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Quashawn Lane’s Energy Was Through The Roof When He Woke Up Helping Him To Historical 28/11/10 Game And Pro B Title With Essen

Pic Credit: Lukas Steppkes

Quashawn Lane (188-G-1999, college: New Haven) is a 26 year old 188cm guard that helped the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) win the 2026 Pro B title averaging 16.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 81.1%. Last season he played with Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig (Ireland-Super League) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, 2PT: 62.8%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 81.2%. He played his rookie season overseas with Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.2apg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 28.9%, FT: 76.3% and played with the Manawatu Jets (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 8.4ppg, 3.7rpg, APG-3 (7.3), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 64.7%. He began his basketball career at Trenton Catholic Academy and then played at New Haven University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 113 games and averaged 13.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.2% and 14.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 85.0% in the last 2 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com after winning the Pro B title.

Essen lost game 1 by 36 points and won game 2 by 41 points. Many are saying this is the greatest comeback in German basketball. How special do you rate this massive comeback?

I think this comeback was very special. It felt more of celebration for ourselves for all the hard work, practices, and sacrifices that everyone made every single day. It took a lot of focus and connectivity to have the year we did, so ending it that way was the cherry on top.

You reached a final and NAIA Elite 8 at New Haven. Did you sometime have just a little doubt about when you would finally win that first chip?

No. I understand that winning isn’t promised in competitive sports. You can work as hard as you can, and still end up short. I know that I put the work in to position myself in the best possible position, so that eliminates all doubt for me.

What was the team feeling after the horrible 107-71 loss at Orange Academy? How much soul searching did the team do the days following?

I think everyone was more focused to get back out there. Big credit to Orange Academy for playing a very complete and dominant game 1. After game 1, many felt that we worked way too hard to get to the finals and have these results. The mindset was shifted to redeeming ourselves that second game, regardless of outcome. We just wanted to put together a clean game for our fans. Many felt we owed ourselves and the organization that performance.

How key was head coach Lars Wendt? How did he help the team most in the days leading up to game 2?

Very important. I think he came into those days very calm. His trust in us never waivered once. He always believed we could win this game 2 by enough points to win the finals. All week that was his message and mindset, which I think definitely had a positive impact on the team.

How quickly did the team know that game 2 would see only half of Orange Academy as all the talented youth players wouldn´t play because they were attending the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin?

We heard some rumors, but that was never the focus. We were preparing for them to have a fully loaded roster. That was our mindset, that was what we were prepared for in game 2.

Any other team could have underestimated Orange Academy. Why didn´t Essen?

I think we did a good job not underestimating teams all year. Each player was fully aware of the gameplan every night, and it showed. Orange Academy was also the number 1 seed from the south, so we knew they were a good team overall.

What was the focus of Essen going in? I mean did you have a plan how you would come back through out a 40 minute game so you would have more than 36 points?

I think the mindset was trying to win each quarter by 10 points. If we were able to get a lead and build on it throughout the game and constantly apply pressure all over the court, we felt that would put us in best position to overcome the task.

The team began well and led 53-32 at the break. Essen was playing well offensively, but still had to do more on the defensive end. What wasn´t functioning as well so far on the defensive end through the first 20 minutes?

To us, the first 20 minutes went very well offensively and defensively. To hold a good team like Orange Academy to just 30 points at half is excellent. We were on target with the idea of winning each quarter by 10 because we were up 20 points at half. Of course we expected them to hit shots and make plays, that’s a part of the game. But we all felt we were on a great route at halftime.

What did head coach Lars Wendt give the team for advice at half-time?

Understanding that we had to basically win by such a lead, the focus was making sure that we kept our energy and drive. There were a few corrections and adjustments, but for the most part, the half team talks were positive and motivating for us. It is one thing to gameplan a game to win, it is another thing to gameplan a game to win by 40 points. So we wanted to make sure we were making progress to that 40 point lead mark.

In the third quarter Orange Academy actually played well for the first few minutes outscoring Essen, but then came a 14-0 run by Essen which changed the game. You made drives and Ben Uzoma a big dunk. What was key in the run for Essen?

We knew they would come out in the 3rd with motivation and more shotmaking. I think our constant aggressive mindset was key. I think that helped take away the thinking and passiveness out of everyone due to the circumstances. There was no time to do anything else besides focus on the next play. The energy from the spectators is always an energy booster for players, the energy from them was amazing as well.

Essen was up with 32 points with 10 minutes to play. Essen was in the drivers seat. Which player at this moment was a big motivator with words?

Everyone was key. Our team had a connectivity that anyone could have pitched in to give advice, new looks, encouragement, etc. Our captains obviously take a big part in the leadership within the team, big shoutout to Niclas and Marc.

Essen began with a 10-2 run to lead 86-46. Now all Essen had to do was manage the lead to the buzzer. Essen then held Orange Academy minutes without scoring. Did you want it more than Orange Academy?

I wouldn’t say that. I believe Orange Academy wanted to win the game just as much as we wanted to win. At that point, I just think we had all the energy, momentum, and connectivity on our side after building it all game. It was just about finishing the job at that point.

Essen outscored Orange Academy 41-21 in the last half. Was this the best defense the team played in the season?

I would say yes. We definitely prided ourselves on the defensive end all year, trying to be the best defensive team in the league. This game was just everything coming together in a sense at such a pivotal moment as well.

Essen held their 2 best scorers Joel Cwik and Namouri Omog to 8/28 shooting and 25 points. How much of a focus was the defense on slowing them down?

Extreme focus. We knew they were their best playmakers available so we wanted to make it as tough as possible for them two.

You saved your best for last with a 28/11/10 game. Was this the best game in your career?

I would say yes, definitely as a professional.

Did you wake up Sunday morning with a mission. Did you feel different than usual or did you eat a special breakfast that helped you have such a massive game?

Yes, I definitely woke up with a ton of energy. No special breakfast or anything, I stayed to my routine. But my energy was through the roof from the moment I woke up that day. It was our last game, I had to get up for that one.

What was your fondest moment in Essen against Orange Academy?

Winning the championship. In the way we did it, that should have solidified us in Essen basketball history. Every one of those guys deserve that recognition for the sacrifices that were made.

Thanks Quashawn for the chat.

