A big basketball highlight I remember for me personally in the 2023-2024 season were actually 2 things. Being able to cover the Dragons Rhondorf Pro B title season as a writer and play by play commentator was really magical and fulfilling, but also being able to do the same thing with NBBL (U-19) team Young Rasta Dragons that season during the NBBL Top 4 tournament in Berlin was incredible. They had lost the season before in the NBBL final in Frankfurt to Alba Berlin on a real nasty buzzer beater by Nils Machowski and really wanted to win the dam thing and did in Berlin the next year. There were so many special players on that team that season like ex Skyliner Joshua Bonga or big center talent Johan Grunloh, or talented guard Jack Kayil (191-PG-2006) who had won his second NBBL title in a row or even blond big man Karl Buhner who did a lot of the dirty work and was the team´s best offensive rebounder that season. 3 years later all those guys have gone their own special journeys including Karl Buhner who landed in Paderborn and continued to make steps in his career in the Pro A. He saw how his teammates also went the next steps in their careers. He would play 1 extra season with Gruhloh who was touted as a NBA Draft pick, but then couldn´t have the type of season he wanted in the NCAA last season, but will attack again this NCAA season to becoming drafted. However Kayil and Buhners paths stopped in 2024 as Kayil went to Serbia and last season was a big factor in Alba Berlin finally winning the easyCredit BBL title again. 2 Years ago, not many would have thought that Kayil would be drafted, but he kept developing and his Draft stock really rose last season and was drafted by the Houston Rockets and traded to the New York Knicks. Buhner never doubted that Kayil would get drafted. “I was really happy that Jack got drafted. He always took on challenges and mastered them. He deserves it so much. He was drafted on account of his ability, character and work ethic. I always knew what he could do. He is a very special player and a good catch for the Knicks”, stressed Karl Buhner.

When Jack Kayil came to Vechta in late summer 2023, the player was already on the radar of Karl Buhner. How could Buhner ever forget how Alba Berlín had won the 2023 NBBL title with that buzzer beater from Nils Machowski? Of course Kayil gave his 2 cents in that big win with a solid 9/5/1/3 game in 21 minutes. “I remember how strong Jack already was for his age then. However his role and IQ wasn´t as big yet. You could see that he already had game then. I remember him making a huge poster dunk on us”, stated Karl Buhner. The two would become teammates in 2023-2024 and of course he remembers that first meeting with him and what his impression was seeing him on the court again. “He was a funny guy that was able to hold his own. He had a good character and was able to connect with all. On the court he already understood much. He made few mistakes, but was very controlled on the court. He was a strong scorer that knew how to direct the team. If you needed him at the end of a game, he could take control of the game. He also knew what to do at the right time”, said Karl Buhner. Many didn´t understand the move from the famous Alba Berlin to the smaller Vechta, but many tend to forget that the Vechta club was already very established and known for their youth program. “Maybe he saw more potential with us. He could play BBL and Pro A with us. He probably didn´t think he would get as much playing time with Alba Berlin in the BBL than in the Pro A with us. He probably felt going with the Pro A was simply the better move for him than the BBL”, stated Karl Buhner. After winning the NBBL title in Berlin, his self confidence must have been sky high for Kayil. “Jack was always a guy that sprouted with a lot of self-confidence. He simply knew what he could do. And what I really liked was that his success with Alba Berlin and that title over us never went to his head. He never rubbed it in when he joined us”, stressed Karl Buhner.

