impacted you most?

This question makes me realize just how much of a basketball head I am. I’m used to the bus to the hotel to the gym routine. I enjoyed being in Greece, but also our trip to Bologna . I got some authentic food for my wife. It was enjoyable

It hasn’t been a great season for FC Barcelona. In the ACB and Euroleague fighting for the playoffs. What does the team have to do better in next weeks to get more wins?

We just have to continue to take the next step.

How talented is Italian player Dame Sarr? Are you like a mentor to him?

He is very talented, but already been a pro for 1-2 years. We all just try to be a good teammate for him. He has a very bright future. He has a great work ethic. He has to wait his turn.

You are playing at the highest level overseas in the ACB and Euroleague. Is the NBA still an option for you in the future?

You will have to ask some of the scouts. I’m really enjoying my opportunity overseas with FC Barcelona. My talent and experience got me here. I’m continuing my journey overseas and continue to be presented with good opportunities I’m a kind of focus on now guy.

Last season you played with 2 ACB teams. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I didn’t have a wake up call. I was already 30 years old. I think that I did a good job coming in and preparing for overseas basketball. I asked a lot of questions to legends who had played overseas. When I go overseas, I hit the ground running and was ready.

You played 3 years at the University of Virginia winning the ACC title and reaching the big dance. How did head coach Tony Bennet groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Bennett made me have to earn everything as a freshman. I came to Virginia as a very high recruited player. He told me already in high school that I would have to work hard for everything. I always had to prove myself. He also helped me go into the direction of coaching one day. He motivated so much to go that direction one. My dad was a coach. So in a way, I have 2 dads with my dad and Tony Bennett as a father figure.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malcolm Brogdon?

Malcolm used to destroy me in school. He was more the fundamental player and I was very athletic. I liked showing the highlight plays. He got the best of then, but in the pro’s it was a different story. I’m really happy how he has grown as a player over the years especially with his leadership going form team to team and being a great leader.

You played your first 2 seasons in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks playing 106 games. What do you remember from your first NBA game against the Phoenix Suns scoring a basket in 3 minutes of action?

I remember sitting at the end of the bench and just waiting for the most part of the game. I remember making a lay up in transition. It was then that I realized wow this just happened.

You were teammates with German Dirk Nowitzki. Everyone who played with him have their special story. What is yours?

There isn’t just 1 story. He is a legend and the whole globe knows it. I just call him 6 as the sixth all-time leading scorer. He had a strong appeal on me especially with his work ethic. He had so much humility and was always available to me. I remember sitting next to him on the plane and I would try to soak up so much from him. I learned so much from him and also his trainer Holger especially about the art of shooting.

In your 8th pro game, you lost to the Lakers 90-82 and witnessed Kobe Bryant score 19 points. It was the only time you would play against him. Is that one of those games that will always stick with you?

He gave a lot of points to Wes Matthews. I was only responsible for 2 points. I just tried to prepare as much as I could seeing how he moved and worked on the floor before I came in. That way I would be prepared. I remember my teammates telling me stay down and don’t jump. He was so calm. In the first possession he didn’t do much except pass the ball. I was like Ok that wasn’t hard. In the second possession, it was something different that wasn’t major, but then on the third possession he showed his game by picking and choosing his spots so well. He drew the foul on me and went to the free throw line so focused never looking at me. I remember the whole bench yelling at me, ‘Rook don’t jump. His aura is so great. I’m a Lebron guy, but you have to respect everything that Kobe did especially at the end of his career. He retired, then won an Oscar and did so much in the finance world. It was so sad to lose him.

You played against so many great NBA players, but who was the toughest player that you battled at your position?

Jamal Crawford would dance with the ball. He was so unorthodox with his game. JJ Reddick was also tough.

Where do you rate the over the car dunk from Mac McClung at the 2025 NBA slam dunk contest?

Mac Is from Virginia like me. I have known him since his high school days. I think that dunk a few weeks ago cemented him as a top 3 dunker of all-time. He is undeniable in the top 3 if you were to put all his dunks together.

Thanks Justin for the chat.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 16

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

Congrats Malik on the huge 121-57 win. How important was this win going ino the last weeks of the regular season?

This win was very important, especially coming back from losing 2 in a row.

How proud were of the team that they didn´t underestimate the team who was missing some key guys?

I was very proud of the team. That showed a lot of character from us. We could’ve just messed around and took that team for granted but everyone played with energy and intensity from start to finish.

You didn´t play. How is the status of your injury? When can you suit up again?

Been doing rehab work on it past couple weeks so I’m trying to be ready for this coming up game.

The score was decided at the break as the RheinStars led 64-31. Did it seem at times like it was men playing against boys?

Well you could tell they had younger guys or guys who don’t play as much playing big minutes and we took advantage of that during the game by not letting them get too much confidence during the game.

Is it fair to say that the RheinStars played a consistent game for 40 minutes. The team allowed only 10 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game strong.

I think we did have a consistent game. I think everyone who played gave good minutes and brought great energy when they were on the floor.

The Rheinstars did so much well. They dominated the boards, had 30 assists and 16 steals. What was the team´s biggest strength on the night?

The defense was great. I feel we were disruptive with our on ball defense

Rower and Hennen combined for 9 points and Remagen and Michels for 41 points. What does that say for the team depth?

With this team it could be anyone’s night any game. We have multiple guys who can score the ball.

You next play Orange Academy who you beat 91-76 on September 28th 2024. What will be key to sweeping the season series?

If we play with the effort and energy we had this past game I think we should be able to take care of business.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

 It Was A No Brainer For Danas Kazakevicius To Join The Dragons Rhondorf As Leon Bulic´s Said Danas You Have To Do It 

Danas Kazakevicius (207-PF-2005, agency: Highlight Athletes) is a 19 year old 206cm power forward from Lithuania playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 11,9ppg, 8,2rpg, and 1,3apg. He came to Germany ín 2021 and played with the at Brose Bamberg / Troester Breitenguessb. U19 Team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 10,2ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.6%. In 2022-2023 he continued to paly with the Brose Bamberg / Troester Breitenguessb. U19 Team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 10.8ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.0%, FT: 75.5% and also played with BBC Coburg averaging 3,4ppg and 2,4rpg. Last season his roles grew with BBC Coburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 7.6ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP-3 (70.6%), FT: 79.2% and with Brose Bamberg / Troester Breitenguessb. U19 Team (Germany-NBBL) averaged 21.7ppg, Reb-5 (9.7rpg), 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Danas for talking to germanhoops.com.. Did you sense a winning culture mentality when you arrived in 2024?

Yes I did. Many guys remained and they are hungry to win again. My goal is to win a title. First we win as much as possible in the regular season and then see what happens in the playoffs.

You came from a very well known program Bamberg to Rhondorf. It seems like a step back, but you don´t think it is. Why?

I really believe it´s not a step back, but a step forward. I want to keep improving my individual skills and think I can do it best in Rhondorf.

Ex Head coach Stephan Dohrn was very high on your qualities. What were the main reasons for signing with the Dragons Rhondorf?

I think the whole package fit for me. I like the communication between BBL team and Dragons as well as seeing how well the Dragons organization works and of course the great fan support.

How did the first talks go with coach Dohrn? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

I really like his mentality. For him the small details are very important. He always wants to make everything as perfect as possible. If anything is wrong, he always wants to explain and fix it. My playing style fits his coaching style.

Before we talk about your game, please talk a little about your childhood in Lithuania. Who were your basketball idols growing up?

