It seems like it was yesterday, but the last time that MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg head coach John Patrick departed the Fraport arena with a victory was almost three years ago as the last two times, he had to witness a 13 point creaming and last season a tough four point loss. But going back to that 90-78 win almost three years ago, it seemed like that game was going to be one that would forever be remembered as a new star being born on to the BBL stage with Kevin Bright. Despite the Frankfurt loss, he dropped 23 points netting six three pointers which in a way was overshadowed by the Keaton Grant and CJ Harris sniper attack combining for 48 points. Despite having a brilliant game, the German who had just returned back to Germany after having completed only his freshman year at Vanderbilt(NCAA) where he still led the team in rebounding, the Bright Ludwigsburg masterpiece would remain one of two as the other occurred at the end of the season as he dropped 23 points and seven trey´s in a road win at Vechta where he won the game with a buzzer beater as Kevin the light is Bright. Bright would play for Frankfurt for two seasons before moving on to Nurnberg where he played in the Pro A last season. Three years later only two players remained on the Frankfurt roster from that game with Quantez Robertson and Max Merz. Merz is one of the rare Frankfurt German role players that has carved his special own kind of niche with the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner as he currently has the greatest longevity on the team as he has been with the team since 2011 and has outlived many of the other German players who have come and gone. After the game, both Max Merz and John Patrick were asked about that Kevin Bright performance almost three years ago. Patrick made it more than clear after the Antonio Graves 65-63 buzzer beating win, that since Gordon Herbert has been on board as coach, he has always had very tight affairs against the Fraport Skyliners. “There was a buzzer beater in Wurzburg by Frankfurt and three years ago the buzzer beater by CJ Harris to send the game here into OT. I have had most games in Frankfurt that have been decided in the last 30 seconds”, stated John Patrick. After the victory, Max Merz was stretching and was between captain Quantez Robertson and game top scorer Shavon Shields and was just thankful for getting another opportunity to start, but also reflected on some old time history against Ludwigsburg. “I don´t remember that game against Ludwigsburg that much from three years ago, but remember more that Kevin Bright was shooting out the lights. I remember more the game four years ago when we were battling Ludwigsburg on the last game day to remain in the league. I had the advantage today that we had some injuries, but I always try to give the team energy every minute I play”, stressed Max Merz. After the big win, game hero Antonio Graves was surrounded by the Frankfurt press and was just thankful that the team was able to rebound after their lousy first quarter. “I have to give the team credit that we stuck together. We should have been down 30 at halftime, but we had this confidence to come back. Shavon Shields carried us in many moments and I am grateful that it came down to that last shot where it meant either the win or OT”, warned ex Artland Dragon Antonio Graves. After the heartbreaking loss Ludwigsburg head coach John Patrick stayed diplomatic as best he could. “You can look at this loss in two ways. We could of done things differently after the big lead running or plays differently and playing team basketball or you can say that Frankfurt deserved to win. Frankfurt played very well scratching and clawing their way back and never giving up”, stated John Patrick.
