knicks

Namori Omog Brings High Energy And Leadership That Effects Everyone On His Team And Wants To Follow In Isaac Bonga´s Footsteps

Imagine being in a restaurant in Berlin or Munich and all of a sudden a tall blond man walks by. Many people not only basketball nerds would recognize NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki. But one doesn´t only have to be Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder or Franz Wagner to be recognized by young German kids dreaming of playing professional basketball. For Namori Omog (188-G-2006), he would surely be able to know right away who those 3 German superstars are, but now adays with the NBA being so popular, young German kids don´t only recognize the German players, but even NBA superstars in the making. Namori Omog had that opportunity during his year in the States when he went to a high school in Atlanta, Georgia. “I was in a restaurant in Atlanta and saw Anthony Edwards. I saw him in the distance and called to him and he talked with me. He answered questions and had no problem posing with pics with me. What I really liked about him was that he is exactly the way he is presented in the media. That was one of my greatest basketball moments off the court while on the court playing against France with the U-15 national team. It was great measuring up against the biggest French talents and it really helped my game”, stressed Namori Omog, Omog is a big German talent playing with the NBBL (U-19) team of Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners and the Pro B team Frankfurt Skyliners.

Anthony Edwards followed by Rudy Gobert in Boston in 2024

Namori Omog who lists Ivan Kharchenkov, Eric Reibe, Justin Onyejiaka, Ivan Crnjac and Jordan Samare as his best teammates of all-time was born on July 26th, 2006 and grew up in Wiesbaden. He has a younger brother and had a nice childhood. He tried out many sports as a young boy including soccer and began to play basketball at age 6 and then decided to stick with it. Like most young kids he had special basketball role models and chose Lebron James and Kyrie Irving. “I always respected Lebron´s story going from a rough childhood and being able to go so far. I like his personality which really has inspired me. I also like how he stands for political views and has had a great family. I also liked Kyrie Irving as I always liked how he played the game and I always wanted to play like he did”, stated Namori Omog. He then came to Frankfurt and played with their U-14 team. “My favorite Skyliner then was Isaac Bonga. I really was impressed how far he was able to go as a young player. My goal was always to follow in his footsteps”, added Namori Omog.

Namori Omog and Jamie Edoka

Last season the quick guard who lists Lebron James as his GOAT played a good role with Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners U19 team averaging 7.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 56.1%, and also played 2 Pro B games. “I think that I did a good job defensively that season pressuring guards and disrupting opponents offenses and was a good leader and organizing the offense, but I needed to have had better decision making”, remembered Namori Omog. He scored in double figures in 3 games last season including 18 points against Hanau,15 points against Heidelberg and 13 points against Sud Hessen. He has high goals for this season as he wants to become even more dangerous in many different ways. “I want to improve my decision making and on offense be able to not only use my quickness to make easy lay ups, but score from various distances including using a floater”, said Namori Omog. This season´s team is very talented and who knows could make some noise in the playoffs again. The team has a massive leader with Ivan Crnjac and with Jamie Edoka, Omog are a potent duo at the guard position especially at the defensive end. “Ivan is very talented. You could already see that with his performances last season. This season he is showing just how good of a shooter he is and that he has a big advantage over other players. Jamie is very athletic and already very far with his development physically. We have the opportunity to pressure guards and put them in difficult situations for a whole game. I think we could become a top defensive duo in the NBBL”, warned Namori Omog. This season he continues to get Pro B minutes which will continue to bolster his development. “I have noticed that the Pro B isn´t youthlike, but adultlike. I know where my boundries are and what steps I need to make. I have to play more smart and not count on my first instincts. I have to show something, but then actually do it differently”, warned Namori Omog. In the NBBL (U-19) league he is averaging 8,5ppg, 3,0rpg, 5,0apg and 2,5spg while in the Pro B is averaging 4,0ppg, 1,5rpg and 1,4apg. He scored 14 points against Pro B team Wurzburg.