Domantas Sabonas, Jonas Valanciunas and Kobe Bryant

How vital were the first years in Lithuania for your basketball? Was there a coach or person that influenced you the most?

I can´t name just one. There were many that influenced me and still help me with my game during the summers.

You came to the Bamberg program in 2021. How did the contact come to Bamberg and why did you chose to go there?

A Bamberg coach saw me play in Lithuania and I was invited to a tryout. I was there 3-4 days and they liked my game.

Let´s talk 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?

People compare me to Domantas Sabonis, but I´m a bit smaller.

You’re a big man that fills the stat sheet very well. Would you classify yourself as a classic modern day big man?

I´m not a typical big man, but play the 4/5 position. It really doesn´t matter if I play the 4/5, because in today´s game they do the same job.

You can do so much offensively and are very quick and mobile for 206cm. What do you think is your biggest strength on the court?

I´m a big man that likes to run the court and I like to pass the ball. I can pretty much do many things really well, but not one thing best.

You’re a very good rebounder. What do you still need to improve with your rebounding?

I need better timing and knowing where the ball will bounce off the rim. I can also improve boxing out and knowing where the ball will land.

You only attempted 4 three´s in the Pro B last season. Do you plan to implement your three more into your game?

I hope so. I have worked all summer on my three pointer. I have spoked to coach Stephan and they want to add my three to the game plan.

Do you feel like your defensive skills are still raw? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

You will have to ask coach what kind of a defender I am right now. In the future I want to be able to switch 1-5 and have no problems with mismatches. I want to become a very mobile defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

I´m working on all areas of my game, but mostly on being able to make quicker decisions.

You came to Bamberg in 2021 and played NBBL. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in Germany where you knew that you were far away from home?

I was 15 years old when I came. The first months were tough. I was confused about how my life would work there. I was far from home and scared about the language problem. But after time, my teammates made me feel comfortable and it felt like a second home.

In 2021 you played in the U-17 World Cup and saw the massive talent Cooper Flag put up 5/6 stats in 17 minutes. What memories do you have from him them? He recently practiced with Team USA before the Olympics.

At that time, people were already talking about him. He was a silent boy and doing a lot of the dirty work on the court. It was nice to play him. He looks like he will be the #1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

In your second season and first with Coburg, you were teammates with Leon Bulic. How vital was he for you that season? How did he help you most to grow?

We were close. We had a type of bond in that he came from Croatia and I from Lithuania. We battled every day in practice. It was always difficult to paly against him. I surely annoyed him at times with my fouls and he complained. However we are still friends to this day. When I asked him if I should go to Rhondorf, he said Danas you have to do it.

Last season your game rose as in the Pro B you averaged 7.6ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP-3 (70.6%), FT: 79.2%, and in the NBBL with Bamberg averaged (21.7ppg), Reb-5 (9.7rpg), 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.3%. How did your game grow last season?

My game grew in the NBBL. I had a huge role in the NBBL while in the Pro B, I was a big fighting for minutes. When the NBBL season ended, I focused more on the Pro B and I was able to step up my game.

You had to incredible games against Rhondorf and FC Munich 2 scoring 25 points a piece and shooting combined 20/23. What game was better?

Well we did lose both games. I think my game against Rhondorf was the better game. I was playing against my old teammate Tyrese Blunt and a top team with Rhondorf.

Who is the toughest player that you ever played against in your life that reached the NBA?

There are too many to name. I played against many tough BBL players

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

All my teammates in the Bamberg youth teams.

What is your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Doncic, Nowtzki

Paul and Marc Gasol, Guershon Yabusele, Rudy Fernandez

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

Thanks Danas for the chat.

Kelvin Omojola Knows That The Dragons Rhondorf Have The Talent For The Playoffs And Now Need To Come Together And Get It Done

Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 27year old 183cm point guard that is playing his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany and second with the Dragons Rhondorf helping them win the pro B title last season averaging 12.7ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 79.5%. In 2022-2023 he played with PS Karlsruhe (Pro A) averaging 3,1ppg and as a rookie played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at Green Valley high school and then played at Red Deer (JUCO), Benedict College (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 66.7% and Northwest University (NAIA) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 62.1% and 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 54.2%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 97-81 win over Team Ehingen.

Thanks Kelvin for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you spend the Fiba break?

Hey Miles, thank you for having me as always. The FIBA Break was very chill for me, I didn’t do too much. I stayed here in Bad Honnef just working out and enjoying the time off.

How vital was the Fiba Break for the Dragons Rhondorf. Did the team do some soul searching?

It was huge! It gave us some much needed rest and time off, while also getting a good amount of practices together with the entire team.

The loss in Speyer was very disappointing. Did the team have the feeling going into the Ehingen game that that can’t happen again?

Yes, we knew this game was a must win. We need to defend our home court and we want to make the playoffs. That started by us getting this win vs. Ehingen.

Congrats on the massive 97-81 win over Ehingen. With what kind of a game plan did you go into that game?

We knew we had to come out with high energy and intensity. The past few games we got out to terrible starts and dug ourselves huge holes. Trying to overcome a 15 point lead is extremely tough and gives you no room for error if you want to make a comeback. So getting out to a great start to set the tone for the game was our mindset and game plan.

Rhondorf had the 24-20 advantage after 10 minutes. Jaylin Alston scored the first 10 points., You guys must have been aware that he scored 47 points in the last game against the RheinStars. What was the game plan on him?

Yeah he’s a tough cover. He has an extremely high motor and is very athletic, so we knew it would take a team effort to defend him.

What made it most difficult to slow him down? Is he the definition of an incredible walking bucket?

He plays extremely hard and his motor is second to none. Those attributes along with his athleticism, you see why he’s a great scorer. You just have to be ready to guard him as a team in order to slow him down.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf stepped it up on the offensive end scoring 36 points, but were still shaky on defense allowing 26 points. What was giving the team the most problems on the defensive end?

Alston was the only issue. He had 27 at the half if I’m not mistaken, that’s too many points for anyone to have. Let alone in a half. We just have to be ready to box out, rebound, and protect the paint.

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf only allowed 15 points and overall allowed only 35 points in the second half. What adjustments did the team make?

We just continued to trust not only the gameplay, but each other. We were flying around defensively, had excellent ball movement, crashed the glass on both ends.

The Dragons Rhondorf finished the game strong. How proud were you that the team had no let up down the stretch?

I loved it Miles, we kept playing until the buzzer said 0:00. We need to do that every game, no matter what the score is.

The team had an overall very strong game. It led the rebound battle and had 17 offensive rebounds, had 21 assists and only 10 turnovers. What was the team’s biggest strength on the night?

Our biggest strength on the night was our continuity. We played together and as a team for the entire game. From the starters to the second unit, everyone came in and played with high energy and focus.

The Dragons Rhondorf had 6 guys scoring in double figures. The balance was there. How in sync is the offense now at this crucial stage of the season?

Our offense is starting to come together Miles. We implemented some new concepts under Coach Marko which is helping our offense. We just need to keep building and get more adjusted to the new system.

Kenan Reinhart had one of his best games this season with 14 points in 13 minutes being very efficient. Is he slowly breaking out of his shell? It must be tough always getting up and down minutes?

Yes Kenan had a great game! He’s a really good player who has a ton of potential. He’s always confident and I love it. It’s definitely tough for any player but everyone goes through it throughout their basketball journey. It’s only going to make him a better player as time goes on.

