Aytor Alberto (188-G-2000, college: Cairn, agency: Dagger Basket) is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Holland that is playing his second pro season for Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). He played split his rookie season between Breidablik Kopavogur (Iceland-Division 1) averaging 18.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 39.2%, 3FGP: 39.0%, FT: 80.3%, in Jan.’25 moved to Kufstein Towers (Austria-2.Bundesliga) averaging 11.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 64.0%. He received early basketball experience at Victory Rock Preparatory School in Florida and then played a season at Clark Summit University (NCAA3). He then balled 3 years at Cairn University (NCAA3) and had his breakout season in his last season averaging : 21.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 45 points in a game in Iceland.
Thanks Aytor for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Iceland for Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). You recently scored 45 points in a game. You have had some big games in your career, but did you know that you were capable of a feat like that?
I’m extremely confident in my game, so I would never rule out the possibility of me having a performance this big, but to say I saw this realistically coming especially now as a pro would be a lie.
Your teammate Jakorie Smith recently hit for 50 points. Did his game give you some extra motivation for your 45 points? Not necessarily, but I wanted to up my level of play moving forward just because I did not help him enough in that particular game to also secure the win along with his performance.
Did you have a special breakfast the day of your 45 points or was it just a normal day at the office with the usual pre game routine? Just a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary in regards to my routine.
How were you feeling when the game started? Did you have a good start with your game?
I was feeling very motivated, just because I knew we needed one more win to officially clinch for playoffs and the fact that we were playing against our rivals.
How quickly did you know in the game that you might have a real good scoring game?
Probably when I noticed at halftime that I already had 23 points.
How tough is it in general to have a great scoring game like that when you have another walking bucket on the team with Jakorie Smith who had 31 points in the game? It is definitely not easy especially since Jakorie is our main focal point when it comes to scoring the ball, but he is an unselfish player that allows me to also go when he notices that I’m rolling and vice versa.
The team had 13 assists not counting your 7. Was there a lot of isolation from your part?
Yes, there were several matchups that we were specifically hunting due to some players struggling to guard my speed, so we were looking for isolations against those players.
Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?
I noticed when it was like a minute left in the game, but at that point I was focused on securing the win because there has been games where we blew the lead down the stretch so I was heavily focused on making winning plays.
You saw Jakorie Smith hit for 50 and you had 45. Does that give you extra motivation to go the extra mile and shoot for 50 points in the future? Not at all. The way I ended up scoring 45 points was due to just how the flow of the game was going. Jakorie is our primary option, so I do not look at him as competition, I just try to compliment him as best as I can and if I happen to be rolling that game then so be it.
What was your favorite own basket of the game?
Probably when I attacked a switch in the second half on the right wing and hit an isolation side step three-point jump shot.
Did you get any special congrats after the win on social media? Yes, a lot of my friends and supporters from back home congratulated me.
Did you have to get donuts for the teammates? Not at all.
Kaan Kus (178-PG-1993) is a 33 year old 178cm guard playing for the Baskets Limburg. He has played with this club most of his life. He also has garnered experience with teams like TV Idstein and BC Wiesbaden. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
After almost 15 years of covering the Baskets Limburg, I finally can interview you. Sorry for the long wait. Oh that’s ok. Thanks for thinking of me.
You have been wearing a Limburg jersey for the longest time. What does it mean for you to wear this jersey?
Limburg is my home town. I play with so much love for this club. I have played for some other teams, but none ever felt like it does playing for Limburg.
What has been your summary of the season? The Baskets Limburg have been solid but not great?
Our goal this season wasn´t to move up. We have new management with Justin Stallbohm, Berkant Campinar and myself. Our motto this season was to develop the youth. We had 8 guys form Limburg. We still had a successful season. Our goal for the next years is to keep developing the youth.
What has it been like being teammates with Myles Howell? Where would you rate his poster dunk recently? He is a young athletic player that is always good spirited. I have seen many great dunks in my life, but his is at the top.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 178 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? Is Marcus Smart a good choice?
Yes Marcus Smart is correct.
Talk about your strengths as a player? You have never been much of a scorer, but what other aspects make you shine? That is true that I have never been a scorer. I´m a playmaker that brings calmness to the court. I do things that don´t pop up on the stat sheet. I bring a lot of energy to the game with my defense. I keep the team together and enjoy defending the other team´s best player.
Talk about your defensive game. Do you model your game after Marcus Smart on defense?
Yes I try to model my game after him. I´m a very nasty defender that likes to get under the skin of my opponent. I would never want to play against myself. I will get on opponent´s nerves and am able to defend bigger players.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now? I love to create for my teammates and don´t take many shots. Because of that, I´m always working on my shot, because with less shots that I take, I want to always make them.
How has your game developed over the years under Danny Stallbohm? What have you appreciated most about his coaching?
I like how he gives us freedom and just let´s us go out and play our game. If you deliver then you get minutes. He had been more offensive minded in the past, but now had become more defensive minded.
One of your best friends is Justin Stallbohm. Does he have the most incredible smile ever? Justin is a sweet guy. He has a great smile. His smile puts smiles on the faces of others.
How has he helped you be a better player over the years? We talk together a lot. We have been teammates on the court for many years. We are always helping each other on the court with tips. We have helped each other mentally to help each other get to the next level.
What is your fondest memory with Justin Stallbohm on the court? My fondest moment with Justin happened in our youth in the U-20 Oberliga. We won the Hessen U-20 title.
You played a season with the incredible Kris Douse. What memories will you always have of him?
He was an energizer and a great scorer. He was a super teammate and everyone liked him. It didn´t matter if you were young or old or a great player or not, he always tried to make everyone better.
You were also teammates with Kevin Yebo. He went from the Regionalliga to the Euroleague. Did you already see his talent 10 years ago? I saw that he was a raw diamond right away. But I had no idea that he could get to the BBL or Euroleague then. You saw right away that he had things that you couldn´t learn. He had that special athleticism and anticipation that you can´t learn. I´m still in contact with him today.
Your coolest Mantas Bernatavicius story? He was a phenomenon. He was one of our most important players even if he was never a scorer. He did such vital things like setting great blocks and being our anchor on defense. No player wanted to drive to the rim. He was so physical.
I remember in 2015 watching a young Isaac Bonga play in Limburg with Koblenz. What memories do you have of him in that game?
I remember that game with Bonga well. We all knew how talented he was. He was 3 heads bigger than me. He did a shifty spin move around me for the lay up.
What was your fondest moment on the court with a Limburg jersey? In my early years my fondest moment was when we went from the Regionalliga 2 to Regionalliga beating Kronberg with a buzzer beater.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court? Matej Kljaic. You can´t defend him on the pick and roll.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Justin Stallbohm, Berkant Campinar, Max Mattel, Kevin Yebo, Melvin Adrovic
Please name your NBA and German Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Rose
Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Pascal Roller, Per Guenther
Maximilian Kuhle (184-PG-1991) is a former professional baskektball player that now is a personal and mental trainer. He celebrated a 10 + year pro career that took him to many different places in Germany. He also played a season in Spain. In Germany he played with ASC 46 Goettingen, BG Goettingen, Cuxhaven, Nurnberg, Paderborn, Basketball Lowen Erfurt and for Rot-Weiss Cuxhaven. He played more than a 100 Pro A games. He spoke to Germanhoops.com about his career.