Winning The Fiba Masters Open Was One Of Daniel Doerr´s Biggest Achievements In His Career Along With His Jersey Retirement

Pic credit: Armin Cicic

Daniel Doerr is a former German professional player that enjoyed a 15 + year career in Germany retiring in 2018. He played most of his career in Lich, but also played in Crailsheim and for the Giessen Pointers playing 380+ pro games. He recently took part at the Fiba Masters open and won the Gold medal. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his experience in Greece.

Thanks Daniel for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently took part at the Fiba Masters Open. You retired 8 years ago. Do you still keep in shape? In what kind of shape did you go into the tournament?

I still try to stay in shape. I work out 2-3 a week and never really stopped doing sports . In think my condition was pretty ok for my age

The tournament was in Greece. Did it feel like a little vacation at the time?

Sometimes it felt a little bit like vacation but we didn’t really had time off. We only had 2 off days out of 10. Most of the times we were practicing, doing yoga or lifting weights to keep our focus .

With guys 40 or over, how did Germany prepare for this tournament? How much can one prepare when guys are 40 or over?

We had a 3 day training camp in May to prepare a little bit , all guys play in over 40‘s league so they basically stay in shape the whole year . More than half of the players are from Bayern Munich who won the German Championship 3 years in a row. So they know each other pretty well which helps a lot.

The conditions were state of the art. Talk a little about how nice everything was? There was featuring wooden flooring, and air conditioning, Did it compare to first league conditions?

The conditions were pretty solid , I wouldn’t say first league standard but pretty good.

What was it like for you playing 3X3? Was this something you have done over the years?

I didn’t play3x3 in a lot of years

Talk a little about the competition. How good were the other countries in general and were there some notable players from back in the day?

Thr competition was really good. I was surprised . A lot of former First league players from Greece , Italy , Georgia etc. Georgia even had an former NBA player ( Tskisvhli) on their team .

Talk a little about your teammates. There were some known guys like Steffan Hamann, Dirk Madrich Moritz Wohlers Omari Knox and Daniel Lieneke. What was it like playing with them? Were you ever teammates with any of them?

Just a great group of guys , we really had great chemistry. I only knew Dirk Mädrich from the under 20 National team . And I played against Hamann , Wohlers and Lieneke in the Pro A.

Who was in best basketball and physical shape between Hamann, Madrich Lieneke and Wohlers?

I would say Hamann and Lieneke were in the best shape.

You never played in the BBL. What was it like being teammates with 2005 Euro Silver medalist Steffen Hamann? He still seems to be in good shape isn´t he?

Actually not true . When I played for Lich I a had a double license for the BBL team 46ers and played a couple of minutes in the 2003 BBL playdowns and in some cup games as well. But I never was a BBL player, I was a solid 2 league player . It was a great experience to play with a basketball legend like Steffen. He still got serious game .

How did you present your game? How content were you with your game?

I really struggled offensively and I was a little disappointed in the beginning. But then I started to focus more on rebounds and defense to help the team and give Moritz and Dirk some rest . The longer the tournament went on , the more I adapted the role of getting rebounds and playing defense . We had enough scorers anyway. I really enjoyed this role after a while because since I struggled offensively I think this was the best way to help the team

What was the biggest challenge for a guy your age in this tournament besides the in shape aspect?

The biggest challenge probably was that you had 5 games in 7-8 days with workouts in between. Even for a 25 year old , that’s not easy to handle for the body

Germany won the final against Italy 69-66. How exciting was this game? Was there any doubt that Germany wouldn´t win this game?

I knew Italy gonna be a tough matchup because besides us they were in the best shape . But I also knew if we play hard from the beginning, we were going to win it

Talk a little about the last play. Omari Knox made the last shot. How exciting was that play?

Omari last two plays were some of the craziest things I ever saw live on a basketball court . He was ice cold crazy, I went nuts on the bench

What was your own personal favorite play on the court during the whole tournament?

My favorite play definitely was when Omari stole the ball in the finals against italy with down by 3 points . Instead of making a wide open layup, he stopped on the 3 point line a swished the 3 with 50 seconds on the clock . That was Jordanesque

What does the Fiba Masters Open Gold Medal mean to you? Where do you rank it in your whole career?

The Gold medal is probably the biggest achievement in my career along with my jersey retirement . For me it is really really special

When you look back at this experience in 20 years, what will you remember most from it?

What I will remember the most is probably the special group of guys. So many different characters working for one goal . It really was a great time and we all enjoyed the time we spend together .It was special

Do you think like you will take part in more of these kind of tournaments down the road?

We will see, if my body feels good i’ll probably play in some more tournaments.

Who wins a 1-1 on the court in 2026, you or Daniel Lieneke?

One on one i’ll probably win because I’m the better low post player, which helps a lot in one on one games.

Thanks Daniel for the chat.

Marc Friederici Will Never Forget The Poster Dunk Of Leon Kalinic In The Pro B Final Against Orange Academy

pic credit: shot by frogg

Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 25 year old 188cm guard that completed his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen averaging 11.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.7% and helped them move up to the Pro A. He played from 2023-2025 with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A in 2025. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to eurobasket about the Pro B final games against Orange Academy.

Thanks Marc for talking to eurobasket.com. Your 2026 Pro B champion. How does this feel in comparison to winning it with Wolmirstedt last season?

Of course, it is something special on every level. I know that in Wolmirstedt we fulfilled a long-time dream of the club and everyone around it by earning promotion. But in the end, we didn’t leave the court as champions. We managed to do that here in Essen, and that makes it even more special in every way than finishing in second place. It feels amazing

You have helped reach 2 teams in a row reach the Pro A. Chris Carter helped teams move up 4 times. Do you feel like helping teams move up could continue to be your calling in the future?

I like the idea you mentioned of making it my mission to be the kind of player who helps teams earn promotion. But not right now. Right now, the next step is Pro A and finding my place and role there. I want to establish myself as a player in the next higher league.

Essen lost game 1 by 36 points and won game 2 by 41 points. Many are saying this is the greatest comeback in German basketball. How special do you rate this massive comeback?

I believe that coming back in a game like that against any team and under any circumstances is an almost impossible task. The fact that we managed to do it shows how strong our team was and how many different qualities you need in order to accomplish something like that. Right now, especially because it was also the championship final, I would say this is the most special moment of my career so far

What was the team feeling after the horrible 107-71 loss at Orange Academy? How much soul searching did the team do the days following?

To my surprise, much less than I initially expected. Already the very next day in practice, I felt like every single person on the team understood exactly what our situation was and what task was ahead of us. And that task was simple: somehow find a way, under all circumstances, to turn the game around and win by more than 36 points.