How proud are you of Tim Smith rebounding the way he did after his goose egg in Speyer with 16 points. His dominant game isn’t there like in the first 2 months. Do you help him with self-confidence?

Tim is a great player, he doesn’t need any help with confidence. He is extremely skilled, athletic, elite shot maker, I can keep going. He’ll be playing in higher level leagues very, very soon.

Antomio Pilipovic also had a solid game after a few tough games where he didn’t score in double figures. How has he grown in general as a person now having that double function as player and boss in the Dragons office?

Yeah AP is balancing the GM position and player position very well. He’s definitely grown as a leader, but he’s still the same AP which is great.

You had a strong game with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 dimes. How content were you with your effort despite 2 turnovers?

I loved how I played. I’m not even concerned about the stats but I loved how my energy and intensity was from the beginning of the game. I wanted to make an impact defensively and help us start the game strong.

Your minutes have been down a bit in the last months, but you had another 30 minute game. How is your relationship with new head coach Marko Zarkovic?

It’s good! Coach Marko is a great guy, professional, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to work with him. He’s doing whatever it takes to help us win games and make the playoffs.

What is your biggest goal now as a player in the last 6 regular season games? Your leadership will be crucial for the team to reach the playoffs.

The biggest goal Miles is to defend our home court, and try and steal a few road games. We need to do this so we can get into the playoffs. We have the team to do so, we just need to go and execute it!

The club next plays top team Leitershofen that beat you 115-105 in OT. How excited are you to see Ferenc Gille again?

It’s going to be great to see Ferenc again! He’s such a great guy, I love Ferenc and I loved being his teammate last season. He was a major piece in us winning the championship last season. And of course, us winning a championship gives us a bond that we’ll always have!

The Dragons Rhondorf can’t be up and down, but need a great performance. How aware are you that a win could really change the season around?

I’m very aware Miles. We have the talent to do so, we just need to come together as a unit and get it done! We all want to make the playoffs and that’s our goal. One game at a time.

What will be key to beating top team leitershofen?

They have a great team this season, we need to continue to play together and come out with an energy/intensity that will set the tone for the game.

Where do you rate the 2025 NBA slam dunk dunk by Mac McClung?

Mac is an elite dunker, you can see why he’s won the contest 3 times in a row. But I hope next year we get the NBA stars in the contest like Zion, Ja, etc.

Thanks Kelvin for the chat.

Tuukka Kotti Will Always Be Thankful For Gordon Herbert In Turning Around His Career And Getting Back To Working Hard And Focusing On The Right Things

One thing is for sure, I always knew that Gordon Herbert was an excellent coach. I mean I covered his Frankfurt Skyliners teams for more than a decade so I must know. I didn´t know in 2004 when he helped the Opel Skyliners win their first BBL title, but years later when he came back and continued to form winning Skyliner teams and help young Germans develop further, I knew that he was something special. That he became World champion coach in 2023 with Germany was no surprise to me. Herbert is a very special coach who simply knows how to develop team chemistry, let each player have a real special role and use it and most important helps players with the mental side. His players have come to appreciate his coaching ways the last 20 years. It is no surprise, that his name has often been mentioned in my interviews with his former players. Some of his former players remarks about him were so powerful that I used their words in my titles. I looked back in my article archive and found 6 players where I had Gordon Herbert in the title with guys like Mario Kasun, Justin Cobbs, Garai Zeeb, Jason Clark, Tyrone Ellis and Richard Williams. It wasn´t any different with his ex player Finish dinosaur Tuukka Kotti (205-PF-1981, college: Providence) who is 43 and still playing professionally in 2025. He played briefly for Herbert in 2009 before he returned to Frankfurt to take over for Murat Didin and lead the team to the 2010 final “I have always admired Gordie as a coach. He turned my career around in that half a season I was with him. He got me back to working hard and being focused on the right things. I will always be thankful for that. No surprise, that he has reached that level as coach”, stressed Tuukka Kotti. He has had such an amazing career that has spanned 20 years that if someone had told him in 2006, that he would still be playing, it would have been difficult to believe it. “Even in 2014 after the World Cup I thought I only had a couple more seasons left. 2006 it would have been hard to believe for sure. There is really no other job I would rather do so I have decided to play as long as I am able to compete at this level. I am really humbled and grateful that God has blessed me with such a long career. I have stayed healthy throughout most of my career. Hard work, enough sleep/rest, and balanced diet. It is a simple recipe”, said Tuukka Kotti.

Tuuka Kotti who names Troy Bell, Caron Butler, Chris Paul, Ben Gordon, and David Lee as his toughest opponents in the NCAA and in Europe Milos Teodosic and Keith Langford currently plays for Tapiolan Honka. He began his career with FoKopo and then played with the Salon Vilpas (Korisliiga) averaging 15.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.7apg in 2000. He is content that basketball has changed so much in the last 24 years. “The game was slower and tactically not as advanced as it is today. Coaching in Finland has developed a lot and it shows also in Korisliiga. In all areas I think. Biggest thing that stands out to me is the spacing of the game. Outside shooting has improved and teams are shooting more threes so it opens up the game more”, commented Tuukka Kotti. He went to the States in 2001 and played 4 years and 116 NCAA games for Providence College. He never averaged more than 10,0ppg in a season and as a senior played 31 games and averaged 9.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3Pts: 30.3%. Back in those days, it was rare to see a Finish player play in the NCAA. “There were some players from Finland who had taken that route, for example Hanno Möttölä. Also playing in the US had for years been a dream of mine so it was an easy decision I did struggle my freshman year getting adjusted to the culture and the different style of play”, remembered Tuukka Kotti. There was a legend that he came to USA as a point guard and returned to Finland 4 years later as a center. Did he have extra Mcdonalds visits in those 4 years? Partly true, but the story has been exaggerated quite a bit over the years. I did play the different guard positions before college. Some PG as well. In college I was playing mostly in the wing and I developed in to a really good defensive player through those years. Defensively I was used in all positions but on offense I played more off ball than I was used to. I really moved closer to the basket when I turned pro and I had started to struggle with my outside shooting. That’s why teams wanted to play me first more at the 4 spot and eventually at the 5”, expressed Tuukka Kotti. He reached a NCAA tournament in 2004 and won´t forget it. “It was really fun! I had an opportunity to play against some really high level competition in the Big East. Also we practiced really hard which I enjoyed. And I got meet and build relationships with some people I cherish to this day. Were there things that I wish I would have worked on more or received more coaching with, absolutely. But overall, my college years were great. March madness was great, but it’s bitter sweet for me because we had an amazing season that year but got knocked out of the tournament in the first round”, added Tuukka Kotti.