Thanks Maxi for talking to germanhoops.com. You retired at 30 and then came back to play in Spain, but overall retired at a young age. Looking back now did you retire at the right age or could you have played longer?
Looking back now I think I retired at the right age, but the transition from player to retirement was a long road. Now I am happy with the way it went and I am very thankful for the years I had as a player.
Let´s go back to the beginning. You began with the Hardegsen Baskets. What got you in love with basketball when you were young?
I fell in love with the game when I saw Allen Iverson play in the 2001 playoffs. I loved everything about basketball early on – the culture, the vibe and the whole lifestyle around it.
Who were your early basketball inspirations? Did you try to model your game after them? Besides Allen Iverson, the And1 Mixtapes were a big inspiration for me and I tried all their moves every day in my backyard. I learned a lot of moves from their videos. Another big inspiration was a guy who was five years older than me in my town and already played at a good level. I got lucky because he taught me a lot of fundamentals from an early age. We are still friends to this day.
You then moved to ASC Goettingen and was teammates with a young Vitalis Chikoko. What memories do you have of this time still being fairly young and playing against men in the Regionalliga? I had a great coach at ASC Goettingen, Marjo Heinemann. He gave me a lot of minutes early on and allowed me to play through mistakes. I never got the chance to play with Vitalis Chikoko – our paths just missed each other – but I heard great things about his talent early on.
The next season you also practiced with BG Goettingen and played 1 Eurocup game. How challenging was it practicing with BBL players? It was very challenging but also exciting to be part of that team and to experience such a high level early on as a young player. Everything was new to me and in every practice there were things I had never heard of before.
You couldn´t have had 2 better point guards with Kyle Bailey and John Little. What do you remember soaking up most from each? I remember being in awe of John Little’s physicality on defense. As an 18-19-year-old player, I had never experienced such intensity in on-ball defense. It was very impressive. With Kyle Bailey, I remember his amazing floater and I tried to copy that move after I saw how efficient he was with it.
How challenging was it to play for John Patrick? Was he the most demanding coach that you ever had?
It was like being thrown into the cold ocean very early in my career. Two or three years before, I was still playing at a very small club in Hardegsen and a short time later I was on the practice floor with one of the best coaches in Europe. He was definitely the most demanding coach I experienced in my career.
You then played 2 seasons with Cuxhaven and in 2013-2014 had your Pro A break out season averaging 9.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 89.3%. In your first game that season you had a 36 point explosion in Paderborn. What memories do you have of that game? Was that your best game as a pro? The game in Paderborn was a great one to remember for me, especially since we also got the win that day. I remember Will Barnes on the other team had 40+ points that night as well, so it was a great back-and-forth battle.
In the 2014-2015 season you played with rent4office Nuernberg (ProA) playing 27 games averaging 3.4ppg, How tough was it coming from a breakthrough season in Cuxhaven to having a less of a role in Nurnberg? The transition wasn’t easy, but we had a very successful season as a team and got a lot of wins. It was great being part of a winning culture, even though my role and minutes were limited.
You had 2 great guards with Braydon Hobbs and Josh Young. How much of an impact did they both have on you? Those two players were amazing to watch every day in practice. Braydon Hobbs made passes that I had never seen before and Josh Young was the ultimate professional and a pure scorer. I was very lucky to have had the chance to play with these great players.
You then played 2 seasons with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (ProA) averaging 7.0ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 93.5% and 10.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 83.0%. Were these your 2 strongest seasons in the Pro A in terms of your game?
I had great trust from Coach Uli Nächster in Paderborn during my two seasons and that built up my confidence big time. I felt like I really became a better player there and learned a lot of new things on the court. Also, the teammates I had in Paderborn were great and that helped a lot.
I can imagine you didn´t forget your 23/11 game in the exciting 93-92 win over Trier. Was that your fondest moment with Paderborn?
I remember it being a very important win in an overtime game, but the double-overtime win in Dresden in my first season (2016/2017) with Paderborn is also a great memory.
After that last strong season in Paderborn, you took a step back to the Pro B with Erfurt. Why did you take a step back?
After my year in Paderborn, I had a tough summer personally and went through an up-and-down phase mentally because I did not get the offers I would have liked. I made some mistakes and wrong decisions, but looking back, signing with Erfurt was a blessing since I fell in love with the city and it became home. My son was born here and I feel very comfortable in Erfurt.
You averaged 15.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 80.0% and PPG-5 (19.1), 2.9rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 84.2%. How thankful were you being able to play for German head coach Florian Gut? You were one of the top German point guards in the Pro B. Coach Florian Gut gave me a lot of confidence and I was very lucky to have the green light to shoot. Teammates like David Taylor, Oliver Pahnke and Robert Franklin also made the game easier for me.
You had many great games with the Lowen including a 36 point game against the RheinStars. What was your fondest moment with them? A great memory was reaching the playoffs in our first year as a total newcomer and underdog. We lost in the first round against Münster, but we were very happy with the outcome of our season in the league.
After 2 great seasons in Erfurt, it seemed like your career ended at 29? You went to Cuxhaven and played 1 game. Did injuries get the best of you?
This was the COVID year and the lockdown gave me the chance to reflect on my career, and my decision to stop playing professionally became clearer. The manager of Cuxhaven called me back then to help the team and I played one game before the season was cancelled in the 1st Regionalliga. I was lucky not to have any serious injuries.
You played one last season in 2023-2024 with Autocares Rodriguez Daimiel (Spain-EBA) averaging 11.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 69.0%. What kind of an experience was Spain in the fourth league? It was an important season for me personally to experience basketball again in another country. I have great memories from that year and met some amazing people. I also got the chance to play with the Cuban legend Georvys Elías and he was still an amazing player even though he was older at the time.
Now you’re a personal trainer and mental trainer. Talk a little how a day is in your life with this profession? I am very lucky to have found something that I love to do. It feels good to use my experience from pro basketball to help people reach their personal goals. Every day is different and every coaching session is different depending on the clients’ personalities, situations and goals.
What is the most challenging thing in this job when trying to help people with fitness, skills and the mental side? You have to be on point every day and bring a lot of energy. A common question for coaches is: who coaches the coach? But it’s a profession where you feel growth every day – within yourself and together with your clients – and that’s a great feeling.
What other dreams do you still have in your life? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I don’t have big material goals. I wish to have a big, happy and healthy family and live a slow life surrounded by nature and peace.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague?
As a young player I faced Dennis Schröder several times and he destroyed us. As a pro it was amazing trying to battle Braydon Hobbs in practice – he was so calm and collected no matter what I did.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Selim Mulic, Marques Oliver, Morgan Grim, Robert Franklin, Chase Adams
Please name your personal NBA and German mount Rushmore with your 5 best of all-time? NBA: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq German: Dennis Schröder, Heiko Schaffartzik, Franz Wagner, Dirk Nowitzki, Daniel Theis
Who is your GOAT? Kobe Bryant is my personal goat.
