Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.
Congrats Tore on the 101-71 rout over ASC Goettingen. How good does it feel to be unbeaten this season? This is something I’m kind of used to it but it’s only the beginning so I can’t rush to get the hopes up and be satisfied.
Talk about the 40 minutes. Was this a game that Bargteheide dominated from the start or was the opponent at times closer in the game than what the result shows? It’s was a long ride that kind of drained me because of traffic and the rain or what not but we just been playing basketball at a high level. My teammates have been playing good defense and making go plays on offense for each other.
Bargteheide forced ASC Goettingen to 20 turnovers and you as a team won the rebound battle. What was the biggest strength of the team on this night?
Defensively we forced them to bad shots and turned the ball over. So I think defensively holding them to one shot opportunities really helped us
Marcel Hoppe had a great game with 27 points on 7 three´s. Is this guy the teams best shooter? Marcel is the best shooter in the league hands down. Nice pretty pure shot maker.
You had a 13/3/3/2 game. How content were you with your own game?
Yes not my best game but my teammates was playing so good I didn’t have to do much. But definitely just happy to get the win.
You only scored 13 points in the last 2 games. Has the team shown early on that it has enough weapons so you don´t have to score 25 points a night to win? Yes I agree the team has shown me that they’re playing at a high level and that might not need me to scored25 points a night but I will continue to get better so when my team and I are playing good the games wouldn’t be close. Just preparing so later in the season trying to find a grove of where I would fit and what the team needs.
The team is a scoring machine and defends solidly. You next battle Freibeuter who are 2-2. What will be key in getting win? Being strong on the defensive end playing for each other to continue with our momentum.
Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 29 year old 185cm guard that will completed fourth season pro season and first with Pro B team TSV Neustadt temps Shooters averaging 6.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 77.9%. Last season he played with BG Hagen averaging 30.1ppg, 9.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 78.0%. In 2022-2023 he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2025 NBA finals
Thanks Shawn for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Thanks for having me Miles! I’m currently in Phoenix Arizona and my offseason has been pretty good but really focused on making sure my body is in shape and healthy for the next season.
How has your summer been? Did you visit any nice spots in Europe before heading stateside? It’s been great! I’ve done quite a bit of traveling in the states but wasn’t able to go anywhere in Europe because I had to go home pretty early.
How has the summer transfer period been for you? Do you think like you may play in Germany again? It’s been good. I think I will be coming back to Germany for next season yes.
Let´s talk NBA. OKC are NBA champions. They dominated the whole season. What made them the best team for you? I think chemistry. Those guys genuinely love each other and you could see by the way they play defense that they were so in sync and I think chemistry has a lot to do with that. Everyone knew Shai was the go to guy and the others played their roles perfectly and that’s what got them a championship.
How did you rate OKC going into the 2024-2025 NBA season. Were they a team you saw making a run in the playoffs? For sure. They were always going to be a playoff team but the main question was could they get over that hump of getting eliminated early. I honestly believed that once they got past Denver, it was going to be smooth sailing but Indiana proved that that wasn’t going to be the case.
What is your summary of the finals? Did OKC win it fair and square? They won fair and square yes. You can’t predict an injury is going to happen and I really feel bad for Haliburton and Indiana out more of fight than I expected them to. But I do believe Okc won it 100% fair and square.
Tyrese Haliburton had 9 points in the first 8 minutes, but then left with injury. The Pacers kept pace for a long time. Would the Pacers have won the final with him? I don’t think so, but it would’ve been extremely close as it was all the way until the end. I just think Okc would’ve get it done at home no matter what.
Where do you rank Tyrese Haliburton now as a point guard in NBA? Is he top 5 now?
He’s not top 5 currently no, but top 10 for sure. He’s a great player no doubt but he has some inconsistencies that I think he needs to fix. But you can’t deny that he is built for the moment and he showed that all playoffs.
What was key in game 7 for OKC winning. If you look at the stats, the To´s seemed to be the big key.
TO’s and I think just staying calm. They’re a young team and not experienced in these situations so I think staying poised when it got rough was the key and sticking to their game plan.
What was the difference between OKC´s defense and other teams? How key was having a coach like Mark Daigneault for keeping the defensive principles intact all season long?
OKC ran one of the most switchable defenses in the league. They didn’t rely heavily on traditional drop coverage; instead, they often switched or hedged depending on the matchup. Mark Daigneault got every player, from star to role player, to commit to defensive principles. That’s not easy with a young roster.
If you had to chose an unsung hero for OKC in the final series and season who would it be? Alex Caruso, he was everywhere defensively and knocked down big time shots when they needed it.
Which Indiana Pacer player made the biggest jump this season? So many of their players have showed consistency the last years. Andrew Nembhard, He went from being a steady role player in his rookie season to becoming a secondary playmaker and clutch scorer.
SGA made the next step. Is he the top point guard in the NBA and top 3 best players in world? Yes for sure. SGA has been consistent the past few years with being essentially unguardable and took a crazy leap defensively.
What is the next step for SGA? Can he elevate his game now to another level or has he reached his prime? I mean, he’s a consistent 30 ppg scorer and can play defense. I think the only thing really is being able to knock down 3’s consistently which I think he was 40% shooter in regular season.
How cool is it for Germany having that second NBA winner ever after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein. You played most of your career in Germany.
It’s very cool and meaningful for Germany to now have Isaiah Hartenstein join Dirk Nowitzki as an NBA champion. Dirk will always be the icon, but Hartenstein’s rise adds a fresh, modern layer to German basketball pride.
Hartenstein became a NBA champion with OKC after having to pay his dues for many years. Still I feel like he isn´t respected as a offensive scorer yet. OK so OKC has many great offensive players, but can Hartenstein ever get more of a scoring role? He just doesn´t get enough shots. Hartenstein has one of the best floaters I’ve ever seen as a big, so maybe if he can work on being able to take one dribble and getting to his spot, he can easily become an offensive threat.
How did you see development of Jalen Williams. Is he on track of becoming an NBA superstar? Jalen Williams’ development in the 2023–24 season was a major leap, and yes he’s absolutely on track to becoming an NBA superstar if he continues this trajectory.
How key was the big man duo of Holmgren/Hartenstein. Would OKC have won only with 1 player?
Major. I think with just Chet, it wouldn’t have been enough to win so adding Hartenstein was the best thing they could’ve done.
What is possible now with OKC. I picked a dynasty with Boston last season and was wrong. Can it happen with OKC?
Okc is set with draft picks for the next four years which makes Sam Presti a genius. Winning a championship this early and with a young team shows that a dynasty could be brewing.
Thorben Doeding (189-PG-1999) is a 26 year old 189cm guard that has played his whole career with the Artland Dragons. He won the 2014 JBBL (U-16) title with NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein. He has played 194 Pro A games in 7 Pro A seasons. He spoke togermanhoops.com about his basketball career before retirng recently.
It is 2025 and you are still with the Artland Dragons. Your only 26 years old. Could this remain home for you always? I have spent the last 13 years in Quakenbrück and with the Dragons family, so of course this will always be part of me and a place I call home!