How key was head coach Lars Wendt? How did he help the team most in the days leading up to game 2?

He made it clear right from the very first second of our first practice that we had to trap and press full court throughout the entire game. And he communicated that with an energy that, at least for me, was contagious and immediately gave us a clear direction. It wasn’t something we only had to show during the game, but also in every practice we had between the two finals games. And in the end, it worked.

How quickly did the team know that game 2 would see only half of Orange Academy as all the talented youth players wouldn’t play because they were attending the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin?

There had already been speculation before the first game, but we only knew for sure one day before the final game.

Any other team could have underestimated Orange Academy. Why didn’t Essen?

That simply wasn’t in our nature. At no point during the regular season or the playoffs did we ever underestimate any team.

What was the focus of Essen going in? I mean did you have a plan how you would come back through out a 40 minute game so you would have more than 36 points?

The focus was clear from the very first second: we had to play with a lot of pace on both offense and defense and make Ulm run all over the court for the full 40 minutes. The math was simple for us. 4 times 10 is 40. A 40-point win and the championship.
The team began well and led 53-32 at the break. Essen was playing well offensively, but still had to do more on the defensive end. What wasn’t functioning as well so far on the defensive end through the first 20 minutes?

In my opinion, everything worked in the first half. We were leading by 21 points, which meant for us that we were still minus 15 points going into the second half. We knew before the game that we wouldn’t make up the entire deficit in one half, but that we had to stay at it for 40 minutes. So we went into the second half with the same mindset as we had at the start of the game.

What did head coach Lars Wendt give the team for advice at half-time?

It was short and simple: we had to keep going the way we had been, and we went into it with the same energy. Everybody was on the same page.

In the third quarter Orange Academy actually played well for the first few minutes outscoring Essen, but then came a 14-0 run by Essen which changed the game. You made drives and Ben Uzoma a big dunk. What was key in the run for Essen?

That’s true. We struggled to start the third quarter with the same energy we wanted. But we knew it wouldn’t last long, because we were deeper than Ulm, and it was only a matter of time before they would start to lose energy. So we just stayed with it, and the game naturally shifted in our favor through a few key plays, and we went on a run.

Essen was up with 32 points with 10 minutes to play. Essen was in the drivers seat. Which player at this moment was a big motivator with words?

I remember a timeout, when we had just crossed the 36-point mark and were tied game with the deficit from the first game. In that moment, I tried to tell the team that it wasn’t over yet, and that we had to keep going and, if necessary, win this game by 60 points. A lot of the other players bought into that as well and also tried to motivate everyone around us. So I would say it was the whole team, because every single player knew exactly what we needed at that moment.

Essen began with a 10-2 run to lead 86-46. Now all Essen had to do was manage the lead to the buzzer. Essen then held Orange Academy minutes without scoring. Did you want it more than Orange Academy?

I’m sure Ulm wanted the championship just as much as we did, but being down by 40 points makes it very difficult to turn a game around again. At that point, the momentum was on our side. We wanted it, no matter what

Essen outscored Orange Academy 41-21 in the last half. Was this the best defense the team played in the season?

I remember a few very, very strong defensive performances during the season, but of course that half also definitely counts among them. We simply needed a perfect game, both offensively and defensively, but especially on the defensive end.

Essen held their 2 best scorers Joel Cwik and Namouri Omog to 8/28 shooting and 25 points. How much of a focus was the defense on slowing them down?

Joel Cwik was one of the players we had to control from the start. He was also one of Ulm’s top scorers in the first game.

Quarshawn Lane had an incredible 28/11/10 game. Did you sense going into the game that he could have a type of game of his life?
The only thing I knew was that we needed everyone on the team today, each in their own role, and that obviously includes Q as well. I’m very happy and proud of him that he managed to get the triple-double in such a game. He had come close two or three times this season before.

What was your fondest moment in the final in Essen against Orange Academy?

The poster dunk from Leon Kalinic. And than the final buzzer! 😉


Thanks Marc for the chat.

There Was No Doubt With Leon Kalinic And His Teammates That They Would Win The Pro B Title Even After Losing At Orange Academy by 36 Points

pic credit: M2M visuals

Leon Kalinic (206-F-2000, college: Park, agency: Starting 5) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Croatia that helped the ETB Miners Essen win the Pro B title averaging 7,2ppg an d4,1rpg. He began his career in the KK Cedevita Zagreb youth program. He played 4 years in the States and 3 years with Ouachita Baptist University (NCAA2) playing a total of 73 games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 6.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 70.0% and 6.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 92.0%. He then played a season with Park University (NAIA): averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg. In the 2024-2025 season he played with KK Velika Gorica (Prva Liga) averaging 10.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 82.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after winning the 2026 Pro B title.

Thanks Leon for talking to germanhoops.com. Your 2026 Pro B champion. How good does it feel? Is this your personal biggest achievement as a player?

Feels great honestly I’m still riding the winner wave. It’s close, but I would say this would be my biggest achievement as a player in a professional league.

Essen lost game 1 by 36 points and won game 2 by 41 points. Many are saying this is the greatest comeback in German basketball. How special do you rate this massive comeback?

I might have to agree with that, I don’t know details about the history of German basketball but it has to be one of those which will be remembered and talked about.

What was the team feeling after the horrible 107-71 loss at Orange Academy? How much soul searching did the team do the days following?

How can a team feel? Losing by 36 in the first game of the finals, against the younger team, and then having to drive home wasn’t great, but that’s where we stand above everybody else. Nobody had any doubt that we would come back in the next game, even on the bus ride home we started planning our revenge.

How key was head coach Lars Wendt? How did he help the team most in the days leading up to game 2?

Coach Lars did his job, not once did he say or show it was over. Everybody played their part and that’s how we came back.

How quickly did the team know that game 2 would see only half of Orange Academy as all the talented youth players wouldn´t play because they were attending the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin?

Personally, the night before, but that didn’t matter. They could’ve come with the full team and we would’ve still become champions!

Any other team could have underestimated Orange Academy. Why didn´t Essen?

That’s us, from the coaches to the players, everybody knew their role and every game was a championship game.

What was the focus of Essen going in? I mean did you have a plan how you would come back through out a 40 minute game so you would have more than 36 points?

From the first second, the first minute hit them hard. We knew we couldn’t win in the first quarter, so we put our heads down and worked hard every second of the game and the results shows.

