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Juhwan Harris Dyson(Dragons Rhondorf) Saw The Last 5 Game Winning Streak As Their Championship And Now Wants To Play Spoiler Against Orange Academy

Pic credit: Martin Jung

It was Valentines Day 2026 and the Dragons Rhondorf were in Bernau. They had taken on the journey of one of the farthest road trips of the season sitting on a 5 game losing streak. No miracle occurred in Bernau as the Dragons Rhondorf stunk up the building losing 103-81. Rhondorf had shot a pathetic 25% from downtown and coughed up the ball 23 times. It had been the 6th time in the season where they had allowed an access of 100 points. I can´t imagine what the long bus ride home was like. The thoughts of the players and head coach Max Becker must have been going crazy and all over the place. I´m sure every player on that team could of used some special love. It was definitely a long way home until finding that love. “We were just trying to figure it out. Nobody wants to lose. We knew something had to change. After that loss, everyone had a different mentality going into practice. Everyone was really frustrated. It was a real wakening moment to see the sense of urgency”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California, agency: Origins Sports Group). The playoffs at that moment seemed as far away as the 2026 NBA final is for the Indiana Pacers. However 46 days later the Dragons Rhondorf are standing tall as they finished the regular season in 8th place and have a first round playoff date with first place team Orange Academy of the Pro B South. “It has been a crazy month. We were looking at regelation a month ago. We didn´t want to move down and wanted to finish the season as best as we could. We really played our last 5 regular season games like it was our championship. It was very exciting reaching the playoffs. Last season I was in a similar situation and just missed the playoffs”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

pic credit: Martin Jung

So let´s rewind back 46 days ago to Valentines Day. The club arrived home after the tough loss in Bernau and had to prepare for the next game which would be at home against Itzehoe. How did the next days look like in Bad Honnef? Was there some serious soul searching going on? “We had a team meeting and talked about basketball and non basketball things. We had a lot more comradery. Our young guys really understood the sense of urgency. We understood as a team that we had to win games not only scoring, but also taking care of the little things”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The team was in the dumps after the brutal loss in Bernau. Was there any hope for a turn around? “I pay attention to the standings and what happens in the league. We knew we had a chance to be successful, but also knew that we needed some things to go in our favor. With every new win each week, the reality got more and more real. I always felt like our team was a lot better than the credit it was becoming”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After the bad loss in Bernau, the chances of the playoffs were there, but was the focus more on remaining in the Pro B first? “We were all aware of our situation. We were in 13th place, but as a team we never felt like we would move down. We knew that we could win enough games to stay in the league. After we had won enough games to stay in the league, we then focused on the playoffs”, expressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After the vital victory against Itzehoe, the club then faced it´s next do or die game against Wedel on the road and didn´t disappoint wining a shoot out 100-87. “The win in Wedel was very big for us. We had a long ride to Wedel and the atmosphere was great there. They were a top 4 team in the Pro B North and had one of the better defenses in the league. That win gave us a big boost and energy to keep winning. The win gave us the ultimate confidence. It was also great to see how the team stuck together and rallied to win after I got hurt”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

pic credit: Martin Jung

After a massive close win again at home against Vechta 2, the Dragons Rhondorf were at it again on the road against the BSW Sixers. Once again the Dragons Rhondorf were able to win another close game 75-74 as Lagui Diallo hit the winning three pointer with 1,22 to play. After that the Dragons buckled together and made big stops. And what was really impressive was how the team stuck together after Juhwan Harris-Dyson was out early. “I saw a lot of heart from the guys. Many guys had to play roles that they may not have been necessarily comfortable in or had during the season, but they stepped up. I have the ultimate respect for the team for the way they came together as a unit to pull out wins. We had 5 final games and focused on each one at a time and did all we possibly could to win them”, explained Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Young player Vuk Scepanovic stepped up big time scoring 14 points and showed how vital the support of the young players has been this season. Did he give him a hug after the win? “No I didn´t give him a hug after the win, but shot him a congratulatory text after the win. I has been a tough season for him. He was injured and then had to play behind Jorge Mejias and myself. He didn´t get the amount of minutes to really show his full potential. He was able to play free. I´m so happy for how he has played. All his hard work has paid off”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Juhwan Harris-Dyson in the Dragon Dome 2026

The last game against Rostock was another very tight game. Rostock went on a run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and won on free throws by Duje Dujmovic. “Our defense was really good in the last game. We made it tough for them to score and didn´t give them any advantages. We rebounded very well and got stops”, remembered Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Sharp shooter German Chris Frazier had a good look at the end, but the basketball God was on the side of the Dragons Rhondorf. “I was praying that he would miss. He is a great shooter and guy. I watched him lite up the three point line in Schwelm. I rotated over and saw him shoot it and was glad that he missed. I´m glad it went our way”, smiled Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After missing the Sixers game, Harris-Dyson was more than pumped in possibly the last game of the season. “The Rostock game was definitely in my top 3 of most important games overseas. I´m a competitor and just couldn´t miss the game. I wasn´t 100% going into the game. I know that if I hadn´t played, I would of really regretted it if we had lost. I´m just happy I was able to play and give something in the win. I saw how much the guys had sacrificed the last weeks and I also had to sacrifice. These are the type of games that players die for. They servs as memories that last a lifetime”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. One player who has been massive in the last weeks was ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic who has been a force on the glass. “I remember being in Rhondorf a week and a half before the team met in August. Duje was already there. He was already working hard on his game then and has done it consistently this season. It hasn´t been an easy season for him, because we have a lot of scoring options. I believe that he has shown his full game the last weeks. He has shown his versatility the last weeks once having a perfect shooting game from outside and other games getting many rebounds”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