Frankfurt Skyliners
The Starks And Shields 40 Show Saves The Fraport Skyliners Overcome The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 84-79
Even if Fraport Skyliners fans had relived that typical breathtaking playoff atmosphere already two weeks earlier in an untypical fascinating September title game bash against Venezuelen team Guarus De Lara in the Intercontinental Cup, which denied them a fourth club title, technically speaking was the battle against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven the home opener. Nothing will ever equal the buildup and majestic feeling to a MLB home opener, but in basketball just knowing that the new season has started with the first home game brings special feelings, anticipation and hope for the future. The game day schedule and process has always been very special in the Fraport arena as the organization does a good job bringing everything possible to the fan in a two hour experience. As always there are things to look forward to in the 5,004 arena when filled to capacity that might have gone a bit forgotten over the long summer. Especially this season which is seen as one of change as so many players departed and a new youth era continues. Many are wondering can the Agva´s, Kiel´s and Mayr´s become the Voigtmann´s and Barthel´s of tomorrow and would 16 year NBA prospect Isaac Bonga make his home debut right in the first game against the Eisbaeren. Others were wondering can the imports make the grade this season while in the arena everyone was awaiting in great anticipation to the new pre game video that is displayed before the player introductions. Others were looking if there had been any new food items added to the concession area´s while others were looking forward to exchanging summer tales with their seat neighbors. Others were making friendly bets as to where head coach Gordon Herbert would be watching the game from. Certainly not from the catacombs where a dejected Murat Didin had to years ago where he was peering through the round like windows that look like a porthole on a ship. With so much to look forward to, the only thing missing to complete the day in harmony was a great game and hopefully a victory for the home town fans. The Fraport Skyliners controlled the game for 40 minutes despite the Eisbaern Bremerhaven always hanging around were able to close out the game even if they did suffer a scare at the end notching their first win of the season 84-79. The Starks and Shields 40 show carried the Fraport Skyliners as their key and timely scoring helped preserve the victory. Point guard Markel Starks was thrilled with finally playing the home opener and living the experience in his new living room and winning the home opener and was happy about the team getting a monkey off their back with their first win. “There was a lot of excitement with this being the home opener. We struggled the last games so it felt good to get the win. The atmosphere was really amazing, but I missed the team video as we were waiting to be introduced. I feel that we came in mentally prepared and stuck to the game plan bringing intensity from the start and playing very well for long phases of the game. I felt that we were aggressive at both ends of the court which helped us get the win”, stressed ex Goergetown guard Market Starks. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven didn´t have their best execution game, but nobody could criticize their heart and determination of never giving up until the conclusion. “I feel that we had too many turnovers especially on my part that cost us the game. We have to learn to execute better and adjust to defensive pressure better”, added ex Akron(NCAA) guard Quincy Diggs.
What Fortunes Can The New Youth Program Era Reloaded 2.0 Bring The Fraport Skyliners This Season?
The 2010-2011 Fraport Skyliners season seems like it was ages ago as guys from that successful semi-final run loss to Alba Berlin like Pascal Roller, Roger Powell, Dominik Bahiense De Mello, AJ Moye Jimmy Mckinney and Marius Nolte are all retired and Chris Moss might be hanging up his sneakers now soon as well. The only guy still with the team is Skyliner identity figure Quantez Robertson who now has the distinction of being part of a second basketball cycle that is commencing in the Frankfurt basketball world. A cycle is a recurring period of time in which certain events or phenomena occur and reach completion or repeat themselves in a regular sequence. In life one has all kinds of cycles like the astronomical cycle, climate and weather cycles, geological cycles, agricultural cycles or medical cycles just to name a few and if you want to get cute and absurd actor Charlie Sheen and his own bizarre sex cycle that is as rapid as the daily new lines that Donald Trump is delivering to the world. The two best import point guards that the Fraport Skyliners ever had with Dashaun Wood and Jordan Theodore were present at the start of the first cycle in 2011 and end of the first basketball cycle in 2016. No one is really sure where Gunnar Wobke came up with the idea of starting this basketball youth development factory in Frankfurt wheather it was looking over the shoulder of Henrik Roedl and TBB Trier as they were on the youth development trip starting in 2010 or if the lack of budget left him no other choice? In any event, the Fraport Skyliners youth program era began in 2011 and first cycle ended in 2016 and now the club has clearly displayed that a new youth program era reloaded 2,0 is commencing again with new faces, challenges and hopes. With guys like Niklas Kiel, Max Merz and Stefan Ilzhoefer on the verge of making their BBL break through, Garai Zeeb in his second season in development and new German faces of Mahir Agva and Daniel Mayer continuing their development in Frankfurt, the club feels that the youth program era reloaded 2,0 will be one too remember. Not to forget 16 year old Isaac Bonga who is a 203cm point guard and the most interesting player to watch in the next years where the sky isn´t the limit, but moreover outer space is the limit.