It isn´t usual that a player will remain so long with a team despite not making the real break through. Why have you continued to stay faithful to this organization?
Coming out of the youth, it was great to play for the Dragons and I felt valued and supported by the organization. Having friends and family near was always a plus.
The last 2 seasons were tough for Artland. The club was close to moving down. What did you learn from these 2 seasons? I think the biggest learnings were resilience, staying focused under pressure and to always keep believing.
How vital was having a guy like Brandon Thomas as a teammate. What is the most important thing that you learned from him? Brandon is a great role model! He is disciplined, experienced and one of the best teammates I ever had. I really appreciate how he always reminded one to be grateful for the opportunity to play the game we love and to have fun doing it.
How beneficial was it having to battle Buzz Anthony every day. What could you soak up from him? Buzz is always “buzzing around” the court, constantly finding ways to solutions to score or set up his teammates. That is really amazing. Plus, battling him in practice helped my one-on-one defense and always staying alert.
You have played with so many great guards with the Dragons and Demetrius Ward was another. What was the most important thing that you learned from him?
Dimi Ward was a fun teammate and always in a good mood. He had a great way of encouraging teammates and boosting everyone’s confidence. “Dribble, dribble, shoot!”
One season you were teammates with Zac Ensminger. How intense were the daily battles with him? He seems to keep climbing the basketball ladder.
We had good battles at practice, I always tried to get on his nerves a bit to push him and make him better. Seeing how he developed while we played together, I had no doubt he’ll find his path, just like he is now.
Another great guard that you played with was Chase Griffin. Did you learn anything about precision shooting from him?
Chase was probably the sharpest sharpshooter I played with! He showed me his “vitamins”, his warm-up shooting routine which definitely helps to get in rhythm and find a good touch.
You had many great games in the Pro A. What was your best Pro A game ever? One of my best game was when we beat Rostock at home in 2022. They went on to win the Pro A that season but we managed to steal that game. Still, my favorite game has to be my last home game for the Dragons. It was a must-win and I was able to bring my team a lot of energy and finish as top scorer. That meant a lot.
You try to be as efficient as possible in the minutes that you get. How has your game grown in the Pro A in the last years? I think my game has grown through experience, especially at decision making, and on the defensive end. I always tried to have a little impact, even in limited minutes, whether it was through a defensive play or creating good looks for my teammates.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Buzz Anthony?
I was able to lock him up from time to time during team practice, just to have him make a difficult step-back midrange jumper in my face.
You played at the 2018 NBBL final in Quackenbruck losing to Alba Berlin. What memories do you have of that game?
We played against a real good Alba team and we knew that we had to bring our A game. We battled and held our ground up until late in the fourth quarter but at the end Alba just had to many weapons.
Do you remember facing up to Franz Wagner? Did you see him then as a possible NBA player?
I wasn’t really aware of how skilled and talented Franz really was but he definitely showed up and after the game I was sure that he would go his way. Unforgettable was his poster dunk in the first half of the game!
Who were the 3 best players that you faced in the Pro A in your career?
That’s a tough one. Behnam Yakhchali comes to my mind and Maik Zirbes definitely had the best career out of all Pro
A players I played against. And I remember that Stanley Whittaker who played for Karlsruhe a couple years ago was a great scorer with a deadly midrange game.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?
That’s easy. I met five of my best friends through playing for the Dragons, so that’s my starting five: PG Jannes Hundt, SG David Röll, SF Adrian Breitlauch, PF Marius Lau, C Jonas Weitzel.
Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore (5 best players of all-time for each category? NBA: MJ, Kobe, LeBron, Kareem and Shaq Euro: Spanoulis, Llull, Navarro, Bodiroga, Sabonis German: Dirk, Detlef, Dennis; Isaiah and Franz will join
Who is your Goat? When I was around 11, I became obsessed with MJ. I watched every documentary I could find about him, completely captivated by his story, his game and his legacy. In NBA 2K11 and NBA 2K12 you could play as Michael Jordan and relive his greatest moments on the court, I must have played those games for hours and hours. Unfortunately, I am too young to have seen him play live, but to me he was and will always be the greatest.
Joe Asberry (196-F-1965, college: SF State) is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player. He worked last season with the Artland Dragons organization. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2025 NBA finals.
Thanks Joe for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? What’s up Miles? Always good to catch up with you. I’m in Berlin, Germany and loving this heatwave, while other’s MELT! LOL!
Let’s talk NBA. OKC are NBA champions. They dominated the whole season. What made them the best team for you? OKC has a bunch of Dawgs ,who love to play together and thats the key to their success.
How did you rate OKC going into the 2024-2025 NBA season. Were they a team you saw making a run in playoffs?
Coming into the 24/25 Season, I knew OKC would be good, but I didn’t think they would win the title. I thought the Nuggets or Twimberwolves would win the chip
What is your summary of the finals? Did OKC win it fair and square? OKC was the better team.Fair play to them
Tyrese Haliburton had 9 points in the first 8 minutes, but then left with injury. The Pacers kept pace for a long time. Would the Pacers have won the final with him? Halifburton is a Elite Stud,but, it was SGA’s time. He was going to go out there and get a 50 ball,or do EVERYTHING to help his team win
Where do you rank Tyrese Haliburton now as a point guard in NBA? Is he top 5 now?
I don’t like to Rank NBA players, because I view all of them as the best basketball players in the World, but with that said, you have to put Haliburton in the conversation of top 5 PG! His clutch 3’s were unreal. To point at Reggie Miller and do the “choke sign” on that stage with the WORLD Watching means that dude is different What was key in game 7 for OKC winning. If you look at the stats, the To’s seemed to be the big key.
Turnovers will happen in every basketball game. It boils down to who wants to win more, so again OKC has some Dogs with chips on their shoulders and that was the difference.
What was the difference between OKC’s defense and other teams? How key was having a coach like Mark Daigneault for keeping the defensive principles intact all season long?
Mark Daigneualt is a great coach. He hung his hat on them getting stops. We all know defense wins championships, but none of the principles mean anything if you don’t have the players that can play defense. Jalen Williams is a Monster. Luguentz Dort is a Monster. When you have elite studs like those two and Big Hartenstein playing in that pain ,like a Grown ass Man, you can’t go wrong on Defense.
If you had to choose an unsung hero for OKC in the final series and season who would it be? The unsung hero for me is Big Chet Holmgren. He can average a 20 ball on any team in the NBA! He is damn good and on his way to be great. He didn’t let his injuries or ego get in the way
Which Indiana Pacer player made the biggest jump this season? So many of their players have showed consistency the last years.
Anybody that knows me,knows one thing about me, I don’t like Dunkers,i l Ive them. So Obi Toppin made the biggest Jump and I see him getting better and better! LOL
SGA made the next step. Is he the top point guard in the NBA and top 3 best players in world? SGA is a NBA World Champion,and the best player in the world TODAY! Now if i let my feelings get involved, I’ll slap myself for not saying Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Steph Curry,Anthony Edwards, The Joker,and Luca Doncic, are the best basketball players in the world. I hope the homey Bryan Battle doesn’t read this he will punch me for not putting his boy Kyrie Irving,in the Mix! LOL! What is the next step for SGA? Can he elevate his game now to another level or has he reached his prime? Sky is the limit for SGA! He has that Canadian Chip on his shoulder, showing us Americans,”we’re here buddy”
How cool is it for Germany having that second NBA winner ever after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein (213-C/F-1998). Especially since you coach with the Artland Dragons organization where he began his career?