The California native who has Illinois (NCAA) winning the 2026 NCAA tournament is content that the last three games was the best spurt of the season for them. Especially defensively, they kept teams under 80 points. “They were all close games and big wins that gave us a big boost going into the playoffs. It just feels so good getting 3 hard fought wins in a row. Our defensive protection and rebounding has gotten a lot better. We do still allow too many offensive rebounds and that is something we have to still work on. Our defense is what helped get us into the playoffs. We had up and down shooting games, but it was our defensive consistency that helped us pull out wins”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. He has had problems with free throws his whole career overseas, but in the last 3 games has found more fortune shooting 6/8. “I haven´t had the best free throw % in my first 5 seasons overseas. I keep working on it even if my work hasn´t totally translated onto the court. I feel like I have made little improvements. I started the season having a 3/8 game and recently had a 15-20 game or 6/6 game. Working on this problem will continue to be a focus this summer”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Playoffs been the week after Easter and the Dragons Rhondorf will have no cake walk with #1 team Orange Academy. “I´m very excited for the challenge. We have no expectations going in. This will be a great opportunity for us to spoil Orange Academy´s party. We could be that spoiler. We will play for ourselves to win”, commented Juhwan-Harris-Dyson. The Dragons will face one of Europe´s big talents from Poland with Teo Milicic. “I´m not so familiar with him, but I will get more familiar with him in the next days. It will be a fun match up to see his talent level. I think that it will be a challenge for both of us”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Orange Academy are a very young team with an average age of 18 and it is incredible how disciplined the team is under head coach Florian Flabb. They average 82 points per game and have one of the top defenses in the Pro B allowing only 74 points per game. “We just have to play our style and be gritty on defense and try to speed them up. We also need to be aggressive with our pace and have good shot selection”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. It is the post season and it will be interesting to observe if the Dragons Rhondorf can make an upset. Will one see Juhwan Harris-Dyson at his best? “I always give my best. But to be honest my best is relative. One game, I may have a 24/11 game and the other a 2/13 game. For me if I´m able to contribute to a win, then that is a good game for me. The stats don´t matter. I just want to win”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Desmond Watson Strokes Home 30 Points And Hits Game Winner Propelling The Skyliners Juniors to Revenge Win Over BG Hessing Leitershofen 79-77

The great basketball work that the Skyliners Juniors had done in 2026 had paid off as they had already qualified for the Pro B playoffs before the last game day began. Frankfurt began 2026 as far away from the Pro B playoffs as Isaac Bonga is to ever rejoining easyCredit BBL team Skyliners. Frankfurt had a superb 8-2 record in 2026 and wanted to have momentum going into the playoffs. But they didn’t have an easy foe with BG Leitershoefen who came into the game sitting in 4th place with a record of 13-10. Frankfurt had lost the first game of the season on the road 90-79 and lost the game in the paint where Leitershoefen shot an overwhelming 73%. The Skyliners Frankfurt who had a 8-2 record in 2026 wanted to go into the playoffs with momentum with a win in their living room and did upending BG Hessing Leitershofen 79-77 as explosive import scorer Desmond Watson (196-G-2003, college: Loyola, IL) hit the winning shot and Frankfurt then stuck together and made one last stop to secure the win. It was a tight game for the most part, but in crunch-time, it was the Skyliners Juniors that came up with the big shots and plays to win and will have a playoff date with Essen. ‘We played hard for 40 minutes. We were relentless. Every one played their role and gave their all. Our biggest strength on offense was our offensive rebounding and on defense we never gave up on any possession’, stressed Skyliner Junior Desmond Watson. Leitershofen kept home court for the Pro B playoffs because Orange Academy beat Ludwigsburg who finished the season in fifth place. ‘We gave a lot away in the first half. We allowed too many offensive rebounds and missed too many free throws. We couldn’t set the tone on the defensive end in the first half. We were in the game at the end, but couldn’t execute the way we wanted to’, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen guard Brian Dawson.