The team began well and led 53-32 at the break. Essen was playing well offensively, but still had to do more on the defensive end. What wasn´t functioning as well so far on the defensive end through the first 20 minutes?

Our plan was to be more than 18 points up at the half and we did more than that.

What did head coach Lars Wendt give the team for advice at half-time?

He never forgot to praise us, but also he never let us forget the main goal.

In the third quarter Orange Academy actually played well for the first few minutes outscoring Essen, but then came a 14-0 run by Essen which changed the game. What was key in the run for Essen?

We knew at some point they would go on a run, but we never let off the gas. Ben dominated the paint, but most importantly everyone who got in gave 100%.

Essen was up with 32 points with 10 minutes to play. Essen was in the drivers seat. Which player at this moment was a big motivator with words?

Marc Friederici was always there to bring us together and motivate us.

Essen began with a 10-2 run to lead 86-46. Now all Essen had to do was manage the lead to the buzzer. Essen then held Orange Academy minutes without scoring. Did you want it more than Orange Academy?

All I have to say is, they showed up with seven players. It’s clear who wanted it more.

Essen outscored Orange Academy 41-21 in the last half. Was this the best defense the team played in the season?

Certainly one of the best. As bad as it sounds, we had so many good defensive games I can only remember the bad ones.

Essen held their 2 best scorers Joel Cwik and Namouri Omog to 8/28 shooting and 25 points. How much of a focus was the defense on slowing them down?

Of course they were our main priority, but we knew if we wanted to win we had to stop all of them.

Quarshawn Lane had an incredible 28/11/10 game. Did you sense going into the game that he could have a type of game of his life?

Since day one I knew Q had it in him, there were so many games where he nearly had a triple double and it is kind of poetic to have it on the last game and to win the championship.

What was your fondest moment in the final in Essen against Orange Academy?

Of course the final buzzer going off and us actually winning is awesome, but I have to say my poster dunk in transition was my favorite moment.

Thanks Leon for the chat.

Zavian Mclean Exploded For 53 Points In Portugal And Would Have Made It A Mission To Go For The 55 Point Record Had He Known It

Zavian McLean (193-G-2001, college: FGCU) is a 25 year old 201cm forward that was born in Izmir, Turkey but grew up in North Carolina and played his rookie season overseas with at SC Vasco da Gama Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic) and Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProB). He played AAU ball with Team Wall and also played at Village Christian Academy. He played 3 seasons at Columbia (NCAA) averaging 7.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 71.1%, 7.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 77.3% and 9.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 68.2%. He then added a season at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 65.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 62.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 53 in Portugal

Thanks Zavian for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 53 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in Portugal. What does this feat mean to you?

It´s really amazing. It was something very historical that hadn´t been done in a long time. It was great to do it for the fans in Portugal and on the road. The place was sold out and to get such a big win and put on a show meant a lot.

You have only been with the team a short while. You seem to have needed no adjustment period to being able to score so easily in your first season overseas.

I think that I came to Portugal with this growth mind set. I knew that it would be a big challenge coming from the NCAA to overseas. I welcomed adversary from day 1. I put a lot of pride in working on my game and I put in the work. It was only a matter of time before this would happen.

Did you always know that you had such great scoring potential in your blood?

I have always been a scorer my whole life. I play more from the fundamental side. I took on a scoring responsibility in college. It took me a few games overseas to know that I could be a scorer here as well. I also have to say I have put in the work, but I couldn´t have done without God and my teammates.

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?

It was the usual routine. I have a specific routine and always stick to it.

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?

I knew that the stakes were high going into the game that we needed a win badly. We knew that there was pressure, but I welcomed the challenge. I wanted to prove to all that I could compete on a big stage. I felt good going in and stuck to my game and took what the defense was and was very aggressive.

How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?

I think we had already scored 20 points after 5 minutes. I knew that the game would be high scoring and high paced. I knew that both teams would get on transition a lot and it was a matter of who would score most. I felt early on that I had to execute. I played my game because my team needed me. I got into the flow early, made shots and made free throws. I knew it would be a special game after the first quarter.

The team had 20 assists in the game and you had 4. Did you score a lot on the isolation?

I did score a lot on the isolation. I was aggressive from the start and took on responsibility. I did have a lot of turnovers that really bugs me.

Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?

When your playing you tend to look at the score board to see the time, fouls and time outs. I knew how much I was scoring. I knew I had 48 points and then I made an offensive rebound and put back for 50 points. I had no idea at that moment that the record was 55 points. Had I known that then I would have made it a mission to get the record.

What was your favorite own basket of the 53 point game?

My favorite bucket was the 109th point to go ahead. I got an and 1. We were up three points with less than a minute to go. That was the break or take control moment of the game. That cemented the game for us.

Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?

My family, people from home, club supporters and other fans from Europe. I turned off the phone after a while because there was a lot going on. I definitely got a lot of love.

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

I didn´t have to get donuts, but if they had, I would of.

Thanks Zavian for the chat.

Aaron Ekwere(Pantterit Helsinki) Didn’t Feel Like He Could Miss And His Teammates Kept Feeding Him For 50 Points

Aaron Ekwere (190-G-2006) is a 19 year old 190cm guard from Finland playing this season with Pantterit Helsinki (1st Division), played and with Drive Academy Espoo U20 team (EYBL U20). He began his basketball career with Pyrinto Akatemia B Tampere (1st Division). He recently scored 50 points in a pro game in Finland and spoke about his experiences doing that.

Thanks Aaron for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 50 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in Finland. What does this feat mean to you?

It means a lot to me because it was an important playoff game and we were struggling at the start so I´m happy that I could help my team get the win

Did you really score 50 points in 21 minutes? That is crazy? How do you do that?

I just felt like i couldn´t miss and my teammates kept feeding me and I got good looks the whole game

You have always been a good scorer, but did that point explosion with 50 points surprise you a bit?

Yes a little bit but I know I´m capable to do that any night if I feel hot so I´m ready for it

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?

No I just had a normal day

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?

I felt good going in to the game but I always feel good before a game so I don´t really know if I´m going to play well

How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?

I actually missed my first two shots so I was a bit scared that I was going to have an off night but half way through the first quarter I started to get a feeling that I was hot

The team had 36 assists in the game and you 3. 9 teammates had assists and Leo Guday had 9 assists. Could a teammate ask for more unselfishness within a team than that?

No I´m really lucky to play with such an unselfish group of guys and especially Guday does a good job at assisting teammates.

Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?

