Pic credit: Zink

Brandton Chadfield is a 24 year old 208cm forward from Washington playing his rookie season for Pro A team Nurnberg Falcons. He began his basketball career at Clarkston High School and then played 7 games at Washington State. He then played 3 years at Seattle University (NCAA) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 7.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 87.0%and 9.3ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 67.1%. He finished his NCAA career at Iowa State University playing 35 games averaging 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Brandton for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season with German Pro A team Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
It has been a great experience so far, my wife has moved over here with me so that has definitely helped me a lot. My teammates and coaches have made the transition much easier. I have really enjoyed all the amazing places I’ve been able to see already, as well as the welcoming environment the fans have given me.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
One wake up call was going to the supermarket for the first time, and not recognizing much of the things I am used to back home, as well as trying to learn Deutsch to be able to read items at the grocery store. On the basketball side of things, I think it was one of our first preseason games at Crailsheim, I expected the game to maybe have a few fans, mostly family and friends of each team. But when it just kept getting more and more full, I realized that it was much different than America. But I had a really good time and enjoyed playing once some of the butterflies went away.

Nurnberg has had a roller coaster season so far winning the first 2, then losing 4 and then a 4 game winning streak. How can you explain the early season play as of now?
We had a very strong pre-season and I feel like that carried into the beginning of the season. But after those first two games we began struggling defensively, and we weren’t functioning as well as we could have been, as seen in the preseason. We have put some hard work and dedication into our defensive fundamentals, clearing up how we want to defend certain actions, and this has helped us succeed.

The team has been playing good basketball as of late and won 2 nail bitters. What strides have you seen the team make in the last weeks?
With the improvements we’ve been making on the defensive end it has allowed us to get more in transition and get out and run the ball. This helps the team become more confident on the offensive end, and allows us to have more flow through our offense.

Your averaging 13/87stats. You have needed no adjustment period. What has been your secret to the success?
I did a lot of work over this past summer working on my offensive game with a former overseas pro big man who played in Japan. This really helped me gain the confidence to score the ball more, And the preseason helped me find where I fit within the team, and helped define what my role was going to be this year.

How key have German guys Julius Wolf and Lars Lagerpusch been for you? Have they been like mentors in the early going? What have you soaked up most from him so far?
Both Wolf and Lagerpusch have helped me a lot, in terms of understanding the way European basketball is played and helped to adapt my game to the different play style. They both give me tons of tips all the time, that I try and implement right away to improve my game.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description.
If I had to compare my game to an NBA player, I believe that Brook Lopez would best fit the description, I really like the way he plays, for example getting to the boards, being able to battle inside, but also not afraid to go out and shoot the 3.

You’re a versatile forward. Would you describe yourself as a modern day big man. What are your biggest strengths on the court?
I would describe myself as a modern day big man, but I feel as if one of my main ways of scoring the ball is with my back to the basket, as well as offensive rebounding. And I take a lot of pride on my defensive capabilities, whether it is guarding the ball screen or switching onto a smaller player.

Your three pointer has been up and down the last years but currently shooting 57%. Your shot selection has been very good. What goals do you have with your shooting this season?
My goals for shooting this season are to be confident in my 3 point shot and take good ones when they are available. I try my best to work for a good position inside, but if the shot is not there, I don’t want to force up any bad shots inside, even if they may have the chance, I would rather pass the ball to an open teammate and get the best possible position for an offensive rebound.

How would you describe your defensive game now? What kind of a defender are you now and what Kind of defender do you still want to become?
I am strong and physical player by nature, and I use that to my advantage on both ends of the floor, I can guard smaller players, but I want to continue to improve so I can guard 1-5, if I am needed too. I want to continue to work on my speed and quickness, and I want to be able to play tight to whoever I’m guarding, and be able to dictate where I want them to go.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
The areas that I am working on most are my 3 point shot, ball handling, and working on my driving game. As I feel as though all three can help expand my game, and be an asset to the team and having a big man that can do those things will help spread the court, and provide more scoring options.

You began your college career at Washington State University (NCAA) and was there from 2019-2021, but played only 7 games. How tough were these 2 years for you. Could you sample any positives from these years?
It was tough not playing but I was surrounded by a lot of great people that wanted to see me succeed, older teammates, the strength coach, and basketball coaches. They helped to push me to gain more weight, put on more muscle, and work extremely hard to become better. I am extremely thankful for my time at Washington State.
You were teammates for 2 seasons with DJ Rodman. What was it like being teammates with him? Did he ever tell any Dennis Rodman stories?
DJ Rodman is a great teammate and friend, he and Ryan Rapp were my best friends, and roommates, while going to school at Washington State. They saw potential in me and helped to push me to work hard, they are both extremely skilled players, and being able to go to the gym with them and see how they worked on their game helped me a lot.

You then moved to Seattle University (NCAA) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 7.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 87.0% and 9.3ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 67.1%. How big was making this decision to go there? How did your game grow in those 3 years?
The decision to transfer to Seattle was a big one, it was hard leaving everything at Washington State, but everyone around me knew it was the best decision as I would be earning a scholarship there and getting some real minutes playing. It helped me gain a lot of confidence and found out who I was as a player, and how I would be able to score the ball and help my team. I appreciate the entire staff at Seattle for my development, both past and present.

How valuable was head coach Chris Victor for your development? What was the most important thing that you could learn from his coaching?
The entire coaching staff was amazing at Seattle from my first to last year there. All of the knowledge they instilled in me is invaluable. The most important thing I could learn from their coaching was that I need to work my best to be an everyday guy. Of course you will have your good and bad games, but doing your best to be consistent both in practice and in games can help your team and teammates in a lot of different ways.

You won the CBI title in 2024 beating High Point. How much did you cherish this title? What memories do you have of it?
I cherish this title a lot, it was the first championship, outside of regionals, that I had won in my basketball career. The team and I worked hard to get there, and we showed up everyday in that post season, as our mindset was to win the whole thing from the beginning. My most vivid memory was coming to the top of the key, catching and shooting the three, it may not have been the best choice in that moment giving the situation of the game, and I hadn’t had as great of shooting year as the previous year, but it went in, and helped give us a boost to finish the championship game strong.

You then added a season with Iowa State University (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg. You averaged 13 minutes per game and reached the NCAA tournament. What positives could you take from this season
The positives I can take from my last season with Iowa State, are that even though I had built confidence when at Seattle, I was able to gain more and understand that I belong at a high level of basketball. I appreciate Coach TJ and the entire staff at Iowa State for believing in me and giving me the amazing opportunity to play in an amazing program, at the highest levels of college basketball.

You played against all the top school beating Arizona and Arizona State and others. What was your fondest experience on the court?
My fondest experience on the court would have to probably be in the moments when we would get a stop through strong defense, either by forcing a turnover, or forcing a bad pass that would go out of bounds. After this I would be able to celebrate for a couple of seconds with my teammate, while the crowd would be cheering like crazy in Hilton Coliseum.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dishon Jackson?
It just depended on the day, he’s a great player and we both had times where we won 1v1s in practice.

You played against many great players in the NCAA, but who was the toughest battle that is in the NBA now?
I have had a lot of tough battles, its hard to put my finger on just one player.

Please name your best teammates of all-time?
I have had many great teammates throughout the years. One of them is Kobe Williamson. He is playing in Australia’s NBL. He was my roommate and best friend for the three years I was at Seattle. Although we played the same position, he always pushed me everyday to become my best self.

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you?
For all time, I would probably have to choose Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and it is tied for the last spot between Larry Bird and Stephen Curry.

Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
I have, I didn’t think it was too bad, but nothing can beat the original movie!

Thanks Brandton for the chat.

Joe Asberry and Dami Ade-Eri in Quackenbruck

pic credit: Angel King Media

In general people in Germany may not know it, but Joe Asberry is a guy that has been extra instrumental in the paths of many young players find their way early when odds may have been against them. He is an ex pro 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. He has done so much since his playing days like being that vital spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, being a guest speaker, a master of ceremonies at UBC Hannover, worked with Alba Berlin and currently in his second year with the Artland Dragons organization coaching girls U-14 and U-16 and boys U-18. And not to forget been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball. There aren´t many Americans overseas that don´t know him. 2 players that he helped find their way were Kevin Yebo and Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri (193-SF-2002) simply known as Dami to his friends. Kevin Yebo has had a Cinderella story having began in the Regionalliga and really climbed the ranks in the Pro A and easyCredit BBL before finally reaching the Euroleague with FC Bayern Munich years later. “I discovered Kevin Yebo in Tannenbusch the roughest hood in Bonn. A big shout out to coach Danny Stallbohm in Limburg who gave him his first chance. I don´t need the credit. Kevin did all the work”, stated Joe Asberry. He met Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri and has guided him as well the last years. After moving up with Koblenz from the Pro B to Pro A, he mostly sat in the Pro A, but this season has found a new home in Speyer in the Pro B having taken a step back to recharge his career again. “I told Dami that coach Joe is going to let you play free and wild for 40 minutes. Your going to average 30,0ppg and 15,0rpg and we will win like I did back in the day. He listened and that´s exactly what he did at Tura Braunschweig”, stressed Joe Asberry. “My mentor definitely was and still is to this day Coach Joe Asberry. I’ve known him for years now and he was actually the one bringing me to Braunschweig. He really mentored me in good and bad days. It was an awesome feeling averaging 30,0ppg. Coach Joe really is great at making players play confident and comfortable. He made me play freely as long as I grab every board and dunk on people. Ade-Eri is a player that likes to do the dirty work on the court and credits Joe Asberry for being his mentor.

Joe Asberry with Kevin Yebo in Berlin

Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri who names German world champion Dennis Schroeder as being his toughest opponent ever on the court was born on August 18th, 2002 in Berlin Schoeneberg and grew up there. He played youth basketball with the Junior Loewen Braunschweig (NBBL) during Covid. This was such a tough time for players with missed seasons and less training opportunites, but he actually found positives out of it. “In my opinion, Covid was actually good for my career. Covid was a time of me grinding daily in the gym and working on weaknesses with Coach Liviu Calin and Nico Dilukila, stated Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. At the same time, he always got his feet wet playing with and against men with SG Braunschweig in the Regionalliga but only averaged 7,8 minutes. “It was actually a good experience. It was actually my first glimpse of more organized Basketball and made me hungry for more”, remembered Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. In this time, he also was able to practice with another young with Sananda Fru who reached the easyCredit BBL. I had some battles with Sananda Fru. We actually spend every summer together with some other friends and train together. I´m really happy for where he has gotten”, commented Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri.

pic credit: Angel King Media

The ex Braunschweig player who lists Raphael Ejimophor, Sananda Fru, Olivier Borgol, Dominique Johnson and Moses Pölking as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made the next step in his basketball career and went to the EPG Baskets Koblenz. In his first season he helped the club win the Pro B title and move up to the Pro A. He played a total of 53 games in 3 seasons and it may not seem like he played much, but his minutes rose every year. Did he get a fair chance there? “I played more every year. We really had a strong roster every year. I just used every chance I got and battled every minute. But I don’t think I could really put my abilities to prove, so that’s what I’m trying to do right now”, warned Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. His minutes rose from 3,9 to 5,8 to 12,4 each season. “I’d say my Basketball IQ grew the most in those three years. I’ve learned to understand Basketball at a high pace and make the right play at the right time”, stressed Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. He had some good scoring games last season against Munster and Crailsheim. “I remember those games, because they proved I was able to play on that level. My fondest moment was the pass from Moses Pölking in the post to me cutting through the middle and going up for the dunk. Beautiful feeling, the whole arena was hyped”, remembered Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. He was more than blessed having great teammates each season who all impacted him in his years of development there. “I’m really grateful for having many experienced teammates on the team. I’d say Dominique Johnson aka DJ really was the one impacting me the most. He really shared all of his knowledge with me, inspired me to play with confidence and believed in me. Don’t get it twisted, he really showed me tough love at times but was a great teammate for real”, said Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri.

pic credit: Angel King Media

This season the ex Koblenz German who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson,Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Detlef Schrempf on his personal NBA and German Mount Rushmore has a new challenge in the Pro B with the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer. “I actually like it here. It’s a small city and a quite familiar club. Good Organization and friendly people all around”, smiled Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. Last weekend he played the most minutes in his pro career with 36 in Frankfurt. Was this the best basketball decision in his life going to Speyer? “Winning the Pro B title in Koblenz was definitely a wonderful experience. And playing pro A has definitely helped me gain a lot of insight and experience in high level professional Basketball. Coming to Speyer I was expecting it to be an opportunity for me to have an important role with more responsibility for a club. The aim is to achieve the best possible outcome. It’s very nice playing more minutes, I’m really enjoying playing ball free and finally being able to use what if learned and trained for the past years So far, I don’t regret the decision”, stressed Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. He is more than blessed to have a great coach like Carl Mbassa who has noticed his qualities and given him minutes. “My relationship with Coach Carl is close. He always expects me to be aggressive and always inspires me to play as physical as possible”, added Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. He also has been very fortunate having another type of mentor figure with Speyer legend DJ Woodmore and battling against top pro B defender Dennis Diala on a daily basis. “DJ and I grew quite close over the season, we have dinner every other evening or just chill. It’s more like a friendship in which he’s just the older experienced friend that just motivates you and shares his knowledge. Dennis and I are actually good friends, but on the floor its straight business. We go at it daily in practice and exchange buckets. It’s good to have some kind of 1 to 1 rivalry, it just keeps you challenged at all times. No bad blood beside the court at all though”, stressed Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri

picc redit: Angel King Media

So what kind of a player is Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri in 2026 who names Michael Jordan as his GOAT? If one inspects his game, you would see a little Jonathan Kuminga in his game. “He is a little taller than me but I’d say I got a similar playing style,I run the transition and know how to finish well around the rim with dunks or athletic finishes. He goes for boards and is a good defender”, said Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. With Speyer he has that special role that will definitely help his entire game. “My Role in Speyer is definitely to be an allrounder and bring energy. Going for every board, defending the best man, being aggressive to the rim and hyping up the team and fans with some dunks of course”, smiled Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. Especially those guys that battle in the trenches are the most respected. “My strength really is running in transition and doing all the dirty work, putting my body on the line and going for every board. I attack close outs and play good off ball, for example with backdoor cuts”, stated Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. But there is one area with his game where he knows if he can improve that, then some more doors may be opened in his future. “I constantly work on my shot, taking extra reps and staying consistent in the gym. Right now, I try to find ways to still create the best shot for the team but working on my shot is daily work at the moment. I’ve been hitting more shots the last games but I still have a lot to work on my shot”, added Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. What goals does the young German still have with his game? “I think the sky is the limit. I really think I can reach high levels, I just need to keep hustling and believing. I know Jesus got me”, commented Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. It will be interesting to see where the journey will go in the next years for Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. One thing is for sure Joe Asberry will always give him advice and the words “sky is the limit” will always come from his mouth.