Congratulations to Big Isiah. I love the G-League,so when he was killing in that, I knew it was only a matter of time, big strong, and Dunking on people, I LOVE HIS GAME! Now my job is much harder, I can’t find the next Big Hartenstein in Quackenbruck, real talk though,that area is loaded with talent. There is a big Shot Blocking Diva on my Radar and a 1 on 1 Wizard Diva too, but I won’t put pressure on my 2 “WNBA Allstars” They have enough pressure right now. When they read this, they will know who I’m talking about! Especially if I scream”Stop BSING;AND COOK” LOL!
Have you had any dealings with big Flo Hartenstein, the dad of Isaiah? Can you even imagine what is going through his head the day after?
Congratulations to Big Flo. He gave my guy Pierre Bland a chance ,when nobody else would. I heard his name of course, but we met in Quackenbruck through the Agent I work with (My guy Mike Baron) I’m happy for big Flo. He’s a good dude. I’m sure he’s also laughing at Haters who thought he was crazy when his son went to go hoop in another country. Yes,I’M PETTY !LOL!
Hartenstein became a NBA player with OKC after having to pay his dues for many years. Still I feel like he isn’t respected as a no offensive scorer yet. OK so OKC has many great offensive players, but can Hartenstein ever get more of a scoring role? He just doesn’t get enough shots.
Big Hartenstein is in a perfect position. He proved he can score in the G-League. You feed him, and he will score more. His jump hook is cash. He doesn’t have to score. OKC is loaded with Scorers.
How did you see development of Jalen Williams. Is he on track of becoming an NBA superstar? Jalen Williams is elite. He will get better and better
How key was the big man duo of Holgrem/Hartenstein. Would OKC have won only with 1 player?
The modern twin towers Holmgren and Hartenstein is incredible. Hartenstein is as strong as an Ox, and truth be told, Holmgren probably has a 8 foot wingspan, its SCARY!
What is possible now with OKC. I picked a dynasty with Boston last season and was wrong. Can it happen with OKC? OKC’s Dynasty ends now. The Golden State Warriors will sign Giannis, Dame, James Harden, and I’m going to Kidnap Ace Bailey to join the squad, “I believe in 26″Warriors will beat your Celtics in 7! Thanks for having me Miles,I appreciate you!
Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen. He played the last 2 years with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and last season averaged 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to germanhoops.comabout basketball.
You began your career with the AB Baskets. What memories do you have from those days? Did you have a mentor then? We had a great team and unbelievable experiences. We reached the Final 4. What an incredible moment. My mentor was my big brother and coach Stephan McCollister. I also had him in the school team. I had extra talks and practices with him.
You were teammates with Vince. How big is the competition level between you brothers? How do you push each other best?
The competition level is high, but it´s positive. Nobody is envious of the other. We know the strengths of each other and push each other no matter if we are teammates or opponents.
You also played Regionalliga with Wusterhausen and scored 11 points against Cuxhaven. Was that the game where you knew that you could play with men?
I don´t really remember that game. I never had any doubt that I couldn´t play with men. Leon already had brought Vince and me to the playground courts where we played against older guys.
In 2019 you made the jump to Dresden playing NBBL averaging 22.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.0apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 81.1% and played 7 Pro B games. How important was it making this step and getting out of Berlin? That jump was very important for my development. It helped me as a person and player.
You were teammates with German Daniel Kirchner. What memories do you have of him. Was he a guy that you could learn certain aspects of the game? Daniel is a great guy and very funny, but at the same time very focused and ambitious. He is without a doubt one of the fastest players that I ever played with or against.
You then played 2 seasons with Lok Bernau playing 32 games and not averaging more than 4,6ppg. How disappointing was this time? When looking back was this a mistake going there? My time in Bernau was in no way disappointing. I came there after being injured and missing a season. Going there was exactly what I needed physically and mentally.
Do you feel like you got a fair chance? There were so many great talents there with Delow, Ruff, Schulte, Machowski, and Tilly just to name a few. What positives could you get from these 2 years?
The first season was difficult, but I got chances. The saying is hard work pays off always.
Your still very young at age 24. What dreams do you still have as a player? I want to play higher than Pro B. The next step is Pro A and then BBL. I also want to play internationally and see the world.
Who is the toughest player that you ever played against that reached the NBA? Franz Wagner
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Eric Palm, Vincent Friederici, Dwayne Koroma, Franz Wagner, Oshane Drews
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore of 4-5 best players of all-time for you? Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Shaq
It may be difficult to believe but even if Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) has played most of his overseas career in Germany, recently he has taken his game to different countries. Last season he concentrated on other basketball duties and elected not to play, but then did help out Avanti Mondorf in Luxemburg for a few games and this upcoming season will suit up in the second division in Croatia which will be his 8th team as a pro. “I signed to a new Sports Agency a few months ago called United Sports and started working with a guy named Stefan. He was the key to this great opportunity. 1 thing I have said this past year was I needed to go play in a warm country because of playing in this German weather for so long. So I´m excited I can get to go play there and take my brand even further. I have no idea if the Croatian second division is like Pro B Germany, but I can’t wait to find out ”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. As usual he is in Germany at the moment in the Stuttgart area and doing what he loves most. You never know where you may find him, because he is all over the place. “The summer has been cool, literally, German weather. I guess. This summer has been pretty busy because I have been all over Europe teaching kids the game of basketball, while still playing and working out for myself, while figuring out where I want to play next season and still handling Family things so this maybe 1 of my busiest summers ever. Out here grinding for real”, warned Jeremy Ingram. He also found some extra time to ball with other basketball lovers and showcase his still very explosive game, but wasn´t has fortunate to win a title. “This is my first year playing in the GRC but I had so much fun playing with team “For the Glory” with guys like D. Mcgee, BA, Shaun and a few others. We came up a little short because we honestly got cheated seeming that if you lose you go home. Well we beat a team and somehow we had to play them later and they had about 10 new players this time. But that´s a story for another day. I just enjoyed getting out there turning up with the guys”, stated Jeremy Ingram.