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors came into the game without top German youngers Jamie Edoka and Ivan Crnjac who were being rested for a do or die NBBL game 3 playoff game against IBAM the next day. Frankfurt began quickly into the game taking the 6-2 lead as ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich had excessive energy and brute scoring inside twice including a fierce dunk as the guests were unable to match the Skyliners Juniors intensity. However basketball is a game of runs and Leiterhofen showed rapidly how quickly they can explode as they went on a lethal 16-4 run to lead 18-10. Instrumental in the run was ex easyCredit BBL player Brendan Gregori who added an incredible 11 points including two three’s. ‘He is a player that really knows when to drive and when to shoot’, said ex Skyliner Junior Bennet Schubert. Leitershofen upped their defensive intensity forcing Frankfurt to a few turnovers and had great rim protection from Tom Alte and Clint Haman. However Frankfurt still had some energy in the last minutes going on a 6-0 run as young Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak added 5 points including a trey as Frankfurt trailed 20-17 after 10 minutes. ‘Both teams were very aggressive on the offensive glass and were both very physical. Leitershofen had really good ball movement and looks’, stated Bennet Schubert. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 17% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Brian Dawson for 3

In the second quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen had good control of the game, but the Skyliners Juniors fought back and had the contest dead locked at 39-39 at the break. The guests had the needed energy at the start of the second quarter going on a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 29-23. In the run, the guests had great ball movement and got inside scores from ex BBL player Ferenc Gille and ex JUCO player Emmanuel Ansah while German Jannik Westermeir had the prettiest basket in the run knocking down a jumper with a cool side step in Shai Gillgeous Alexander manner. ‘That was a nice shot. Jannik is a tough player and a real dog. He plays at both ends. He didn’t have a great game, but he will bounce back. We will need him for the playoffs’, stated Brian Dawson. But Frankfurt kept fighting and got potent energy from Dietreich and Alvin Onyia as they carried Frankfurt at both ends with big baskets as suddenly Leitershofen led only 31-27. Frankfurt couldn’t quite get over the hump as the guests got key scorers from Texas native Zion Richardson and ex Bernau center Clint Hamann to lead 35-29. However Frankfurt had Desmond Watson who can be a one man wrecking team if he wants to. The overall leader and player with fancy moves and great shooting propelled his team on a nasty 10-4 run scoring all points. The leading rebounder at the break was little talked about Joscha Zentgraf who had 7 rebounds and 5 offensive rebounds. The ultimate team player would finish with 10 rebounds including 8 offensive rebounds as his energy was truly incredible, but also something he always brings. ‘He plays so hard. He leaves it all on the court’, said Desmond Watson. ‘He does the dirty work and is the first guy that will volunteer to do it. He is the type of player that every guy wants as a teammate’, warned Bennet Schubert. The Skyliners Juniors shot 39% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 7 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 47% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 5 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt played better team basketball. They got stops and started to run. Their better defense helped stimulate their offense’, said Bennet Schubert.

Desmond Watson with the floater

In the third quarter it went back and forth as there were 7 lead changes, but no team could truly get away from the other as the Skyliners Juniors led 60-57 after 30 minutes. Both teams would punch back and forth as Frankfurt began well with a lay in by Watson who split the defense the way a Caris Levert would and Mr energizer Dusan Nikolic nailed a trey for the 44-40 Frankfurt lead. But Leitershofen punched back with a lethal Gille dunk and trey by Richardson as the guests led 45-44. But the game of runs continued as Frankfurt embarked on a 9-0 run which was highlighted by a Watson trey and mega two handed dunk by Nikolic on transition that was sparked by a steal by Joscha Zentgraf as Frankfurt now seemed in control 53-45. But the guests knew they could match Frankfurt’s output and did with a 9-0 run to steal the lead back at 54-53. Key in the run was LA native and ex Essen guard Brian Dawson who showed his 3 level scoring with a trey and 20 footer. But Frankfurt had the last laugh in the third quarter with a 7-3 run to lead by 3 points. Watson found German Moses Poelking for the lob and lay in and Smazak had the hot hand again with a trey. ‘We tried to slow the game down with the zone, but also tried to speed it up. We had many good looks. Both teams had a lot at stake and it was a real dog fight’, commented Brian Dawson. ”We continued to play hard and just be relentless’, said Desmond Watson. The Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 9 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 44% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Zion Richardson at the FT line

In the fourth quarter it seemed like BG Hessing Leitershofen might run away with the game, but the Skyliners Juniors never gave up and fought for the lead back. Watson nailed free throws for the 62-57 Frankfurt advantage, but Leitershofen then exploded on a 12-0 run to lead 69-62. In the run it was Gregori again who stepped up after being very quiet in quarters 2 and 3 where he scored only 2 points now added 5 points while Emmanuel Anshah who hails from Canada added 5 points. Leitershofen showed their unselfishness on offense and their defensive intensity disallowed Frankfurt to get into their sets and forced them to many tough shots. Tom Alte also added a lay in in the run. There was still a lot of time left with 7,00 minutes and Frankfurt began to chip away at the guests lead led by Watson who was always in attack mode as he got to the rim and free throw line adding a lay in and free throws while Alvin Onyia grabbed a deep rebound and sprinted coast to coast with a transition bucket and Frankfurt was suddenly only down 70-68. Both teams punched back and forth and despite a clutch Leif Zentgraf three pointer, the Skyliners Juniors still trailed 73-72. Richardson and Onyia then traded free throws, but Leitershofen still led 75-74 with under 2 minutes to play. However then came the turning point of the game as Tom Alte missed 2 free throws airballing the last one. Free throws would haunt the guests all night long as they finished the game 15/27 at 56%. With under a minute to play, Frankfurt then got a big bucket from Moses Poelking who got a pretty behind the back pass under pressure from Leif Zentgraf for the 77-76 Frankfurt lead. ‘When your playing the game, you don’t think on the court. If you think too much then you won’t make that play. Leif was playing in the flow of the game’, expressed Desmond Watson. Frankfurt then stopped Gille and then it was Watson time as he sunk a beautiful trey for the 79-77 lead. ‘I always want the ball and every shot I take feels good’, smiled Desmond Watson. Frankfurt came up big stopping Leitershofen on the last possession. ‘They executed better and had good looks while we didn’t. They switched a lot which affected us. We need to be more decisive at the end. On the last play we got the ball inside. They helped and Alte made a good pass. We got a good look. It just didn’t fall’, added Brian Dawson. ‘They had a decent look at the end. We try as hard as we can to get the stop. You never know what will happen. But we trusted each other to get the stop’, explained Desmond Watson. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Desmond Watson with 30 points while BG Hessing Leitershofen were led by Brendan Gregori with 18 points while Brian Dawson added 15 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 31% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 11 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 45% from the field and 29% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