Pic credit: Frederik Kreyenborg

Kayil had a superb season with Vechta in 2023-2024 in the Pro A averaging 10.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.5% and scored in double figures in 19 games including a 31 point explosion against Duesseldorf and in the NBBL averaged 18.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.6apg, 3.8spg, 2FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 83.8% and scored in double figures in 11 of 12 games including 31 point games against Oldenburg and the Berlin Braves. How much credit did Kayil deserve for the success of Vechta in the NBBL? “He deserves a lot of credit. We had a deep roster and other strong stars like Johan Grunloh and Joshua Bonga. He had a lot of big games against Oldenburg and Hamburg. You could call him our glue gluy”, added Karl Buhner. He had one big strength already in Berlin that he of course took with him to Vechta. “Jack was fearless. He never got scared of the older guys on the court. He just did his thing and could always bring his game when he had to”, warned Karl Buhner. Buhner was able to see at close hand how Kayil´s offense grew that season as well as how his scoring average skyrocketed in the NBBL from 10-18 from Alba Berlin to Vechta. “He was already a good scorer with us and with experience that grew especially in the BBL. His self-confidence got better as well as his touch. In terms of his rise in scoring that had to do with his roles. I think that his role wasn´t as defined with Alba Berlin. There he was surrounded by older players and more scorers. In Vechta Jack was surrounded by talent, but not everyone always played in all the games. He noticed that and just did his thing and took responsibility when he had to “, added Karl Buhner. Even if Kayil was a prolific scorer, he was also able to make an impact then with his playmaking which has really grown in the last few years. “He makes really good passes now. He reads the pick and roll well and is definitely a difference maker now with his passing”, commented Karl Buhner. He also was a guy that was never reluctant to taking big shots. “He hit big shots for us in the NBBL and Pro A. I remember this crazy shot that he took in the Pro A. It was a turnaround shot off the dribble in a vital situation”, expressed Jack Buhner. He also showed his 2-way player assets as a youth player and it has continued to carry over to today. “His offense was always the focus, but he was always ready to defend. He had the right athleticism and length to defend at a high level. He always knew how to use his strength. I never saw him as a liability on defense”; warned Karl Buhner.

Even If Jack Kayil is the property of the New York Knicks at the moment and his big goal is to play in the NBA, there has been speculation recently that he may return back to Europe this coming season to get some extra professional experience before going to the NBA. Despite that one can always speculate a bit about where Kayil´s journey will go in the NBA. Are the Knicks a good fit for the German kid? “It is never easy to come to a title team. He has proven in the past that he is able to adapt well to new systems. His character will help him fit in. He knows how to prove himself”, warned Karl Buhner. Would a star player like Jalen Brunson be the perfect mentor for him? “Of course Brunson could be that perfect mentor. I know that Jack will soak up as much information as possible. I think that Jack is a better passer and defender than him. He will take that opportunity and learn as much as possible”, said Karl Buhner. Will he be just a vital role player in the NBA or be that key impact player? “I honestly feel like Jack could be an impact player in the NBA, if he keeps developing”, warned Karl Buhner. It has been more than 2 years since Kayil and Buhner were teammates and roommates, but the latter will never forget any memories he has simply because he has so many to chose from. “I remember one time where Jack lost a bet. He had to eat a hot chip and got really sick. We thought it was very funny. But he accepted it and went along with the joke. I also remember he had the ability to fall asleep with the light on. He left the door open and his Ipad on. We had to turn everything off. We had great times playing backgammon or just wrestling with each other. Leon Okpara was also always present. It was just so many great memories with Jack”, stressed Karl Buhner.

Jakob Milling (203-G-2003, college: MSUB) is a French 203cm forward playing his first season with Mulhouse Basket Agglomeration (NM1). He got early experience in his homeland with Limoges CSP U21 (ProA U21): 8 and Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (NM2). He then went to USA and played 2 seasons with San Diego Miramar College (JUCO) averaging 8.4ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 73.5% and 15.7ppg, 12.2rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 74.5%. He then played a season at Sonoma State University (NCAA2) averaging 10.8ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.0% and finished at Montana State University Billings (NCAA2) averaging 8.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 61.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a test game in Germany against the EPG Baskets Koblenz.

Thanks Jacob for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I am in Mulhouse right now going through preseason training and as of right now I couldn’t be happier with my basketball life. I am living the dream I have been chasing all my life and I couldn’t have any complaints about it.