Even if he is overseas, one thing Jeremy Ingram never loses sight of is the NBA. The time difference may be tough, but even if he can´t watch every game, he finds a way to keep track as best as possible. It also didn´t surprise him that the Oklahoma Thunder won the 2025 NBA title. He simply had that special premonition. “ I had OKC picked since preseason because they were clearly the overall best team this season and arguably last season except last season I didn’t pick them because I felt they were too young and weren´t ready yet. I knew this season they would be ready. Their defense was amazing and sometimes overshadowed by their great offense. Also Shai is the best player in the NBA right now and he has so many characteristics that reminds me of my all-time favorite player Kobe Bryant”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. Many surely had the Thunder winning easily as the Indiana Pacers gave them an incredible fight, but what many will wonder is what would have happened had Tyrese Haliburton been able to play the whole game? He had 9 points in the first 8 minutes and was red hot, but then went down with a season ending injury. “I wanted OKC to win and I hate to admit it but if Tyrese Haliburton don’t get hurt we may be talking about this series a little differently. I don’t want to say Pacers win because I think OKC maybe still pulls this game out but I do think the Pacers had no hope and no chance after he got hurt”, commented Jeremy Ingram. Haliburton had another great season, but made another step in the playoffs leading his team to 7 games in the final. Did that run heave him into the top 5 best point guards in the NBA? “ Curry, Kyrie Luka, Shai, and Ja Morant are my top 5 point guards. I don’t think he was consistent enough to be in the Top 5”, said Jeremy Ingram. It was apparent to see that the Pacers staggering amount of turnovers and the Thunder´s consistent defense put them over the top. “ TO’s was a big key because that´s what OKC had done all year is make teams turnover the ball and get out on them fast breaks. OKC made defense their main priority. If that´s the case and your offense is even better than your defense then that´s a winning formula”, warned Jeremy Ingram.
OKC might have had that dominant point guard and MVP in Shai Gillgeous-Alexander that was massive for the win, but also had so many other great parts like Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace or Aaron Wiggins just to name a few, but does OKC win without both big men of Hartenstein and Holmgren? “To win a championship it´s very important to have a good big man. OKC had 2 which made them even tougher in the paint”, said Jeremy Ingram. Jalen Williams made a huge jump in his last 2 seasons and exploded in the playoffs and had a 40 point game against Indiana. Is he on superstar course now? “I don´t see him becoming a superstar because ultimately I think playing with Shai will prevent him from going to superstardom. If he goes to another team he definitely could become a superstar if it´s his team”, explained Jeremy Ingram. Shai Gillgeous won the MVP fair and square even if people in Denver will doubt it, but is he now a top 3 point guard in the NBA and can he still elevate his game to bigger heights now? “I mean he is League MVP and Finals MVP so you would have to say he’s the best player in the world for now. I think you can always elevate your game no matter how good you are so I do think he will come back even better next season and even more efficient”, expressed Jeremy Ingram. Germany got it´s second NBA champion after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein. The big man has had to pay his dues for years, but finally found his calling in Oklahoma. He has a specific role, but still it´s a shame that his versatile offensive game can´t be shown more. “I think this NBA title just makes German basketball even more popular and makes basketball in general more popular over here. It´s not Hartenstein’s job to get more shots when you already have 2-3 players taking 15-20 shots every night and I´m sure he understands that”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. I wished more than actually believed last summer that the Boston Celtics could start a dynasty, but what´s possible with the Thunder? “ I think if OKC’s main players stay healthy. They can win at least 2 more championships in the next 5 years but you never know because of so many different NBA teams are good now and the west is especially super tough”, warned Jeremy Ingram.Never doubt Jeremy Ingram, because he knows the NBA. So if he predicts another Thunder win in 2026, it could very well come true.
Noah Kamdem (198-C-1998) is a 26 year old 198cm center that has enjoyed a 10 year plus career. He will play his 4th season with the CATL Basketball Loewen Erfurt (ProB). He has been a real basketball traveler in Germany having played with Troster Breitengussbach, Nurnberg, Herzogenaurach, Team Ehingen, Rostock, PS Karlsruhe, Schwenningen, Coburg, Frankfurt and Elchingen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about Isaiah Hartenstein.
More than 11 years ago you battled Isaiah Hartenstein in the JBBL final. How has time flown by?
Time really has flown by for me. I experienced a lot in this time and played with many clubs. I had ups and downs, but all in all had fun even if I had injuries as well. I just kept going forward.
If someone had told you in 2014 that he would win a NBA title 11 years later what would you have thought? I wouldn´t of thought it could happen. He was already a great player in his youth. He grew something like 8 cm after the final. When your so much taller than the rest, then you are definitely a weapon. Plus he was a lefty and saw the angles differently. He was already very athletic. His father was always by his side and was supporting him to the fullest. Getting to the NBA was possible, I thought, but winning the title is something totally different. Everything needs to be right and you need to have the right team.
What memories do you have of that final game? Breitengussbach lost 68-60. I remember that he had an incredible game. He shot the ball really well. He made some tough step back three´s. That is just really difficult to defend. He defended really well and carried his team. He could already do it all then. He had all the tools.
When you look back at a game like that and watch a JBBL final in 2025, have their been big strides in how good youth players are today?
I honestly don´t follow the JBBL closely today. There are bigs around today that are physical, but we had big bigs in 2014 as well. If I remember correctly, we had 8-9 guys on our team that could dunk. Every guy was athletic as well. But there are many great players today and the DBB and all the clubs are doing good work in the youth development. It is definitely continuing to go in a positive difrection. But I do feel like the physicality now is a step back from when I was in the JBBL.
In the final Isaiah Hartenstein had 22 points and you had 21 points. What memories do you have of the battle down low? We had many matchups. I remember him hitting a couple step back three pointers against me at the end. He definitely decided the game for his team with his rebounding and defense. It was tough playing against him, but I feel like I held my own against him. I used my quickness and showed I could score as well. I had shown in the semi-final that I could defend well against a smaller player like Kostja Mushidi.
How good of a player was Hartenstein already then at age 16? He keeps saying in interviews that many doubted his game, but as well as I can remember he dominated at the youth sector. I´m not sure. He played at the Jordan Brand tournament and was known at a young age internationally. I think that back then he was tall, but not that strong yet, so he had doubters. But he always kept working hard and went his way. He gained more trust as a player. His dad was very important. He always believed in him and worked with him to achieve their goals.
You’re a big physical undersized big man. Do you feel like you could of reached the highest level had you been 10 centimeters bigger?
I still think that I can reach a high level. The last years weren´t easy for my career. I had a son and had injuries. I even played with injuries. My athleticism suffered. But I worked hard at coming back. My foot work is even better now and my shot more consistent. I also get to the rim better. I still believe like I can reach a higher level.
How have you followed Isaiah Hartenstein´s career over the last years? Have you kept tabs on him? I have followed him a bit. He had some problems early in his career to get established, but he kept working at his game and found consistency. He has a good shot and can score inside and defends well. He showed that he is a vital player for OKC´s success.
He is only the second German after Dirk Nowitzki to win a NBA title. How big of an achievement is this for German basketball?
I think this is a huge achievement for German basketball. You obviously can´t compare this to what Nowitzki did in 2011. He carried the whole team and was a superstar. But Isaiah did a lot for the OKC success and gave good support. I think this NBA title is the next push for Germany after the World Cup win.
Where does this title rate him now with German big men? Would you classify him as Germany´s best center now?
I don´t know. I haven´t seen him play internationally. We have good bigs with Thiemann, Voigtmann and Theis. All these guys are closer to the European game then is Isaiah. But despite this, Isaiah is a top center from Germany. He now wants to play for Germany and that will make Germany even tougher to play against.