The big man who lists Petri Virtanen, Shawn Huff, Chris Anrin, Maris Laksa, and David Gonzalvez as his best teammates of all-time had many incredible games in the NCAA including a 16/7/6 game in a win against Georgetown that had incredible guys like Rudy Gay, Charlie Villenueva, or Marcus Williams and in other games played against Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon. “That one was a big one. All the games against UConn were memorable. They had some amazing teams and we were usually able to get the best out of our team against them. One game that I always look back on was our game at Notre Dame at the end of my freshman year. I had not played a lot during that year, and having a big game there really gave me confidence going into my second season”, remembered Tuukka Kotti. He had amazing teammates who later came overseas with Marcus Douhit, John Linehan and Ryan Gomes, all guys he won´t ever forget. “Marcus was amazing. Great player and great personality. He was really a big key to our success covering the middle of our 2-3 zone. Had quite a few of my shots blocked by Marcus too in practice. John set the tone for sure. He was a senior when I came in and I was really influenced by his leadership and how hard he worked. I have never played with a better defender in my career. Ryan was the same class and it was such a privilege to see him develop and become a star. He was an amazing player and just like John, he put the work in. All the greats do”, warned Tuukka Kotti. He then returned to Europe and played his first 3 seasons in Italy with Ignis Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega 2) averaging 10/6 and 11/6 and Noi Sport Monte Terminillo Rieti (Italy-Serie A). “I fell in love with Italy right away. I have some great memories from there and would love to go back and visit soon. Basketball was really good. There were tons of talent in Serie A and LegaDue. Also, always loved the passion of the Italian basketball fans.”, said Tuukka Kotti, He reached the Serie A in his third season but only averaged 2,1ppg. It was tough breaking into the rotation with guys like Pape Sow and Wade Helliwell. “That was a difficult year for me. Playing behind those guys and Leroy Hurd, who had a monster season that year. I broke in the rotation and got big minutes after Pape Sow got sold to Poland. Unfortunately I broke my hand, pretty soon after and missed almost the rest of the season”, remembered Tuukka Kotti. The Serie A at that time was already showcasing amazing players and you could always have a wow effect with a player each weekend. “My team mate Morris Finley was amazing throughout the season. And also Gianmarco Pozzecco. I remember them beating us at our place and him coming to our locker room after the game shaking everyone’s hands. That took a lot of courage”, stressed Tuukka Kotti.

The Finish native who names Luka, MJ, Kobe, Lebron, and Jokic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore then played a season with Etendard de Brest (France-ProB) averaging 10.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 57.4%. “Pro B was very different from Lega Due. More up and down and athletic. Personally I had a difficult season there and didn’t play as well as I was capable of”, said Tuukka Kotti. He then played 2 seasons with the Honka Espoo Playboys (Korisliiga) averaging 12/9 and 16/10 winning 2 cups. “That second year our team was really good! One of the best that I have played in. We had size, great outside shooting and defensively we were really tough. After winning the cup we lost Coach Herbert for health reasons and Corey Belser left for Ukraine. After that the team wasn’t the same”, added Tuukka Kotti. He was teammates with so many interesting guys like Jamar Wilson, Carl Lindbom, Sasu Salin, Juka Matinean, and Tuomas Iisalo. Did he already notice that winning coach in Iisalo as something that could happen? “We had some great players for sure. Tuomas has always had a very curious and analytical personality. Also a real passion for the game. But yes, absolutely it has been surprising how far he has reached in such a short period of time. Amazing story. I am really proud of him”, stressed Tuukka Kotti. He then returned back to Italy for 3 seasons and played with Naturhouse Ferrara (Italy-Lega 2) averaging 10.9ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.1%, FT: 43.5% and with Aget Service Imola (Italy-Lega 2) averaging 9.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 57.5%, FT: 46.4% and with Vanoli Cremona (Italy-Serie A) averaging 6.0ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 61.0%, FT: 48.9%. He finally got more of a chance in the Serie A and was teammates with special player Shawn Huff who also played under Gordon Herbert. “It was great to be back in Italy those years and in Cremona had an opportunity to play against some amazing competition. Shawn and I are really close and the Cremona year is only a small part of everything we have experienced together. He is an amazing player and a person”, warned Tuukka Kotti. He then returned back to Finland in 2012 and never left again except for a season in Germany. He played 3 seasons with the Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) putting up consistent stats as always and having a stellar Eurocup season. Did you become home sick? “Not really. There was a great opportunity to play Eurocup in Loimaa, which is right next to my hometown Forssa, and I felt like that was great situation for me. It’s really hard to describe these three years. I have so many great memories and I loved my time at Loimaa. At the same time we played the last two years in the VTB-league on top of Korisliiga, which totaled to about 70 regular season games plus playoffs. Needless to say those years were very demanding mentally and physically. The tough competition in Eurocup, VTB and also Korisliiga did help me to develop and I feel those years matured me as a player quite a bit”, commented Tuukka Kotti. It was never boring in the season that Jacob Burtschi was his teammate. “I love Jake! He made our taxing season so much lighter with his personality. We were constantly competing with him. Half court shots, playing cards on the road. It was real good times”, remembered Tuukka Kotti.

For the ex Finish national player who lists Jesus Christ and Michael Jordan as his GOAT then played a season with the Crailsheim Merlins (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 62.3%, FT: 70.8% and played for Tuomas Iisalo. One would have thought it was a no brainer to play there. “It wasn’t a no brainer at that point. I was actually on my way to Joensuun Kataja, but ended up eventually in Crailsheim. I would say Tuomas was still developing his identity as a coach at that point. While he was already a good coach, I could not have predicted him succeeding that fast. One thing I noticed and appreciate in Tuomas is that he really insists on the things he believes in. And he will always give you a reason why”, said Tuukka Kotti. He then played 5 seasons with the Helsinki Seagulls (Korisliiga) winning 3 cups. He had his best stat season in his first season and another good season followed. Had he reached his prime at age 36? “There is for sure some truth to that. I think I played some of my best basketball those years and also in Eurobasket 2017. I hope it can serve as an encouragement to other players, that one can still develop at a later stage of their career”, warned Tuukka Kotti. He played for the talented is Jussi Laakso as a coach. He didn´t follow in the foot steps of Iisalo in Crailsheim, but like him has a knack for finding guards off the radar like Trae Bell-Haynes and Kendale McCullum and helping them make the next step. “Jussi is a great coach and great leader. He did an amazing job recruiting and putting together some of those teams. Jussi is very humble and eager to learn more, and it’s been great to see how he builds winning cultures everywhere he goes”, warned Tuukka Kotti. He then played the last 2 years with Tapiolan Honka and won the league title last season and will play there a third season. It seemed like he continued to be reunited with Carl Lindbom. Will he end his career there? “It’s hard to make any promises at this point. It’s totally in God’s hands, but I would love to finish my career here. This is a great organization with some amazing people, and I’m grateful to be a part of it”, stated Tuukka Kotti. Not too forget, he has been a member of the Finish national team over the years. He has seen Finish basketball take on a massive development in this period. “It has been like night and day. When I started with the NT we had no clear direction and we were lacking confidence. In the last 20 years there has been a big culture change in our programs and also what’s changed is that we believe in ourselves. The coaching in Finland has developed a ton and both players and coaches are more valued now around the world. We have a bright future”, warned Tuukka Kotti. He played against USA at the 2014 World Cup and suffered a brutal 114-55 loss against USA where he had 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and a block. The Finish team was pretty talented then with guys like Murphy, Koivisto,Koponen, Salo, Huff and himself while Team USA had superstars like had Curry, Irving, Rose, Davis and Harden just to name a few. There was not one USA player that stood out for him most. “That was the most memorable game of my career! 10K Finnish fans in the arena and going against some NBA greats. It was a dream come true. Only a few years before that we were dreaming to play in the Eurobasket and all of a sudden we are here. I told the guys after the game in our locker room, that I have never before enjoyed getting my butt kicked. Not one player, but in general how fast they played, and the talent combined with speed and athleticism. It was really impressive”, remembered Tuukka Kotti who didn´t see the sequel to the classic Coming To America as the original can´t be topped. He has seen it all in the last 20 years and will always have enough stories to tell all.