The 188cm guard who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore compares his game to the athletic and explosive Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies. “I love his energy. He is always positive and is able to transform his energy to his teammates. He shows his energy in his athleticism. He is always active on offense and always supplying much pressure on defense. I want to be able to be aggressive at both ends and always use my energy to help my team”, warned Namori Omog. He is a player that excels with his defensive aggressiveness, quickness with the ball and his finishing while his outside shot is still a work in progress. He fills the stat sheet extremely well, but stats aren´t high on his menu, but versatility is. “We have a lot of potential on the NBBL team. Winning is the most important thing for me and helping my team with my versatility. I believe that I can impact the game in many ways. I just try to be there for my teammates at all times”, warned Namori Omog. Even if he has a potent offensive game, it could be his defense that really will carry him in his development this season. “I feel like I´m an aggressive defender now and be successful with my quickness and disrupt other teams offense over the whole court. I feel like I have more potential to read where the passes will go. I will work on it. I don´t only want to be successful with my quickness, but also use my IQ”, stressed Namori Omog.It will be interesting to see where his journey will go in the next few years. One thing is for sure, a lot of the success of this year´s Frankfurt NBBL team rests in his hands. His aggressive and potent defensive game could be the difference in many games this season especially in the post season.

Ariel Hukporti´s Best Friend Tyreese Blunt Believes That The Big Man Could Receive A Good Role As A Rookie With The New York Knicks

Tyreese Blunt (191-PG-2002) is a 22 year old 192cm guard playing his first season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played mainly for the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 15.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 70.1% and also played 8 easyCredit BBL games for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He played 2 seasons in the Bamberg organization and also played 44 games for farm team BBC Coburg. He began his career with the MHP Risen Ludwigsburg and played 1 BBL game there. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball and his ex teammate Ariel Hukporti who was drafted by the New York Knicks.

Thanks Tyreese for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Hakro Merlins. If the Dragons Rhondorf would have played Pro A do you feel like you may have remained?

It could have been possible, but you never know, I may have gotten other job opportunities as well.

Moving from the pro B to the Pro A was a logical choice. Was working with David Mccray a big reason why you signed there?

I think that my path would have brought me to the pro A sooner or later after 2 strong Pro B seasons. Being able to play for my ex coach David Mccray made my decision a lot easier. He is a super guy.

You already played for David Mccray in Ludwigsburg. What do you appreciate most about his coaching style?

I appreciate his work ethic most. He is always working and we train together every night. His work ethic gives me a reason to always give my best in practice or games. His work ethic boosts me to give my all.

You played the last 3 years in Bamberg and Rhondorf. How did you observe his coaching from afar? What are you expecting from him as a coach now 3 years later?

I will expect the same as before. I am expecting that he helps me become better and help me make the next steps. I also want to have a successful season with him on the court with the team.

How excited are you to play Pro A. How confident are you that you can become an impact player at that level?

I´m not that excited. Those days are over. I´m really looking forward to this season and believe that I can play a big role if I find my way quickly.

You were teammates with Ariel Hukporti in Ludwigsburg. If you could say one word describing him what would it be?

One word is easy. Hustler.

How proud were you that he was the last player picked in the 2024 draft by the Dallas Mavericks? It wasn´t self-evident that he would get picked as he was seen as a possible late second round pick.

I´m so proud of him. He went through so much already at a young age. Moving away from his mother wasn´t easy, but he fought through all adversary. He went through injuries, but always worked hard to achieve his goals

Describe the feeling when you heard his name?

I was so happy. At first I was speechless. I couldn´t realize it at first. I remember him calling me after he got picked and he couldn´t tell me that he was getting traded to New York.

Do you feel like he can crack the NBA rotation in 24-25?

Yes I think he can. It will be tough, but if he gets an opportunity, he will make it.

Everyone talks about his incredible defense and rebounding. What is off the radar with his game?

His athleticism is still a bit off the radar. Usually bigs aren´t so athletic, but he can really jump and is quick.

What is your fondest moment with him on the court?

It was always fun to play with him in every game. I can´t pick one thing.

He seems to have a massive heart for the people in his inner circle. What is your fondest moment with him?

We have gone through so much and are best friends. It is always a blessing to come together each summer and see each other again. I enjoy my time with him to the fullest. Every time we see each other, it is like we saw each other yesterday.