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

You have had a long career and played in 7 countries for 12 teams. What has been the biggest challenge for you being a basketball globetrotter?

I think the biggest challenge is that every day, every practice and game you need to prove something to yourself and to others. Just that you are professional and how good you are. That’s the other side of professional sport, it’s never guaranteed one bad year can put you down mentally and physically, but also one good season can move you up. So staying professional is the biggest challenge. Every country have some differences to other countries, so staying professional will help you adjust to every system, coach, country.

On your Instagram you have an interesting headline with “there is a hell, believe me I have seen it”. Of course all players overseas go through lows, but you have played professionally for more than a decade. Your life couldn´t have been that bad or?

Well that’s a quote that have a deep meaning for me. Me coming from a small country such as Montenegro and growing up there in really tough ‘90 and early 2000’s was not simple as it looks. I never thought that basketball will take me anywhere, and when you look now it’s been quite a journey. There you meet a lot of people good and bad, you go through lot of situations. Like I mentioned ups and down. So every time I have some “bad times” I just think about quote and keep pushing try to make best out of it. One year you play good and your in a good team and organization, next maybe not so. And you always try to stay professional and keep pushing. Basketball was always “safe place” and in every situation in life or profession career once you on court that’s where I enjoyed it. Even if I have issues with life, career, friends, relationships. There was always court. I think that’s what make me play in good and bad situation. I just have love for the game.

You began your career with BC Buducnost Podgorica playing in their youth. What memories do you have of that time? Did you have a mentor in those days?

Yes Buducnost was always big part of my career. I been with the youth-yes but that was first time I saw how professional basketball looks like. We were sometimes also joined with the A team, and that’s where we could learn. About professional approach, about how serious practices are, how to recover, eat, and sleep. It was again an experience that later helped me to carry myself. At that time Buducnost had one of best teams players like Marko Simonovic, Sead Sehovic, Nemanja Milosevic, Vladimir Dragicevic, Bojan Dubljevic, Vladimir Mihailovic. I don´t want to skip somebody, and just seeing how serious they were made you know and learn about professionalism which was amazing foundation for me. Also from youth there are few guys still playing and once we meet on or off the court we still talk about that and we really have true friendships untill today.

You then left your homeland and played with Ferrol CB (Spain-EBA) averaging 4.5ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 61.5%. What memories do you have of that season? You were teammates with many Spanish guys. What was your wake up call to being in Spain for first time where you knew that you were far away from home?

Yes. At that time there were not many players from our country in Spain. And it was new to me. Everything. Language, basketball, culture, their look on basketball. That was my first year of being there and we had a great system where we practiced basically 3x a day. It was more of developing than actually trying to focus on winning championship. And it was great. We were a young team, at that time our oldest player was 23 years old so we were really young. We had players from all over the world, Brazil, Cameroon,Chad, USA. It was a mix and that made it perfect. We were all with same goal there. Try to improve and find our place in the basketball world.

You then went to Germany playing with the Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-Bezirksliga) who were in a very low league. I remember reporting about this organization a few years later. Was money a big reason for playing in a low league? I remember that club having lots of money then and being able to sign guys from other countries.

Yeah next destination Germany. And your right about that. That team was in a lower league but as you know our economy was great. At that time my agent told me about situation and how they have economy and will to move up, so I thought it’s good opportunity for someone young like me at that time, where I can move around easy. Germany was a nice country really, money was on time, everything was by rules. And for some of time I enjoyed it. But also being that young and having some extra money sometimes it’s not really good. Because I didn’t have life outside of court. The city I live was pretty small, and there was not much to do of court. I was getting home sick, especially I came from Spain playing year before that and their culture is very social and they hung a lot on and off court, late night outs, parties and when your young you need that stuff. Unfortunately all my teammates were married family guys or they had their other friends and I felt alone there. That’s why I couldn’t stay there long, so I decide to move. At this age I think that situation will suit me perfectly but when I was young with this mindset, it was not good to me.

In the 2015-2016 season you returned to Spain and played with Club Basquet Cantaires Tortosa. I believe they played lower than EBA. What positives do you remember getting from that experience?

Yes Tortosa were great memories till this day. I think maybe I’m wrong but that was the first year they moved to EBA actually. But anyways it was amazing. Again I was trying to find anything in Spain, I moved in middle of season from Germany. As young as I was, I thought that Spain was best for me with great basketball and off court balance. So I took it. I went there and really enjoyed playing. Later in years when I didn’t play for a team, I came back to city and visited and people still remembered me and how much they loved me there and I was really happy about it. The season was full of ups and downs, but again meet some great players like for example Jaime Sorolla who was member of NT Spain later for FIBA windows and Girona Basquet, and had some great memories from that period.

You then played your first season in Italy with Valentino Basket Castellaneta (Italy-Serie C Silver) averaging 17.0ppg. You were the only real big man on that team. What memories do you have of that league? Many guys start there in the Serie C to help move up to higher leagues. Was that a stepping stone league for you?

Yes Italy is amazing. I was in Italy before that, before Spain actually right after Buducnost been there with PMS Basket (now I think they go by name Fiat Torino Basket) and spent there most of my youth. Then coming back let’s say in Italy was great. I had a contact with GM and President who wanted to sign me for a few seasons before that actually, but again I was looking for something new and wanted to prove myself so our path didn’t cross until that season. Castellaneta was a small city but with great fans and great love and passion for basketball. Till this day I think. We also started rough and we had few losses at the start, but then we found chemistry and we played great. Coach was really great to me as only big, and he was actually one making me using other stuff. Running, passing, dribbling. He didn’t want me to be stuck only as big. And it was a great season at the end. Fans there were amazing until this day they follow my journey, sending messages of support and have some best friends that I met here. It was really a great experience with people and organization.

You then discovered another new country playing with Futebol Clube Barreirense (Portugal-LPB) playing 28 games averaging 10.4ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 66.3%. How important was this season for your career? You had solid games and against top teams FC Porto and Benefica. Was this your breakthrough season in Europe?

Yes. After good season in Italy I got call from Portugal. First division. It was really great basketball experience. We had a good coach but unfortunately the organization and us as a team were not ready for that extra step. And that’s why after that season the team stepped down from league. For me personally it was a great season, where I matured a lot and proved to myself that I could play well. The Team was looking bad because we didn’t have team chemistry. We had groups local players stick to them self, American players stick to them self and there was me in between haha. So that was tough, although I learned Portuguese finding the balance between team was super hard. Portugal at that time had 3-4 good teams, and Porto and Benfica led that group. I had a chance to play against some really good bigs like Sasa Borovnjak from FC Porto or Miguel Quieroz. And other sfrom Benfica such as Claudio Fonseca. The experience playing against guys such as them was really amazing. Also I lived in Lisboa, one of the nicest cities in Europe which was quite an experience. It was nice weather whole year and good food.

In the 2018-2019 season you returned back to Spain and played with Units Pel Basquet Gandia (Spain-EBA) averaging 8.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2FGP: 64.5%, 3FGP: 66.7%, FT: 57.1%, in Jan.’19 moved to CB Miraflores Burgos (Spain-EBA). What memories do you have of that season. You bounced around. You went from the first Portugal division back to fourth division Spain. What did you learn from this season?