Marco Rahn Played With Legends Allen, Mcelroy and Jenkins Against Berlin The Place He Had Watched Them As A Kid With Alba Berlin

photo credit: ochsenfoto.de

Marco Rahn (199-PF-1998) is a 26 year old 199cm forward playing his first season with German pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 8,9ppg, 6,7rpg and 1,7apg.. He began his career with BG 94 Schwedt and then played with the Jena organization from 2013-2018 playing 4 easyCredit BBL games. He then played a season with Essen and then 4 seasons with BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (ProB) playing 87 Pro B games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 10.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 82.3% and 12.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 68.1%. Last season he played with BBC Bayreuth playing 34 games and averaging 3.5ppg, 2.6rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com eurobasket about basketball.

Thanks Marco for talking to germanhoops.com. You have a new challenge with pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

It has been a good experience. It was a little adjustment coming from the Pro A to Pro B, but I was welcomed with open arms and I have great teammates.

After being in the Pro B for 5 years, you last season played in the Pro A with Bayreuth. Now your back in the Pro B? Why did you take a step back?

I knew early on this summer that I wouldn´t have a big role in Bayreuth so we decided to cancel the contract. I didn´t have any other real offers from Pro A teams, so I decided to go to the Pro B and move to a team that had big ambitious like the Dragons had and maybe be able to move up.

You stated in the Dragons Rhondorf press release that your goals and vision were the same with head coach Stephan Dohrn. What else was really enticing about joining this organization?

We both understood each other very well. He felt like the Dragons would be a good opportunity where I could practice a lot and work on my game. The goal is the playoffs.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the coaching philosophy most of coach Dohrn?

I like his idea to play hard defense. I think this philosophy is vital for a team that have ambitions to win a title.

How important is having that big leadership role with the Dragons? You were captain of Sandersdorf and now have that chance to be a real leader.

I was a leader with Sandersdorf. I showed what I could do in Sandersdorf as a leader. It was brought up in the talks that I would be a leader with Omojola and Pililpovic. I want to be one of the guys that helps the team get as far as possible.

The team isn´t as big as last year. Does this put extra pressure on your game to be more physical and active in the paint area?

I played the 5 in Sandersdorf. Small ball can function in the Pro B. I think that small ball has it´s advantages especially when bigs make the game slower.

What has it been like being teammates with Danas Kazakevicius? Are you like a mentor for him?

No not yet. I try to help everyone with their game. I have a lot of experience having practiced with BBL teams. I think that having that possible mentor role with Danas will come with time. Players still have to find their find their games

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 199cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would bets fit the description?

I have never compared myself to another player. I see myself as a 3 and D player that can post up.

You are a very versatile player and are consistent. Are these 2 traits your biggest strengths on the court?

Yes I think that is accurate. I won´t ever be that 20/10 player, but moreover that player that holds a team together. I feel like I can fit in to many types of systems.

Your also a good three point shooter. Do you feel like you may take more three´s in the Dragons System or less mainly to help out more inside?

I think that will show with time. It is hard to say. It will depend on how our opponents play.

How would you classify your defensive game? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I feel like I´m a versatile defender. I think that I can defend 2-5 and some point guards in the Pro B. I want to become more consistent as a defender and also keep the good Americans under their averages. They have to realize that it will be no fun playing against me.

On what areas of your game are you working on so you can continue to improve your game?

I´m working most on being able to finish better.

You played in the Science City Jena organization from 2013-2018. How important was this time for your early basketball development? Was there a coach that helped you most?

One of my favorite coaches ever was Torsten Rothamel. He was my U-16 coach and pushed me a lot. I am thankful for having played for Bjoern Harmsen. He gave me a chance to play BBL and he taught me what it meant to be a professional.

In the 2016-2017 season there were legends Julius Jenkins and Immanuel Mcelroy on the team as well as other great players like Wayne Bernard and John Little. What memories do you have of them and was there a guy that influenced you most?

They all influenced me. It was incredible to see how well Jenkins and Mcelroy still played at their age at a high level. Derrick Allen helped me the most. He would take me to the side and give me tips. I will never forget a practice where I had my absolute worst shooting day. I missed everything. We played a lot of 5-5 and in the last game, I hit the game winning shot. Allen then told me that is how you have to do it. Never be afraid to take that last shot. All that counts was making the last shot. Nobody will remember you missing all the shots before.

You played 4 BBL games and 12 minutes. Was there any particular moment that you won´t forget from those games?

I will never forget playing with Allen, Jenkins and Mcelroy in the O2 arena with Jena. I had watched them as kid as they played with Alba Berlin. Now I was teammates with them with Jena and playing in Berlin against Alba with them. That was a great moment.

You then played a season in Essen. How tough was it coming from Jena and not getting minutes? You had some really experienced Americans with Flomo and Calvin.

It was tough to lose so much, but I also learned a lot. It was important to see how a veteran like Flomo could handle defeat in such a long season.

You then played 4 seasons with Sandersdorf. How valuable was this time in your basketball development? You must of liked it because you remained in the Pro B. Was there no ambition for higher leagues?

Playing with Sandersdorf was one of the best times in my life. Of course I had ambitions to go to higher leagues. One has to remember that at time, it was Covid. But I was comfortable there and had security. At that time, nobody really knew how Covid would end.

You played a season with Mr triple double Donte Nicholas. He is one of those guys that never got a real chance in higher leagues. Shouldn´t he have deserved it?

Well he did play Pro A. He was a great player. I think that a lot of the time, it depends on if a player fits into a system

Last season you played with Pro A team BBC Bayreuth. You got 17 minutes and averaged 3,5 minutes. This was another tough season. You didn´t have freedom there? Weren´t you allowed to take more shots? There was a span during the season where in 6 games you took only 11 shots. That is little.

At the start my role was seen as getting 15 minutes. The system in Bayreuth simply didn´t fit my game. My role was to be a 3 and D player. I think that the team wasn´t put together well where each player could show their strength. It wasn´t the best season for me, but I also didn´t always show my best game.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced in your life?

Robin Benzing

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

There are too many to name.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Shaq, Jordan, Lebron, Vince Carter

Who is your GOAT?

Vince Carter was always my favorite player. Today my Goat is Lebron and back in day Jordan.

Thanks Marco for the chat.

Pure Scorer Scott Stone(TSV 1861 Nordlingen) Continues To Grind And Feels Like His Best Basketball Is Still Ahead of Him

Even if he goes by the name of Scott Stone (193-G-1995, college: St.Cloud St.), he is listed as Scott Stone on the world´s biggest basketball portal eurobasket.com and for some that special basketball bible as it currently has almost 1 million player profiles. If your looking for a baller no matter if in the NBA, the back woods of Europe or somewhere in Africa, you are sure to find him or her there. I had come across the name Scott Stone maybe a year or two earlier and had wanted to interview him, but for some reason had forgot. That happens with me when your interviewing players daily all around the world. It wasn´t until a few days ago where I was reminded about Stone in an email from a German basketball follower named Gerd. After getting some positive feedback for my work of covering all leagues in Germany and giving lesser known guys in lower leagues a platform, he preceded lauding Stone. His stats and play the last years in the Regionalliga in Germany more than warranted a look into his journey via the media. He is an American like so many overseas that is definitely way too good for having to grind in a fourth or fifth division. He has experience having played 3 seasons in Australia and 5 in lower leagues in Germany despite having a great NCAA 2 career. There are guys that didn´t have as good stats in division 2, but are playing in higher leagues overseas. As usual, he has a chip that is heaver on his shoulder than the burden the New York Knicks have had for more than 50 years to finally win a NBA title again. Some guys like a Shawn Scott and John Murry had to pay their dues for some years, but eventually moved up. How long can he still grind before moving up and does one have to love the game more than others to survive? “I mean I have a good agent now, and that is really the biggest thing is having an agent who is well connected and cares about your career so like I said I have my best basketball ahead of me and I’m just looking to enjoy the ride from here. I think a lot of guys love the game equally. We all grew up playing and it’s a kids game at the end of the day. I think to survive you need to have a great support system around you, and you got to have some luck with injuries and opportunities. It’s one of the most competitive job markets in the world and timing is everything. So being patient and staying healthy will take you a long way”, warned Scott Stone.