Geraldo Lane (196-G-2002, college: FHU) is a 23 year old 196cm guard from Alabama that played his rookie season with Piratebi (Georgia-A League) averaging 21/8/2 stats. He played at NAIA school Freed-Hardeman University. He played there from 2021-2025 and was very consistent averaging 9.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 66.7% as a freshman.8,7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 79.7% in his second season, 10.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 67.0%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 71.5% in his junior year and as a senior averaged 9.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 83.0%. He began his basketball career at Columbia High School. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Thanks Geraldo for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Thank you for having me! Right now I am home in Huntsville, AL and basketball has been treating me really well this summer. I’ve won a summer league championship here that included a lot of professional and high level players and I played really well averaging over 20 ppg so I’ve been enjoying everything so far.
You recently finished at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA). The summer is winding down and your still unsigned to start your pro career. How demanding and tough has the grind been for you this summer?
It’s been an extremely tough summer both mentally and physically. It’s hard still being unsigned and not knowing where my professional career is going to start but that hasn’t stopped me from working hard and improving my game on a daily basis. I’ve been doing multiple workouts a day on the court and lifting everyday so that when my phone rings I’m ready to go make an impact immediately.
I cover basketball in Germany and there are some guys from your school that have played successfully in Germany with Bryan Battle and Grant Teichmann. Does just that give you hope that you might land in Germany? Yes it definitely gives me hope that I could end up in Germany! Those are two great and successful players and I would love to follow in their footsteps. Germany is great place with some competitive basketball and I would love the opportunity to play in a country like that.
It is no secret that one doesn´t see many NAIA guys balling overseas, but it does happen. Do you have a special chip on your shoulder coming form an NAIA school?
Absolutely! I hear and read all the talk about NAIA not being good enough and it only makes me go harder. I always play with a chip on my shoulder but coming from an NAIA makes me want to play 10x harder at the next level to prove to people that there is some real talent at the NAIA level.
There has been interest for your services in Australia. How exciting would it be for you to play in Europe this season?
It would be very exciting to play in Europe this season! Everyone knows Europe has some of the most competitive basketball in the world so it would be great if I could play there this season. I love competition and it showed in college where we played the #1 toughest schedule in the country, and still went 30-6 and made it to the final four. I am a big fan of playing against good competition so I would like to keep that going by playing against some good competition in Europe.
You do have 1 advantage over many guys. You won 3 MSC titles. Winning just 1 title at the college level is a reach for guys. Were you always a winner or was that developed at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA)?
I have always been a winner! I won a lot in high school as well but it’s because I am a team first player that prioritizes winning over everything. We had some great teams at Freed-Hardeman and I was a key player in us winning by doing what the team needed most from me every night. Whether it was to score the most points, lock down the other team’s best player, or grab 10+ rebounds, it didn’t matter. I am the type of player to do whatever it takes for us to win.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player whold best fit the description?
I would compare my game to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander! We are the same size and I love getting downhill and getting to my mid range game like he does. I also use my body to bump defenders a lot to get my shot off just like Shai. When it comes to 3 point shooting, I am a good enough shooter to where defenders still have to respect me, and I can make them pay for backing up too far if they choose to do so. I am also like Shai because I am a great leader. I was team captain of Freed-Hardeman in all of our championship years, including the year we won the NAIA National Championship.
You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well. What would you say is your biggest strength on the offensive end? My biggest strength offensively is my athleticism! I love going up, dunking the ball and finishing strong at the rim. I also use my athleticism to get by defenders on the perimeter and rise up over them to shoot the mid range shot. My athleticism is my biggest strength because not only am I a high flyer, I am quick and I have good footwork to make any play on the court that is required of me.
You don´t take many three´s. You shot more three´s in your first 2 NAIA seasons then in your last 2. However you shot the ball better in your last 2 seasons shooting 37% and 43%. How vital is it for your game to implement your three more into your game? It will be super important to include the 3 point shot more in my game. I didn’t shoot many threes because we had a ton of 3 point shooters so coach asked me to be the guy that gets downhill and causes problems at the rim, and like I mentioned before I will do whatever it takes for us to win because I prioritize winning over everything. However, even with me not shooting a lot of them, I still proved to be effective shooting the three by shooting a really good percentage in my last two years.
How would you describe your defensive game? You averaged a steal and block in your last season. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?
I would consider myself an elite lockdown defender! Since my freshman year at Freed-Hardeman, I was always the guy that guarded the other team’s best player. I have a history of locking up some of the best players in the country, and I take pride in what I have to do. However, I want to become the type of defender that shows up on the stat sheet a lot more. I want to be more active with my hands to get more steals and blocks on the defensive end. I believe that is the next step for me on the defensive end.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I have been working on my 3 point shot a lot this summer. I want to be a true three level threat for any team that decides to sign me. This is an important area of my game because the ability to be a three level scorer will open up opportunities for my teammates as well so we can have a dynamic offensive attack.
You played at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA) winning 3 MSC titles from 2023-2025. Which title was the sweetest?
The first one will always be sweetest. We were playing NAIA powerhouse Georgetown College in the championship game and we were down 20 points at halftime. We used a big second half on both ends to claw back and have a 1 point lead with 1 second left. Georgetown tried throwing a lob up to the rim and I smacked the ball out of the air and we won the game! Everyone stormed the court including our fans as we celebrated a miraculous comeback championship win.
What do you remember from your NAIA run in 2024 where you won the title. You had a nerve wracking 1 point win against Masters early on and then beat Langston 71-67 in the final.
There were a lot of key moments that I’ll forever remember, but the main one is the comeback in the National Championship game versus Langston. We were down 6 with a minute left and we came back and won by 4. I played a big part in the comeback, getting a steal then an and 1 finish at the rim to cut the lead to 1 point. I also got the game saving block on the other team’s best player which led to a fast break layup for us to seal the win and the championship.
How tough was it not repeating as NAIA champion in 2025? You reached the final 4 losing to OKWU. What will you never forget from your last college game? It was definitely tough because once you reach the mountaintop, you would like to stay there especially with it being my last year. But overall, we had a great season going 30-6 and winning our third straight MSC title. It would’ve been great to end off my career with another National Championship though. One thing I’ll never forget is walking off the court for the last time wearing that Freed-Hardeman jersey. We had a lot of fans there and they were cheering us on as we walked off and I remember looking at them waving and being grateful for having the opportunity to play for such a good program and fan base for 4 years.
How did head coach Drew Stutts groom and prepare you best for a professional career? I believe Coach Stutts prepared me very well for a professional career. He showed me how effective it can be when everyone commits to putting the team needs over individual things. He also gave me great leadership experience and I wouldn’t be the leader I am today without him. He also prepared me mentally for the next level by scheduling a tough schedule. We played a lot of great teams and players, which means the lights were always bright and the moments were always big, this helped because now I can perform and be effective on any stage no matter how big the moment or the game is.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Stephens? I definitely won the most 1-1 games in practice! Jordan Stephens is a great player but when it came to 1-1, I always took those games and drills personally. The competitor in me wouldn’t let me lose those 1-1 games so I made sure to really lockdown on defense and trust my hard work on offense to win against him.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Riley Minix from Southeastern was extremely good! Unfortunately I didn’t play against him because he was injured when we played them but I saw him play in person a lot. He is now with the San Antonio Spurs, but it was clear from watching him that he was different from a lot of people.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Kortland Martin is the best player that I’ve ever played with, he was a dynamic scorned who averaged 20 points a game my freshman year at Freed Hardeman. He was also a great leader who led by example and he was always in the gym. He showed me the type of work ethic you have to have in order to be successful at that level and the professional level. He is currently playing in the NBL1 in Australia. Peyton Law was the best mix of being a great player and a great teammate. I played with him my last 3 years at Freed Hardeman. He played with a ton of energy and always made sure he was heard on the court. He is now at NCAA D1 South Alabama.