Guaros de Lara Survive Scare TipToeing By The Fraport Skyliners Winning Fiba Intercontinental Cup 74-69
Usually around this time in mid September, Fraport Skyliner captain Quantez Robertson would be going through his normal pre-season routine with the club getting in synch with his new teammates, learning the new plays, finding chemistry with the new point guard that was hauled in late, annoying his teammates in practice with his never ending superb man on man defense and getting reacquainted with the Footlocker store in the NWZ mall where he lives only a short walk from the Skyliners training facility looking for the newest trendy shoes to help enhance his footwear. However September 18th, 2016 wasn´t any other ordinary day in the home stretch of the pre-season, but a very special and out of the ordinary as the Cincinnati native could have been able to achieve something that guys like ex Skyliners Pascal Roller, Mario Kasun, Robert Garrett or Tyrone Ellis hadn´t done. These great players all won one a title for the Skyliners in one calendar year, but never two in that period. It took Robertson 7 seasons to win his first professional title and almost 5 months later, he had the golden opportunity to win a second with the Intercontinental cup. “It felt good trying to bring a second title to Frankfurt in the same year. Even if it felt like a normal BBL game, we were playing for a lot more. It definitely felt like a playoff game with the atmosphere in the arena”, stated ex Auburn guard Quantez Robertson. For ex Mississippi(NCAA) forward Zach Graham, he didn´t feel any real pre-season anxiety, but had only title in his thoughts. “I just love to play this game. It is every player´s dream to play in a title game and we had fun and came home with the gold”, added 2016 Fiba Intercontinental Cup MVP Zach Graham.
Can The Fraport Skyliners Make History In Intercontinental Cup Sunday As Germany´s Only Two Time International Title Winner?
Usually titles are finalized in May and June of each year while September is the month where clubs are putting their final touches on the rosters, new American rookies are still getting acquainted with the gear stick in their team cars and in Skyliner country key players being signed late as they have demonstrated in the last three years with guys like ex NBA player Andrew Rautins, Jordan Theodore and new point guard Markel Starks being brought in as prices were reduced. However this season, the Fraport Skyliners have the big chance to reel in the club´s fourth title after the 2000 BBL cup, 2004 BBL League title and 2016 Fiba Europe Cup win with the 2016 Intercontinental cup. If Fraport Skyliner captain Quantez Robertson made any wishes on New Year 2016 about winning the Fiba Europe Cup is unknown, but if someone had told him he might win two titles in 2016, he probably would have screeched “sayyyyyy what”? But sometimes three is a charm as the Fraport Skyliners snuck in through the back door as originally they had no right playing the INtercontinetal cup, but only snuck in because CSKA Moscow and Galatasaray Istanbul were banned from the Fiba from playing this game which is known as the world title as it pits the Euroleague winner against the South American champion. The Fraport Skyliners will clash against South America champion Guaros de Lara. This Intercontinental cup may not have much prestige, but a title is a title and they don´t necessarily grow on trees for an organization like the Fraport Skyliners so if one can be the beneficiary of a rift between the Fiba and CSKA Moscow and Galatasaray Istanbul, then one takes advantage of the early Christmas gift. If the Fraport Skyliners win, they will be the first team with 2 international titles as the only other German clubs with international titles are Alba Berlin, Mitteldeutscher BC and BGGoettingen with one each.