Scott Stone who lists former NBA players Matt Thomas and Deonte Burton as his toughest opponents in his basketball career was born on April 2, 1995 in Melrose, Minnesota. He began his basketball career at Melrose high school putting up explosive stats of 29.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg. He scored over 2,000 points breaking the school record held for 39 years by Mark Olberding. He also led Melrose to a 27-2 record and No. 1 state ranking during the 2012-13 season and also holds single game school record of 44 points. He picked up HS All-State Honorable Mention -2012, HS West Central Conference most valuable Player -2012, and 2013 and HS St. Cloud Times’ boys basketball Player of the Year -2013. But having a stellar high school career still wasn´t enough for the NCAA and he began paying his dues at St. Cloud State University (NCAA2). In his freshman year he averaged 6.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 81.8% and in his second season made a big jump averaging 13.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 46.6%, FT: 82.4%. His game continued to take massive steps in his last 2 seasons as he averaged 19.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 82.4% and 17.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 93.2%. “My game grew with just more opportunity, and the coaching staff having more faith in me. The staff there during my time really helped me grow as a player and person and put me in situations that were perfect for my skill set at the time”, stressed Scott Stone. He had so many great games there like hitting Mary and Minn-Crookston for 32 points and Wayne St NE for 34 points, but there was actually another game that stood out most. “I would say beating Augustana my senior year on our home court. They were a powerhouse my entire career in college so it was awesome to sneak out a win against them my final season there”, remembered Scott Stone. In his last 2 seasons he scored in double figures in 45 of 48 games and scored 20 points or more in 22 games. All of his success wouldn´t have been possible without the guidance of head coach Matt Reimer. “He taught me a lot about being organized and being on a schedule and sticking to that schedule. He showed me the importance of producing night in and night out and put me in positions to do just that throughout my career. Our entire staff at the time there was great. Chad Welk and Mahmoud Abdelfattah both were also instrumental in getting my game to where it needed to be. Love all those dudes to this day”, stated Scott Stone.

The explosive scorer who lists Daryl Corletto, Josef Eichler, Jacob Gibson, Robin Seeberger and Andy Foley-my all-time favorite shooting partner, Connor Niehaus, James (Jimmy) Fort and Patrick Fischer as his best teammates of all-time came to Germany in 2020 and laced on his sneakers for Lich Basketball (Regionalliga 2). It isn´t always easy for Americans coming overseas and make the big transition and often players experience that wake up call where they realize just how far they are away from home. “That was a tough year because of Covid so I think everyone there was just doing the best we could with the options we had at the time. However, the lockdown was definitely taxing on the mind, but luckily I got to spend a lot of time with the strength coach at Lich, Michael Stephan. He spent hours of his own time helping me get my body where it needed to be, and that time really kickstarted my recent success so I’m beyond grateful for him”, commented Scott Stone. He then made the next step to TSV 1861 Nordlingen where he is currently in his fourth season. In his second season he helped the club move from the Regionalliga 2 to Regionalliga. “The very cool part about that team is that it is majority the same guys we have on the team today. Almost all our local players grew up and played for Nordlingen when they were kids. Guys like Robin Seeberger, Bene and Leo Schwarzenberger, Julius Kluger, Pascal Schöppel, Lukas Hahn, Jakob Scherer, and Thomas Hirsch were a part of that team and are still main pillars of the team we have today. The special part about the group we have is everyone has played with each other for years now. Everyone knows their roles and are stars in their roles which is hard for a lot of teams to accomplish. It’s why we are competing for playoff spots every season even with such a young team”, added Scott Stone. Over the years he has had so many great games, but nothing so far has beat his 51 point explosion against Haching where he nailed 13 three´s. “That was a crazy night. The entire team was sick with the flu including myself. We only had 7 players on the roster, but everyone that played in that game played with such heart. Robin Seeberger had a 20 and 20 night with points and rebounds as well, so just a massive group effort. Just one of those days I needed to have a good shooting day and luckily it worked out”, said Scott Stone. It has to be truly mindboggling for him knowing that Steph Curry´s NBA high in three´s is 13 just like his career high. “Well that’s the best shooter ever so if anyone can match the type of numbers he’s putting up I’d say that’s a major win”, laughed Scott Stone.

The Minnesota native who lists MJ LeBron Kobe 2004- NBA MVP Minnesota and Timberwolf-Kevin Garnett on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore certainly can call both Germany and Australia as second homes. “I’ve done 3 full seasons in Australia and 5 here in Germany. So both places have become quite comfortable for me to live in. Being familiar with guys, coaches, and teams in the league has made for some exciting matchups in both spots. However, above all the management and players here in Nordlingen have made it become like family so it’s a special place for me”, added Scott Stone. What younger basketball fans may not know is that Nordlingen actually played in the BBL more than 15 seasons ago. There is a special basketball tradition in Nordlingen. “I think what people don’t realize is how much the city and the people here love and appreciate good basketball. It’s been very cool to see the support especially for the local guys who grew up playing for the club”, said Scott Stone. Seeing Americans play for 1 Regionalliga team is rare, but the organization is just so special that leaving just isn´t in the cards. “It’s been a real honor to play for Nordlingen. They take gigantic pride in having played in the BBL and 2.Bundesliga and it shows with the management. It’s an extremely professionally run club. From our General Managers Moritz Pösl and Matthias Thienel who brought me in and gave me a real opportunity to build my career here in Germany and I’m forever indebted to them for that. We also have an extremely professional and highly respected coach in Ajtony Imreh. It has been an absolute pleasure playing for him. He knows the game at an extremely high level, but also knows how to manage guys and the players very much respect him for all he does. Both the management and coach have brought so much professionalism to the club so you can tell very quickly they appreciate the history of the club and want to continue the tradition here”, warned Scott Stone. A very big factor why he even came to Nordlingen was Josef Eichler who was on that BBL team in 2008 as a19 year old. “Josef is my brother. He’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come to Nordlingen in the first place. The guy is the ultimate professional in every sense of the word. Always shows up early, plays harder than anyone, and is consistent in his approach day in and day out. I’ve learned so much about being a professional from him both on and off the court. On top of that he’s genuinely one of the nicest guys you will find. I’m very thankful for his friendship and mentorship throughout the years”, stated Scott Stone. He won his first chip in Australia and played for 3 teams named Ringwood Hawks, Western Port Steelers and Hume City Broncos. “ It was a great experience down there. My first season I got to play with the best BigV dynasty of all-time the Ringwood Hawks. That 2018 team was some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball. Veteran guys like Matt Fennell, Matty Snowball, Shaun Clarke, Nate Truman, Stefan Osborne and the young fellas Matty Roberts, Kaide Fittolani and Seb Lees made it extremely easy to play and win games down there. I also got to live with and learn from one of the best Americans to play there during that time Jacob Gibson. He taught me a ton during that year, and we had a blast both on and off the court together. I also had the privilege of playing with and under Daryl Corletto. One of the best shooters in Austrailan NBL history. He expanded my game more than anyone in my career. I tried to steal everything from his game, and pick his brain everyday together. He’s such an unbelievably skilled shooting guard, and I’m lucky to call him a friend and mentor to this day”, warned Scott Stone.