Not really I didn´t look at the stats mid game but I knew I had a lot of points

You were an incredible 22/27 from the 2 point area. Did you have many lay up´s or also mid range shots etc?

Mostly lay ups I don´t really take mid ranges

What was your favorite own basket of the 50 point game?

Definitely when my teammate Jelani Towa threw me an alley op.

You hit the same team TuNMKY for 45 points recently. Did that 50 point game give you extra energy to go for 50 points again?

Yeah that definitely gave me the confidence that I could do it again

Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?

No not really iI just got some messages from old teammates

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

No I forgot but I might have to get them something in the locker room so they don´t get mad

Thanks Aaron for the chat.

Keeshawn Kellman(MHP Riesen) Has A Similar Game To Bam Adebayo And Is A 2 Way Player Passionate To Get Every Offensive Rebound

Keeshawn Kellman (203-F-2000, college: FGCU) is a 203cm forward from Pennslyvania that has the American Guyana citizenship that is playing his rookie season with easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 6,8ppg and 6,8rpg. He began his basketball career with the Perkiomen school and then played at Princeton (NCAA) from 2019-2022 playing a total of 50 games. He then finished at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 12.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, FT: 68.4% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 57.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball last summer.

Congrats Keeshawn on signing with the MHP RiesenLudwigsburg. You’re embarking on your pro career in Germany and your uncle Colin Stuart was a professional cricket player in the West Indies. Have you ever tried the sport and could you be good at it?

I’ve never played the sport but it looks fun. I’ve seen clips of my Uncle playing and I’ve also watched the game a little bit because my Dad is a cricket fan. Maybe I could be a good fast bowler because of my height and build.

How excited are you to start your pro career in Germany? What are you looking forward to most?

I am definitely very excited to begin my pro journey this coming season in Germany. I am looking forward to meeting my coaches, teammates and the entire Ludwigsburg community when I get there and then getting to work and winning with my guys.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? You come from Allentown which is known for having a German population. How has Germany affected you over the years?

After I was given the opportunity to play in Germany, I heard of and looked into the country’s impact on Allentown. I learnt that it was prevalent in a few ways, as Allentown does celebrate Oktoberfest pretty hard and there are plenty of rural parts that have similarities to Germany. I also know about the extensive soccer culture in Germany and how popular basketball has become.

You have had teammates over the years that have balled in Germany. Did you get any advice from some, like maybe a Ryan Schwieger or Richmond Aririguzoh?

Yes I’ve been in contact with both of them over the years and gained valuable information about their experiences overseas and specifically in Germany. They both relayed how enjoyable playing in Germany has been for them *and that made my decision to come play here even easier.* They have given me advice on how to conduct myself as a professional and how to adjust to German culture coming from America.

The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg are a very ambitious organization that has a winning culture. What were the main reasons for joining them?

The biggest thing that attracted me to Ludwigsburg was the winning culture that you brought up. I want to be a part of a team that is hardworking, prides themselves on playing hard and is well known for their defense and I know that Ludwigsburg has historically played with that edge being known as a team that plays hard game in and game out.

How did the talks go with head coach Mikko Riipinen. What did you appreciate most about his basket philosophy?

Our conversations went well. He was very transparent about his vision for the team, how he coaches, how he wants to play, and how he sees me fitting in. I like that he prides himself on the defensive end and playing an offensive system that utilizes everyone on the court for a balanced attack.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say guys like Bam Adebayo in terms of his defensive versatility, Jalen Duren, Kenneth Faired when he was with the Nuggets, and Montrezl Harrell. Guys who may be a bit undersized at the 5 but play with a high motor and play bigger than they are.

You can score and rebound on offense and block shots on defense. Would you call yourself already a 2-way player, or are you getting there?

Yes, I would consider myself to be a two-way player. I feel like I can impact the game offensively in multiple ways, and I really pride myself on playing defense.

You’re a guy also that gives a lot of power and energy. What other strengths does your offensive game possess?

One thing I am passionate about is getting offensive rebounds. I pride myself on getting my team extra possessions. I am also able to use my athleticism to be a lob threat and to play in the dunker spot. In addition, I have a good touch around the basket with both hands with different finishes.

You only took 22 three’s in 5 years in the NCAA. Is the three a part of your game that you want to develop more?

Yes, absolutely, it’s a skill that I’ve been working on consistently the past few years. I know that when I can consistently hit threes, it would not only open up my game, but it would also open up the entire team’s offense once I become a threat

You’re a very strong defender. What kind of a defender are you now coming overseas and where would you like to be as a defender in 3 years?

I feel that defense is one of my strong suits and that I am multifaceted at that end. I’m a good rim protector for a big my size where I can contest and block shots at the basket. I can guard in the post and force bigs into tough shots. I am also comfortable guarding screens in multiple ways, from drop, to hard hedge, to blitzing. I have gotten better at switching onto guards and staying in front, that’s a skill I want to improve on for sure over the next 3 years, along with using my hands better to get more steals/deflections.

On what areas of your game are you working on most this summer so you can be best prepared for your rookie season?

My conditioning has been my biggest focus this offseason. I know the pace at which the Bundesliga plays and how much more intense the pro game is from the college game, so just trying to be ready for that. Skill-wise, I’ve been working on my overall game, just trying to get better at multiple skills to be more versatile.

You played 3 years at Princeton University. You improved your scoring season stats every season. How did your game grow there under Mitch Henderson?

I was a reserve and I got injured my 1st year, we didn’t have a season my 2nd year because of covid, and I was injured for the majority of my 3rd year. I only really played consistently my senior year there. Being around other very talented players yearly where I got the chance to go against them in practice daily and to play with them in my final year there helped me improve my game for sure.

In your last season at Princeton, you had some big games against Dartmouth and beat Arizona at March madness. What was your most memorable personal game there?

I’ve definitely had a few memorable games my last year there. My first game that year against Hofstra was definitely fun, I went 9/9 from the field with a few dunks. In the Ivy League playoff semifinals against our sworn rivals Penn, I made a few key plays coming onto the end of the game including a couple of blocks, a few timely offensive rebounds thru traffic and took a charge that helped us seal the game.

What memories will you always have from March Madness. You had big wins against Arizona and Missouri, but then lost to Creighton.