Quan Lax was another great teammate of mine. He was actually my roommate for 3 years so we became close off the court and it led to great chemistry on the court. He was our starting point guard and he was really good at running the show for our team. He now plays at NCAA D1 Austin Peay. Phil Horton was like the glue guy for me at Freed Hardeman. He made everything easier off the floor and on it. He was the best teammate and he showed up in some key moments when the team needed him the most. He was my roommate for my senior year so our chemistry off the court led to great chemistry on the court as well. Ryley McClaran was a guy who I spent a lot of time on the floor with. I have played more minutes with Ryley than with any other player in my 4 year span at Freed Hardeman. He was a great shooter from 3, but he was also a great teammate who always put the team over his individual success. He has a super high basketball IQ which is why he is now the graduate assistant coach for NCAA D1 Belmont University.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
LeBron James
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Who is your GOAT?
LEBRON JAMES!!!! He’s been my favorite player and my GOAT since I was little.
The first time I realized that some famous athlete shared the same birthday as mine of September 20 was in grade school. He wasn´t a basketball player, but a NHL legend with Guy Lafleur. He was also my first favorite player as his grace on the ice was mesmerizing as was his free flowing blond hair as he raced to the goal with his scoring and playmaking skills. Later when I was covering basketball in 2006, I noticed that Braunschweig guard Ashanti Cook was also born on my birthday day. It hasn´t been many, but for the research of this piece, I also came upon other notable people from the basketball world like like Donatas Motiejunas, Nathan King and Kyle Anderson and the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics Red Auerbach as well as people like Sophia Loren, Gary Cole and Kristen Johnson all known in Hollywood. When I was researching for my next article for Musa Abra (179-PG-2006), I came across that blessed day of mine of September 20 with the young talented German player Musa Abra. “My best gift ever was a bracelet that I received for my 18th birthday. I would like to get a dog”, smiled Musa Abra. He is a player I have seen play the last years in the pro B as his minutes and skills have grown every season. His play was noticed by the German basketball federation as he was able to compete at the last U-19 World Cup where he earned an incredible Silver medal. He has always been a late bloomer, but his game is finally coming together. He has massive goals and one of many young German players to keep an eye on in the next years. USA is the long term goal of Musa Abra as College and The NBA are on his bucket list.
The 19 year old German who names Christian Anderson and Calvin Wishart as his toughest players he has battled in his career so far found his way to the orange basketball through his 2 sisters who inspired him to play. Another friend also began to play which began their love for the game at age 10. His first 2 basketball inspirations were Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose while his father was a mentor for him. He began with the Basket Lowen U-10 team and played for the Gotha Rockets in the U-16 and for the Basketball Lowen U-19 team. He found love right away for the Basketball Lowen Erfurt that he was never tempted to go anywhere else. “Everything around the court was special. The staff, medicals, volunteers and what I enjoyed the most, are the fans who never give up on u”, said Musa Abra. He began to play for the Lowen NBBL team in the 2022-2023 season averaging 5.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 3.4apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 90.0% and also played 12 Pro B games. His minutes kept rising in the Pro B from 13 to 21 and he averaged 3,0ppg in the pro B and in the NBBL 16.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 4.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 72.1%. His minutes rose again last season to 30+as he had his real pro B break through last season averaging 10.9ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 73.3% and in the NBBL was a top player averaging 20.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.9apg, 3.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 79.6%. His game grew every season. “I think I got way more comfortable in playing my position, my confidence got higher over the time and I think I got much stronger body wise”, said Musa Abra. He also was very fortunate to have had 2 great guards with American Tyseem Lyles and German Jan Heber that helped with his game through the years. “Both of them are really great players. I was always able to learn a lot from both players. From Tyseem, I learned a lot about his approach to training, and from Jan, I learned how to lead a team”, stated Musa Abra.
The German who names Guy Landry Edi, Jan Heber, Tyseem Lyles, Noah Kamdem, Paul Albrecht, and Mike Mitchell Jr as his best teammates of all-time is now in his fourth pro B season and has seen the misfortune of the club in the last 3 years. The ambitions of the Lowen organization have always been massive as the Pro A is a big goal. However the results in the playoffs were never good. The club lost in the quarterfinals the last 3 years and have a 1-6 record in those games against Koblenz, Wolmirstedt and Paderborn. “I think it was down to us every time. We didn’t play with complete confidence at the decisive moments, which then cost us the game”, remembered Musa Abra. This season the club is currently moving in a direction where the club won´t make the playoffs. The club allows more points than what it makes which has cost them too many games. “I think we lack energy on both ends. We got beaten way too often in one on one situations and conceded a lot of points as a result. And even though we were the better team offensively, we still lost most of the time because of that. I still believe we will correct this problem in a short time”, commented Musa Abra. Lyles and Heber have departed the club, but he has great teammates with Paul Albrecht who is in his third season with the Lowen and rookie guard Mike Mitchell who are both players from which the young German can soak up much from. “ I think Paul is a very important piece in our offense. He can pass, he can shoot and he can finish under the basket. With a player like that in the offense, you can play very creatively. I really enjoy playing alongside Mike on the court. He is a very good shooter and is also very good at creating for himself. This draws defense to him and allows him to find his open teammates, or he takes the shot himself”, expressed Musa Abra.
So what kind of a player is Musa Abra exactly who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Detlef Schrempf on his German Mount Rushmore? Some players develop quicker as others as a Ivan Kharchenkov who is a freshman at Arizona (NCAA) was already a top Pro B player at age 16 while Abra developed differently. “You could say that I’m a late bloomer, as I’ve only developed physically and as a basketball player in recent years, while others were already much further ahead much earlier on”, said Musa Abra, He is a 187cm point guard that compares his game as a mix between Sylvain Francisco and Maodo Lo. He is a scoring point guard who can also find his teammates with ease, but also understands that he wants to continue to improve his playmaking skills. “I think scoring and being aggressive is a really big strength I have. But for me it is also important to get my assist rate higher”, added Musa Abra. But if one thinks he is all about making an impact on the offensive end, he is just as capable as making an impact on the defensive end. “ Defending is also a big part of my game, full court or one on one. I think situations like closeouts and staying in front of my man are one of my strengths”, warned Musa Abra. Scoring is something that he has continued to improve the last years and knows what other areas of his game are most important to improve now. “I want to improve my passing abilities but also in taking care of the ball in every situation”, said Musa Abra.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Musa Abra in Frankfurt in 2025
The scoring point guard who lists Michael Jordan as His GOAT in the past and Lebron James as his present GOAT celebrated his biggest success so far in his young career with winning a silver at the 2025 U-19 World Cup with Germany. “It was a great thing, especially with this team. And it gave me the motivation to work on myself even harder”, said Musa Abra. He had incredible teammates like Christian Anderson and Hannes Steinbach who are currently playing in the NCAA and possible NBA draft picks in 2026 and others like Jack Kayil, Declan Duru and Eric Reibe who also are massive promising prospects. Unfortunately for him, he didn´t get big minutes. He actually only accumulated a total of 20 minutes in 5 games, but wouldn´t have traded the experience for anything. “I leaned to stay ready in every second of the game. Your chance will come even if it´s frustrating”, stressed Musa Abra. Even if Germany stayed with USA well for the first half, they completely collapsed in the second half as their athleticism totally overpowered Germany. He played 2 minutes against Team USA and saw future NBA draft picks play. Does he feel like his game is so far away from future NBA guys like Dybantsa and Peat? “I think my game isn´t so much far away from them. They are quality wise, body wise and mental wise better than me. But If work hard enough over the next years, then I can get even closer to their level”, warned Musa Abra. His teammate Jack Kayil who is having his BBL break through season with Alba Berlin is another guy where there is possible NBA buzz brewing. He knows how valuable the weeks were with him last summer and knows how good his chances would be in a 1-1 duel in practice. “Jack is great player but also a really good team leader. I think leading a team is a quality from him I can learn from. If I make all my shots and if we play make it take it, it could be a close game“, expressed Musa Abra. Is the NCAA a goal for him in the future and is he more of a NBA or Euroleague guy? “College Is the goal for me for the next years and my biggest goal is to play in the NBA”, warned Musa Abra. It seems like the German march to the NBA will continue in the next years with so many great German talents. Why not another one with Musa Abra? The German wave of young prospects has never been as strong and as exciting as now.
