Almost three months ago, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and Dresden Titans met in a clash in Frankfurt that the home team barely won 90-86. If someone had told Eric Detlev that these two teams would meet again in the semi-finals of the playoffs, he probably would have been a bit reserved and remained conservative and came up with a witty remark, but probably wouldn´t have thought that it could be possible. Dresden had just dismissed their coach and brought in fire man Steven Clauss who had had the same duty a season ago not only saving the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau from the Regionaliga, but bringing them into the playoffs. So with that history a known fact, having a Clauss on board in Dresden was the best thing that ever could have happened. Since that nail bitter in Frankfurt, the Dresden Titans have become the little darlings of the pro B together with the Giants Nordlingen as it collected nine wins out of their last 10 including two do or die wins against Rostock, the team Clauss bowed out to last season with Hanau in a bitter three game series and then just dismantled top Pro B south team BG Karlsruhe as if it was second nature. Dresden hasn´t just done it with top point guard Randall Holt and work horse David Sturner under the glass, but with a 12 man rotation where every German has their defined role and have gotten extreme support from Phillip Lieser, Walter Simon and Daniel Krause. Clauss has been able to install team togetherness for 40 minutes no matter what and kept their offense consistent as it has never scored below 80 points since his arrival at the start of 2016. Dresden and Clauss now were seeking revenge against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors who had won both battles in the regular season by a combined score of only eight points. Clauss was back in his old living room where he used to work together with Murat Didin back in the day and now was in upset mode again as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were next on the menu, but like in February got a rude welcome home as his team battled for 40 minutes, but had to duel without key players David Sturner and Walter Simon while Frankfurt had their star ensemble on board and Niklas Kiel in beast mode. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were never really threatened as they played a strong game for 40 minutes and got some extra motivation watching the A team dismantle Oldenburg the night before. “It´s always nice to watch the BBL team and you can learn by watching so when we come out we try to do what they did. As a rookie I try to suck up as much as possible. We had a good first quarter, but got too comfortable in the second quarter. We came out in the second half and executed better and moved the ball better. Richter and Kiel had a strong second half and Tim Oldenburg also stepped up. It is always nice when you have that kind of support from the big men”, stressed Alaska native and Fraport Skyliner Junior Travis Thompson. The Dresden Titans fought well for 40 minutes, but it was clear that there was an obvious class difference with the personnel on the court. “The Fraport Skyliners Juniors clearly deserved to win this game. There is always that borderline between how many mistakes you can make. Frankfurt defended well and played smart offense and we didn´t have that. We had some chances, but we didn´t finish well on transition”, stressed Dresden Titans head coach Steven Clauss.
Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors
Tomas Dimsa Comes Alive In OT Powering The Fraport Skyliners Juniors Past The Artland Dragons 80-75
When one puts the two basketball terms Fraport Skyliners and Artland Dragons together, one can look back at a very interesting and at times exciting basketball history dating from 2004-2015 as there were some spectacular games like their 87-75 OT win in 2009 where Skyliner legend Pascal Roller steered 26 points, or the high scoring type football classic as both teams opted for defense, but Frankfurt came out of the trenches as the victor 49-44 or in the Dashaun MVP season in 2010-2011 where they won 82-57 at Artland as AJ Moye led the way with 18 points and ex NBA player Roger Powell left all fans oohing with a hard crushing dunk or even the 2004-2005 playoff series where Frankfurt won a tight series paving the road for their encounter with Alba Berlin in the semi finals and finals loss to the Brose Baskets Bamberg. However in 2016 instead of seeing the likes of guys like Toby Bailey, David Holston, Tyrese Rice or Darren Fenn, fans can watch lesser known players like Austin Steed, Benjamin Fumey or David Watson in the smaller BCM training facility instead of the 5000 seat Fraport arena. The Beko BBL team Artland Dragons are no more, but only a distant memory as the club surprisingly closed shop last season. However the club never totally died as it arose from the ashes like a Phoenix bird and have played this season in the German Pro B. The Artland Dragons led by head coach Dragan Dojcin who played three season with Alba Berlin helped the team achieve a 12-10 record and sixth place finish in the Pro north standings which gave them a meeting with the Fraport Skyliners Juniors in the best of three playoff series. Even if there are different players on board and a gym like atmosphere, it is still the fascinating sport of basketball with many talented German players on both sides and ambitious American players looking to develop their game. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the home court advantage and took the commanding 1-0 lead in the best of three playoff series with a come from behind 80-75 victory in OT. It was an intense game as the 170 fans from Quackenbruck that made the trip made the usual quietness of the BCM into the noise level of a bustling central train station in a big city. Frankfurt played catch up basketball in the first half, but came back as the second half became a defensive affair and in OT Frankfurt took advantage of two Artland defensive lapses that Tomas Dimsa and Niklas Kiel used to nail baskets. “The atmosphere was very intense which helped the intensity of the game. Both teams played very hard and gave their all”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors center Johannes Richter. “Frankfurt is a very good team and had good ball movement. That intentional foul at the end was key and changed the game. We need to be smarter at the end. We should of attacked their bigs more”, added ex Texas Tech guard Javarez Willis.