You big is still that bond from the Ludwigsburg days? Hukporti and Dejan Bruce are like brothers to you. How strong is this bond today?

It is big. Now in the summer we see each other a lot. During the summer we try to talk to each other every day. We always have a great time together. I value our time together highly.

What would you like to see Ariel Hukporti achieve in his first season in the NBA?

I honestly believe if he gets a chance, then he could get a big role. He wouldn´t be a main guy like Jalen Brunson, but have a good role.

Thanks Tyreese for the chat.

Mike Davis Has Taken On The Challenge Of Being A Better Defender And Won´t Shy Away From Getting Sneaky Chase Down Blocks

Mike Davis Jr. (193-G-1996, college: Queens, NC) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Georgia playing his seventh season overseas and playing his first season with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL). He has gathered valuable experience in countries like Ireland, Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Russia and Turkey. He began his basketball career at Brunswick high school and then played 2 seasons with Francis Marion University (NCAA2) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 69.4% and 17.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 68.3% and then played 2 seasons at Queens University (NCAA2) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.4% and 12.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.5%. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Mike for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your first season in Germany after having played in Ireland, Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Russia and Turkey. Is it fair to say that you’re a basketball globetrotter?

I would say so. I have made my way around Europe and seen many countries and cities. Germany is just another one on my check list.

It took you some years to reach higher leagues but all in all 7 years to reach a top 5 league in Europe with the easyCredit BBL. Did you always believe in yourself especially when your were paying your dues in Ireland?

I always believed in myself. I actually had had the option to go to Wurzburg at the end of year 5, but twice went to other clubs. This season it all worked out with Wurzburg.

How special is it playing for the Wurzburg organization? Did you know that that is where Dirk Nowitzki began his pro career there.

Yes I knew that. There is a big mural of him in the gym. The culture is very good here. It is a nice program. I really like playing here.

He actually was back in Wurzburg last week. Did he visit the club? I saw that he visited a farm club game.

I was told on the bus that he was there. I didn´t see him.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?

I like how you come to practice each day to work. You come to practice, go home and rest and then come back the next day. I know that all the hard work will continue to pay off.

Wurzburg is playing very well in the BBL and BCL. What has been the secret to the success so far?

We play hard and play good defense. We also have many offensive weapons. You never know who´s night it will be. That keeps us unpredictable.

Head coach Saso Filipovski has really made a difference in a short time. What is so unique about his basketball philosophy?

He really loves and studies the game. He really knows the game and watches a lot of it. He implements the little details that matter. Plus he has a lot of experience.

What has it been being teammates with very talented Zac Selfaass? What is your special Zac story?

He is a good guy, teammate and person. When I first met him, I had no idea that he was a Mormon. He already had 2 kids. I asked him how many kids do you want to have and he said 5 kids.

What has it been like being teammates with high scoring point guard Jhivvan Jackson. How has he helped you make your game better this season?

He is a great shot maker and creator. He takes so much pressure off the other guards. It has been a lot of fun playing with him.

You have always been a high scoring guard in lower leagues, but this season have many great scorers. What is exactly your role on the team?

My role is to score here, but not as much as in other years. I also was asked to play better defense than in other years. I have been able to take on that challenge.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description?

I would say a CJ McCullum.

Even though your scoring may stand out, you fill the stat sheet very well. How visible is versatility in your game?

I think that my versatility is very visible. I was asked to play point guard in pre-season. I feel like I showcase my versatility as a player.

Your shooting 37% in the BCL but only 26% in the BBL. Why is your three point shooting still a work in progress?

I´m not too fond of my BBL percentages or accustomed to it. I think there are many factors. I just have to try to keep working on my shot.

Talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you in year 7 and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I feel like that I´m a good help defender and a pretty good 1-1 defender. I´m capable of getting sneaky chase down blocks.

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

I have to improve on creating for others, being better off the bounce and just being more efficient.

Last season you played with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 2nd team (Turkey-TBL) averaging 25.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 79.5%. What was it like playing for the Euroleague farm team? I´m sure you practiced with them. What could you soak up from guys like Scottie Wilbekin and Nick Calathes?