You are a French player playing for Mulhouse Basket Agglomeration (NM1). After 4 years in the States, how are you a different and better players then before that?

Before going to the States, I was developed to play basketball the true European way which is with a lot of passes and always looking for the extra pass and trying to play the right way. When I got to JUCO, I quickly learned that if I’m not more selfish, I’m not going to be able to get on the floor as much. So I am more aggressive offensively than before and I also think my communication on both sides of the floor is better because that was a big emphasis from my coaches.

Your playing a test game in Germany against the EPG Baskets Koblenz. How have you followed German basketball the last years? Are you aware that they are defending World and Euro winners?

I haven’t followed German basketball at all before and I honestly didn’t know anything about Koblenz but I am excited to play a team with such a good reputation and history. For my first game back in Europe, this is a perfect matchup in my opinion.

What were the main reasons for joining for Mulhouse Basket Agglomeration (NM1). What was so special about this organization?

I joined Mulhouse because of the reputation they have in NM1 as a winning club and also I used to play for Frank Kuhn when I was in high school and I know that he is a great coach and will get the best out of me. I love the feeling of family that this club has within the team and the organization as well.

How did the talks go with head coach Frank Kuhn? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

The talks with Frank Kuhn went great, like I said I have known him for years and it felt good to reconnect with him. We have very similar basketball philosophies when it comes to proving yourself no matter your past seasons. With Frank, it doesn’t matter who you are, you have to perform to be able to get on the court and that means everyone has a chance to prove themselves.

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

With my teammates in the USA, they have told me baby Jokic because I play at my own pace and I am good at finding passing angles. I am also capable of hitting the tough shots Jokic sometimes shoots because I shoot with the ball over my head so you can’t really block my shot either.

You’re a good offensive player that can do many things. Talk about your offensive game and it´s strengths?

I think the best thing I provide offensively is my versatility. I am able to play multiple positions and also I’m very adaptable depending on what role is needed at the time. I can become the guy who scores or the glue guy at any time during the game.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. How do you see the development there and what are your main goals with your shot this season?

I am confident in my three point shot, I just have to be more consistent. The more game like reps I get in the better it will be. My biggest problem with my shot in my opinion is my balance and I am currently working on it.

Your also a very solid defender. Talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I would say my defensive game is similar to my offensive game in the versatility aspect. I can guard almost anywhere on the court and I want to become better at guarding guards. I am pretty good defending on the inside because I use my speed as an advantage but with guards I still sometimes have trouble keeping up with their speed.

On what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to grow as a player?

Consistency and physicality are the two main things I work on, Getting more consistent at making my shots is something I been working on for a while now and playing against bigger and stronger guys now means that my physicality has to get better as well.

You played 2 seasons with San Diego Miramar College (JUCO) averaging 8.4ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 73.5% and 15.7ppg, 12.2rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 74.5%. Every player that I have interviewed that have played JUCO have reported that JUCO was a grind but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it with you?

I am extremely grateful to have gone through the JUCO route. It taught me a sense of grind and work ethic like nothing I could’ve imagined. If you can make it though the JUCO grind, you can make it through anywhere.

How valuable was head coach Nick Gehler in your development in JUCO? You made big strides in your game those 2 years?

Coach Gehler was big in finding my confidence in my game from the start of my experience. He was always there to push me to be the best version of me every day and I still talk to him regularly and still has a big impact on me to this day

You then played a season at Sonoma State University (NCAA2) averaging 10.8ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.0%. How vital was head coach Rich Shayewitz for your development? What strides did you make under him?

Playing under coach Shayewitz was unique. Our sports program went through something unique so it had an effect on all of us. At Sonoma State, I would say I learned to truly trust in my instincts and do anything possible to win.

You then finished with Montana State University Billings (NCAA2) averaging 8.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 61.1%. What could you take from this season?

This was a great season. For me personally, it wasn’t the best stat wise, but I filled my role as a glue guy on that team to the best ability as I can. I had so much fun playing at MSUB and wouldn’t trade that year for anything.