Jacob Salinero (185-PG-1997, college: Sonoma St.) is a 28 year old 185cm guard from Half Moon California playing his fourth pro season and first with at North Fox Reuler (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). He played his rookie season in Spain and the last 2 seasons in Germany with Kleene Trockenbau Baskets Fortuna Logabirum (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 20.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 7.4apg, 2.6spg and with TV Lich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.7%. He began his basketball career at Half Moon Bay High School and then played 2 seasons at Skyline College (JUCO and then finished at Sonoma State University (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
After playing your first 3 pro seasons overseas, you now have signed late in Luxemburg with second division team North Fox. Why did you sign so late? I´m sure you could of played somewhere in Europe? Were you more picky about offers then usual?
I signed late because the agent I was working with in Germany decided to move in a different direction so I had to utilize my own network in order to get signed. I did have some Regio 2 offers but after a solid Regio 1 season where I performed and we were a top 3 team it felt like a step in the opposite direction.
You had a solid season with Lich Basketball (Germany-Regionalliga) last season averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.7%. I believe you saw how European basketball runs sometimes with that organization? I forever have so much love and respect for the Lich basketball community. I made life long relationships with the people in that city. I think the issue was just communication at the end of the day. I was told that if I played my role that I would get to Pro B even if it meant my stats were lower. I put a lot of trust into the organization that by sacrificing individual accolades it would help the team win and for me to sign in a higher league, but unfortunately that was not the case. I learned that as an American import player you are judged on production and winning, and everything else is everything else. I did not get paid in full the last month I was in Lich so that was an unfortunate close to my time there. That year taught me so much about the business side of basketball.
Playing in lower leagues isn´t always easy for imports. Guys play for little money and little glory. How tough can it be at times for an American pursuing their dreams overseas?
At the beginning it is tough for sure, last year in Lich I was eating rice and avocados at the end of the month just to get by. Also a family in the community would make me dinner on Sundays so that was amazing. I really can’t speak highly enough on how special the fan base is in Lich. Fortunately now I am in a position in year 4 where I have some stability financially and it gives you breathing room in terms of decision making and career outlook. You have to really love basketball to start in the lower leagues, it will test you in every way.
What advice do you have for that American baller coming from a division 2 school and landing in the Spain Primera Nacional as a rookie?
I would say that your first years are really make or break if you don’t produce and win it will be extremely hard to get another opportunity especially at the guard position. Additionally networking is huge as the overseas community is smaller than you think so being a good person and reaching out to others goes a long way!
You kept busy at home in California this season. Talk about how you occupied your time? I believe you were a skills trainer?
I was a part time agent for the agency FullyFeared Sports and I helped two guys sign in Europe, and I became a sports performance coach helping youth improve athletically. I invested so much time in my body and mind this offseason I became a whole new player and person. I learned I want to help the next generation of hoopers reach their fullest potential as not only basketball players but people. It was also the longest I’ve been home in 3 years as I usually stay extra long to do tryouts, so it was amazing to see family and friends for an extended period of time.
Have you ever contemplated possibly playing in the States in semi pro leagues? That is also a lions den. What stories have you heard of guys playing there?
There is so much untapped talent in the states, the issue with the semi pro leagues is that overseas markets rarely respect it even if the talent level is high. I would prefer to stay in the overseas market or explore NBA/G league opportunities if I had the choice.
How did a normal work out day look like for you concerning working on your craft?
I would wake up and lift, then go get my on court work in, eat after, then come to family or train kids/network with Fullyfeared. I did that 6 days a week and it became routine for me. I want to be more than a basketball player and prepare myself and my life for life after hoops so building a network that supports that is key.
You decided to come overseas and joined Luxemburg second division team North Fox. Why did you join this team so late? Was the challenge of going to a losing team the big challenge? I joined this team because one of my friend´s coaches in this league and knew this team needed a player. I was already in Ireland doing tryouts so I flew the next day to tryout and I made the team! It is a big challenge but I know I am prepared to help the team stay in the league. I worked so much this offseason and I became the player necessary for the task.
How has the experience been for you country wise? Luxemburg isn´t to far from Germany. How is the language barrier? Is it less americanized than Germany`
The experience has been amazing! It is my favorite situation I have been in overseas as everything is so close and Luxembourgish people speak generally 4 languages so there isn’t really a language barrier. I also have okay German skills hahaha so if my English doesn’t work I can get by in German
What have you enjoyed most about the North Fox organization so far? The people! The community is small and close knit and my teammates have been sensational. Not all teams are open to import players but they welcomed me with open arms. I feel comfortable here.
You played one game losing to Black Frogs 80-56. How would you describe the level and players in the second league compared to the German Regionalliga? The import players are better as each team can have two and there is more money in Luxembourg so teams can afford higher quality imports, but local player level in Germany is better. I think it is a hard comparison.
You scored 24 points in the loss. It seems like you’re the main go to guy. Do you enjoy it. Do you ever feel any pressure?
They signed me for the purpose to come and lead and this is the role that comes most naturally for me. I truly feel like I am being myself out there. The pressure is to keep the team in the league and lead from the front, but I can’t lie I live for moments like this and you have to as a guard overseas pressure makes diamonds!
Do you sense like the team sees you as a savior? I wouldn’t say that but the year has been very tough for them with three coaching changes and players getting hurt so I think the team is excited to have someone that can help turn things around. It takes a team to win.
The team is young. Do you sense the young guys looked up to you right away?
The team age is mixed as here are players older than me and some younger. I think they have questions about basketball which I am happy to answer. I am the first import in the club’s history so it has been fun for both parties.
You were 0/10 from outside and had 6 turnovers. Do you credit that to competition rust?
Yeah I would say so but I bounced back quickly as last game I had 35p 12r 5a 1to and was 5/10 from 3pt so I think being able to adapt quickly is a common theme for successful imports production wise.