One Can’t Refrain From Thinking About Steph Curry After ex Davidson Day School Jackson Threadgill Exploded For 53 Points And 12 Three’s in Malta

Jackson Threadgill (198-G-1997, college: App State) is a 198cm forward from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D1). He began his basketball career at Davidson Day School and then played 4 seasons with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte playing a total of 110 NCAA games. He then added on a season with Appalachian State University. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently after netting an amazing 53 points in a league game in Malta.

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

I think it’s really just a reflection of my teammates and coaches putting me in a position to be successful.

Did you really score 53 points in 18 minutes? That is crazy? How do you do that?

My teammates did a great job of generating open looks for me and it was just one of those games where I shot at an efficient clip. I started off 9 for 9 from the three point line.

You never averaged more than 6,0ppg in a season in the NCAA. As a rookie now in Malta your averaging 28,0ppg. Has this massive scoring influx surprised you a bit and how do you explain it?

It hasn’t surprised me. I know that I have been capable of doing that but I also understand that you have to play a role. I played with very talented players in college that took on more of that scoring role. Here in Malta the team needs me to take more of that initiative and I knew I would be capable of that.

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

No, I really just always tried to understand the game and play the right way and I think just over time I became better at that.

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

No I didn’t, I try to keep to the same routine. I’m big on trusting the process and the results will take care of themselves.

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

I felt good going into the game. My body felt really good and my shot felt good in warmups. You can’t predict how the game will go based off that but it definitely helps your confidence going into it.

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

I came into the game and made 4 3’s straight early on. I knew it would be a good shooting day at that point but I wasn’t really concerned about the scoring.

The team had 43 assists in the game and you 4. 11 teammates had assists. Could a teammate ask for more unselfishness within a team than that?

I think that just is a reflection of how unselfish we are as a team and why we have had the success that we have had.

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

I actually didn’t play in the 4th quarter but I wasn’t paying attention to the points.

One can´t forget that you hit 12 three´s, one loss than Steph Curry´s most. Not many guys have hit 10 or more three´s as a pro player. Your from Davidson, North Carolina where Steph Curry went to school. What does that mean to you?

I’m actually from Concord NC but I did go to high school school in Davidson North Carolina at Davidson Day School. Obviously Steph Curry being from the area is someone you embrace just because of what he’s been able to accomplish. But hitting that many 3’s and breaking the record in the Malta league was definitely special.

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

Honestly don’t have one.

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

No special text messages.

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

No I did not, I just got water poured on me.

Thanks Jackson for the chat

Greg Brown(AEK BC Athens) Will Never Forget Hitting A Three Pointer In  Lebron James Face And Beating The Los Angeles Lakers 107-105

That 3 times is a charm is a known saying that can be implied in many aspects of life. For current overseas baller Greg Brown III (201-F-2001, college: Texas), it was something he witnessed in his rookie season when he balled against the Los Angeles Lakers and Lebron James in the 2021-2022 season with the Portland Trailblazers. He played 3 times against the Lakers and twice against Lebron James that season and that third meeting turned out be an experience that he will never forget. In the first meeting, he scored 2 points in 5 minutes and lost 105-90 while Lebron didn’t suit up. But he did witness high class players like Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo in that game. In the second game, his team lost again getting crushed 139-106, but in this game, he witnessed Lebron with a 43 point explosion while he had limited action again with 7 minutes and 0 points. But the third meeting was truly a charm as he delivered quality minutes from the bench with 11 points in 16 minutes in an exciting 107-105 Portland win. Lebron had another fine performance with 30 points, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Brown had special moments against Lebron on the floor that he will never forget. ‘That was a special game for me and our team. We weren’t expected to win that game. We had injuries and main guys out. It just showed what can be done despite having injuries. It gave us a lot of confidence. I had a dunk and a three pointer in Lebron’s face. I still have a photo with Lebron during the game. That was a crazy experience’, remembered Greg Brown III. He also showed his dunking qualities in the NBA producing a brutal poster on Javale Mcghee and dunking through the legs. But at the moment times like those with Lebron James are only a memory as he is overseas for the first time with AEK BC Athens.