How did head coach Luke Fennelly groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Fennelly has sent a lot of players in his program to a professional career so he taught me how to be more physical than before and also improve my decision making speed as well.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jonas la Tour?

I don’t think I lost once against Jonas lol. He is a very good player and an even better person off the court but in 1-1 he couldn’t do anything against me.

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

I didn’t play against him in an official game but I played against Jaylen Wells who is an incredible defender and his shot making that day was something I have never seen before. I knew from that day that he would make an impact in the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Damien Miller, Cam Barry, Alex Mirhosseini, James Nobles, and Mason Landdeck

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem and Dirk Nowitzki

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant had such an impact on me growing up and it was also easy to pick him because my older brother was a Celtics fan.

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

No I haven’t seen it and that probably means they should’ve left it alone lol

Thanks Jakob for the chat

Pic credit: JHoffmann

Chris Widmer (198-F-2007) is a 19 year old 198cm forward playing for the Skyliners organization with their Pro B team Skyliners and NBBL team Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners. He has played most of his career with the Skyliners, but also played with TV Langen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his career.

Thanks Chris for talking to germanhoops.com. You live in Germany, but play for the youth Dutch team. Talk about your childhood. You grew up in Germany, but have Dutch roots?

Yes for my whole life I have lived in Frankfurt. My mother is D utch and my father Swiss. I always went there when I was on vacation to visit family and friends. So I always had a connection to my home countries and I always enjoy being there. As for basketball I came across some coaches from Amsterdam last season at a pre season tournament. I connected myself and got integrated into Netherlands Basketball.

You played JBBL with Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners, but also played a season with TV Langen. What positives could you get from your Langen season?

I made first experiences outside of youth basketball having played a few games in 1. Regionalliga. I had good coaches like Niklas Pons and Tobias Jahn who were able to give me some Input and support me on my basketball journey. They also encouraged me to take the next steps in my career. Overall it was a good learning experience.

How valuable was a player like experienced Henk Droste? What could you learn from him?

Henk Droste was a great teammate and a fun guy to be around. He himself is a good all round player and also very physical. He showed me how important it is to be consistent in what you do. As a 16 year old back then he also taught me fundamental things about basketball that helped me become a better player.

Last season you played Regionalliga in Frankfurt and this season in the Pro B. How valuable was the pro B experience? How did your game grow there?

I earned my first minutes and also scored my first points at some point for which I am very grateful. I didn’t have a big role but I helped out the team when it was needed. I didn’t improve my game that much just by playing Pro b but still learned a few useful things under the coaching of Markus Klusemann.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I don´t really know who I would compare to my game, a lot of the times the players are unique in their playing style.

Talk about your strenghs as a player. What kind of an offensive player are you? Are you a guy that also does things that aren´t always seen on the stat sheet?

Offenisvely I try to use my first step to attack the rim and use my body, when I get a good shot I also take 3s. If its needed I can also be used for screens and use my strength for pick and rolls and other situations. Other than that I am good on fast breaks and defense to offense runs.

How would you rate the development of your 3 point shooting this season? You shot 27% in the NBBL. Is it tough developing it when there are others taking the bulk of the shots?

It was better at the beginning of the season but overall I’d say I improved my shooting over the last years. When you have players like Jamie and Ivan but also the other guys like Lukas Smazak for example you have a limited amounts of shots per game. But that´s also how it should be and I have of course adapted to this.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

In my opinion I can defend almost anybody, from guard to wing to big. I want to become even quicker on my feet and maybe be more solid when boxing out. I can anticipate steels of ball pretty well and want to use this when defending on ball.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can keep improving your game?

Definitely fundamental shooting, being able to knock down open 3s is very important for me. Over the summer I want to improve my handles and overall finishing.

You also have been a member of the Dutch U-18 team. How is the state of Dutch basketball? How good is Tayshawn Gipson? His dad played in the BBL around the time you were born?