What do you want to achieve most with your game in the short time in Luxemburg now?
I want to keep the team in the league first and foremost because that is why I was signed, but individually I want to prove once again that I can dominate European competition as the focal point and show teams that I am able to lead and capable of winning games as a professional. I have always known that I am a player that can change a game around so it is important to prove that night in and night out. You have to prove yourself every year as a point guard and I am ready for the challenge.
North Fox is now in the playdowns. You will play 14 games. How excited are you for the challenge? I was born for moments like this. It is all just preparation meeting opportunity.
How good are the chances that the team could remain in the league? Very high the team is hitting its stride we get better every week.
Do you think like you may return to Germany one day or are new countries rather on your bucket list? It all depends on situation for me. I am open to anywhere. I would love to play in Australia, Asia, the Nordic regions, and the US in either the G league or NBA.
Nedzad Muratovic (201-F-1995) is a 30 year old 201cm forward from Bosnia playing his second season with TSV Oberaching Tropics. He has gathered experience over the years playing in his home land Bosnia as well as Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Spain. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Nedzad for talking to germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward/center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description? That is easy. Toni Kukoc. I used to watch a lot of videos on him. Most of my moves I got from him. He was bigger though.
You’re a player that can score and rebound the ball and has a three pointer. Would you classify yourself as a modern big man? Yes I would, but a 4 and not a 5. I can play the 5 in the pro B if needed.
You have become a very good rebounder in Germany. Is that more because the team is lacking height or improvements in your game? I think that it has helped my rebounding with Oberaching because there is a lack of height on the team. But I also have been forced to have to get more rebounds. I did have 22 rebounds in a game in Slovenia. I´m more of a double double guy. With Oberaching it is more about the numbers.
What kind of a defender would you classify yourself right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I´m big, but also kind of lazy and slow. But my long arms help me. I try to be a leader as best as possible.
On what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment? I´m trying to improve as a 5 man. I used to be more of a pick and pop guy, but I do the roll if needed. It´s all a little new, but I can do it.
You played with OKK Sloboda Tuzla in young years. Did you have a mentor at that time? I was always the youngest. There were many veterans and I always listened and respected them. I had a rough start there, but it was all good after. We had a big fan base there. I learned a lot from coach Dusko Vujosevic.
From 2016-2018 you averaged 9/4 with OKK Sloboda Tuzla. How did your game grow in those years? My coach motivated me to practice with the first team. I was 17 when I practiced with the senior team. I learned the pick and roll there and important small details.
You played with Rio Ourense Termal (Spain-LEB Gold) in the 2018-2019 season averaging 4.0ppg, 2.3rpg. What kind of an experience was that? How do you remember the basketball at that time in the Leb Gold? At first I didn´t know that I would go there. It happened then within a few days. It was all brand new there and had to start at 0. I was the back up at the 4, but also played the 3.
You won twice against FC Barcelona 2 and scored in double figures and played against future NBA player Leandro Bolmaro. What do you remember most from those 2 battles? I remember the home game most. We needed 2-3 more wins to reach the playoffs. Beating Barcelona was uplifting. This was the game where my friend got injured and I had to finish the game with heavy minutes.
You also played a season with OKK Novi Pazar (Serbia-KLS) averaging 10.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 19.6%, FT: 67.2%. What was it like playing in Serbia after playing mostly in Bosnia?
Serbia was a lot of fun. The league had 18 teams and each team had a history with each team. We had crazy games. It was during Covid, so the arenas were empty. We finished somewhere 5-6 when we were predicted to be a team that would fight to remain in the league. It was a big success for the club.
You played parts of 2 seasons with Terme Olimia Podcetrtek (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM). How would you compare the Slovenian league in comparison to leagues in Bosnia and Serbia? All those leagues are kind of similar. Guys move from league to league. I feel like that skill wise, Slovenia was the best league out of the 3. The travel was good. The farthest game was 2 hours by bus while in Spain it was 13 hours.
You came late to the TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (Germany-ProB) last season averaging 15.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 55.6%. Is it fair to say that you have found a second home in Oberaching? Yes that is right. All helped me get adjusted and feel comfortable. When I came form Bosnia, I had no working Visa. Mario allowed me to practice with the team. I´m really thankful that Mario gave me that opportunity.
Is it fair to say that head coach Mario Matic gave you the utmost freedom and trust from day 1 to really to let you explore your game? How vital has he been for your game in Germany?
Mario is the number reason why I´m here. I have a brother in Munich and came to be with him. Then I got the chance from Mario. I was always welcome. Mario is a super guy.
How has your game continued to grow in Germany? What part of your game has improved most? I play more freely. Before Oberaching, if I made a mistake, I landed directly on the bench. It isn´t like that with Mario. Mario lets me paly my game. I love the Pro B. There are many talented teams. I´m very happy in Oberaching. I didn´t regret coming here.
Last season you witnessed the last games of legend Omari Knox. How will you always remember him? Omari is a very good guy. I have known him the last 3-4 years. He is a very hard worker. I have learned a lot from him. He showed me the ropes in Germany. I have a lot of respect for him.
How special of a player is Jonathan Zeisberger? Is sky the limit for him? He isn´t limited in any way. It is amazing how he dominates the league at age 18. But he still needs a lot of work to become a playmaker. Now adays point guards are crafted at age 25. When the time is right, he will be a great player.
What goals do you still have in your career? I want to be a professional and continue to travel. The last offer I had before Oberaching was from a team in Slovakia first division. However I didn´t take it and came to Obercahing. I got married and decided to settle down. 1,5 years have passed now. I don´t know what the future will bring. I want to play at the highest level. But most important is that I´m happy and healthy now.
Who is the best player that you ever faced that reached the NBA? I played against France national team and guys like Nicolas Batum, Nando de Colo, Rudy Gobert and Boris Diaw.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time? Gasper Skorjanic, Almir Hasandic, Andrzej Pluta, Emir Akemedovic, O Showen Williams.
Please name your NBA, Euroleague and Bosnian Mount Rushmore?
NBA Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry
Euro Bo McCaleb, Vasilios Spanoulis, Dimitrios Diamantidis
Bosnia Mirza Teletovic, Dzan Musa, Kenan Kkamenjas, Mirza Delibasic
Nedzad Muratovic (201-F-1995) is a 30 year old 201cm forward from Bosnia playing his second season with TSV Oberaching Tropics. He has gathered experience over the years playing in his home land Bosnia as well as Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Spain. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 46 points against BBC Coburg.
Thanks Nedzad for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 46 points in a Pro B game in a tough loss against BBC Coburg. How tough was enjoying that moment despite the loss? I couldn’t enjoy it as much. We only ha d6 guys that game. I had to step up. Scoring over 40 points is difficult. I had no idea that I had so many points in the fourth quarter. I thought I had around 30 points.
Did the Coburg fans give you some cheers for your incredible effort? It was nice to get some support from them. It surprised me a little. In the previous game there , I had played only 12 minutes after getting ejected for my second technical foul.
I can imagine that was your career high or not?
Yes it was.
How tough was playing this game? Oberaching only had 6 players dressed. You played 40 minutes. Had you ever played a whole game before with a rest? It happened once before in my career in Spain. Our starter got injured early and I had to play the rest of the game.