Has it surprised you that it has taken so long for him to get his breakthrough? It always felt like teams didn´t use him right. The whole NBA is a product. If a coach liked another player more, there isn´t too much you can do about it. If a player gets a chance and performs well, then that helps. But the NBA is so unpredictable It is hard when you get traded and out of nothing have to start over again.
Would OKC have won the title only with a Hartenstein or only a Holmgren? That is hard to say because I didn´t follow the finals so closely.
Are OKC a team that could start a dynasty in the next years?
They have to keep working hard as a team. But anything can happen in the NBA. 1-2 trades can change the dimension of a team so much.
How would you do in a 1-1 against Isaiah today? How many baskets would you make in 10 attempts?
He is many levels above me skill wise. He is so athletic and a lot longer than I. It would be very tough for me, because I´m undersized. I might get 1-2 lucky shots.
How often have I said that basketball is a small world? It has been so many times. Every once in a while event´s happen where I can only utter these words. I have been around the basketball block for more than 20 years overseas and it is always interesting to see when a son of a former player is overseas and playing the game I love. I may or may never have interviewed Aamondae Coleman (200-F/C-1998, college: Fresno Pacific, agency: Bell Basketball) had I not read the spectacular Eurobasket headline recently where his 42 points against German Regionalliga team Herford had been the second most points scored in the world that week. For me that was news. Another player who is toiling around in the fourth league in Germany and paying his dues and grinding day by day with the hopes of climbing the basketball ladder in the next years. I checked his social media pages and came across the name of Marcus Fizer. I remember the name, a guy that played in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and overseas with teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv. It wasn´t until I read his finished version of the interview where I learned that he was Fizer´s son. Then positive alarm bells were set off in my head and I thought wow, basketball is a small world. I had actually interviewed Marcus Fizer 16 years ago. Back then Turkish coach Murat Didin had been in charge of the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners and he was at it again using his great contacts. He was friends with Pini Gershon and he brought Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv to Frankfurt for a rare exhibition game during the 2008-2009 season. I was so excited, because that team´s roster was filled with some of the best players at that time. I was able to interview 3 players with Carlos Arroyo, Marcus Brown and Marcus Fizer. I really don´t remember much about the interview except that I conducted it in the hotel lobby and I asked him some questions about the Bulls. Having been able to interview his son 16 years later is a cool experience. “Words can’t describe how crazy that is sir, who would’ve ever thought that we’d both get interviewed by you 16 years apart? It’s crazy how God works, it truly is a small world”, stressed Aamondae Coleman. “This is such an honor and disbelief to be having my son interviewed by the same gentleman who once interviewed me as a pro. It’s surreal and also makes me old haha. Nevertheless an honor. I appreciate the growth and proud of the man Aamondae has become and know more is to come regarding his professional future. I’ve always wanted my sons to carve their own path to success and he’s shown me that’s what God is granting. It’s such a humbling feeling to see and I’m grateful to the heavens. One day we pray the Euro League and/or the NBA is on the horizon. Guys like PJ Tucker has proven it can happen, Pat Beverly to name a few. As the season progresses we hope for good health, wins and advancement”, stressed ex NBA player Marcus Fizer. Being able to have had a father like that who saw it all in the NBA and overseas was incredibly important for his basketball development. “He honestly taught me what it meant to be a professional on and off the court, and he helped showed me the work ethic that it would take at a young age. He did a great job of finding the balance of pushing me to my limits, but not pushing me too hard to where I potentially lost love for the sport. But he was extremely important on my development forsure. Growing up he was my role model and still is to this day on and off the court. His career was LEGENDARY, professional and collegiate; just praying that my career can be half of his good as his when I’m all said and done! He was truly a legend though! The older I get the more I realize it honestly, I’m just truly blessed to have him as a role model and most importantly a father”, stated Aamondae Coleman.
The 200cm forward who lists Marcus Fizer, Zach Collins, Troy Brown, and Pierre Jackson as the toughest players he has battled against on the court was born on March 7th, 1998 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He began his basketball career with Desert Oasis high school and then played at Fresno Pacific University (NCAA2) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 97 games. He was able to develop his game well there averaging 9.2ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 60.0% and 14.7ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 60.2% in his first 2 seasons and then really broke open his game averaging 17.9ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 71.5% and 20.4ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%. It was a challenge especially during Covid when his game took off. “My game grew SIGNIFICANTLY at Fresno Pacific (FPU). The skill development was truly amazing and it helped mold me into the player I am today! Coaches Haydock, McClurg, Shearon, Ronlake, and Razo really played a vital role in helping me improve daily. Basketball during Covid was different to say the least; it was a blessing to be able to play looking back at it because a lot of schools across the country didn’t unfortunately. But it showed you who really loved the game. A lot of outdoor hoop sessions because gyms were closed due to restrictions, it was a hectic time but I’m blessed to have been a part of it”, remembered Aamondae Coleman. He had many massive games at Fresno Pacific like when he scored 40 points against the Academy Of Art, but he also had other great memories of his time there. “The 40 point game is up there but my #1 memory would have to be when we heard our schools name called for the NCAA tournament my senior year. To make the NCAA tourney was a blessing and it just made all the hard work we put in truly worth it! And also, that selection Sunday happened to be on my birthday. Probably one of the best birthday presents I’ve ever gotten”, smiled Aamondae Coleman. He scored in double figures in 64 games and had 20 points or more 26 times. He knows that a big part of his progression there had to do with the guidance of head coach CJ Haydock. “He just always taught me to be prepared and to be the hardest worker. He always stressed things like being respectful, serving others/your teammates, and being early for everything, especially practice. He used to have a rule that all players had to be on the court ready to practice 30 minutes before practice started, or there’d be repercussions. And I thank him for that because those habits were installed into me, and I still follow them to this day”, added Aamondae Coleman who lists ex teammate Toby Christensen as one of the most gifted guys he ever played with, but would take himself in a 1-1 battle.