Tayshawn Gipson is a very talanted player with crazy athleticism and ball handling. It was fun playing with him as it also was with my other teammates from nationals. I also met his family briefly, they all are very nice people, it is obvious that he got his talents from his dad and learned a lot from him. Dutch basketball is definitely evolving and starting to get more recognition. Especially with the new generation of players it will only get better from here.

You know players like Endurance Ayiamenkhue and Yanu Slingerland. How good are these 2 players and what do you like most about their games?

Both Endurance and Yanu proved that they are one of the best players in European competition. Yanu is a go to shooter with tough athleticism and Endurance a physicall center who can dominate around the rim. I believe in these boys and I’m sure they are going achieve great things.

You played at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B in Romania -2025 playing 5 games. What kind of an experience was that? What was your fondest moment there?

To be honest it was more a lesson for me to deal with pressure and having to accept your coach not having trust in you anymore. I lost my rhythm starting the tournament and didn’t play much after that so I had chance to let it sink in and better myself mentally. But all in all I also had a lot of fun with my teammates and made some great connections.

What is your goal as a professional player? Is being a pro a goal? What would be your plan B?

I want to see how I evolve in the next years. If I see myself playing on professional level I will give everything to achieve that. My number 1 goal is to become the best player that I can be.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that made NBA or Euroleague?

Untill now I’m not sure that I have actually played against Players that already made NBA or Euroleague but there are a number of guys where I’m sure that they will reach one of those two. Take Endurance as an example. Furthermore as I already mentioned I’m confident a few of my teammates will also reach that level.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jamie Edoka, Ivan Crjnac, Konstantinos Kapetanakis, Julius Messer und Noah Koch.

Please list your personal NBA, Dutch and Euroleague Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

Lebron James, Anthony Edwards, Worthy de Jong, Kendrick Nunn

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Thanks Chris for the chat?

That players get lost in the shuffle with a team isn´t any different for fans and others affiliated with basketball to lose track and memory of a player that once played for an organization. It wasn´t any different for Richard Williams who had a very short stay with the Frankfurt Skyliners in the 2014-2015 season. All in all he played only 9 games and stayed 5 months. His memory may be very minimal for people in Frankfurt, but not as a player overseas. He carved out a stellar and long career having played a total of 16 seasons including 9 seasons in Germany where he established himself as a top 3 point guard in the Pro A season in and season out. The 38 year old who had a great career at San Diego State University (NCAA) is still playing actively and played in Austria last season and currently was still content on continuing his overseas grind. The Frankfurt Skyliners hauled in American player Jaedon LeDee (206-F-1999, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) for the 25-26 season who also had an incredible career like Williams at San Diego State University. Sometimes guys can remember guys who played at their school, but in the case of Ledee, he couldn´t remember about Williams´s history at his school. But then again, Ledee was only 6 years old when Williams was a freshman. It is somewhat unique that both have an association to each other. “I am not too familiar with that name, but once an Aztec always an Aztecs. It’s cool to have that connection. It sounds like he went to Germany and had an impact, which is what I am trying to do. I want to be able to put my imprint on things and be successful”, warned Jaedon LeDee during the summer of 2025. Ledee attempedt to carry the great SDSU tradition of players overseas with the Frankfurt Skyliners, but left during the season to play with the Liaoning Flying Leopards (China-CBA)