Yes. Spain at that time was always “safe place” for me. Since I spent a lot of years playing there, I always returned there. It was “home far from home” to me. After everything that happened with team in Portugal I was waiting for a new club but unfortunately I couldn’t find anything that I felt was good to me. I wanted to have bigger role and become leader and at that time I couldn’t find that which will suit me. I had contact with agent that mentioned me to Gandia. The club had a big tradition in basketball, great gym, great city, amazing organization and people that support basketball. I spoke to coach Rubio, who is till this day one of really good friends to me that I can call for advice or anything related to life and basketball and I decided to sign. They had a project of us moving to Plata league and I went there. The team was amazing, great mix of both older guys and young guys, older in need to mention is Shay Miller who was at that time having 44 years still playing, and playing good. That was a really pure example of a true professional. We played really good and quick we become favourites for winning it all. But at half of season, I got call from Burgos, offering me to be 2way basically. Be signed in EBA but be full time with Burgos ACB team at that time, and try to earn my minutes maybe there. It was huge for me trying to be on roster of ACB team and maybe be able to compete against some of best players in Europe. So I took it. Unfortunately the roster was full of bigs, coach Epi (Diego Epifanio) really loved me and trusted me on ACB team but we had 5-6 bigs and we all wanted to play, with me having less experience in that set. Some names I will mention is Augusto Lima, Javi Vega, Goran Huskic, Dominique Sutton. Then my secondary position as 4 was tough as well. Vlatko Cancar and German Paul Zipser came from the Chicago Bulls, so team was pretty tough. But again those 6 months with such a professionals and talents helped me later in career and even till today.

You then played 2 seasons with top Danish club Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg and 5.0ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 50.8%, FT: 56.5%. In your second season you lost in the playoffs to Svendborg. In 3 of the 4 regular season games the games had been very close and in the playoffs as well. How much fun was it battling that team that season?

Denmark was place that I have in great memory. Not such results, since we didn’t win trophies. After a Burgos half season I had offer from them again. To be 2 way and get my minutes but now in little better position, starting there from beginning I didn’t like it because I knew I could play against all those guys and compete, also I was more mature to be in that position and I was looking somewhere where I will be one of main players and that’s how Denmark showed on map. I knew coach there who was an amazing coach and one of best friends I have Arnel Dedic. I knew his ideas and style and I decided to join. First year was more of getting things in order new coach for club, new players, and in the second season we played good. We reached playoff and lost close. It was a great series and we almost beat them in first game away, but unfortunately we lost in last few seconds. I think that “broke us” because we were so close and we knew if we get that one later with home court advantage we can go to semis and later maybe finals. I would continue there but unfortunately coach Arnel became head coach of Danish national team, and in Denmark there is rule that you can’t coach clubs if you are NT coach. So club brought new coach and players and we split ways.

You then returned back home in 2021-2022 and played with KK Lovcen Cetinje (Erste Liga). There you played with 2guys I have covered in Germany with Elijah Clarence and Isaiah Washington. The first could dunk with the best of them and the second is the master of trick shots. How do you remember these 2 dudes?

Yeah, after “corona season” and all bubble, lock downs, flight cancellations.. etc, I decided to say for a season until everything got back to normal, let’s say, because I was far from them never knowing when borders can close and maybe I couldn´t see them for long period of time, which happen to me while I was in Denmark. I signed with Lovcen, club playing in ABA 2 and Montenegrin league at that time. It was a great team and roster as you mentioned with Elijah that I’m still friends with and we see each other when he is back in Sweden now and famous Jelly, Isaiah. Another great experience and see how basketball work is small and connect people. Me and Elijah were really close because I had some Danish experience so I understand the mentality of Scandinavia and obviously he being Swedish make us hang a lot. Jelly was also a great friend till this day, kids and youth love him and he was really a fun guy. On court he was really mature- that was his first pro season but he carried himself like if it was his 10th season. Really good player and I knew he will do good. Elijah is one of best athletes I’ve ever seen. The explosiveness he got is unmeasured. I loved playing with him, he is hard working and 24/7 in basketball so I like that mindset. Unfortunately team was struggling with economy afterwards so we all basically left because of those problems.

You then played parts of 2 seasons with KFUM Fryshuset Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 9.7ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 50.8%, FT: 54.9% and 16.7ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 67.4%. How did you like Sweden. You were able to be a real scoring and rebounding force.

Sweden, after turbulent season with Lovcen, and economic part, I decide to move to Sweden. Knowing how it was in Denmark and also talking with Elijah about Sweden during our time in Lovcen I decided to move there. First stop Fryshuset. Good league imports that are really good or experienced and Swedens best players it’s really mix of both. Fryshuset was struggling at that time which was stuck between going fully professional and just get all professional guys, or also give a chance to young guys that are coming up. Then losing some games started and imports left, some important guys left and I was only one. I played good, kept being professional as I can and had solid numbers there.

You finished the 2023-2024 season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Superettan) and now are in your third season. This is the longest that you have been with one club. Has KFUM Kalmar become like a second home to you?

Yes after a Fryshuset I got signed with Kalmar. And as you mentioned this is my third season with them. Good play in Fryshuset recommended me to Kalmar and they offered me great contract. They make me feel like home. People around club are amazing people in city as well. They all appreciate me and what I do for club and that’s why every season I’m more and more motivated to play better and be better. Kalmar also slowly talking about my plans for future and they want to help me follow my dream and study to become coach after career so I hope I can achieve that and after finish playing and still be part of the game. I had interviews here and say that me staying here is some kind of me paying back for people who pushed me and help me to be and become better player and person. And people here really do that.

Last season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Superettan) you exploded averaging (23.0), RPG-2 (12.5), 2.6apg, FGP: 65.2%, FT: 57.2%. You were a big time player. Did you always know that you could be a player like this?

Last season I did good. Again I felt like people believed in me and they showed it. They kept pushing me and that makes everything easier. Then I shifted my focus on game and stats get better. I always believed in my work ethic and everything I just needed that trust and push which today unfortunately is hard to be found, but Kalmar as club really makes me feel that way now and I try to return it as best I can.

You had unbelievable games last season netting 41 points once, getting 21 rebounds in another game and then having a crazy 38/24 game. How has your game grown in Sweden since your arrival in Jan 24?

Yes, since I arrived I needed time. Although I´m professional and all but I needed time to adjust. Players and stuff in Kalmar help me that all be quick and accepting me like I’m there from day one. Then I focus on basketball and team and points like those games you mentioned just come. I always try to put hard work and see how far it will get me.

You picked up your game this season averaging 26/14 stats. Unfortunately the team is 0-7. What goals do you still have at age 33? How tough is it winning that first pro title when you lose like that?

After last season I spoke to team manager and as I mentioned, they wanted to “reset and start with young prospects. They were all aware that there will be loses at the start and it will be tough, physically and mentally, because it’s not nice losing but I believe in project. Yes, I am 33 but I still feel good. I still enjoy every minute on court. I had offers from other team from Sweden and other countries but I decided to stay here. I believe in them like they believe in me, but you never know. I’m open for everything but now I really enjoy playing here. It’s tough knowing the tittle seems so far but I will still work hard. Try to motivate others to work and believe. And most of all enjoy and love basketball. Right now those plans are here in Kalmar but you never know what future can bring. I will play basketball as long as I have that “spark” and desire for every practice and every game. Maybe till I’m 50 hahah and if my body keeps me going.