The prolific scorer who names Adrian Antunez, Elijah Hill, Kaelin Crane, Paul Lunguana, and Matthew Weir as his 5 best teammates of all-time played his rookie season overseas with APOP Paphou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League): averaging 15.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 57.9%, 3FGP: 15.8%, FT: 59.0%, in Dec.’22 moved to Kutaisi 2010 (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 10.3ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 61.0%, FT: 41.7%. Every American has that wake up call when coming overseas and for him all was ok in Cyprus, but Georgia was something totally diffferent. “Cyprus was such a beautiful country and the weather was very similar to weather in California, so it wasn’t much of an adjustment. But Georgia was completely different; it was so cold and rained so often lol. Playing in Georgia was a blessing though, I learned a lot from my older American teammates. But yeah, touching down in Georgia was definitely the wake up call”, remembered Aamondae Coleman. He scored in double figures in Cyprus in 6 of 8 games including 22 points against Apoel and was invited to participate in the allstar game. “That experience So amazing/surreal, it was truly a blessing! Seeing all those fans there was honestly crazy. Also, the amount of autographs I signed that night was mind-blowing! Those are the moments you live for”, expressed Aamondae Coleman. In Georgia he was fortunate to play with 2 veterans Chris Ware and Jarvis Ray who had seen so much overseas that he was able to easily to adapt to all on and off the court. “They were HUGE mentors for me; I was also teammates with Chad Frazier too temporarily, but yeah they all taught me so much. I looked up to them because of how much older they were and they’re experience they had overseas. That was my worst output in my career statistically, but I honestly feel like I learned the most in Georgia. Chris, Jarvis, and Chad taught me how to be a pro and the work it takes day in and day out. I was sponge trying to absorb as much knowledge as I could from them daily! But those are all my big bros and we still keep in contact to this day! They’ll always be family and I’ll always appreciate them for taking me under their wing”, commented Aamondae Coleman. In Georgia he scored in double figures in 4 of 6 games including 16 points against TSU. Last season he played with Akranes IA (Iceland-Division I) averaging 22.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.5%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 63.1%. It was a season to remember as he exploded on the court and had moments of the court that he will forever be able to share with everyone forever. “On the court just playing with my teammates the whole season; made some great friends/brothers out there that will always be considered family to me. One moment that did stick out to me was our home playoff game last year when I hit a clutch 3 in the final minutes of the game to tie it. We ended up losing, but I’ll never forget the roar from the crowd when the shot went in. As a hooper, you live for moments like that. Off the court- the northern lights no question! I didn’t even know northern lights were a thing until I got to Iceland, but the lights were so beautiful. It was so surreal and they honestly seem fake, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. Also, traveling/exploring the country with my girlfriend was truly a blessing! Iceland is such a beautiful country, I recommend everyone to go at least once in their lifetime if they can”, warned Aamondae Coleman. He scored in double figures in all 21 games and had 20 points or more 14 times including 37 points against Hrunamenn and 34 points against Selfoss and Throttur V.
The Nevada native who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing this season with German Regionalliga team BG Dorsten. The Regionalliga is so far away from higher leagues, but hey guys that love the game and grind know exactly that they are so blessed for any kind of an opportunity. “It’s been great! BG Dorsten is such an amazing club and I truly love it out here; my teammates are amazing and my coach is such a great coach and allows me to play free and trust in my ability. It truly is a blessing having a coach that believes in you, allows you to be confident on the court! Also, we have the best fans in Germany! Definitely looking forward to playing in front of them the rest of this season”, said Aamondae Coleman. When you come from Dallas, you definitely know about German basketball. It´s amazing how some young Americans balling overseas aren´t even aware that Germany are currently world champions. But when you grew up watching Dirk Nowitzki, then you know the facts. “ I am aware, they did beat us last year in the FIBA championships. Personally, I know that Germany is a powerhouse in the basketball world. Also, I grew up in Dallas so my favorite player all time is Dirk Nowitzki, he’s my personal GOAT! If you would have told 8 year old Aamondae that you’ll be playing basketball later in life where Dirk was born, I would have been so excited and probably wouldn’t have believed it. But Germany is a powerhouse in basketball, I have to give the country their credit”, warned Aamondae Coleman. He has seen so much beauty in the last few years in Cyprus, Georgia and Iceland and it isn´t any different in Germany for him. “I really enjoy the outdoor life/nature scenery of the country. Germany is truly such a beautiful country and I honestly didn’t know it was this nice here. Everywhere I go I try to take pictures and just soak it all in/enjoy the moment”, commented Aamondae Coleman.
The versatile player who lists Lebron James as his GOAT and believes that the classic Coming To America film should have been left alone played in Iceland last season and like this season dominated. This season he is averaging 27/10/2 stats in Germany. Did it sometimes feel like he was a man playing among boys? “Both leagues are very similar but I’d say that this league has a little more talent from what I’ve seen. We have played some very talented players in some of our first few games that’s for sure. I’ll leave that up to the fans/media to decide lol, but there are some great players in this league for sure. I’ve come out the gate hot, so I just have to keep working and stay humble/ready b/c I know defenses will probably start to key in on me more as the season progresses”, stated Aamondae Coleman. So what kind of player is he exactly who believes he is a mixture of players like Paolo Banchero, Julius Randle, and Draymond Green? “Most of my life I’ve been told I was a “tweaner” which I used to view with a negative mindset, but as I’ve gotten older it’s actually helped my game out a lot b/c I’m a “big” but not a traditional big man. I can handle the ball when needed, shoot, or play under the rim. Basketball today is positionless, so I’m trying to have as few weaknesses as possible”, expressed Aamondae Coleman. He can score the ball with ease and grab rebounds endlessly, but he can do so much as versatility could be his middle name. “I feel like that I’m an underrated passer and defender. Offensively I usually attract a lot of attention from the defense, so I always try to make the defense pay and find my teammates when they’re open! Defensively, I feel that I am very versatile/well-rounded. I can guard most positions 1-4 and sometimes even the 5”, stressed Aamondae Coleman. One has to wonder how far he could fly up the basketball ladder, if he used the three pointer on a consistent rate. This season there were 3 games where you took no three´s. Two seasons ago you took no three´s in Georgia but more in Cyprus. “ Honestly, I feel that my 3 pointer is very developed and I think my collegiate stats will show that. I’m not saying I’m the best shooter in the world, but I can definitely make a shot when open. It honestly just depends on my role with the club and the situation. It’s a little different overseas and a little harder to get some looks for many different reasons, but I’m a very confident shooter and I feel time will show that. I work on my 3 pointer daily so when those opportunities do come, I’m ready”, warned Aamondae Coleman. He is also a great defender, but doesn´t fill the stat sheet like crazy. In Iceland he averaged 1 steal and 1 block for first time in career. Is he a guy that does many little things not seen on the stat sheet? “Honestly, yes. I love to take charges. I took over 50 in college and I’ve taken 5 or more this year. I’m a well-rounded/versatile/solid defender who can guard multiple poisons, which is good in our defensive schemes b/c we like to switch a lot”, added Aamondae Coleman. It will be interesting to see how his career will continue to progress. He is the son of a well known ex NBA player Marcus Fizer and saw how the NBA life was, but nothing was ever given to him as he continues to grind in small gym´s in Germany. He will never be satisfied even if he gets to higher leagues. It is only fitting that he has a chip on his shoulder. How big is it? “ It’s huge honestly. I feel like it has to be, it’s what motivates me to stay disciplined and keep improving daily. I also feel that it helps me avoid complacency too; complacency is very dangerous and as an athlete I know that I have to avoid it”, warned Aamondae. I will continue to follow his career and am sure he will go his way. Who know maybe one day, I will interview a third generation baller in the family.
Spencer Svejcar (190-SF-1994, college: Alaska-Anch., agency: One Motive Sports) is a 29 year old 190cm guard from Colorado that is playing his 8th professional season and second with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). Last season he with Nymburk he averaged 13.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 80.6%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 10.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 66.7%. he played his first 6 seasons in the Czech Republic with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem. He began his basketball career with Ralston Valley high school and then played 2 seasons with Laramie County Community College (JUCO) averaging 7.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 68.9% and in his second season averaged 16.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 79.1%. He then played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage (NCAA2) averaging 11.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.6% and 16.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 47.9%, FT: 84.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball champions League game against Rasta Vechta.
Thanks Spencer for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this great organization?