The American who lists NBA player Davion Mitchell as the toughest player that he ever faced in the NCAA was born on September 1, 2001 in Dallas Texas. He comes from a very sporty family as his parents were both sports stars at Texas (NCAA) in track and field and football. He began his basketball career at Vandergrift high school where he had an illustrious career. In his 3 years he averaged 27,0ppg, 30,0ppg and 26,0ppg. He won numerous awards in his high school career like HS Gatorade Texas Player of the Year and was selected to play in the Mcdonalds All-American game. He recorded a triple double once where he recorded a ridiculous 18 blocks. ‘I remember that game well. Everyone that game was trying their luck at getting to the rim against me. That was just a really good day for me. I was always in the rights spots and always knew when to go for the block’, said Greg Brown III. It was then no surprise that he would go and play at the University of Texas where his parents also played. He played only one season averaging 9.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 70.8%. He helped win the Big 12 title, but then lost to ACU at March Madness. He only played 12 minutes in his last 2 games scoring 3 points. ‘It was tough as a freshman to experience that. But I understood that I had to support my team. You can always control your attitude but not your minutes. I trusted my coach and teammates’, remembered Greg Brown III. He had some great games in the NCAA against OK State, Davidson, Kansas and North Carolina. Were one of these games his favorite moment in the NCAA? ‘My fondest moment was winning the Big 12 title. We hadn’t won in a long time. Now we were part of a winning culture again. It felt amazing’, said Greg Brown III. He scored in double figures in 13 games including 24 points against OK State. That season was tough since Covid was in full swing which hampered the proper preparation for players by their coaches. However he will never forget how head coach Shaka Smart prepared him best for a professional career. ‘He helped my defensive game a lot and how to be a better communicator’, added Greg Brown III who remembers beating and losing to Kai Jones in 1-1 battles in practice.


The Texas native who lists Dexter Dennis, Jameer Nelson Jr, CJ Elleby, Donovan Williams and Derreck Jones Jr as his 5 best teammates of all-time was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round at #43 and was traded to the Portland Trailblazers. He played 47 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.9rpg. His wake call being a rookie in the NBA already occurred at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. ‘I was 19 and when I had teammates like Michael Beasley, Kenneth Faried and Antonio Blakeney, I was very star struck. I remember watching them when I was growing up. I realized I was in big business and I had to play my game’, stated Greg Brown III. He also will never forget his NBA debut in a 29 point blow out win over the Phoenix Suns where he had a 4/3/1 game in 6 minutes. ‘I remember Dennis Smith Jr who was also another guy I grew up watching throw me a lob pass for the dunk. The crowd erupted’, said Greg Brown III. He couldn’t have asked for a better teammate then with top NBA player Damian Lillard who wouldn’t hesitate to give him advice. ‘He was great. He had a family and wasn’t all the way invested all the time with us, but he gave me pointers when I asked. He didn’t have to say anything, but he would take time for me’, remembered Greg Brown III. After playing a full season in the NBA as a rookie, things changed in his second season. He split time with the Ontario Clippers (NBA G League) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 66.0% and played 16 NBA games. He really could observe how the NBA is always a business first. ‘I remember the day of the trading deadline. It was quiet. There was a creepy feeling in the air as anybody could lose their job. I got a call as I was informed that I was waived. I learned that I can only control what I can control. It was what it was’, commented Greg Brown III.


The forward who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Larry Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore split time in his third pro season with the Texas Legends (NBA G League) averaging 17.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.1apg, BPG-2 (3.0), FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 67.5% and also played 6 NBA games with the Dallas Mavericks. He got called up in mid December and then finished the season in the G-League having great stats, but wasn’t rewarded with a second call up. ‘That was a tough time. I was on the phone daily with my agent asking what was up. I was playing well as was my team. However Dallas was also playing well. It’s hard calling up guys when the team has success. It was situational. They had the ball rolling and didn’t want to mess it up’, remembered Greg Brown III. He was fortunate to be teammates with 2 future NBA legends Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic is known as being a gregarious guy, but does a Kyrie allow call into his world? ‘Oh Kyrie did let you into his world. I had a good relationship with him. You just went up to him and asked questions. He had great answers for me. Luka was very down to earth. When we went on our Europe trip to Madrid, I spent time with him’, expressed Greg Brown III. He spent the entire fourth season with the Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico (NBA G League) averaging 14.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.8bpg, 2FGP: 61.1%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 62.0% and didn’t get a NBA call up. Did he lose faith in the NBA? ‘To be honest I kind of did. I had good numbers again and demonstrated I can do it at both ends of the court and be used as any type of player. But all things happen for a reason. That is why I decided to come overseas and explore other options’, added Greg Brown III.