The Fraport Skyliners Get Spanked by medi Bayreuth And The Kyan Anderson Show 75-61
It may be still very early in the new season, but so far the Fraport Skyliners have been impressive in the pre-season winning their first four games despite having no head coach Gordon Herbert, no American starting point guard, no Philip Scrubb who will be out for some months due to a knee injury, but one thing they do have as usual is an abundance of very many young talented German players who have benefited from the abundance in minutes and the growing team chemistry over the years with guys like Max Merz, Stefan Ilzhoefer, Niklas Kiel and Garai Zeeb. They also have had the monster games of rookie Shavon Shields who quietly has dominated three games and played as if he had been taking apart the league for years. The Fraport Skyliners dismantled the RheinStars Cologne during the Basketball Aid international tour in a neutral spot on the Wiesbaden US Airbase where if a Mike Morrison or Quantez Robertson had gotten bored during their breathers on the bench, they could of tested each other about who knew their respective state flag better than the other as all 50 state flags were on display in the cozy, bright gym. The 2004 BBL champion then man handled the Walter Tigers Tiuebingen who were without Mr pass Jared Jordan and then nonchalantly strolled into France and showed an early harmonized defense as they stayed loyal to their defense roots getting by Lyon 74:69 and Bourg-en-Bress 71:63. The first fans were getting on the bandwagon and already predicting another playoff visit this season. However more often than not, the surprising good play and results due come to a crashing end as the Fraport Skyliners once again defended the way they knew how giving up 63 points to 2016 Fiba Europe Cup semi-finalist Chalon a few days ago , but couldn´t muster a consistent showing on offense producing only 51 points. Rookie Shavon Shields was brought back down to earth being held in check with seven points and six boards. The only real bright spot was Florida native Mike Morrison who tallied 14 points and five rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners now had four days to recuperate from the tournament in France where they played on three consecutive days and next had a real tough opponent with EaysCredit BBL team medi Bayreuth, but were at home again playing in their practice facility BCM. The Home crowd also saw the debut of rookie Shavon Shields and 10 year veteran Antonio Graves who many still had his buzzer beater in their heads from two seasons ago where he spanked the Fraport Skyliners as an Artland Dragon in the Fraport arena. However the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t withstand the Kyan Anderson Show has he poured in 11 points in the third quarter which blew the game wide open as medi Bayreuth was able to extend their lead into double digits and from there on it was cool sailing home as they defeated Frankfurt 75-61.
The Fraport Skyliners Glide By The RheinStars 77-59 In Basketball Aid Charity Game In Wiesbaden
Around this time of year most BBL coaches are in their offices already scoping together new plays and contemplating which roles each player will perform except for Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert who is still looking for a few players to complete the new roster. Even tougher this season is that the Canadian isn´t even at the practices as he has taken a leave of absence recovering from back surgery and given the coaching reigns to assistant coach Klaus Perwass. In the last years the Fraport Skyliners haven´t been complete as their preseason schedule has started and it was no different this season as like last season the club faced German pro A team RheinStars Cologne in a neutral area Koblenz and this season in another unusual spot in Wiesbaden, Germany. Eight year BBL veteran and identity figure of the Fraport Skyliners Quantez Robertson has had his share of photo shoots and checking out runways with a basketball at Frankfurt international airport, but for a change he would also be stepping foot on another airbase in Wiesbaden only 26 kilometers away from Frankfurt international airport as the Fraport Skyliners met the RheinStars in an out of the ordinary place. As part of the Basketball Aid international tour, both teams were taking part in a very good cause to help kids stricken with the horrible disease cancer as all proceeds were going to this charity. The Basketball Aid international Tour had received a blow recently as previously invited touring team Northeastern(NCAA) cancelled their 10 day trip on account of the terrorism in Germany, but Basketball Aid organizer Hans Beth and his crew had done a fine job in a very short period of time finding replacement teams for the Huskies from Boston. It is typical that in the past American players tend to visit American airbases to get that extra special US feeling as well as cleaning out the food markets where they can buy and munch on Pop tarts, Oreo´s or Twizzlers candy and much more, things they would never get in a normal German supermarket. In the past ex Skyliners and two thirds of the then Bermuda triangle Tyrone Ellis and Chris Williams minus Pascal Roller would venture out to Wiesbaden to take in the flair of American culture or a Jimmy Mckinney would make the trip to Heidelberg to visit the army heliport. On a very hot day that had temperatures in the 90´s everyone was relieved to be in the gym at Clay Kaserne as it was air conditioned nicely and after 40 minutes of hard fought pre season basketball, it was no surprise that BBL club Fraport Skyliners had been victorious gliding by the Pro A RheinStars Cologne 77-59. Basketball Aid international tour chairman Hans Beth was pleased with how the first event of the tour went. “It was a good atmosphere and a good game. It was a good start for the tour. The fans saw many young players competing and both general managers of the teams were present. It was obvious that the fans enjoyed the game. I hope to see them at Fraport Skyliner games”, stressed Hans Beth.