It’s been a great experience. It’s a great town for my family and the club has been great to us. It´s obviously also great to play for such a historic club
How blessed are you to have landed in Nymburk? There seems to be a guarantee to win every season? I do feel blessed to be here, it’s fun to compete at high levels and compete for championships every year
Last season you helped win the league title. Is there a big pressure on the team to win? They are expected to win each season?
There is always pressure on Nymburk to win every season so I don’t think it’s something new for this club. We have high expectations every season and we work hard to meet or exceed those expectations. I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but there is a certain level that we expect to play at consistently.
This is your 8th pro season and 8th in the Czech Republic. You have Czech roots. Has the country become like a second home? What do you enjoy most about the club?
Yes I have spent my entire career here. This country is definitely a second home for me and my family. My wife has been with me the whole time and we have our daughter in Czech school learning the language. It’s a unique situation for a foreigner but I feel very blessed to have had this journey
In the past Nymburk breezed through the season simply because the competition wasn´t as good. You have seen the league develop in the past years. Are teams catching up or will Nymburk always have that dynasty feeling?
I would like to believe that Nymburk will keep winning each season, but it has been good to see the Czech league grow like it has over the years I have been here. There has been a more competition to Nymburk in the last few years but with this year´s roster I hope and think we will get back to that Dynasty feeling and continue that for many more years
The team has 6 Americans. How talented is this year´s club and what exactly is your role on it?
I would say that this roster is the most talented that I have ever been apart of. But aside from the talent it is full of very hard working guys who understand what it takes to play at a high level. Both the domestic players and foreigners are relentless workers and that’s what allows us to play the style that we play. I am still coming back from an injury so I haven’t been able to be on the court full time with this roster yet, so it will be interesting to see what my role is once I return. I just want to help the team continue to win games
What has it been like being teammates with Ondrej Sehnal? He has experience and is a big talent. What have you appreciated most about his game?
It’s been great playing with Ondrej. We have become pretty close since last season, and he is a very talented player. It’s great for me as a shooter to play with such a great passer. I would say he is the best passer I have ever played with and I also love his competitiveness. He has a very bright future ahead of him in basketball
Let´s talk about your game. Your a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?
That’s a tough question. I have never like to compare my game to others. But I would say I can be very effective with scoring without being on the ball or taking too many dribbles. I will let others decide who to compare me to if they would like
You’re an incredible shooter, but what other assets does your game have? I worked hard to add other aspects to my game since I started professionally. I think it’s shown over the years that I can handle the ball more and more and make plays off the dribble. Shooting will always be my strength but I have added a lot of mid range shots and floaters to my game over the years which has helped open up my offensive game because I get chased off the 3 point line a lot. So being able to help create space in different scoring areas has been important for me
You shot 40% or better in JUCO and NCAA 2 and then 6 seasons under 40% and last season over 40% again. How would you talk about the development of your shot?
My shot has been the main thing that has kept my offensive game so consistent over the years, but it is something I had to work very hard at to develop and is something that I consistently work at. I think my greatest asset as a shooter is my ability to take and make many different types of shots. Stand still, off the move, off the dribble, going either direction. I have worked hard to get better at one of those things every offseason and that has helped develop my shooting ability. It is still something I have to work on everyday to keep my consistency. Some seasons my percentages are better than others but I always strive for 40% or better
Talk about how your defensive game has grown in the last years? What kind of defender do you still want to become?
My defense has evolved just from experience and playing at higher and higher levels. I want to continue to develop my aggressiveness defensively as well as my physicality. And with the style that we play here in Nymburk you really have no choice if you want to be on the court
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game? I am always working on all parts of my game. But taking care of my body so I can be good defensively and continuing to score the ball consistently are my biggest focuses
You played against legend Petr Benda who played 17 seasons with Nymburk winning 26 titles. What one vital thing could you learn from him?
I think what I have learned most from Petr is how important consistency and routine is. I never got to play with him but I played against him a lot and have heard many stories. From what I hear he was a relentless worker who was very consistent with his daily routines which I something I try to emulate as much as I can
You played 7 seasons with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem. How did your game grow in this time? You showed an incredible offensive consistency in this time? I am blessed to have the coaches I had at SLUNETA over the years that had the trust in me to develop my offensive game. I took more responsibility on each season I was there that allowed me to grow my game. When you’re trying to develop as a player, it’s so important to have people around you who believe in you and trust you and that’s what I had in SLUNETA.
You were teammates with American Tucker Haymond a guy I covered many years in Germany. Did you have any shooting contests with him after practice? That guy can shoot.
I actually never got to play with Tucker. That was the year I had my ankle injury. But I watched him play and know what a great shooter and player he is
How vital was coach Antonin Pistecky for your early basketball development overseas? Coach Pistecky was very important to my development and will always be a special coach to me. He believed in me from day one and gave me many chances as a young player which I will always be grateful for. I don’t know if I am in the position I am right now in Nymburk if it wasn’t for Coach P. He did so much for me and he also is a great person. We still talk to this day, he really cared about his players
You played 2 seasons at Laramie County Community College (JUCO) averaging 7.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 68.9% and 16.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 79.1%. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO has said it was a tough grind, but one they don´t regret having done. How was it for you?
JUCO was a grind for sure. But like the other guys, I don’t regret anything about those days. I think it helped shape my career. It’s takes a certain type of person and player to make it through JUCO but I was lucky to have great teammates and coaches during my time there. That’s also the place where my game first started to develop thanks to the great coaches I had
You then played 2 years at University of Alaska at Anchorage (NCAA2) averaging 11.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.6% and 16.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 47.9%, FT: 84.6%. You made a big jump in your senior year. How did your game grow?
I think the biggest jump my senior year was my confidence. The trust I had from the coaching staff from the previous season allowed me to be comfortable taking more shots and that led to a good offensive season for me. Also that summer from my Junior year to my senior year involved thousands and thousands of shots because I knew if I wanted to have a good senior year I had to have a consistent shooting year. I am lucky that it payed off
You had many games like against W Washington or Seattle Pacific. What was your fondest moment there?
I have so many memories of those years but some of the fondest are playing in the Great Alaska Shootout. The energy in the town during that time was great and always so fun for the players. We also played well in that tournament both years I was there, that was great experience I will always remember.
How did head coach Rusty Osborn help groom and prepare you for a professional career?
Coach Oz is another coach who I owe a lot to. He is the coach who probably developed my shooting and offensive game more than anyone. He taught me so much, not just physically on the court but mentally about being a shooter and the necessary tools you need and how to approach each practice and each game. He has so many years of basketball experience and I was lucky I got to play for him for 2 seasons. He was an outstanding coach and mentor for me
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Sekou Wiggs?