Who was the best player that you ever played against in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

One of best players I got chance to meet, and one of players that I really admire was Stefano Mancinelli. One of best players that I shared the court with was Bogdan Bogdanovic. Captain of Serbia NT and Clippers guard. We played against each other as youthes in a lot tournaments and every time I got late on pick as I big men I got that 3 over me or 1×1 iso 3.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Good one. Let’s say position 5, probably I go with Bojan Dubljevic ex Valencia Basket, position 4- Vlatko Cancar ex Denver Nuggets and Olimpia Milano, 3 I will put Elijah although he not 3 but in my set up he will be, 2 I would go for Victor Benite shooter from Burgos and at 1 I would put, I need to put two guys Isaiah Jelly Washington and Jahmal Jones, spent with him 2 years in Denmark and 1 in Sweden.

Please list your NBA and Montenegro Mount Rushmore of 5 best players for you?

NBA BEST for me :

PG: Steph Curry
SG: Drazen Petrovic
SF: LeBron James
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Shaquille O’Neal

And Montenegro

PG: Goran Jeretin
SG: Suad Sehovic
SF: Vladimir Dasic
PF: Nikola Vucevic
C: Nikola Pekovic

Who is your GOAT?

My goat uh that’s tough one. I belong to that generation when I started Jordan was best, but then LeBron showed up. But of course Kobe was there. So it’s pretty tough, but if I need to pick one then I would say Michael Jordan.

Thanks Mikki for the chat.

Marley Jean-Louis (188-SG-1994) is a 32 year old 188cm guard that is playing his 14th professional season and first with DBV Charlottenburg (Regionalliga). He began his career in the Alba Berlin organization and then played for clubs like Munster, EN Baskets Schwelm, FC Schalke 04, EPG Baskets Koblenz, ScanPlus Baskets Elchingen, Rhein Stars, BG 2000 Berlin, and BSW Sixers Sandersdorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 52 points in a Regionalliga game.

Congrats Marley on scoring 52 points in a crazy 148-21 win over Buchorn Bau. You won by 177 points. How crazy is that?

Thank you Miles, I appreciate the Interview. That was definitely a crazy experience that I was not expecting starting the day. I think that was the biggest win I ever had.

You scored an incredible 52 points. They only dressed 6 players. Do you feel like that helped your quest for 52 points?

To be Honest it definitely helped with more guys or all their better players they would’ve had a bigger rotation and could’ve guarded more physical and better.

Not many pro players no matter what league score 50 or more points in a game. You did it in 27 minutes. That is super efficient. What does this feat mean to you?

It’s nice, I’m happy that I was able to keep my focus high during that game and had the trust from my teammates and my coaches. It’s good that I was finally able to give our commentator Arne his birthday present. He was asking for a 40 piece and I was able to give him even more.

Did you have a special breakfast in the morning or do something out of the ordinary that may have helped your game go off for 52 points?

It was actually a kind of busy day for me we had shootaround after that I worked out a kid because I’m also an individual Skills Coach. So I didn’t really spend that much time at home and was kind of stressed about it.

How did you feel going into the game? You had been averaging over 20,0ppg in the last 5 games? Did it feel different than other games once you started hitting shots?

I was surprised that they just showed up with 6 people and our coach was mad because of it. Rightfully so of course. He kept our head straights for the game and motivated to go out and make a statement so I was just trying to stay locked in and don’t let the appearance from the other team affect me.

How quickly did you know that you may have a great scoring game in the first half?

After I was hitting a couple of 3s in a short time. That was the moment where I thought to myself let’s see what’s type of day it’s going be for me today.

The team had an incredible 43 team assists. How thankful are you for your teammates always finding you again time in and time out?

Without my teammates it would not been possible. I did disappoint some of them in the last games when I missed some open looks. So it was my way to apologize.

You hit 12 three´s. How does that make you feel that the greatest three point shooter of all-time Steph Curry only hit 1 three more in a game in his life?

To be honest I was not really thinking about it. Now that I know I’m kind of mad because I definitely would’ve tried to hit 2 more to break his record.

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

No not really. But after I made the 3 for 50 points everybody was cheering and in the timeout Dilim told me from The stands that I had 50.

What was your favorite own basket of the game?

That´s a good questions probably during that game always the next one.

Did you get any unique congrats via phone or social media after the game?

No not unique. But I appreciate Adam our Marketing for uploading the video of every bucket of mine. It got a lot of love on Instagram.

Did you have to get donuts for the team? Hahaha no luckily not.

I already got the team 3 or 4 donuts this season.

Thanks Marley for the chat.

Geraldo Lane (196-G-2002, college: FHU) is a 23 year old 196cm guard from Alabama that played his rookie season with Piratebi (Georgia-A League) averaging 21/8/2 stats. He played at NAIA school Freed-Hardeman University. He played there from 2021-2025 and was very consistent averaging 9.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 66.7% as a freshman.8,7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 79.7% in his second season, 10.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 67.0%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 71.5% in his junior year and as a senior averaged 9.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 83.0%. He began his basketball career at Columbia High School. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

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

Thank you for having me! Right now I am home in Huntsville, AL and basketball has been treating me really well this summer. I’ve won a summer league championship here that included a lot of professional and high level players and I played really well averaging over 20 ppg so I’ve been enjoying everything so far.

You recently finished at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA). The summer is winding down and your still unsigned to start your pro career. How demanding and tough has the grind been for you this summer?

It’s been an extremely tough summer both mentally and physically. It’s hard still being unsigned and not knowing where my professional career is going to start but that hasn’t stopped me from working hard and improving my game on a daily basis. I’ve been doing multiple workouts a day on the court and lifting everyday so that when my phone rings I’m ready to go make an impact immediately.

I cover basketball in Germany and there are some guys from your school that have played successfully in Germany with Bryan Battle and Grant Teichmann. Does just that give you hope that you might land in Germany?

Yes it definitely gives me hope that I could end up in Germany! Those are two great and successful players and I would love to follow in their footsteps. Germany is great place with some competitive basketball and I would love the opportunity to play in a country like that.

It is no secret that one doesn´t see many NAIA guys balling overseas, but it does happen. Do you have a special chip on your shoulder coming form an NAIA school?

Absolutely! I hear and read all the talk about NAIA not being good enough and it only makes me go harder. I always play with a chip on my shoulder but coming from an NAIA makes me want to play 10x harder at the next level to prove to people that there is some real talent at the NAIA level.

There has been interest for your services in Australia. How exciting would it be for you to play in Europe this season?

It would be very exciting to play in Europe this season! Everyone knows Europe has some of the most competitive basketball in the world so it would be great if I could play there this season. I love competition and it showed in college where we played the #1 toughest schedule in the country, and still went 30-6 and made it to the final four. I am a big fan of playing against good competition so I would like to keep that going by playing against some good competition in Europe.

You do have 1 advantage over many guys. You won 3 MSC titles. Winning just 1 title at the college level is a reach for guys. Were you always a winner or was that developed at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA)?

I have always been a winner! I won a lot in high school as well but it’s because I am a team first player that prioritizes winning over everything. We had some great teams at Freed-Hardeman and I was a key player in us winning by doing what the team needed most from me every night. Whether it was to score the most points, lock down the other team’s best player, or grab 10+ rebounds, it didn’t matter. I am the type of player to do whatever it takes for us to win.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player whold best fit the description?

I would compare my game to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander! We are the same size and I love getting downhill and getting to my mid range game like he does. I also use my body to bump defenders a lot to get my shot off just like Shai. When it comes to 3 point shooting, I am a good enough shooter to where defenders still have to respect me, and I can make them pay for backing up too far if they choose to do so. I am also like Shai because I am a great leader. I was team captain of Freed-Hardeman in all of our championship years, including the year we won the NAIA National Championship.