The guard who lists Kevin Garnett as his GOAT and believes that the classic Coming To America should have been left alone is a guard that compares his game to NBA legend Reggie Miller and Euroleague legend Sergio Llull. “Both guys are big time shot makers and play with some flare so I try to emulate that as best I can”, said Scott Stone. He is the ultimate walking bucket, but his game encompasses so much more than that. “I rebound well for my position, and I’m underrated passer. I can play out of the ball screen effectively and I would say finding guys out of the ball screen is one of my bigger strengths. I’ve worked to improve my defense as the years have gone by and this year I’m averaging close to 3 steals per game. I would say I’ve gradually become a more well-rounded player as I’ve gotten older”, stressed Scott Stone. He continues to be an incredible three point shooter and continues to grow as a defender. “I’ve always been a natural shooter. It was something that came very easy to me at a young age. I would say I’ve taken my game to a different level now with being able to shoot and make 3’s off the dribble at a high percentage, but I’ve always been a pretty elite catch and shoot guy from a young age. I would say I’ve just worked on my positioning and my anticipation has improved quite a bit. I’ve never been the fastest or quickest guy so defense has always been a struggle of mine but I’ve improved it significantly recently, and I think this will be a major impact on where my game goes in the future”, warned Scott Stone. Despite being 29 years old, he still has many years ahead of him to continue getting better and possibly making the next step up leagues. “I would say making the correct reads out of double teams. Whether that be in ball screen or iso situations just finding where the ball needs to be quickly. I’m a natural scorer so this has been an adjustment I’ve been working on improving lately”, added Scott Stone. He still has big goals and after winning a title in Australia, winning another in Nordlingen and moving up to the Pro B would be perfect for him. “I think that is on everyone’s mind here. We’ve had some injuries and roster movements that have made it tough at the beginning of the season but we’ve won 4 out of our last 5 and we are starting to play our best basketball at the right time”, warned Scott Stone. He won´t ever get a rest on his shoulder as his chip is always getting heavier. He has understood that every guy´s journey is different. His great teammate at St Cloud Gage Davis had similar stats to him, but has been balling in first divisions in Denmark and Finland the last years. “Oh Gage is a different animal. He’s a killer, and he’s deserved all the opportunities he had and will continue to have. For me I think I’ve gotten a lot better since college, and I needed to work on my game in the lower leagues to get to where I am now. But I have my best years ahead of me so I’m excited to see where basketball takes me here in the near future”, warned Scott Stone. Stone is a great player playing the game he loves for little in lower leagues. But even better than his game is his character. Being so humble and enjoying life can only be infectious to his teammates and people he touches in Nordlingen,

Caleb Bellach Remembers Harald Frey Being One Of The Most Supportive Teammates That He Ever Had

Caleb Bellach (201-F-2001, college: Montana Tech) is a 201cm forward from Manhattan, Montana that began his rookie season in Germany with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProB) but had to go after only 5 games averaging 5,6ppg and 3,0rpg in 18 minutes time. He began his basketball career at Manhattan Christian High School and then played 2 seasons and 28 NCAA games with Montana State University. He then finished at Montana Technological University (NAIA) playing 3 seasons and 82 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.3%, 17.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.4% in his second season and in his third season averaged 13.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 81.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball before signing with Team Ehingen last summer.

Thanks Caleb for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be able to play overseas?

I feel extremely blessed to get the opportunity to continue to play the game I love overseas. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was in Highschool! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the right people around me and help me with this journey to get the opportunity!

How aware are you that one doesn´t see many NAIA guys reach overseas. Does knowing that motivate to heighten your work ethic as a rookie to a new level?

I know NAIA players may often get overlooked in some areas because we may go to some smaller schools but at the end of the day it’s how you play the game. I think knowing that just pushes me to go out there and prove something. No other choice than to be the most confident player on the floor!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

To be honest I don’t know too much about Germany or its basketball until the last few months! The little I do know comes from my former teammate and roommate from Montana State, Finn Fluete who is from Essen, and now plays for Duesseldorf. But I’m super excited to get over there and learn and experience a new culture and meet some great new people and play the game we love!

Have you had any friends, former opponents or teammates play overseas and in Germany besides Finn Fleute?

I also have multiple teammates from my playing career that are playing overseas! (Harald Frey, Jubrile Belo, Abdul Mohammed, Sindou Diallo, Dalton Hommes)

Ehingen is a program that has been known of developing young players well. What were the main reasons for you joining this organization?

Coach Hübner and I were able to chat for a long time and everything he was saying just sounded like a perfect fit for me! I feel like there’s always things to grow and develop regardless of age and I believe that I will be able to come in with a little bit of a leadership role!

How did the talks go with head coach Johannes Hubner? What did you enjoy most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Hübner is a great coach and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him! He said that the style he likes to play was very similar to the style I was used to playing at Montana Tech, and he made it pretty clear the role he thinks is best for me!

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say that my best play comparison is Demar Derozan? But I’m not sure lol! Maybe Gordon Hayward as well.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet well and seem to be a guy that can do a bit of everything. How well defined is versatility in your game?

I feel like I can score the ball at all 3 levels, when your game is well rounded and not 1 dimensional it opens up so many more opportunities on the floor for myself as well as my teammates!

You won 3 titles in the NAIA. How much of a leader are you?

I have had to lead by example since high school, my dad was my high school coach so there was no other choice! I feel ready to go and the best way to lead is by doing it first!

You shot the 3 ball really well in 2 of your 3 NAIA career and topped it off at 38% in your last year. How would you describe your shooting potential as you start your rookie season? What is your biggest goal with your shooting this season?

I feel like I have the potential to shoot above 40% but it all depends on the type of shots I’m taking, sometimes in college I would maybe take a lower percentage shot but I knew I could make the shot because I had before! My biggest goal for shooting this season is honestly just making enough to win games and taking the right shots for the team!

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

My defense has always been a weaker point of my game but the last 3 years I’ve really tried to work on it, I feel like it comes down to who wants it more.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

I’m working on being more consistent with my finishing around the rim about 10 feet and in. As well as my ability to get down hill and then make adjustments as I read the defense, making the best play possible for the team!

You began your college career at Montana State University (NCAA) and played there from 2019-2021 and played only 28 games. How much did Covid hamper your time there? Could you take any positives from these 2 years?

Montana State and coach Danny Sprinkle were great for me, I was a young 18 year old with no experience. I grew as a person and player and there is no way I would be where I am today without going through the Covid years and without having to grind out 2 years. It made me have a new view on the game and honestly made me fall in love with the game again!

How much of a role model was upperclassman Harald Frey who played the last 2 seasons in Germany´s top league BBL and will play in top Spanish league ACB this season? What were you able to soak up from his game?

Harald was a leader for our team, he’s always been one of the most supportive teammates I’ve ever had. He never hesitated to help me with anything or give me any sort of advice. I literally could ask him for anything or any help and Harry would be there for me, that’s the type of guy he is. I’m super greatful that when I was a freshmen I had such a great teammate to look up to.

What was it like being teammates with Fin Fleute? You could have a reunion in Germany this season.

Finn was always down to do whatever. He was always excited to explore. He is one of the strongest and nicest dudes I know. I haven´t seen him in a few years but we will link up in Germany again.