Jaedon LeDee who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT was born on July 25th, 1999 in Houston. He began his basketball career at Kinkaid high school. He was an all-state selection from 2015-2019. He then began his NCAA career at Ohio State and played 26 games averaging 3.0ppg, 1.7rpg. He scored in double figures 3 times including 16 points against Purdue. Even if his NCAA career got off to a rocky start, he was able to gain positives from it. “You never forget your freshman year of college. I made friendships and bonds that will last me a lifetime. I didn’t play as much as I wanted to. There are certain things in life that you come across that can make you stronger, or you can fold. It is one of the experiences I have had that has helped strengthen my faith since I have already been through adversity. I try to find the positive in things. It helped make me stronger and helped me become a man”, warned Jaedon LeDee. His next stop was Texas Christian University in 2019 playing 2 seasons and a total of 53 games. He averaged 2.7ppg, 2.9rpg and 5.8ppg, 3.9rpg in his 2 seasons there. He had severe growing pains again there and just couldn´t find his game as he had to play center which wasn´t his natural position. “TCU was a unique spot as well. I was playing out of position with not as many minutes as I would have liked. It was another place I could have quit and thrown in the towel. I didn’t let it stop me, and I kept pushing. It was the second place I didn’t think I had the opportunity that I deserved. God is too good, and he put me there for a reason. A lot of things in life are mental, so I think those two experiences helped make me stronger”, stressed Jaedon LeDee who will never forget his 1-1 battles with teammate Nate Mansah. “Nate is my guy. I worked out with him this week in San Diego. We had two years of battling – my red-shirt year and the year we played together. I love him to death, and he is a great guy. Nate is a great defender. I like to pride myself on offensive scoring. I like to play defense as well, but Nate is a great defender. We both got better in our battles”, stressed Jaedon LeDee.

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The forward who lists Desmond Bane (TCU), Matthew Bradley (SDSU), Aguek Arop (SDSU), Kendrick Davis (AAU team in high school), and Nathan Mensah (SDSU) as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made another change and then finally 3 was a charm as he joined San Diego State University. His first season was like a Cinderella story as he helped the school reach the Final 4 and the final averaging 7.8ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 50.5%, FT: 71.9% in that season. The 2023 NCAA run was incredible. The back to back tight wins over Creighton and FAU were unforgettable. Did he know that Lamont Butler´s shot at the buzzer would go in and beat FAU? “The NCAA run was a great experience. We fought all the way back in that game. I made a few buckets prior to Lamont’s shot. It was one of those moments that was almost magical. Lamont came down and hit that shot. He had made that shot many times before in practice. It was an awesome feeling, and I’m glad we were able to experience that as a team. It’s once in a lifetime for a lot of people, so I am glad we all got to experience that together”, stated Jaedon LeDee. In his second season, he really propelled his game to a new level averaging 21.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 73.4%. Were these 2 years some of the best times in his life? “Reaching the NCAA finals was an amazing experience. It’s something most college players never get to, so I am very grateful for that. It was in Houston, where my family lives and where I grew up, which made it even more special. My last year at San Diego State was also great. It was the first time in college I felt I was able to showcase my game as a whole and be me. Basketball was going well, and I had a great season. I was happy with my role, and when basketball is going well, everything else seems to be good too”, remembered Jaedon LeDee. In his senior year he scored in double figures in all 35 games and had 11 double doubles. He scored 20 points or more in 23 games including great games against SJSU and Washington. Did he have a favorite game? “ I wouldn’t put any game over the next. I am a very nonchalant guy. I take the business approach to basketball – it’s just another day in the office. I try not to overthink or overanalyze what we do. I just know we have to perform and be professional”, warned Jaedon LeDee. His game made great strides in his 2 years in San Diego and is thankful for the instrumental support by head coach Brian Dutcher. “I think how we do things at SDSU is very professional. I’m not sure what things are like overseas yet, but Coach Dutch is huge on developing us as men. We will go in, but we won’t practice long. Everything is with intention. He believes that if you want to be great, you have to come in outside of practice and put in the hours. As a professional, you have all this time to do things outside of practice and in life. Success depends on whether you choose to come in and do your job outside of required practice times”, commented Jaedon LeDee. He picked up many awards his senior year including All-MWC First Team -2024, MWC All-Tournament Team -2024, NABC Division I All-Americans Second Team -2024, NABC Division I All-District 17 First Team -2024, Sporting News All-America Second Team -2024, USBWA All-America Honorable Mention -2024, ESPN.com All-America Breakout Star -2024, ESPN.com All-America Third Team -2024, Jersey Mike’s Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalist -2024, NCAA East Region All-Tournament Team -2024, and the John R. Wooden Award All-American Team -2024