The high flyer who lists Lebron James as his GOAT had a superb stint with the Calgary Surge (Canada-CEBL) last summer averaging 18.8ppg, Reb-5 (8.3rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2 (2.0bpg), FGP: 62.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 66.4%. He just came up short with a title. He got injured and recently got healthy again and signed with AEK BC Athens. He has only been with the team about 6 weeks, but feels very comfortable. ‘I really enjoy playing with a great group of teammates and great coaches. It could have been hard to adapt, but they made it very easy for me. They correct my mistakes and give me praise at the same time. I really appreciate them being here on my journey’, stressed Greg Brown III. He grew in the Dallas area and even if Dallas (1.3 million) is large, he had to get used to seeing even more people in Athens (over 3,0million) as well as the different architecture. On the court, he joined a successful team that is in third place in the Greek first division standings. Soon he will battle against the 2 Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. ‘I’m really excited to be able to play against such high level players. I will be ready to test my skills and see if I can fit in with them on the court’, warned Greg Brown III. Last season the club reached the Basketball Champions League Final 4 and this season continue to roll in the Basketball Champions League. Could this be the season where the team wins it all? ‘This could be the season. We have a lot of power and have many guys bringing different parts of their games. We have a lot of chemistry on and off the court’, stressed Greg Brown III. He has been fortunate having other Americans on the squad like Keyshawn Feazell, RaiQuan Gray, Frank Bartley and James Nunnally who have made the adjustment period so much easier. ‘Those guys have all been great. All have been like mentors especially Nunnally. He has helped me be able to take from his 2 worlds as a guard and forward’, stated Greg Brown III.

He started well in the Greek First division and is averaging 11,3ppg, 8,0rpg, 1,3apg, 1,7spg and 1,3bpg, but there are still things that he needs to get used to. ‘I have to get used to the limited spacing and find my role. I just came off an injury and have come to a team that have been together. Offense has been a challenge, but I’m progressing and it’s been going pretty well’, said Greg Brown III. He fills the stat sheet well, but he understands that defense will be a big part of his role. ‘I will be a primary defender. I can switch 1-5. We have scorers. I will cause havoc on defense and be more off ball and be a slasher type. I also can shoot, drive and go downhill when needed’, stated Greg Brown III. He definitely wants to continue to develop his defensive game overseas. ‘I feel like at the moment I’m like a long Jaden McDaniel that can alter the game and be physical and in the future be a Kawhi Leonard that is active, plays in the gaps and is always solid’, warned Greg Brown III. Blocking shots has always been a big strength of his. At 201cm, he is no where near the length of a Wemby, but has a special knack of swatting away balls at ease. ‘My sister played volleyball and she gave me lessons. I always asked her how she was able to read the ball so well. She taught me to get the right position, then time it and then attack it’, remembered Greg Brown III. At the moment he is overseas attempting to help AEK BC Athens win another title again after their 2020 cup win. His teammate RaiQuan Gray still sees a return back to the NBA. Does he share the zeal of his teammate to return? ‘The door isn’t shut for me either. But I’m at the point now where I will try to make the biggest impact possible overseas. I would like to go back though if the opportunity presents itself, but I won’t be hyper about it’, warned Greg Brown III.

The Big Man Duo Of Sadikovic & Dujmovic Power The Dragons Rhondorf to 76-70 Victory over Rasta Vechta 2

The Slim playoff hopes of the Dragons Rhondorf were still alive with 3 games remaining, but they were 2 wins away from the last spot, but really wanted to secure their place for next season in the Pro B. An untimely 6 game losing streak in 2026 didn´t help their fight, but as of late their 2 game winning streak was definitely refreshing. The Dragons Rhondorf had a must win in their next home game against doormat Vechta 2. The club that helps develop young Germans had had a tough season and came into the game with a 4-18 record and had lost 6 of their last 7 games. However they had some confidence coming into the Dragon´s living room having won their last game at home against the EN Baskets Schwelm. Rasta Vechta played a strong first quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back winning 76-70. Rhondorf was led by the potent big man duo of Dujmovic and Sadikovic who combined for 36 points and 25 rebounds. “It was an average game for us. We had good phases where we played aggressive defense and good offense, but also bad phases where we were lost, but all in all, we stayed together in the end and won and that is what was important”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. Rasta Vechta 2 fought the whole game and even cut it down to 7 points in the fourth quarter, but just couldn´t get over the hump. “We had a solid first quarter, but allowed too many offensive rebounds and open shots in the second and third quarters. I´m proud though that we didn´t give up and fought to the end”, stressed Rasta Vechta 2 American AJ Sumbry.

Benjamin Sadikovic at the FT line

The first quarter had a few runs, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 22-21 advantage. Rasta Vechta 2 got off to a rapid start leading 8-2. American AJ Sumbry who is playing in his 9th country overseas scored 5 points while 2022 JBBL finalist Roy Krupnikas hit a trey. The ball movement and energy of the guests was on par while Rhondorf was a bit sluggish and still figuring things out. But Rhondorf then got going with a 11-2 run with better spacing and got the pick and roll going as the Spanish magician Jorge Mejias hooked up twice with ex Oberaching big man Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) with 2 dunks. Ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic also made a trey and Kenan Reinhart an off balance shot for the 13-10 lead. The guests then found their offensive rhythm and got good support from young Irish center Etinosasere Ehoghae with 2 baskets, but the Dragons Rhondorf punched back with a Reinhart trey and Dujmovic basket to tie the game at 18-18. Rhondorf continued to attack the rim with a Dusan Ilic lay in and Dujmovic scored on transition as Mejias fed him his fourth assist of the game. “We couldn´t crack Vechta´s pick and roll defense in the first minutes, but then got on track with Mejias and Sadikovic. We then concentrated more on our defense”, stated Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 44% from the field and 25% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Roy Krupnikas from outside