Kyle Fossman´s Key Three Pointers Pace The Fraport Skyliners Juniors Past TV Langen 88-67
TV Langen and South Carolina native Martinis Woody could call the Fraport arena his second living room as he is there almost every weekend watching the Fraport Skyliners and his buddy Quantez Robertson battle Beko BBL or Eurochallenge opponents, but even if he often visits the BCM gym with TV Lich guard Jermale Jones where the Fraport Skyliners Juniors duel against German Pro B teams, he couldn´t call this mi casa in the last two years as he has departed the floor like a beaten dog does after his master has scolded him and refused him a dinner with Kibbles N Bits. Since coming from Bernau in 2012 to TV Langen, Woody has lost twice in Frankfurt with a combined score of 188-121. In both games, TV Langen were run off the floor the way a pack of Lion´s does a herd of antelope. Woody didn´t muster much in both games averaging only nine points and six boards. Two seasons ago TV Langen and he were trampled by Frankfurt 103-53 as he got an introduction to the future of German basketball as the big three Konstantin Klein and twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann combined for 42 points. American Larry Wright added salt to the nasty wound dropping 27 points. Last season TV Langen got hammered 85-68 as Kevin the light is Bright fired home 21 points, Johannes Voigtmann got in some practice with 16 points and 11 rebounds and Johannes Richter supplied 17 points. These two games may have been a bad nightmare for Woody, but sometimes three can be a charm as he returned back to the BCM hoping to finally return home to Langen with a victory, but once again was denied as TV Langen were flattened 88-67 by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. After three straight loses, Woody and TV Langen have been outscored 276-188, but a curse isn´t on the mind of the ex Benedict(NCAA2) player. “There is no curse for me, but moreover Frankfurt doing a great job of making adjustments and taking me out of the game. Frankfurt double teamed and just shut me down. My team has to be able to find me even if the opponent is making pressure. We had a good first half, but broke down in the second half. Frankfurt came out aggressive and we couldn´t match their intensity”, stressed TV Langen forward Martinis Woody. For Fraport Skyliners head coach Eric Detlev, there was no curse for Woody, but just a great answer from his team concerning the last bad defeat in Hanau. “Woody has no curse, but seems to have had the short end the last few years. We were always the better team. We came out twice this season against TV Langen and played well after two bad loses. We know that Woody is a very good one on one player so we play good team defense and don´t allow him to play well”, added Eric Detlev. “We played a good first quarter getting easy baskets on transition while in the second TV Langen scored more easily getting back in the game. In the third quarter we started to move the ball better and made open shots. Our good rebounding was a big part of our success”, commented Canadian Kyle Fossman.
Lennart Okeke (Fraport Skyliners Juniors) Coach Detlef Has Done A Great Job Stabilizing My Shot And Teaching Me When To Insert It Best Into My Game
Lennart Okeke is a 18 year old 191cm guard that plays NBBL and Pro B for the Fraport Skyliners. He started his basketball career in 2011 for Eintracht Frankfurt. He played his first German Pro B game at age 16. Last season he played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) 9 games: 2.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.2apg, played also at Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL). He spoke to German Hoops after the 69-42 NBBL win against the Young Tigers Tuebingen last weekend.
An easy NBBL win against the Young Baskets Tuebingen 69-42. What were the main reasons for the loss?
This win showed that we have gotten better as a team. This was the same type of game that we had in Tuebingen earlier this season, but then we had Niklas Kiel and Armin Musovic in the lineup. Today we had many young players in the lineup and played very well as a team.
How do you explain the success and consistency of the team that always has changing lineups?
The coaching staff does a great job getting all guys on the same page. No matter who is playing the coaching staff has everyone ready so that playing together doesn´t become difficult. We learn the basics well so that even if someone has never practiced with the team, they can do it right on the court.
Today you played two games in a span of seven hours. How do you prepare for a game like this?
I go to bed early and eat well. Last weekend I had three games so I had a similar schedule. When I played national team we had something like 11 games in 12 days so the body always has to be prepared. You always have to have energy. During the three hour break between NBBL and Pro B games today I will go to Jules Akodo´s place eat and rest.
You played recently at the 2015 NBBL allstar game. What kind of experience was this day for you?
It was a great arena playing on a big stage in front of so many people. I thought that it was great that even though we didn´t practice as a team there was still a flow in the game on the court. We were treated very well there getting food and drinks. I felt like a professional that weekend.