After playing in the NCAA for 2 years you then too a big step back moving to the NAIA and playing for Montana Tech. Was this a tough step mentally and did you develop a chip on your shoulder?

I felt like taking that step “back” I had to go out and prove that I was the “man” at that level. I had no other choice than to be the most confident dude and the floor. I just tried to be an absolute killer.

You won 3 Frontier conference titles at Montana Tech. Which one was the most sweetest?

They were all sweet in their own way, I would say the 1st one just because the last tech team to do it before we did it the first time, my dad was a member of the team. My dad only got 2 however so now I got 1 up on him hahah

How did head coach Adam Hiatt groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hiatt believed in me from day 1, he recruited my from my sophomore year of high school and told me then that I could play professionally one day. I truly owe Coach Hiatt so much for allowing and trusting me to come in and help him change the program. He will be family for life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Asa Williams?

Probably about 50-50 but we will go with me

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

Paolo Banchero or Jaden McDaniels

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Harald Frey Xavier Bishop Sindou Diallo Asa Williams Chrishon Dixon

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Micheal Jordan Kobe Bryant Kevin Durant Dirk Nowitzki

Who is your GOAT and why?

Micheal Jordan, he changed the game and it’s the driving reason we are where we are today

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not!

Thanks Caleb for the chat.

Phillp Flowers(Bona Baskets Limburg) Is Grinding In The 2 Regionalliga But Has Game And Once Put Up 37 Points Against Jeremy Pargo In A Pro Am Game In Miami

Phillip Flowers (196-SF-1990, college: UWG) is a 34 year old 196cm small forward from Lauderdale, Florida and playing with the Bona Baskets Limburg (“ Regionalliga) this season. He has pro experience in Qatar, Brazil and in semi pro leagues in the States with teams Georgia Spartans (UBA) and the South Florida Gold (ABA). He played at : Eastern Florida State College (NJCAA) and the University of West Georgia (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com after a 65-57 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Thanks Philip for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The guests are filled with 80% youth players. Did it feel like men playing with boys?

Yes it did feel like that. Sometimes I have to get myself mad just to motivate myself to play. I´m bigger and stronger than those guys. You have to keep it simple when you play against young guys.

What was the key for getting the win at home?

We didn´t find an offensive rhythm. Only one guy was at practice yesterday. But we did give an overall consistent defensive effort.

You last played 5 years ago in the ABA. How did you land in Limburg?

I met a former Limburg player through my job in Wiesbaden. I´m a contractor in Wiesbaden and work for the government. I got a try out and the rest is history.

You live and work in Wiesbaden. Is the Limburg gig more a hobby or do you still have aspirations of chasing the pro dream?

Of course I still want to get to the next level. I won´t be able to get to the top, because of my job though. But I feel capable of playing in the Pro B or Pro A.

Did you have a 9-5 job the last 5 years? Did you continue to work on your craft or was the professional route on the back burner?

I worked as a contractor for the US government in different countries the last years. I played in Qatar, Brazil and in China tournaments.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for the Bona Baskets Limburg? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been cool. I have gotten to know some of the guys. I´m proud to have been a mentor for some of the young kids and try to give them knowledge and help them get better. I really love how we always have access to the gym.

You aren´t the only veteran, but Elijah Allen is also here. What is it like sharing the court with him? Is one more the leader and the other have a different function?

I can be a vocal leader, but also leader with actions. Elijah is the same.

How enjoyable has it been being teammates with Justin Stallbohm? Isn´t his smile infectious?

His smile is very infectious especially when his shot is going in. I get a lot of assists from him. He is a good shooter and leader as our captain.

You played in countries like Brazil and Qatar, but was never in Europe before this season. What do you believe kept you away from Europe? Was it failed representation?

It wasn´t really failed representation, but he just didn´t have a network in Europe, but more in South America. I would have liked to have played here earlier in my career.

You played for the South Florida Gold (ABA) reaching the final. What memories do you have of this season? What was missing from getting that chip?

We just didn´t play very well as a team. It was a big moment and they just had more experience than us.

You played 2 seasons with Botafogo F.R. (Brazil-Liga Ouro) winning a chip. What was so special about this team that season?

We had a bunch of really good players. We had strong imports and a really good team. It wasn´t only great to win the title, but to contribute

You played your rookie season with the Georgia Spartans (UBA). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie?

My wake up call was realizing I had to get stronger. I always had the skills. I focused more on my body.

You began your college career at Eastern Florida State College (NJCAA). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a grind, but an experience they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

I agree. What many don´t realize is that JUCO has a lot of good players. Guys usually land here because of bad grades. I learned that if I want to get somewhere, I have to work hard.

You then played a season with the University of West Georgia (NCAA2). You only played a season there. Why didn´t you finish there?

I stayed only one season, because I was ineligible for a second season.

What was your fondest moment on the court? Possibly your 23/13 game against Carver?

I don´t even think that that was my best game. Maybe on paper it was. My fondest moment was winning the dunk contest at midnight madness.

How did head coach Michael Cooney groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

He taught me discipline. I understood that if I didn´t do something a certain way, I would sit.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Zac Taulien?

I won. Not too many beat me.

Who the toughest player you battled that reached the NBA?

I played against Bam Adebayo. I played against James Harden in a Miami tournament and did really well. He didn´t play defense. I put up 37 points against Jeremy Pargo also in Miami. I also played against Derrick Jones Jr.

Who are your 4 best teammates of all-time?

Kenny Boynton, Brandon Knight, Eloy Vargas, Keith Clanton

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Shaq

Who is your Goat?

Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yes they should of left it alone.

Thanks Philip for the chat.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 15

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

A tough 114-110 double overtime loss. It was the second OT type game loss in a row. Is the basketball God annoying you guys a bit at the moment?

No I just felt like we just didn’t make the right plays that we needed during the whole game.

Do you feel like teams are scouting the RheinStars better in the second half?

I think so but also we need to make adjustments during the game. We also did not get stops like we need to.

It was one of those games where one team would punch and in the next quarter the other would punch back. In the second quarter the RheinStars punched back. What was key for having the lead at the break?

We were getting stops and getting out and getting easy baskets.

In the second half they punched the RheinStars, but you fought back in the fourth quarter. Ruppert Hennen tied the game at 89 and you stopped them to force OT. How fortunate were you to reach the OT?

Very fortunate I feel we were locked in during that moment and showed how focused we can be as a team when we need to at times.

That first OT was very fortunate again for Cologne as Alston missed a second free throw with one second to play. What was missing from you guys just to finish them off?

We just didn’t finish on offense as well as not getting consecutive stops and rebounding.

In the second OT the RheinStars went on a 4-0 run, but allowed Ehingen to come back. Is it fair to say that the RheinStars would have won the game without having to battle Jaylen Alston?

Yeah he was having a great game probably one of the best I’ve been a part of and we let him go off this game.

You had 9 points and not your best shooting day, but had 3 steals. Was your injury still hindering your play a bit?

It has been difficult for me with the injury hopefully I can use the break to heal properly.

The Pro B now has a 2 week break. What do the RheinStars Cologne have to do better in the next games?

We have to lock in more on defense like we did the beginning of the season. We have to come out the gate with intensity.

It won´t get any easier as you paly Wurzburg who beat you in the first game. What will be key to getting win?

Defense is the key. We have to play better collectively and finish with rebounding. Our intensity and urgency need to be better as a whole.

Thanks Malik for the chat.