How tough was that for you? Did you need an oxygen?
It was very tough especially since we don’t practice twice a day like other teams. I needed 2 days to rest. I was dead when we got home.
A guy I would have expected to score 40-50 points was Jonathan Zeisberger, but you were the guy that took control? Was that something head coach Mario Matic wanted or did the severe scoring just come with what the game gave you? It was mostly what the game gave me, but head coach Mario Matic also knows how to prepare you for any situation.
It seems like you have become a dominant scorer since arriving in Oberaching. Has Mario Matic given you that special freedom?
Yes he has. Every preparation for every game is different. Mario puts no pressure on me. He gives me total freedom. I didn’t get that from most coaches in my career.
You only had 6 points after one quarter. How were you feeling at that time? If someone had said at that time that you would end with 46 points what would you have thought? I believe in myself and now I am capable of a game like that. However I also believe there is a right way to play. Most of the coaches in my career have believed more in the system and not in the individual aspect.
In the second quarter, your game really took off. You scored an incredible 21 points and 5 three’s. That must have been a career best for you in a quarter. Do you ever remember dominating a quarter so much in your career? No I don’t think so. It was one of my best quarters. I was hot and my teammates got me the ball.
The turning point came in the third quarter as BBC Coburg exploded for 41 points. I guess fatigue came for Oberaching? Yes we were. They just kept going point by point. It really affected us. But we had to get through it.
You continued to score well in the second half and finished with an amazing 46 points. What was our favorite own basket? I would say my 3 pointer, but I don’t know which one. I just like to shoot the three. I have been a shooter my whole life. I like the fadeaway.
Despite the loss what does this 46 point explosion mean to you personally? I’m 30 years old and am happy I achieved a game like that. The teams that I played with before Oberaching, it was all about the system and not individuality. Mario gave me loose hand. I felt like I really did it at the end.
Did you get any cool messages for your performance? My friend told me after that I needed 2 points to break league record.
Did you get donuts for the team or did they treat you? No not yet, but I will. Teammate Philipp Bode told me about getting donuts.
Jaleen Smith is truly one of the real good character dudes playing overseas. Not only to mention his great ability on the court, but overall being a great family guy and humble and correct guy to media folk like me. I have seen all kinds of players over my 20 + basketball career having done 2000 + interviews from the real friendly playing in lower leagues begging me for an interview, to normal dudes playing at good levels, but not interested in promotion to the real studs at the NBA/Euroleague level who can’t be bothered. Jaleen Smith is in my top 5-10 of guys that I have done the most interviews in my career with 35 dating back to 2017 when he was a Pro A rookie in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. When he was balling in Germany, I would interview him regularly and even in the 2020 Covid time, we had an almost daily interview session I called the Tournament diary when he was competing with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the easyCredit BBL bubble in Munich. We hadn’t done an interview in more than 2 years since he had been playing in other countries, when I asked him for an interview during my ‘A little Love From Overseas For Lebron James’ when he beat Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA scoring record, he didn’t hesitate. He even tried to hook me up with ex NBA player Mario Hezonja last summer and Dario Saric last weekend. Unfortunately both guys declined. He has always been there for me when I wanted an interview in the last 9 years and it wasn’t any different the past week. He was in action with Croatia during the Fiba window playing against Germany and I was able to interview him twice before the first game in Croatia and once again after the bitter loss in Bonn yesterday.
Oscar Da Silva and Jaleen Smith
pic credit: Brian Laluna
Smith and Croatia won the first battle in Zagreb 93-88 and it was the first time that he battled Germany with Croatia. ‘It was really nice to win in Croatia. We had a full gym and the atmosphere was great. The feeling was intense, but it didn’t hit me until we played in Germany. I got emotional’, stressed Jaleen Smith. It was a hard fought win for Croatia in their own living room where there were many many lead changes. Croatia just wasn’t able to slam the door shut earlier. ‘I mean Germany is a really good team even without the NBA and Euroleague guys. We knew that it would be a tough game. We stayed tough and showed we had character being able to pull out the win. I think that our fans gave us a real boost and helped us win that game’, said Jaleen Smith. Croatia finally broke away in crunch-time to secure the first win in the weekend series. ‘We made them very uncomfortable and I feel that our experience helped us as well. They were a bit inexperienced at the guard position. Our good rebounding and not allowing second chance points helped us’, added Jaleen Smith. The 2 ex NBA players Hezonja and Saric combined for 44 points. Without the massive production from those 2 stellar players, Germany probably would have danced home with the victory. ‘It was big getting that type of production from them. We always know what we will get from them. But we also had other guys step up for us. It wasn’t just those 2’, commented Jaleen Smith. One of those other great supporters in the scoring department was Roko Badzim who has Spanish ACB experience with Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela who had 15 points and shot 4/4 from outside. Was he the unsung hero in the first game? ‘Oh yes he was our unsung hero. He hit big time three pointers whenever we needed it when others were struggling. He really stepped up for us’, stressed Jaleen Smith.
Jaleen Smith who played at the University of New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 and improved his scoring average each season and was a 2 time All-AEC second team selection had a big battle with rising German youngster Jack Kayil. The ex Vechta guard had a superb game with 15 points and 5 dimes displaying his leadership skills. ‘It was good battle. He had the same type of stats that I had. We cancelled each other out. I told him after the game in Bonn that I really loved his game. He is really coming into his own. He is developing really well. I can’t wait to see how he continues to develop’, stressed Jaleen Smith. For Smith the 2 games was a real Alba Berlin reunion as he faced many of his ex teammates like Johannes Thiemann, Tim Schneider, Jonas Mattisseck, Louis Olinde and Malte Delow. After not having seen them for years, was there an ex teammate that had the biggest impact on you? ‘I think that Schneider and Mattissek impressed me the most. Mattisseck was super aggressive. Thiemann really killed us in the second game’, expressed Jaleen Smith. In the first game, the ex NBA Summer League player with the Phoenix Suns had a very respectable game with 15/5/6 stats. He took 7 shots and got to the free throw line for 9 attempts. Was he content with his game and aggressiveness? ‘It was good, but it could have been better. I was just super excited that we got the win. I will do anything to get that win. I wasn’t getting to the free throw line as much going into these windows, but I knew that my game had to set the tone. I was impressed with my aggressiveness from the start’, stated Jaleen Smith.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jaleen Smith in Frankfurt in 2023
Both Germany and Croatia only had 48 hours to recuperate from the first game as Germany had the rematch on German soil in Bonn. Croatia led in double digits in the fourth quarter, but sill lost 91-89 in overtime. ‘We had a stretch at the end of the fourth quarter where we just played chaotic. We played out of our system. These things happen. We have to learn from this loss. I think that a loss like this will help build our character’, warned Jaleen Smith. Croatia had the slim 24-22 lead after 10 minutes. Croatia has 16 points from Hezonja and Saric. Was the defense suspect allowing 22 points? ‘I don’t think that it was our defense. Their offensive rebounds hurt us and Johannes Thiemann was getting easy baskets’, said Jaleen Smith. Croatia led 50-41 at the break. Germany had the overwhelming rebound edge, but Croatia still found a way to take semi-control of the contest. ‘We did a good job limiting them to one shot and we got out running. They sent 3 to crash the glass and we benefited getting out on transition. They also got some turnovers’, said Jaleen Smith. Germany kept fighting hard and trailed only 67-62 at the end of 30 minutes. Germany had a 5-0 run in the last minute with a trey from Louis Olinde. Germany’s brutal 15-1 offensive rebound advantage over Croatia was giving them nightmares. ‘It was huge throughout the game. We actually did a pretty good job limiting offensive rebounds in the third quarter. They just did a better job hitting shots. We couldn’t finish them off. You can’t give a talented team like them the opportunity to get back into the game’, commented Jaleen Smith. Germany showed that one can never rule them out as they staged an annoying 10-0 run in crunch-time to dead lock the game at 77-77 and force overtime. Did Croatia already have the game won in their minds? ‘Yes we thought that we had the game won. We played too chaotic. We let the game get away. We should of slowed the game down more. But we continued to miss shots and that bit us in the butt’, added Jaleen Smith. Did Germany want it more in overtime? ‘I don’t think that they wanted it more. They made timely shots and got the key position for offensive rebounds. The way they were playing, it would have been tough for anyone to come back’, stressed Jaleen Smith. He had an incredible game and was so close to a triple double with 12/9/9. Was that his best game for Croatia? ‘I think that this might have been my best game in a Croatian jersey. I have been able to see the game better this past year. I’m just trying to continue to learn everyday . I’m so blessed that head coach Tomislav Mijatovi has given me the keys to the team. I feel like I’m getting better as I get older’, warned Jaleen Smith. It was no surprise that his fondest moment in the loss was seeing old friends. ‘My fondest moment in Bonn was taking a pic with all my ex Alba Berlin teammates. I might get it blown up or framed’, laughed Jaleen Smith. He supplied me with great pics for my article. I thanked him for the great player/journalist working relationship and said until the next time. I wonder what basketball circumstances will present itself for interview #36?