You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well. What would you say is your biggest strength on the offensive end?

My biggest strength offensively is my athleticism! I love going up, dunking the ball and finishing strong at the rim. I also use my athleticism to get by defenders on the perimeter and rise up over them to shoot the mid range shot. My athleticism is my biggest strength because not only am I a high flyer, I am quick and I have good footwork to make any play on the court that is required of me.

You don´t take many three´s. You shot more three´s in your first 2 NAIA seasons then in your last 2. However you shot the ball better in your last 2 seasons shooting 37% and 43%. How vital is it for your game to implement your three more into your game?

It will be super important to include the 3 point shot more in my game. I didn’t shoot many threes because we had a ton of 3 point shooters so coach asked me to be the guy that gets downhill and causes problems at the rim, and like I mentioned before I will do whatever it takes for us to win because I prioritize winning over everything. However, even with me not shooting a lot of them, I still proved to be effective shooting the three by shooting a really good percentage in my last two years.

How would you describe your defensive game? You averaged a steal and block in your last season. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I would consider myself an elite lockdown defender! Since my freshman year at Freed-Hardeman, I was always the guy that guarded the other team’s best player. I have a history of locking up some of the best players in the country, and I take pride in what I have to do. However, I want to become the type of defender that shows up on the stat sheet a lot more. I want to be more active with my hands to get more steals and blocks on the defensive end. I believe that is the next step for me on the defensive end.

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

I have been working on my 3 point shot a lot this summer. I want to be a true three level threat for any team that decides to sign me. This is an important area of my game because the ability to be a three level scorer will open up opportunities for my teammates as well so we can have a dynamic offensive attack.

You played at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA) winning 3 MSC titles from 2023-2025. Which title was the sweetest?

The first one will always be sweetest. We were playing NAIA powerhouse Georgetown College in the championship game and we were down 20 points at halftime. We used a big second half on both ends to claw back and have a 1 point lead with 1 second left. Georgetown tried throwing a lob up to the rim and I smacked the ball out of the air and we won the game! Everyone stormed the court including our fans as we celebrated a miraculous comeback championship win.

What do you remember from your NAIA run in 2024 where you won the title. You had a nerve wracking 1 point win against Masters early on and then beat Langston 71-67 in the final.

There were a lot of key moments that I’ll forever remember, but the main one is the comeback in the National Championship game versus Langston. We were down 6 with a minute left and we came back and won by 4. I played a big part in the comeback, getting a steal then an and 1 finish at the rim to cut the lead to 1 point. I also got the game saving block on the other team’s best player which led to a fast break layup for us to seal the win and the championship.

How tough was it not repeating as NAIA champion in 2025? You reached the final 4 losing to OKWU. What will you never forget from your last college game?

It was definitely tough because once you reach the mountaintop, you would like to stay there especially with it being my last year. But overall, we had a great season going 30-6 and winning our third straight MSC title. It would’ve been great to end off my career with another National Championship though. One thing I’ll never forget is walking off the court for the last time wearing that Freed-Hardeman jersey. We had a lot of fans there and they were cheering us on as we walked off and I remember looking at them waving and being grateful for having the opportunity to play for such a good program and fan base for 4 years.

How did head coach Drew Stutts groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I believe Coach Stutts prepared me very well for a professional career. He showed me how effective it can be when everyone commits to putting the team needs over individual things. He also gave me great leadership experience and I wouldn’t be the leader I am today without him. He also prepared me mentally for the next level by scheduling a tough schedule. We played a lot of great teams and players, which means the lights were always bright and the moments were always big, this helped because now I can perform and be effective on any stage no matter how big the moment or the game is.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Stephens?

I definitely won the most 1-1 games in practice! Jordan Stephens is a great player but when it came to 1-1, I always took those games and drills personally. The competitor in me wouldn’t let me lose those 1-1 games so I made sure to really lockdown on defense and trust my hard work on offense to win against him.

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

Riley Minix from Southeastern was extremely good! Unfortunately I didn’t play against him because he was injured when we played them but I saw him play in person a lot. He is now with the San Antonio Spurs, but it was clear from watching him that he was different from a lot of people.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kortland Martin is the best player that I’ve ever played with, he was a dynamic scorned who averaged 20 points a game my freshman year at Freed Hardeman. He was also a great leader who led by example and he was always in the gym. He showed me the type of work ethic you have to have in order to be successful at that level and the professional level. He is currently playing in the NBL1 in Australia.

Peyton Law was the best mix of being a great player and a great teammate. I played with him my last 3 years at Freed Hardeman. He played with a ton of energy and always made sure he was heard on the court. He is now at NCAA D1 South Alabama.

Quan Lax was another great teammate of mine. He was actually my roommate for 3 years so we became close off the court and it led to great chemistry on the court. He was our starting point guard and he was really good at running the show for our team. He now plays at NCAA D1 Austin Peay.

Phil Horton was like the glue guy for me at Freed Hardeman. He made everything easier off the floor and on it. He was the best teammate and he showed up in some key moments when the team needed him the most. He was my roommate for my senior year so our chemistry off the court led to great chemistry on the court as well.

Ryley McClaran was a guy who I spent a lot of time on the floor with. I have played more minutes with Ryley than with any other player in my 4 year span at Freed Hardeman. He was a great shooter from 3, but he was also a great teammate who always put the team over his individual success. He has a super high basketball IQ which is why he is now the graduate assistant coach for NCAA D1 Belmont University.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James

Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

LEBRON JAMES!!!! He’s been my favorite player and my GOAT since I was little.

Thanks Geraldo for the chat.

Jacob Salinero (185-PG-1997, college: Sonoma St.) is a 28 year old 185cm guard from Half Moon California playing his fourth pro season and first with at North Fox Reuler (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). He played his rookie season in Spain and the last 2 seasons in Germany with Kleene Trockenbau Baskets Fortuna Logabirum (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 20.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 7.4apg, 2.6spg and with TV Lich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.7%. He began his basketball career at Half Moon Bay High School and then played 2 seasons at Skyline College (JUCO and then finished at Sonoma State University (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

After playing your first 3 pro seasons overseas, you now have signed late in Luxemburg with second division team North Fox. Why did you sign so late? I´m sure you could of played somewhere in Europe? Were you more picky about offers then usual?

I signed late because the agent I was working with in Germany decided to move in a different direction so I had to utilize my own network in order to get signed. I did have some Regio 2 offers but after a solid Regio 1 season where I performed and we were a top 3 team it felt like a step in the opposite direction.

You had a solid season with Lich Basketball (Germany-Regionalliga) last season averaging 13.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.7%. I believe you saw how European basketball runs sometimes with that organization?

I forever have so much love and respect for the Lich basketball community. I made life long relationships with the people in that city. I think the issue was just communication at the end of the day. I was told that if I played my role that I would get to Pro B even if it meant my stats were lower. I put a lot of trust into the organization that by sacrificing individual accolades it would help the team win and for me to sign in a higher league, but unfortunately that was not the case. I learned that as an American import player you are judged on production and winning, and everything else is everything else. I did not get paid in full the last month I was in Lich so that was an unfortunate close to my time there. That year taught me so much about the business side of basketball.

Playing in lower leagues isn´t always easy for imports. Guys play for little money and little glory. How tough can it be at times for an American pursuing their dreams overseas?