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter where the Dragons Rhondorf got away from Rasta Vechta 2 allowing only 8 points and led comfortably 45-29 at half-time. The Dragons Rhondorf took charge right away going on a 14-4 run to extend their lead to 35-26. In the run Jorge Mejias took a break from his strong playmaking and pretty dimes and instead penetrated to the rim 3 times in a row that led to free throws and 2 lay in´s. Role player Lagui Diallo also was aggressive and scored twice on the drive including a reverse lay up and Sadikovic made a tip in. The Dragons aggressive defense led to contested shots and steals that helped them take charge of the game. 3 free throws by 2024 NBBL champion Moritz Gruess stopped the run, but Rasta Vechta 2 just couldn´t muster any offense as Rhondorf had no down phase, but finished the first half strong with a lethal 10-0 run. Dujmovic showed just how dangerous he can be as he let his inside out game sparkle with 7 points while Ilic made 3 points. “Sumbry had foul trouble and was on the bench. We wanted to take advantage of our size. Dujmovic really dominated and took charge”, added Benjamin Sadikovic. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31Y% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Epke Kruthaup at the FT line

Rasta Vechta won the third quarter 16-14, but couldn´t make any ground on the Dragons Rhondorf as they were still able to execute solidly to lead 59-45 after three quarters. Kenan Reinhart got the Dragons Rhondorf on the board first in the second half with a lay in in traffic. Before the season began, Reinhart was mainly labelled as a three and D player, but he warned that he wanted to improve other phases of his game and did with the drive, mid range and playmaking. “I gained weight which helped my physicality as well as practicing with the BBL team helped my drive. I see I made a step forward there and since my double double of points and assists, I realized also that I got better with passing”, commented Kenan Reinhart. Young German 17 year old talent Epke Kruthaup found his range from outside nailing 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 still trailed 49-37. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to hold their double digit lead, because they continued to make good decisions and execute well as Reinhart made the perfect pass to Sadikovic for the dunk and then hit a floater for the 53-37 lead. Roy Krupnikas had a tough first half with only 3 points, but in the latter half found his range dropping 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 couldn´t gain any ground because Mejias and young German Carlo Schmid made baskets to lead by 14 points after 30 minutes. “The third quarter has often been our worst quarter this season, but in the last games, we came out strong and we did that again tonight”, smiled Kenan Reinhart. “I was in foul trouble. When I´m out, it really limits our size. They took advantage of that as their bigs got easy baskets and got free throws”, stated AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Kenan Reinhart with the runner

In the fourth quarter Rasta Vechta 2 still had energy to make one last push and cut the Dragons Rhondorf lead to 7 points, but could never get over the hump. Jorge Mejias began the fourth quarter with a 20 footer as Rhondorf led 61-45 and it didn´t seem like they could let the guests come back. But Rasta Vechta 2 still had some extra gas in their tank going on a 8-2 run to trail only 61-54. Rasta Vechta 2 attacked the rim as Krupnikas scored twice including once with his left hand, 2025 Pro B champion Joel Lungelu made a left handed lay in and German Moritz Dresing scored on transition. Rhondorf had no aggressiveness with their 1-1 defense allowing easy scores. However the Dragons Rhondorf stopped the run getting some vital buckets as Mejias made a runner and Dujmovic a lay in for the 66-56 lead. Rhondorf would annoy Rasta Vechta 2 time in and time out with their aggressive work in the paint with scores and offensive rebounds. Gruess and Reinhart then traded three pointers, but Rhondorf still led 69-59. Rhondorf continued to get super production from Sadikovic who was a real work horse as he was relentless on the glass getting a lay in and put back for the 74-63 with 2 minutes to play. Time was running out, but the guests never lost faith going on a timely 6-0 run to trail 74-69 with 31 seconds to go. Sumbry, and Lungelu free throws and a Krupnikas lay in were made. But Rhondorf took good care of the ball and Reinhart nailed free throws to secure the victory. “We were too relaxed in crunch-time and thought we had the win. We realized the game wasn´t over and closed out the game well”, said Kenan Reinhart. “I´m proud how we fought to the end. We played with urgency and stopped their second chances and hit big shots. We just came up a bit short”, added AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Duje Dujmovic with 20 points. Benjamin Sadikovic added 16 points and 18 rebounds and Jorge Mejias had 11 points and 9 dimes while Rasta Vechta 2 were led by Roy Krupnikas with 17 points while AJ Sumbry added 14 points and Epke Kruthaup had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 42% form the field and 24% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 36%

Lukas Smazak`s Crazy Third Quarter Buzzer Beater Shot Dismantles The Ahorn Camp Baskets As The Skyliners Juniors Glide To 91-74 Victory