Chuck Harris (188-G-2001, college: SMU) is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Washinhgton DC playing his rookie season for the Kirchheim Knights. He began the season with the Hakro Merlins. He began his basketball career at Gonzaga College High School and then played 3 years at Butler University (NCAA) averaging 12.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 83.6%, 11.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 74.0%, and 10.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 84.8%. He then played 2 seasons with Southern Methodist University (NCAA) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 81.8% and 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 85.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Chuck for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas in Germany for Kirchheim. Did you go home for the Fiba break? I did go home. I live in Virginia. It was good to catch up with family and friends.
What kind of an experience has it been living in Germany? What have you learned to appreciate most about the culture? I have embraced it all, because it´s a lot different than America. The people took me in well. I´m more of a quiet guy, but I have come out of my shell somewhat. It helped me come out and do things out of my comfort zone.
You began the season with Crailsheim playing 3 Pro A games and winning each one averaging 9/1/2 stats in 15 minutes which was very efficient. Why did both sides go separate ways? Were there too many guards and you became the odd man out?
No it was mutual on both sides. I felt like I could get a better opportunity elsewhere. I have a lot of respect for the program, coaches and players. It was no love lost.
You moved to Kirchheim who are like Crailsheim a playoff team, but not a favorite like Crailsheim. What have you appreciated most about the organization? I had a previous history already with coach Igor Perovic before I had signed with Crailsheim. When I left Crailsheim, he called me right away. He sticks with me and allows me to figure things out. There are more young guys here and we gelled instantly.
You couldn´t have picked a better coach to play for than Igor Perovic who is a players coach. Do you have the needed freedom from him?
Igor is pretty reasonable, but has certain demands, but in return allows you to play your game. He has done a good job helping me get adjusted to the European game.
You had a 33 point explosion in Koblenz which I witnessed live. You seem to be that number 1 scoring option. Is that your role?
We have a really deep team with many guys that can put the ball in the hole in different ways. In Koblenz it was just my night with everyone feeding me. I just try to bring a spark off the bench and compete well against the top guards in the league. I just try to make the right plays and help my team win.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would fit the description best? I have been a small guard my whole life. I would say that the best comparison would be Devonte Graham
You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well. Talk a little about your offensive game besides playmaking? I have a very high Iq. I think my biggest advantage is knowing what the game needs from me.
You shot over 40% from outside in your last 2 seasons at SMU. How would you describe the development of your three pointer at the moment? What are you focusing on most this season concerning your three pointer?
In college it was a lot different with 24 hour gym access as well as shooting machines and guys rebounding for you. Here you can´t always get into the gym. I´m focused most about giving my all in the gym and just continue to learn.
Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I´m a solid defender now, but still have room to grow. I have to work on my body more. I have a huge will to get better. Coach Igor also has stressed that I work on my defensive game.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?
I want to become a winner. We have a really good team and I want to become that everyday guy in practice. I want to be that voice and give knowledge. I want to get that tag of being a winner overseas
You played at Butler (NCAA) from 2020-2023 averaging 11/2/2 stats. How did your game grow in those 3 years under Lavall Jordan?
He was one of the first coaches that reached out to me during the recruitment process. We had a really good connection from the start. He taught me the game well. He was a point guard coach. Aaron Thompson, Myles Tate and I would watch film for hours with him. He was really crucial in my early basketball development.
You played 2 seasons with Lituanian Simas Lukosius who got experience playing in Germany for Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He made a big jump in your last year. How talented is this kid really?
He had a big frame at 6,5 or 6,6. He was super skilled and could make every pass. He was the first Euro player that I was able to play with at a high level. He was an eye opener to how much talent came from Europe. It was fun to paly with him in the back court.
You had many great games at Butler, but how big was the 70-69 win over Xavier were you netted the deciding free throws and scored 10 of your team´s last 13 points? Xavier was our rival. We were on a big stage at Madison Square Garden. We wanted to put on a show. We never wanted to lose to them. I watched the highlights again after the season. I´m not too keen on watching my own high lights.
You then finished at Southern Methodist University (NCAA) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 81.8% and 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 85.1%. How valuable were these last 2 years in your development? What kind of a player did you become there? This was the first time for me in a different system. I went there as a lead guard. It was a great experience. But I had to go through a coaching change. Both believed in me and allowed me to play my game. They also gave me another level of confidence.
In your senior year you nailed a buzzer beater trey from the corner for the exciting 54-52 win over Virginia. Did you know the shot was going in when you released it? That was a big game. I was ready for the shot and knew it was going in after the release.
You reached 2 NIT tournaments and in your last game lost 85-83 to OK State. Was that your toughest NCAA loss?
It was my last college game. It was bitter sweet. The loss didn´t hit me until a few weeks later. It was a very tough loss, but not my toughest.
How did coaches Rob Lanier and Andy Enfield groom and prepare you best for a professional career? They taught me ultra-confidence and to play my game. Both were great minds. It was a blessing to have been able to paly for them.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Zhuric Phelps? He is my guy. We had some real battles that went back and forth. You will have to ask him who won.
Who is the best player that you ever faced that reached the NBA? David Duke busted my butt once. Also the whole Duke team with Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time? Myles Wilmoth, Chris Lykes, Jeremy Roach, Myles Stute, Tyreke Smith
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?
Leborn James. Kyrie Irving, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant
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, but they should leave classics alone.
German Hoops 