The Texas native who lists his NBA Mount Rushmore with guys Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kobe Bryant played NBA Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves averaging 2.6ppg, 2.0rpg and then split his rookie season with the Iowa Wolves (NBA G League) averaging 6.8ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 82.8%, in Feb.’25 signed at Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League) averaging 4.1ppg, 5.4rpg. Every player has their rookie wake up call and it wasn´t any different for him either. “The wake-up call for me that I was not at San Diego State anymore on the basketball side was opportunity. At a certain point, everyone can play and everyone is good. The biggest thing is opportunity – who gets it? G-League teams have guys who they have already drafted and are paying a lot of money. It’s not always who is better than who. I think I woke up to the business side of things the most this year. I try to control what I can control, and when I am on the court, I try to let my game do the talking for me”, warned Jaedon LeDee. He played for head coach Ernst Scott with Iowa. With him he had another Germany connection as Scott played with Trier back in the day. “Coach E was a great guy. He was a straight shooter as well. He was always honest and helped us be the best players we could be. In Summer League and Iowa, he tried to help us become better men and better players. I have nothing but love for Coach E”, said Jaedon LeDee. He averaged 17 minutes with Iowa and 12 minutes with Salt Lake City per game. It is always tough having to compete with everyone else and the minutes What did he do mentally and physically to give himself the best NBA chance on a daily basis? “I tried to control what I can control. Some things are out of my control. I know the coaches and organization has certain things they have to do. The only thing I have to do is come in every day and work. When my opportunity did come, I was able to produce. I am pretty sure that when I got a lot of minutes and a bigger opportunity, I had a double-double or almost a double-double each game. The only thing I can control is my attitude, my effort, and how I perform in my minutes while staying professional”, expressed Jaedon LeDee. Is the NBA still a realistic goal for him? “Of course. I am going with the flow now. Europe is where I am going now. Life cannot be predicted as much as we may want to as human beings. God is in change. I am just going to be the best I can be every day, let my talent, God, and all the work I have put in take me where it needs to take me. I just try to be the best person I can be”, warned Jaedon LeDee.

He began his second pro season and with German easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. Some players will stay in the G-League 2-3 years before heading overseas. But then some guys will come overseas quicker than others. “The main reason is opportunity. I gave it a year. It was my first year out of college. I am fortunate to have had many people who have played and continue to play professionally in the NBA and overseas in my life. I have been able to go off their guidance and listen to what they have said. I feel like going overseas presents a large opportunity for me. I didn’t have the biggest opportunity in the G-League, so I wanted to be somewhere where I could continue to develop, improve my game, and showcase my skills. I gave the NBA a year, and if it’s meant to be later, it’s meant to be”, added Jaedon LeDee. He was excited for a new challenge in Germany and heard only positive things. I’ve heard good things about Germany through my friends who have traveled there and a few people who have played basketball in Germany. I’ve heard great things, like how westernized it is and how it should be an easy transition from what I am used to in the US. With regards to basketball, I know there are a few German players in the NBA; they have had success in the Olympics as well. I’ve talked to a few guys who were on the Skyliners last year and others who have played in the BBL. Everyone says it’s a great league with good competition and a great place to be”, said Jaedon LeDee. He knew that the Skyliners would be an organization where he would know exactly what he could do to make an impact. “My agent brought the opportunity to me, and after I talked to the coach and another representative from the team, I felt I would have a chance to come and be me with minutes to play. I felt I would have the opportunity to come in and change things around. The role and opportunity were really important to me, especially coming from the G-League, where my opportunity was not consistent. I know the importance of opportunity, and if you get the opportunity, you have to make the best of it”, said Jaedon LeDee. He couldn´t of picked a better coach to work with than Klaus Perwas in his first season overseas. “The talks with the Coach went well. We had a great conversation about what my role would be and what I would bring to the team. He was very straightforward, and I really appreciated his honesty. I did not know he was a part of the German staff, which is pretty cool. I have only heard good things about him as a coach and I felt good about our conversation when we spoke”, added Jaedon LeDee,