Playing in Turkey was a great experience. I saw Euroleague games and practiced with them. I saw how professional everything was and how much work is needed to be done to be successful.

How did your game grow in the TBL? That is a potent second league in Europe, Did it feel at times like being a man with children?

I wouldn´t say that. I was touted to do more, because we had many young guys. I had to carry more of the load than other imports in that league.

In 2022-2023 you played with Runa Basket Moscow (Russia-Superleague) averaging 17.0ppg), 4.2rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 85.4%. What kind of an experience was it living in Moscow? That was at a time where Russia was at war in the Ukraine

I really enjoyed my time in Moscow. It was nothing that I expected. We had a great year as a team and I had a great year. The Russian people were very nice.

Did you visit any CSKA Moscow games?

I saw 1 game. We scrimmaged them twice. We lost the first game, but won the second where they had all players present. It was a great experience.

In 21-22 you split time with Kharkivski Sokoly (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 19.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3FGP: 42.2%, FT: 65.0%, in Mar.’22 moved to HydroTruck Radom (Poland-EBL) averaging 19.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.9apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 46.7%, 3FGP: 41.8%, FT: 76.5%, in Apr.’22 signed at Hellenic Coin Ionikos Basketball (Greece-A1) averaging 4.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0spg. How tough was this season especially with the war breaking out in the Ukraine?

That was a sticky season. Some of the owners and coaches in the Ukraine didn´t accept the war. I had to leave. Poland was nice. I got injured in Greece in the second game

How tough was your short stay in Poland. You had great stats but mostly lost games. What positives could you take from that experience?

Poland is a good mid tier league. Many guys go to top leagues after. Poland was a good way to test my skills.

In 20-21 you played with BC Rustavi 1991 (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 19.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 4.7apg, Steals-2 (2.7spg), FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. You won the Georgian title. You won every playoff game and swept Tskhum-Abkhazeti in the final. What was so special about this team?

We were connected a lot. We played really good defense and got on transition. Our coach gave us the freedom to use our skills.

In the 19-20 season you played a short season with BC Cactus Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague)n averaging 25.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.6apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 46.8%, FT: 67.6%. How valuable was your 2 years in Georgia for your game coming from Ireland?

My second season was most valuable. It was my coming out season. I won the title and MVP.

You played your rookie season with Belfast Star (Ireland-Super League) averaging 29.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT-2 (46.6%), FT: 76.0%. 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 was a young guy. We didn´t have a trainer. A player would tape us up. That was definitely different.

You played at Francis Marion University (NCAA2) from 2014-2016 averaging 11.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 69.4% and 17.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 68.3% in your second season. You made a big jump in your game in your second season. How did your game grow under Gary Edwards?

He allowed me to play my game. We worked very hard on offense. After my freshman year, I worked hard all summer and then I came back and everything clicked and then it was off to the races.

You had so many great games in the NCAA 2, but many in losing causes. What was your fondest moment? Possibly your 32 points against South Wesleyan?

That was a great game. I was near a triple double.

You then finished at Queens University (NCAA2) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.4% and 12.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.5%. You won the SAC title in 2017. What memories do you have of reaching the NCAA 2 Final 4 in 2018?

That Final 4 team was the best team that I ever played on. We were so connected. We had a great coach and had so much fun each day. We were together nonstop for 2 years.

What kind of a relationship did you have with Shaun Willett? He has had a stellar pro career and had good seasons in Germany.

Shaun is my boy. I talk to him 2-3 times a week. He was at my wedding. Our kids are born 1 week apart.

How did head coach Grant Leonard groom and prepare you best for a professional career

He is my guy. I talk to him and see him whenever I´m in Charlotte. He helped me how to know what shots to take and how to get to my spots. He knows exactly what the upper level is looking for.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Shaun Willett?

I would say that we split a lot. We won our last battle. We had good back and forth battles.

Who is the toughest player you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Emmanuel Terry and Todd Withers

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ike Agassi, Shaun Willett, Detrek Browning, Daniel Carr, Dajuan Graf

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaq, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell

Your Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

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

That weas definitely one of the movies that you don´t remake.

Thanks Mike for the chat.