At the beginning it is tough for sure, last year in Lich I was eating rice and avocados at the end of the month just to get by. Also a family in the community would make me dinner on Sundays so that was amazing. I really can’t speak highly enough on how special the fan base is in Lich. Fortunately now I am in a position in year 4 where I have some stability financially and it gives you breathing room in terms of decision making and career outlook. You have to really love basketball to start in the lower leagues, it will test you in every way.

What advice do you have for that American baller coming from a division 2 school and landing in the Spain Primera Nacional as a rookie?

I would say that your first years are really make or break if you don’t produce and win it will be extremely hard to get another opportunity especially at the guard position. Additionally networking is huge as the overseas community is smaller than you think so being a good person and reaching out to others goes a long way!

You kept busy at home in California this season. Talk about how you occupied your time? I believe you were a skills trainer?

I was a part time agent for the agency FullyFeared Sports and I helped two guys sign in Europe, and I became a sports performance coach helping youth improve athletically. I invested so much time in my body and mind this offseason I became a whole new player and person. I learned I want to help the next generation of hoopers reach their fullest potential as not only basketball players but people. It was also the longest I’ve been home in 3 years as I usually stay extra long to do tryouts, so it was amazing to see family and friends for an extended period of time.

Have you ever contemplated possibly playing in the States in semi pro leagues? That is also a lions den. What stories have you heard of guys playing there?

There is so much untapped talent in the states, the issue with the semi pro leagues is that overseas markets rarely respect it even if the talent level is high. I would prefer to stay in the overseas market or explore NBA/G league opportunities if I had the choice.

How did a normal work out day look like for you concerning working on your craft?

I would wake up and lift, then go get my on court work in, eat after, then come to family or train kids/network with Fullyfeared. I did that 6 days a week and it became routine for me. I want to be more than a basketball player and prepare myself and my life for life after hoops so building a network that supports that is key.

You decided to come overseas and joined Luxemburg second division team North Fox. Why did you join this team so late? Was the challenge of going to a losing team the big challenge?

I joined this team because one of my friend´s coaches in this league and knew this team needed a player. I was already in Ireland doing tryouts so I flew the next day to tryout and I made the team! It is a big challenge but I know I am prepared to help the team stay in the league. I worked so much this offseason and I became the player necessary for the task.

How has the experience been for you country wise? Luxemburg isn´t to far from Germany. How is the language barrier? Is it less americanized than Germany`

The experience has been amazing! It is my favorite situation I have been in overseas as everything is so close and Luxembourgish people speak generally 4 languages so there isn’t really a language barrier. I also have okay German skills hahaha so if my English doesn’t work I can get by in German

What have you enjoyed most about the North Fox organization so far?

The people! The community is small and close knit and my teammates have been sensational. Not all teams are open to import players but they welcomed me with open arms. I feel comfortable here.

You played one game losing to Black Frogs 80-56. How would you describe the level and players in the second league compared to the German Regionalliga?

The import players are better as each team can have two and there is more money in Luxembourg so teams can afford higher quality imports, but local player level in Germany is better. I think it is a hard comparison.

You scored 24 points in the loss. It seems like you’re the main go to guy. Do you enjoy it. Do you ever feel any pressure?

They signed me for the purpose to come and lead and this is the role that comes most naturally for me. I truly feel like I am being myself out there. The pressure is to keep the team in the league and lead from the front, but I can’t lie I live for moments like this and you have to as a guard overseas pressure makes diamonds!

Do you sense like the team sees you as a savior?

I wouldn’t say that but the year has been very tough for them with three coaching changes and players getting hurt so I think the team is excited to have someone that can help turn things around. It takes a team to win.

The team is young. Do you sense the young guys looked up to you right away?

The team age is mixed as here are players older than me and some younger. I think they have questions about basketball which I am happy to answer. I am the first import in the club’s history so it has been fun for both parties.

You were 0/10 from outside and had 6 turnovers. Do you credit that to competition rust?

Yeah I would say so but I bounced back quickly as last game I had 35p 12r 5a 1to and was 5/10 from 3pt so I think being able to adapt quickly is a common theme for successful imports production wise.

What do you want to achieve most with your game in the short time in Luxemburg now?

I want to keep the team in the league first and foremost because that is why I was signed, but individually I want to prove once again that I can dominate European competition as the focal point and show teams that I am able to lead and capable of winning games as a professional. I have always known that I am a player that can change a game around so it is important to prove that night in and night out. You have to prove yourself every year as a point guard and I am ready for the challenge.

North Fox is now in the playdowns. You will play 14 games. How excited are you for the challenge?

I was born for moments like this. It is all just preparation meeting opportunity.

How good are the chances that the team could remain in the league?

Very high the team is hitting its stride we get better every week.

Do you think like you may return to Germany one day or are new countries rather on your bucket list?

It all depends on situation for me. I am open to anywhere. I would love to play in Australia, Asia, the Nordic regions, and the US in either the G league or NBA.

Thanks Jake for the chat

Pic credit: Angel Media

Jonas Niedermanner (205-SF-1996) is a 29 year old 205cm forward playing his sixth Pro A season and first season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 7,7ppg, 3,5rpg, 1,4apg and 1,0spg. He has a lot of experience in the Pro A having played for MBC, Hanau, Schwenningen,Trier and Kirchheim and has more than 150 Pro A games experience. He began his career in the MBC organization where he played 6 easyCredit BBL games and also played with USC Leipzig and Sandersdorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Jonas for talking to germanhoops.com. We have a faint connection. I remember during the 2016-2017 season you played a game in Rhondorf losing 86-76 and scored 13 points. I called the game and pronounced your name wrong and one of your parents told a fan at game and they told me at half-time. I learned something from your parents. How important have they been for your career?

Hey, thanks for having me. I actually remember that, because my Grandma was really upset and it kind of became a family inside joke. My family is the main reason I was even able to play basketball. The little village my family lives in doesn’t have a basketball team or even a court, so my basketball journey started with having to go to a different city to practice and play and my parents/grandparents had to drive me sit there at practice for 1,5/2h and take me back everyday. They never complained or told me they can’t make it. Even now when there is a chance to be there at a game they will be there. And I am really thankful for all of this.

Your 28 years old and have played for 8 teams and now 9 with the EPG Baskets. Did you envision yourself being more of a journeyman after your time in the MBC organization?

No actually not at all. I always envisioned myself more like a Sascha Leutloff, staying with MBC for what seemed like an eternity and maybe even having my Jersey retired and always staying in touch with that one club and one city. But live played out different and I am also thankful for that because I found my girlfriend and met so many great people and had amazing experiences. And you never know, because my dream is still there.

You have been a sold Pro A player now for 5 seasons. Is the easyCredit BBL still a goal for you? Why do you feel wasn´t the BBL in your cards as a player after MBC?

Yes the BBL was and is always the goal. It’s the highest German league and making it there is a huge accomplishment in my opinion. I think, when I was younger, I just took it for granted too much. Everything just always came pretty easy to me. I played Pro B with 14 years and everybody told me what great potential I had, and so it took me too long to understand just being good and giving 100% in practice isn’t even enough for me to get to that goal and I have to invest more than that, but when that realization, that it’s not somebody from the outside hindering me or keeping me back, I was already like 21/22 years old.

Your starting a new challenge with the EPG Baskets. What were the main reasons why you joined this ambitious organization? Was their huge team goals a reason?

The main reason were the talks with Coach Stephan. I had a good connection with him right from the first talk and the things he told me about his visions for the team and the style of basketball he wants to play really resonated with me. And I wanted to be a part of his vision. Plus I saw who they already had signed and that was a clear sign that the club puts an emphasis on also signing great characters. I think that’s the most important thing for being successful in whatever way. I believe we can really become a team where everybody wants to fight for each other and make everybody around him better.