Our success in March Madness was definitely the most exciting part of my career thus far. I have a few lasting memories from those games. I remember getting a block on their big early on that swung the momentum for us and doing so again in the 2nd half. I also had a putback dunk late in the game that gave us even more momentum to get the win. Against Missouri I had a 3 possession stretch where I had a dunk, made a vertical contest that forced a turnover, then came down and dunked it again. Then, early in the 2nd half, I got a nice block, then came down and got another dunk.

How enriching was the whole Ivy league experience? How do you think did those 3 years help you mature best as a man?

It was definitely an adjustment for me when I first got to Princeton in every way. From the basketball, to the academics to the overall Ivy League lifestyle. I had a pretty large learning curve but I feel that everything that I experienced over my 4 years at Princeton helped me make large strides on who I am today and I definitely grew a lot from it. I am thankful for everything I’ve experienced during my time there, all of the challenging times that tested me and all of the good times that I enjoyed.

You then played 2 seasons at Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) averaging 12.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, FT: 68.4% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 57.7% You had so many memorable games like against UNF and Stetson. What was your most memorable game with FGCU?

I definitely had a lot of games over the 2 years at FGCU that stuck with me, but my most memorable was probably a game against Queens at home this past year. I would say that they were our rivals, and we were very geared up from that game. I came out aggressive the entire first half, and we were all clicking on both sides of the ball. I might’ve had games with better stats, but that game will always stick to me because of everything involved leading up to it.

How did head coach Patrick Chambers groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

His overall belief in me and the amount of confidence he instilled in me no matter how things were going has definitely helped me prepare to be a pro. He always asked me what I saw on the court and asked for my input, which made me really think of the game more than I ever did. He also had me involved in a lot of concepts on both ends that were foreign to me before getting to FGCU that are used in the professional ranks.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Zach Anderson?

We never actually played 1 on 1, but he is a very skillful player, and I know that it would’ve been a great game either way.

Who is the best player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?

I played against Tyrese Martin in HS as we are both from Allentown. I also played against Precious Achiwa in AAU, and I’ve played the likes of Kel-el Ware and Bub Carrington while I was at FGCU.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

It’s hard to narrow it down to 5 players but since I have to I’ll have to name 5 in no particular order: Tosan Evbuomwan, Dallion Johnson, Ryan Schweiger, Richmond Aririguzoh, and Jaelin Llewelyn

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of your best 5 players of all-time?

LeBron James Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Shaquille O’Neal Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James, I didn’t get the chance to grow up watching Michael Jordan, so I am biased towards LeBron.

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

I never got the chance to see the sequel actually, I might have to watch it.

Thanks Keeshawn for the chat.

Hugo Benitez(Baxi Manresa) Remembers Watching 2 Time NBA Champion Norris Cole On TV And Then Being Teammates And Soaking Up Defensive Pointers

Hugo Benitez (192-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from France playing his first season with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga ACB). Previously he played his whole career in his homeland with JL Bourg en Bresse (Betclic ELITE ProA). He played 184 Pro A games with JL Bourg en Bresse (Betclic ELITE ProA). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.

Thanks Hugo for talking to germanhoops.com. You have a Spanish name, but are France. Do people ask you often about being a Frenchman that has that typical Spanish name? Do you get that a lot.

Hello ! Yes my grand fathers from my father’s side were Spanish, and I was born in Perpignan, a city located at 20 minutes from Spain, so people think I speak Spanish but not yet, I will learn

After playing your whole career in your home land France, you now are playing your first season in Spain. Was it difficult leaving your comfort zone of France?

I think it was the good decision for me, it was time to experience a new challenge and it was always my goal to play in ACB

Your playing your first season with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga ACB). What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most about it?

It’s a new atmosphere for me, a new challenge, I learn a lot everyday and this is why I wanted to play for Manresa

What kind of an adjustment has it been for you coming from France Pro A to the ACB? How is the ACB different in style and play to the Pro A?

The biggest adjustment is the pace that we play with, and the fact that the ref don’t touch the ball when there is a violation

How valuable has 35 year old Daniel Perez been for you? Is he like a mentor for you this season? How has he helped your game most?

Dani helps me a lot, he knows the league very well and the philosophy of the coach so he gives me a lot of advice.

What has it been like playing for Diego Ocampo? He is a hard coach but fair. How have you experienced him so far?

I learn a lot, yes practices are hard and you have to be very focused all the time so for sure you improve

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 192cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I can’t compare my game with one player, just try to watch and learn a lot of player to be the best version of myself

Is it fair to say that you are a pass first point guard? What is your biggest strength on the court?

My first goal is to make the team play well but I work to be better in every aspect of the game to be a complete player

You have been a very good 3 point shooter the last years. How would you describe your three pointer now and what kind of a shooter do you still want to become?

I think this one of the aspect I have to work a lot on because I went to be a real threat with the 3 point shot.

What kind of a defender are you now and how do you believe will the ACB league help your defensive game most?

I think I’m a good defender thanks to my height for a point guard but I have to be better to guard the best point guard in ACB and Europe

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

My shot.

You played your whole career before Manresa with JL Bourg Basket. Did you have a mentor in your early years? And if yes how did he help you most with your game?

I played with a lot of experience points guard like Jamar Wilson, Zeko Wright or Alex Julien who help me a lot

You played with the French FIBA 3×3 U18 team. What memories do you have of those days and how did that style of play help your regular game most?

It was a really fun experience despite losing in the final, in 3×3 you play with a lot of freedom and you have to play with instinct

How enriching was that first Pro A season for you in 2019-2020. You were teammates with a list of incredible veterans like Zach Peacock, Jackie Carmichael, Jamar Wilson, Zach Wright and Chris Johnson. How valuable was it for you having so many veterans like them beside you?

For my first year I played with a lot of experienced players so it helped me to do a quick transition from the youth team as a pro

In the 2020-2021 season you played your second season together with point guard Zach Wright. How important was he for your early development as a point guard?

Zeko was a hard worker so he showed me how to be a professional and he came everyday with smile on his face, it was a pleasure to play with him

In 2021-2022 you were teammates with 2 time NBA champion Norris Cole? What was it like playing behind him? Did he tell any Lebron James stories?

That’s was a little bit strange to play with him because I was used to watching him on TV during NBA finals. He helped me and gave me a lot of advice especially defensively

In the 2023-2024, you experienced the farewell season of Earl Rowland who was 41 years old. He had seen it all. What memories will you always have of him? I’m sure you were able to add something from his experience to your game.

EJ was like a big brother for me, very very nice guy and like Zeko Wright always happy and ready to work and helped me and he told me a lot of stories because he had big experience

Last season you were teammates with Brandon Paul. What kind of an impression did he give you? What was the most important thing that you could pick up from his presence?