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Haha Sekou was a great player, we would always battle it out in shooting competitions in practice but if I am being honest he would get the best in me in 1 on 1. Not to say I never beat him but he was a really tough player to guard 1 on 1 so I think he got the better of me overall. But he was such a fun player to watch and to play with. Super talented guy
Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court that was in the NBA? I have played with some NBA guys back in the states. Derrick White, Jason Richardson, Jimmer Ferdette. There have also been so many talented players I have faced here in Europe that have gone on to play at very high levels. It was also great to get to know Vit Krejci and play alongside him with the NT. He is a unbelievable talented player and am happy to see him having success in the NBA
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? I don’t know if I can choose a top 5 with all the amazing teammates I have had over the years. I am just lucky to have played with guys such as Ondrej Sehnal, Jaromír Bohacík, Delvon Johnson, Tony Hicks, Ladislav Pecka, Pavel Houska, Filip Smid. I could go on and on about my favorite teammates but that would be too long of an answer haha I am also blessed to have played with the Czech NT and gotten to play with all those talented players.
Who is your GOAT?
My GOAT is Lebron James but that’s because I grew up watching him. If I was born in a different era that answer might be different but to me Lebron is the greatest
Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 27year old 183cm point guard that is playing his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany and second with the Dragons Rhondorf helping them win the pro B title last season averaging 12.7ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 79.5%. In 2022-2023 he played with PS Karlsruhe (Pro A) averaging 3,1ppg and as a rookie played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at Green Valley high school and then played at Red Deer (JUCO), Benedict College (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 66.7% and Northwest University (NAIA) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 62.1% and 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 54.2%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 96-93 win over the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt.
Congrats on the massive 96-93 win over Erfurt. Could the fans have asked for a more exciting first home win of the season? No not at all. It was such an exciting ending. Being down 2 points, then breaking the press and getting Tim Smith Jr the open look and then getting the stop and making free throws was great. It was a great first home win for us.
How tough was it for you to have to watch again? You were as always giving support for your teammates It´s so tough. I told coach before the game that I have been here 3 months already and to only play 1 game is killing me. I can´t wait to get back.
How proud are you of the team on how they reacted to playing hard and strong without you and Marko Rosic? I mean we have great players. We continue to get better each day. Tim is a great player, Janne Mueller is taking the next step as is Danas Kazakevicius on defense. Everybody made a presence even Dyami Janek. He is a dog making big shots. He didn´t let early turnovers faze him.
Both teams came out scoring and it lasted until the end. Did you figure going into the game that it would be much offense and little defense?
I had hoped not. I know that we can score as well as Erfurt. I just didn´t think that we would score as much. I was thinking in the high 70´s or low 80´s. I will never complain as long as we win.
When did the team find about you not playing? Did that totally change the game plan? It put Dyami Janeck into the hot seat as a starter?
I think the team found out early Friday night. I had hurt myself on Friday in practice with Bonn. Me not playing was a game day decision. I told Dyami before the game that with Marko and I out, that this would be a great opportunity for him to get valuable experience. Having this type of opportunity is invaluable for him. It is a long season and he may have to step up again.
The first quarter had some little runs and Rhondorf led 27-25 after 10 minutes. How proud were you of Dyami Janeck how he bounced back from 2 consecutive turnovers and played better at the point and hit big shots? I´m really proud of Dyami with how he played. It was tough bouncing back from 2 early turnovers. A start like that could rattle many guys, but not Dyami. It never fazed him. He is so mentally strong. I always tell him that he is so much better than any guard he is guarding. I really value his game a lot.
Tyseem Lyles was in a huge slump coming in. Did the team try to do something different defensively to try to slow him down to hinder a break out?
No adjustment on Tyseem. I have played against him for years. He may be in a slump, but regardless, he is a great player. We never took him lightly. He is an elite shooter.
Janne Mueller made a pretty spin move and shot. Tim Smith Jr said after the game that he saw make shots that he never saw before. How was it for you? Janne really stepped up. He was in the zone. He really likes to get to the hoop and has a great mid range game. He prefers the mid range, but too see him make big three´s in crunch-time was amazing. I have seen the evolution of his play in real time.
How did you like the mask of Marco Rahn? Did he look like superman? I love his mask. It is black. He is there ready for business. That was elite.
In the third quarter Erfurt came out strong with a 10-0 run. Noah Kamdem made many shots. A team can´t physically keep him out of the pain area. He is like an NFL lineman. Noah is a beast. It is that simple. He truly is built like a linebacker. But he really is a good player. He has good footwork and has a nice touch around the basket. He put up crazy stats in the first games. I thought that we did a solid job on him
The Dragons came back strong especially through big shots from Janne Mueller. How vital is he as a player to make big shots whenever there is adversary?
He is in the next evolution as a player. He had a solid role last season, but we were so stacked with talent. He gave good production, but it wasn´t like we needed it. His role is so much bigger this season. We need him to step up each day and take the next steps. He having to do more will help the team and himself.
In the fourth quarter Erfurt tried to get away but the Dragons stayed strong. How visible is that toughness in the team in adversary?
That is our DNA. Everybody on the team competes at a high level. That is our culture. If we don´t do it then it is a problem. We are already locked in early in the season.
Tim Smith Jr said that the game was won through Danas Kazakevicius´s defense. He made 3 big blocks in the fourth quarter. Was he the x-factor?
He was the x factor. I always knew he had that type of play in him. I always see it in BBL practice. He has no fear contesting guys Like Thomas Kennedy, Bodie Hume or Rivaldo Soares. I tell him we need to see that in the Pro B. His 3 blocks weren´t just blocks, but huge blocks that went out of bounds. His paly set the tone for us winning the game.
Could his team defense be like a wake call for the rest of the team to play better defense? It could be. We really need everyone to step up on defense. We have to have better 1-1 defense as well as fixing up our rotations. It is still early in the season, but we do play with high intensity, but we still have a long way to go.
Tim Smith Jr hit the winning shot. It was a huge shot. He said it was off a broken play. Should he have waited a bit more to get more time of the clock. Tim should take that open shot all day every day. Erfurt pressed. I personally wouldn´t have pressed. We got around the press well. Lagerman got it to Rahn, he took 1 dribble and found Tim. He was wide open. He had to take it.
Tim Smith hit big shots all game long? I see him as a possible MVP candidate as a rookie. How do you see it?
Easily. I told Tim before we even played our first pre season game that he will lead our team in scoring. No one can guard him. There is no player like him. He is that good and could win MVP. I hope he does.
Talk about that last Erfurt turnover. What was key in that play for getting the stop?
I think that it was just a bad pass and miscommunication.
Defense continues to be a problem. Why can´t the team execute better and what is the biggest area that has to be corrected? I think that all we need is time. We have many new guys still learning the concept. The young guys are still understanding the principles and how to execute them. We have guys that play hard and intense. We need to take next step with the details.
Alexander Lagerman had another solid game of 11/5/5. His shooting percentages are very high. Where do you credit his good play up to now?
He is another really good player. He reminds me of Badu Buck. Badu was always solid even when he didn´t score many points. Badu never had a bad game. I think that he will be like that. Alex always plays solid. Don´t be surprised if he leads us in scoring some games. He is dynamic like Tim Smith.
The club next plays against hungry team Ludwigsburg. What will be key to the win?
We just have to play our game. As always score well, but step up our defense and communicate at a high level. If we can play together at both ends then we can beat anyone.
What do you do on a free Sunday? Do you follow American football? Yes I watch NFL games and also talk to my fiancé and family. I also give my body rest.
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