So what kind of a player did the Frankfurt Skyliners get in Jaedon LeDee who didn´t watch Coming to America 2, because he didn´t like the age gap as Eddie Murphy was very young in the first Coming to America, so he thought it might be weird seeing him so much older in a similar role. One thing was for sure. He won´t be 1-dimensional, but moreover a guy like a Rasheed Moore who could have had versatility as his middle name. “I think my game is kind of unique. It’s one of the things I pride myself on. I am very versatile – I can dribble, I can shoot, I can pass, I can score, rebound, and defend – I can do it all. People I watched growing up were Julius Randal and Carmelo Anthony. I liked to watch them, because they were stronger and bigger guys who can do it all. They can score inside and outside and play make. My favorite player is Michael Jordan. I watched him a lot growing up too. I try to take pieces from each of their games and make it my own”, warned Jaedon LeDee. Coach Perwas described him as a physical player that has an unbelievable will to win. Was that will cultivated mostly at SDSU (NCAA) or did he already have that before that? “I have always been a competitor. The basis of any sport or anything in life is your will to compete and go hard. My family has instilled that in me at a young age. I played football growing up, and I hate losing. I never want to lose. I think that is where it comes from. I try to be the best I can be when I step foot on the court and be the best I can be off the court as well”, said Jaedon LeDee. His three pointer still seems to be a work in progress. He shot 43% in his last season at SDSU, but in the G-League under 30%. He went on to shoot 22% from outside with Frankfurt “My three-pointer is something I want to keep working on. I am a rhythm player – I score in bunches. I wouldn’t say I’m a straight-out three-point shooter. I like to mix it up. I drive, get to the rim, get offensive rebounds, and shoot the mid-range really well. Once I am in rhythm, that’s where, if I get a three, I’ll knock it down. When I was shooting in the high 40s at SDSU, my opportunity was so great that once I was in rhythm, I would knock them down. Any shot felt good. Once I get rolling, I will hit 7/10 threes once I get a feel for things. In the G-League, I was put in a role where I was not touching the ball much and playing off others. That was an adjustment. The teams I was on really only wanted three’s, which was a different role I had to adjust to. Going 5 minutes straight without touching the ball and then having to shoot a three is not the easiest job in the world”, stated Jaedon LeDee. But he planned not only making an impact on the offensive end, but also on the defensive end. “I always want to keep growing and getting better, but I think I am a very good defender. At SDSU, we switched 1 through 5. Pretty much every team I have been on has switched 1 through 5, keeping a body in front of a body, keeping a man in front of a man. If everyone can guard and guard every position, it makes a team every position. That is who I am on the defensive side – I can switch 1 through 5 and compete”, warned Jaedon LeDee. He continued to work very hard in the gym so he could be his best version when the season started. “My mindset is to leave no stone unturned. I like to work on everything in my game. There are things I put emphasis on, like getting a lot of reps on the three. I work on everything every day because you play different teams that have different scouts, and they give you different looks. If someone is one-dimensional, it’s easier to guard you. If you can do everything, how can they stop you? I work on post work, guard work, inside-outside – keeping everything tight”, stressed Jaedon LeDee. Unfortunately Ledee left the club for China instead of remaining with the Skyliners to finish the season. He averaged 17.8ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 72.9% and won some games for Frankfurt with his individual class. One has to wonder if the Skyliners would have made the playoffs with his services. They surely would have had a good chance winning some of the close games they lost in the last month. It wasn´t a classy move from him to go, but basketball is a business and sometimes a club will get the short end of the rod. The Skyliners surely learned from this experience as did LeDee. It will be interesting to see how LeDee´s career continues. He may have gotten the big bucks in the far east now, but will surely be back in Europe again soon to display his versatile game.