Brandon and I were the captains of the team before he left to Chalon, very funny guy and very professional guy, he knows a lot about basketball because he played in Europe but in NBA too, was very fun to have played with him

In the 2023-2024 season you reached the Eurocup final. What memories do you have of that final series against Paris? Was TJ Shorts the difference?

It was a crazy run, unfortunately we lost in finals but Paris was a better team, that’s was a big thing for the club to reach the finals

You played a tough 4 game semi final series against Monaco. How tough was it defending against a guy like Mike James? What makes it most difficult to slow him down?

Monaco it’s a tough team to play against because they have so many talent, on a playoffs series it’s very hard to win, Mike James is one of the best players in Europe and you know he can create his own shoot when he wants, you just try to disturb him

You played so many games with Bourg. What was your favorite game in the last years?

It’s to hard to pick one game so I will say all the playoffs games we played at home with the big atmosphere

You have been part of the French national team. How is the state of France basketball now? How does the future look with young guys coming up and do you see yourself finally playing at a Euro or World cup?

France has a lot of talent so I think the future of the national team is bright, for sure I would like to play big competition but I know there is a lot of good players, so we will see in the future

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the France Pro A that reached the NBA?

Easy Wemby

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My five favorite teammates are :
Elian Benitez, my brother who played
in second division in France
Johan Randriamananjara, my best friend who play in third division in France
Pierre Pelos who plays for Gran Canaria
Bodian Massa who plays for Asvel
Kevin Kokila who play for JL Bourg

Please list your personal France Mount Rushmore (5 best players of all-time)?

I choose :
Tony Parker
Wemby
Boris Diaw
Batum
De colo

Who is your GOAT?

My favorite player has always been Ricky Rubio, I love how he plays the game

Thanks Hugo for the chat.

JUCO Helped Demarcus Demonia Become The Humble Beast That He Is Today And His Versatility Into A Player That Most Aren’t

Demarcus Demonia (201-G/F-1999, college: ETAMU) is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Maryland playing his third professional season and first with the Bamberg Baskets averaging 12,5ppg, 5,8rpg, 1,0apg, 1,5spg and 1,0bpg. Last season he played with BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.7%. He played his rookie season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 19.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.1%.He began his basketball career at Friendly High School and also played at Charles H Flowers high school. He then played 2 seasons at Allegany College of Maryland (JUCO) averaging 18.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 55.2% and in his second season averaged 21.3ppg, 11.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.8%. He then played 3 years at Texas A&M University – Commerce (NCAA) and as a senior averaged 15.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to Germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Congrats Demarcus on signing with the Bamberg Baskets. How excited are you to be able to call yourself an easyCredit BBL player now?

Thank you!! It’s definitely exciting but I’m more proud of myself with the journey I’ve had to get to this place in my career. Also ready to show myself that I can compete at this level like I know I can.

How vital was it for you playing last season in the Pro A for extra grooming?
I feel like it was a great step in my career process but I feel as though I can play in any predicament. It may take a little adjusting to some things but it’ll be a quick one.

Are you aware of the history of the organization? Guys like Casey Jacobsen, Darius Miller and Daniel Theis all won titles here in the last few years. Were you aware of that?
No, I wasn’t aware of that at all but I’ll definitely do some more research and do my part on and off the court to help the team and organization back on that track.

It is a no brainer playing for a great organization like the Bamberg Baskets. What else do you like about the organization besides the great fans?
I’ve heard great things about the coaches as well and know some of the background of some players. In addition to the Arena, it is very nice.

What do you appreciate most about head coach Anton Gavel? What do you enjoy about his basketball philosophy?
I’m not sure yet but I’ve only heard good things about him so I can’t wait to get to Bamberg and see the things I can learn from him.

You were a scorer in Austria and Bayreuth. Do you feel like you can be an impact player in the easyCredit BBL?
Yes, I feel as though I can be that same player in Bamberg as well but most importantly is just going on the floor everytime giving it my all and doing whatever is best for the team to get a win.

You have shown in your whole career that you can be more than just a prolific scorer. Would you be able to step down from being a big scorer in the BBL if asked?
I’m sure I’d have my games where it might be a bad shooting night and will find other ways to help the team win. But if that’s what I’m asked of then I’d sacrifice that for the team. I work on perfecting my craft everyday so I wouldn’t think I’d have to change that or take less of a role.

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

I try to simulate my game to Paul George and Russel Westbrook.

You are such a versatile player. You were already versatile in JUCO. Talk a little about the development of your versatility in the last 7 years?

Over the last 7 years I’ve worked on becoming and staying a way the most players aren’t. I try to stand out and do more than just one thing on both sides of the basketball and on offense it’s hard to guard at times when you can do so many different things.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. How vital is this part of your game at the moment? Is it big on your game agenda of continuing to improve?
Yes, I still want to improve it even more and have been working on it every day.

Talk a little about your defensive game. You have proven to be a versatile defender and be able to block shots. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?
I would like to polish up even more on how versatile I am, on defense right now and continue to do whatever it is that my team needs me to do. Also, becoming a better on ball defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
Everyday I’m working on everything, I’d like to be better with everything in my game.

You played last season for BBC Bayreuth (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.7%. How tough was this season? You did all you could, but lost so many games. What did you learn personally from this season?
I’ve learned a lot of lessons as far as in game situations and the season was very tough dealing with a lot of injuries from some players that was a big factor for us on the team.

You had so many great Pro A games. Was there a game that you will remember?
Both of the derby games will be games I’ll forever remember. Both were great atmospheres and felt like home games.

You played your rookie season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 19.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 76.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I think more so the way they play and certain things the coaches want you to do is like a wake up call and different languages.

How tough was that playoff series against Oberwart? The game 2 and 5 losses hurt so much. What will you always remember from that series?
This is a series I’ll always remember because I feel as though we got cheated out of the second game because the ref didn’t make a call that was clear as day but I’ve learned from that and know what I’ll do next time in that situation.

You played 2 great seasons with Allegany College of Maryland (JUCO) averaging 18.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 55.2%
and 21.3ppg, 11.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.8%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO has said it was a tough grind, but a grind that they wouldn’t have traded the world for? How was it for you?
It was a grind for sure but for me it wasn’t too tough but everyone’s situation is different. I wouldn’t trade anything about it though at all the friends I made and the challenges I had to overcome all made me the HUMBLE BEAST I am today.