Jordan Theodore (Banvit Basketbol Kulubu) I Cried After Winning The Fiba Europe Cup Title
Jordan Theodore is a 26 year old 182cm point guard from Englewood, New Jersey that will commence his fifth professional season with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL). Last season he had his most successful season as a professional winning the FIBA Europe Cup with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) playing 37 games: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 18 games: 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 90.2%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Seton Hall (NCAA) where he played until 2012 playing a total of 127 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 82.7%. In 2012, he started his professional career with Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games averaging 15.8ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-for Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (Turkey-TBL) playing 27 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 73.5%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA, starting five): 17 games: 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2(6.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 87.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about his successful season with the Fraport Skyliners and future in Turkey.
Jordan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?
I am in Englewood, New Jersey and just kicking back and enjoying my time with family and friends. I had a very long season in Europe and just want to take in as much time with everyone. I missed them so much. I didn´t take a vacation, because I wouldn´t be able to take them since they don´t like to fly.
Can Gordon Herbert Pull Out Another Jordan Theodore From His Pocket To Guarantee Champions League Success For Frankfurt This Season?
Summer is slowly moving on as Fraport Skyliner fans are still trying to digest the departures of players like Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel and Jordan Theodore, but at the same time having the amazing 2015-2016 Fiba Cup title win in the back of their minds and looking ahead to this season as the 2004 Beko BBL champion Fraport Skyliners will take part in the new competition Champions Cup. There hasn´t been much buzz with new player signings yet for the Fraport Skyliners so the 2016-2017 Champions Cup draw was a refreshing way to dream and predict which teams could be drawn for Frankfurt during the slow and boring draw procedure. As if the basketball God had secretly had his hand in the pot, the Fraport Skyliners got a date with ex Skyliner Jordan Theodore who was one of the key figures for the success of the team last season and will return back to Frankfurt with his new team Banvit of Turkey where he surely will be greeted with a massive ovation. The Fraport Skyliners also drew Aris of Greece, CEZ Nymburk of the Czech Republic, Helios Suns of Slovenia and AS Monaco. Two more teams will be added, but won´t be known until a future date when the qualifying results are in.
Jordan Theodore Gains Englewood Immortality With 2016 Fiba Europe Cup Title And Moves Into Class Of Best Ever Skyliner Point Guards
What do former NBA players Mookie Blaylock, Tim Hardaway, Gary Payton, Chauncey Billups and current professional Jordan Theodore all have in common? At first glance, it isn´t hard to notice that all played the game they loved at one time or another featuring that bald head and all were point guards. The bald head of Theodore makes him a tad more experienced in appearance and gives opponents the vision that he has been around the block even if he just completed only his fourth professional season. All those former NBA great´s had illustrious careers in the world´s greatest league while Theodore is on the brink of captivating himself to a new level on the court having had his best season as a professional as for the first time he played for a great team the Fraport Skyliners that just won it´s third club title which had been in waiting for 12 years. When one is closely observing Jordan Theodore on the court, the first thing that stands out in his play is his presence on the court, but as a point guard and basketball conductor that is his job as he has to lead his team to a win every time on the court the same way music conductor Charles Dutoit guides an orchestra around the world in places like London, Paris, Berlin or Moscow. Theodore helped close out an amazing regular season in the Beko BBL finishing in the top 3 teams and conducting the club to the best Fiba Europe Cup record of 18-1. Now Jordan Theodore who is the pride and joy of Englewood, New Jersey that has brought world stars like John Travolta, Eddie Murphy, Tony Bennet, Lil Kim and Bill Parcells just to name a few has made that degree between him and the other basketball pride and joy of the 27,147 populated city 1981 NBA finalist Bill Willoughby who has the distinction of being the first player drafted in the NBA out of high school closer as he brought his hometown the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup title and now has ordered and gotten Englewood immortality stature. ”Bill and I have met a couple of times but I don’t know him that well. I read a lot about him growing up. Us being from the same town and me wanting to leave a legacy behind like he did. I haven’t made it to the NBA yet but I’m building a resume that a lot people can look up to”, added Jordan Theodore.
German Hoops 