You scored ten points. How happy were you with your own performance?
I thought despite the circumstances that I did a pretty good job. My teammate Kevin Bright had told me from his experience that often in these type of games that players play their own game and push it so it isn´t easy to get the ball.
What players impressed you the most in the NBBL allstar game?
Of course my two teammates Niklas Kiel and Armin Musovic as well as Mahir Agva who I played with in the U-16 as well as game MVP Harris Hujic who is big but can shoot and has good ball handling.
You are playing your second full season in the German Pro B. You averaged in double figures in minutes in your first 8 games, but as of recent the minutes have gone down. Have you had a talk with coach why this is?
I feel that we had a big roster the last games and coach also had some of the injured players back so my minutes went down a bit.
If you could describe yourself to a German player that fits your style who would you take?
That’s difficult, but looking back at the 2015 Allstar game I would say David Brembly who won the three point shooting contest. I think that we share many similarities in our games. We bot can shoot the three pointer, penetrate and are athletic.
What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?
I think it is my three point shot. Last season I was more known for my penetration, but I have improved my three pointer.
Kyle Fossman has been getting many minutes at the position two with Armin Musovic playing point guard. What tips have you took from the play of Fossman that has helped your play?
I think just getting confidence in my shot. When you see him play you can see that he shoots with confidence.
How difficult has it been for the team with so many different lineups this season. Is there still a chance for the playoffs? I am sure the team takes it a game at a time.
I think that we still have a chance for the playoffs. We have good players and if we can bring much energy than we can always beat teams.
Head coach Eric Detlef is a guy that is very good with young players. How has he helped your game mature?
Coach has helped me much giving me a good strength and conditioning plan and also doing individual training with me. He has done a great job stabilizing my shot and teaching me when to insert it best into my game. He just gives me confidence in my game
What memories do you have of your first Pro B game back in 2013 where Dresden won 88-80. Did you remember Taylor Brown´s 28 points or Andrew Jones´s 38 points more?
I had heard that the Americans were always good. Brown and Jones really impressed me with their scoring in that game.
You also play NBBL. How do you keep school and sport balanced? What is the toughest in getting this all done?
You need to make a structured plan. You can´t live day to day, but be prepared and know what is happening that week. If you have an important test in school you need to tell coach well in advance if you will miss a practice. I have learned discipline and responsibility.
How do you see your future? Will you study in Germany, go to the States or start an apprenctiship and how serious are your basketball ambitions beyond the Pro B?
A year ago I was thinking about going to the States to go to college, but now I will finish school in 2015 and then study at university in Germany. I hope that I can reach the Beko BBL in the future. We will see what will happen.
It was made public that you teammate Jakob Merz has to retire at age 17 due to injury. How did you react to this?
This news really shocked me very much. I am very close friends with him and to see such a young talent have to retire at such a young age is very sad. He has such a strong personality and I know that he will get through this. He has already coped with this so well. It is just so hard when you have played from such a young age and now suddenly have to stop.
Who wins a one on one in practice you or Kyle Fossman?
I would say me, but it goes back and forth
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Prometeus.
Thanks Lennart for the chat
Demetrius Jemison (Fraport Skyliners Juniors): My Ability To Run The Floor Doesn´t Always Get Noticed
Demetrius Jemison is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Birmingham, Alabama. He is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners PRO B team. He played at Alabama from 2006-2010 playing a total of 93 NCAA games. He had a serious injury his senior year and transferred to Manhatten in 2010 playing 22 games: 10.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 76.1%. Currently for Frankfurt he is averaging 16,8ppg and 9,0 rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
You have played in quite a number of Hessen derbies against TV Langen, Hanau or the Licher Baeren. How were these games different than other PRO B games?
The atmosphere was always great. The fans are so crazy rooting for their team.
Could you compare it to games against Mississippi or Alabama State?
I think it is very close. The passion and love the fans have for Mississippi or Alabama State is amazing. The derbies here kind of reminded me of the rivalries in the NCAA.
Larry Wright (Fraport Skyliners Juniors): I Try To Help Young Players Keep The Right State Of Mind In Tough Situations
Larry Wright is a 24 year old 187cm guard from Saginaw, Michigan that is playing his first professional season in Germany fort he Fraport Skyliners juniors(PRO B). He started his NCAA career with St Johns in 2006 where he played until 2008. He played a total of 60 games for St Johns and then transferred to Oakland where he played from 2009-2011. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 9.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 80.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about the game he loves basketball.
Welcome to Frankfurt Larry. How do you like here?
I am adjusting and grocery shopping can be tough, but I enjoy here.
You came from the NCAA. How difficult was the team finding process?
It was a tough process. There was a time where I thought that I wouldn´t play this season, but my agent did a good job finding this opportunity in Frankfurt.
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