How vital was head coach Tommie Reams early in your career? How did he help you make the jump from JUCO to the NCAA 2?
Him and Shane Scott really helped me develop more into a guard and seeing the floor certain reads and allowing me to play through mistakes and learn from them on the fly.

You played at Texas A&M University – Commerce (NCAA2) from 2020-2023. You were an impact player from the start to end. How did your game grow in those 3 years?
I had more resources here and more gym time so it was a little better to develop my game and Willie Rooks and Trey Conrod were our GA’s there helped me with certain workouts to become even more better and polish up my game.
You had 2 30 plus games within a week against UIW and McNeese State. What game was more memorable for you?
I’d say the McNeese State game because one of the coaches and I are like good friends and we always would talk trash to each other so it’s nice to get wins like that when scoring a lot to get bragging rights.

How did head coach Jaret Von Rosenberg groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
He helped me a lot on and off the court to become a professional and how to carry myself in certain situations.

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Luka Vasic?
We never played 1-1 but we definitely had some times where we both went at each other in pick up.

Who is the best player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?
Dalton Knecht.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Devin Bethely, Kalen Williams, Drew Buggs, Alphonso Willis, Augustine Ene.

Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of your best 5 players of all-time?
Kobe, Shaq, MJ, Lebron, KDThanks Demarcus for the chat.

Despite Scoring A Career High 45 Points Miki Novovic(KFUM Kalmar) Always Tries To Be A Team Player Before Chasing His own Achievements

Miki Novovic (208-C-1992) is a 33 year old 202cm center from Monenegro that is playing his 13th professional season and thiird season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Basketettan). He began his basketball career with the BC Buducnost Podgorica junior team. He then went on to gain massive experience in Europe in countries like Spain, Germany, Italy and Denmark. He spoke to germanhoops.com after netting an incredible 45 points in a game in Sweden.

Thanks Miki for talking to germanhoops.com. You scored an amazing 45 points in a game against Lobas. Could you even enjoy the brilliant performance despite losing the game?

Thank you. Well it was tough to be happy after a loss. I was stuck in the moment so I was sad after the loss, but after all I was proud on my individual performance and achievement.

Despite the loss, what does a high scoring game like this mean to you? You weren´t always such a big time scorer in your career?

It means a lot. Individually it’s obviously big accomplishment, something I never chase honestly, I always try to play game the right way. I try to be more of a team player than chasing my own achievement. So I guess that’s the “award” after fulfilling all those stuff. I try always to find myself in spots I’m comfortable and be active on rebounds and the pick and roll game. Like I said I didn’t chase it, it came to me and of course opportunities to go score a lot are not quite often on any level so once I had it I was trying to stay focus and do plays on correct way.

The interesting thing in today´s game, one usually sees guards having big scoring games simply because they take many shots. Does a game like this give hope for all the big men out there to go out and take more shots than usual and know it is possible to score a lot?

Yes you right. Guards are always the ones having ball in their hands more time and they are creating shoots for themselves or others. Us bigs are basically depending on them and on passes. I think that bigs are underused in some of games, just because of “stereotypes “ where a big is just there just to set screens and take rebounds. I think the game is evolving and bigs are also having good touch, good ball handling, good feel for the game so I think they deserve more of having the ball in their hands. Of course I still believe that bigs need to fulfill a lot of other stuff like rebounds, good screens, good help on defense, closing paint and after fulfilling all those I think “award” should be more freedom in offensive play, and more options to score and be involved in action.

How did you get into the game. How quickly did you know that you could have a great scoring game?

Well I started as usual. Focus on setting tone with hard screens and controlling the paint. Run in opposite paint and try to position myself early. My team was able to find me pretty quick in transition so first points came easy. It was also second back-to-back game so my only focus is “push thru and give all today” because when you tired that’s when you need to try to find that extra energy to push yourself, and I started with that mentality early in warmup and than early on game. Once I scored first points I and had some good defensive possession I found that extra “fuel” and energy and I was just kept pushing.

You have had good scoring games this season, but do you feel like you had to do more with scoring because the team was losing in the game?

Yes. Like you mentioned before I was never just a scoring oriented guy. I try to do everything that my team needs. Either that’s only taking rebounds or just passing, or just staying in corners and play defensive. But this season things change a bit and I try to adjust. We decided to rebuild team, we sign all young guys. Almost every player on team is under 21 and me as the oldest, I knew I need to step up. So me scoring and doing extra stuff is the way to try to lead this young team and show them what they need to do. Also since I’m becoming more of a “threat” on court it gives them more space to play and work on their game. A lot teams focus on me so others on my team can be free and focus on their shoots, drives, assists and of course losing is part of it and I’m aware. We all are but I think with time theseyoung prospects will develop and it’s just matter of time when all “click” and we start with winning some games. Hopefully next one will be first.

Are you aware that if you had hit your three point attempt and made 2 more free throws, you would have reached 50 points. Does a game like this make a 50 point game for you more realistic in the future?

Hahah, yeah. After a game when I rewatched and all I figured out. I guess I got tired after all that and this game I couldn’t make it. But hopefully in the future you never know. I try to play right way and if opportunity comes I will definitely take it and try to use to the fullest.

The team had 23 assists. How thankful are you for having a teammate like Emil Drottman who had 10 assists and found you a lot?

It’s great. Emil among others has great potential. Young PG that works everyday. We spend a lot time together also off court, the age gape is big hahah but I try to be his mentor. He is a great kid willing to learn. If he do bad I say if he do good I say. That’s how he improves. I try to talk to him how to stay professional and how to act in different situations… etc. He is on a good path, and with his work ethic and dedication maybe he will break this small record that I have now.

Did you get any special wishes from friends and family around the world?

Yes. A lot of friends and family of course sent a lot of congratulations and compliments for achieving it. Some of them just checked after by stats and some of them watched game. It was tough, specially from friend and family that are “into basketball “ because they are happy for my achievement but also they know that in that moment I was disappointed because of another loss so they wait untill everything “cools down” a bit and then we analyzed it and celebrate together.

Will you do something special for your teammates who found you all day long to help you reach 45 points?

After they read and interview I will have to get them something haha. But yes I thought about it and next road trip dinner is on me for that.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

After I watched the highlights there were few of them I like. But I would say some of the dunks might be the favorites because they also hype and get up the energy to team and crowd, so those might be the favorite ones.

Thanks Mikki for the chat.