How did the talks go with Stephan Dohrn? He really likes your team play?

We didn’t need many talks, which I think shows we had a good connection from the beginning. I think he liked my defense the most, being able to guard multiple positions and taking pride in guarding the opponents top scorer plus we really fast agreed on basketball is most beautiful when a group of guys embrace playing as group, like the 2014 Spurs, with great ball movement and giving up good looks for a better look.

What instantly did you appreciate most about Stephan Dohrn´s basketball philosophy?

Like I said the basketball as a team topic was great. And I think he knows we don’t have to invent basketball completely new. There are so many ways to be successful, the main thing will be getting everybody on the same page in almost every Situation.

You have never averaged more than 8,0ppg in the Pro A. Is this season a personal goal of yours to have a breakout offensive season or will you be content having the kind of roles you have had the last years in the Pro A?

I never really looked at my stats. I want to be a part of team and just fit in where we need help the most, which also made me a lot of times to passive. And I don’t think that helps anybody. My Main Focus will be being a great defender on all positions and be more aggressive and more consistent offensively, but I won´t be looking at my Points to be an indicator for that, because its more than that. I am Confidence that I can be a Great Part in our offense.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 205ccm forward. If you had to compare your game to a Euroleague or German player who would it be?

I am a big Fan of Tadas Sedekerskis from Baskonia (Also the reason they are my Favorite EuroLeague Team). He does everything on the Court and is a great leader. He doesn’t need 15 points to stand out. He can score 15 without a doubt but it´s all the little things he influences that amaze me and make me want to Play like that.

You’re a versatile player that can guard many positions. Talk a little about your strengths on the offensive end?

My versatility and IQ. And Like I said in the past I thought to much about „oh yeah I am kind of open but if I shoot now…“ plus a struggle with my confidence made me to indecisive. Last year especially in the beginning I did a way better job, because I know for example how good I can shoot off movement. I am practicing every day and I showed it last season when I move before I shoot it helps me think less and just do.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. You have never shot higher than 34% in the Pro A. How realistic is it still for you to reach 40% in a season?

I think I can do it or get really close. I have done it in multiple Season for stretches also last year in the Playoffs with the little time I was allowed on the Court. It’s a mental thing. I doubt myself to quick and then I want to make the next Shot so bad It puts so much more pressure on myself. I think about every Little Detail on my Shot and what is not Perfect instead of just shooting without having a thought.

Talk a little about the development of your defense in the last years. Your flexible and give your team good energy. What kind of defender do you still want to become?

I want to be even more talkative, especially when I am put on the weak side just being louder telling the others what’s happening behind them. And staying away from overaggressive stupid fouls keeping my distance because I am probably taller and longer than my opponent and can still pressure without getting beat. And Rebounding I do think I box out a lot but I can still make an extra effort to pursue the ball after boxing out.

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

3 things: Shooting is the thing I practice the most right now, because no matter what you have to be able to shoot the ball and my condition, because it keeps u healthy and on the court. And last ball handling to be more confident to just handle the ball in every situation.

You played the last 2 years in Kirchheim. You were an important role player as always and was consistent. How vital was Igor Perovic in your development in this time? Would you say these 2 years were probably your best 2 seasons in the Pro A statwise?

Igor was one of the best coaches for me. He was always straight forward in what he sees in somebody and how we could get there. And if you ever had a question about anything basketball he had the answer and explained in a way everyone understood in a great positive way. I am really really thankful for the two years in Kirchheim and it was just a good time especially when a lot of guys stayed and we pushed Hagen to Game 5.

You played a season in Trier averaging 17 minutes. What memories do you have of this season and losing to Leverkusen in the playoffs?

Trier will I think always be the most special time in my career. We had such a unique and special group that just clicked right from the start and we went through everything together and we were so talented. On the other side I had my personal struggles with depressions and had to go to hospital for a month. So yeah a lot of great people and great times but also a lot of darkness thinking back.

You also played a season in Schwenningen averaging 8.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 73.3%. How important was this season coming from the Pro B and showing you could be a good player in the Pro A? How vital was Alen Velcic in giving you the needed freedom to shine?

Hahahah yeah Schwenningen was definitely an experience. Alan said right from the beginning everybody is going to eat shit but if you put in the work you will get a chance and he kept his word on those things. He gave me the chance to move and it showed me yes I can be good in Pro A and maybe even be great with a lot of work. So being there was important for my view of myself. And getting to know Coach Nadfeji and being able to work with him was incredible in every aspect of professionalism and basketball

You played a season with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau (ProB) averaging 8.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-5 (1.0bpg), FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 81.3%. How vital was veteran Josef Eichler in your basketball development at that time? What could you learn from him best?

Hahahah I loved playing with Josef not in practice but he had that stoic calmness about him, which made him be a great leader for us without having to constantly talk or being appreciated for what he did. And you knew what his opponent had to go through and how bruised they became because he did the same everyday in practice and all of us realized what physicality really meant and how to use it.

You played a long time in the MBC organization playing also for Leipzig and Sandersdorf. Did you have a special kind of mentor in your early days?

Yes Jaro Tyrna was my first vet and he helped me a lot. He made me understand that first of all nobody cares how old you are. When you want to play professional nobody will say oh no he is only 13 lets take it easy on him. No it’s sport you want to be part than you have to be ready.

You played 6 BBL games including against Alba Berlin and played 8 minutes in total. What was your fondest moment in the BBL?

Playing in Bamberg. We are down 30 and coach puts me in. I was so surprised to even make the trip. I never thought he would put me in. Bamberg has always been my favorite team and playing there in front of freak city was amazing and then I get the ball drive by Luca Steiger and get absolutely hacked by Ricky Hickmann. I make one freet hrow so I am on an absolut ehigh. A couple posessions later I get the ball in the corner and just shoot and It goes in. It was like a dream. I was so happy but couldn’t show it because we were down 30. And then the game is over and all of a sudden I see my family in the crowd. I had no idea… My mom had tears in her eyes and my Dad had that big awesome smile and it will always be a memory that will stick with me.

In Leipzig you were teammates with ex BBL player Sascha Leuloff. How much of an impact did the ex Alba Berlin player have on your early basketball development?

He was the guy I looked up to the most. Just the perfect example of being a pro and a loyal great human.

You also got some experience playing with the BSW Sixers. How was this time playing for Thomas Grepl?

Thomas and I really didn’t match. It was a bad experience for me. He told me not to shoot because he thought I couldn’t shoot and basically told me when I catch the ball to just pass it to the next guy. It took all the fun away from basketball and took all my confidence away.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ferenc Gille?

I have to say I won every single game. And I am sure he says the same that he won every game. Hahahah I miss the guy always fun when I had the chance to see and play him.

What was your favorite game in your career in the Pro A and Pro B?

Game 3 last year in Hagen. We needed a guy to step up and I just did. The whole team and everybody was just happy and it was just amazing.

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

I think I played Dennis Schröder once in NBBL. He showed up 10 minutes before Tipp Off. I think a bag of chips in his hands. And just killed out whole team with 30/10/10 in like 20 minutes.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dimi Ward

Melkisedek Moureaux

Chris Frazier

Enosch Wolf

Garai Zeeb

Please list your personal Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

Shane Battier
Andre Igoudala
Dirk Nowitzki
Sascha Nadfeji

Who is your GOAT?

Shane Battier

Thanks Jonas fort he chat.