After a slow start into the 2025-2026 season where the Skyliners Juniors were a poor 3-10, the club has rebounded in 2026 having a 7-1 record and are making a real push for the Pro B South playoffs. It is no secret that the 10-11 team have had a real scoring boost from new American Desmond Watson who was averaging 27,0ppg while experienced ex Pro A player Moses Poelking had been a force under the basket at both ends. Their next opponent were the 11-11 Ahorn Camp Baskets who like Frankfurt wanted to secure a playoff spot and came into the game in 7th place, but had lost 3 of their last 4 games. On a rare late Friday night game Frankfurt welcomed Speyer and Pro B legend DJ Woodmore who had played in the BCM gym the last decade and played his 229th Pro B and it was his 213th Pro B game where he scored in double figures netting 13 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Skyliners Juniors won 91-74. It was a contest that was at eyelevel for 3 quarters, but a crazy buzzer beater trey from Lukas Smazak (188-G-2007) to end the third quarter paralized the Ahorn Camp Baskets which led to a 27-16 fourth quarter that allowed Frankfurt to win. ‘We didn’t defend well in the first quarter and then stepped it up more in the second quarter. We upped our game in the second half. We moved the ball better, made tough shots and played transition. We also stuck together which was important’, stressed Skyliner Junior Lukas Smazak. The Ahorn Camp Baskets played well for three quarters, but also lost energy in the fourth quarter as that Smazak buzzer beater hurt them mentally. ‘We ran out of gas and fell flat in the second half. They hit shots and the flood gates opened up and that was that’, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore.

Leif Zentgraf at the FT line

The first quarter was a real scoring affair as 49 points were scored in total and the Ahorn Camp Baskets had the slim 25-24 advantage after 10 minutes. The Skyliners Juniors had the quick 5-3 lead as rookie Ohio native Desmond Watson made a jumper and German Next Gen player Jamie Edoka hurled down a trey. However the guests from Speyer found their rhythm rapidly as lock down defender Dennis Diala and Austrian guard Felix Angerbauer connected for trey’s for the 10-7 advantage. The game turned into a game of small runs and quick lead changes as Leif Zentraf scored 5 unanswered points to give Frankfurt the 15-14 lead. Watson free throws gave Frankfurt the 17-14 lead. Both teams were strutting with a lot of self confidence as Speyer now had some added burst of energy going on a 7-0 run to lead 21-17. In the run DJ Woodmore who tested his 27% from outside stroked home a trey and Angerbauer executed on transition. Speyer also was able to hurt Frankfurt with their drive as Woodmore and German Oskar Humpert scored for the 25-19 lead. However Frankfurt didn’t wilt in the last minute going on a 5-0 run to trail 25-24 after one quarter. German Joshua Zentgraf made a lay in after getting the fancy over the head dime from Watson while German Dusan Nikolic made a 2 handed dunk. The Skyliners Juniors shot 62% from the field and 50% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 50% from the field and 43% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 2 turnovers. ‘It was a quarter of two teams trading baskets with no real big defensive plays. Nobody was able to start a run. Both teams moved the ball well and there were some good individual plays’, stated Eintracht Frankfurt (NBBL) head coach Thore Bethke.

David Aichele at the FT line

In the second quarter there was a little less scoring and 7 lead changes as the Skyliners Juniors had the slim 41-40 advantage going into the break. The Skyliners Juniors got going right away escaping on a 5-0 run as German center Moses Poelking made a lay in and then a monster block which led to a trey from Ivan the universal genius Ivan Crnjac for the 29-25 Frankfurt advantage. Edoka made a nifty extra pass for the dime. ‘It looked like Jamie was going to shoot from a tough spot, but Ivan yelled ball. Jamie was able to pass it in the last second. It was a nice play’, stressed Thore Bethke. However the Ahorn Camp Baskets were patient and found fortune going on a 10-2 run to gain the lead back at 35-31. In the run, Speyer got big input form their bench as German Joshua Kreilein added 5 points while Woodmore added a trey and ex Koblenz guard Ade-Eri made a lay in. Both teams then punched back and forth as there were 5 lead changes. Frankfurt received added three’s from Watson and Nikolic while Watson also dropped a lay in while Speyer got a trey from Angerbauer and lay in from Humpert. ‘There were few fouls in the quarter. Poelking did a good job when he was in, but when he was out, Frankfurt had problems on the boards as Ade Eri did a good job getting inside. Frankfurt needed to match him better’, said Thore Bethke. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 43% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Desmond Watson with the runner

The third quarter continued to be a very tight game where the Skyliners Juniors never looked behind them keeping the lead, but never leading by more than 4 points until the last shot by Smazak that proved to be the turning point of the game. Alvin Oyiya and David Aichele produced for their teams as Onyia got to the free throw line twice and scored while the big man Aichele made a free throw and lay in making a big heads up play catching an airball by Ade-Eri to trail 47-46. The young bucks of Frankfurt Edoka and Crnjac executed well while Ade-Eri really carried Speyer as he remained non stop aggressive getting to the free throw line 3 consecutive times and made a lay in to dead lock the game at 54-54. He never got a real chance in Koblenz and now can show his abilities in Speyer. Frankfurt continued to have their neck in front as energizer Dusan Nikolic came from the bench and gave instant energy with 6 points including 2 on drives and one with his left hand. Speyer got some good support from 2023 JBBL finalist Noah Koch who made an acrobatic lay in, but Frankfurt still led 61-58. Then came the turning point of the game as Smazak launced a deep trey that fell at the buzzer as the Skyliners Juniors led 64-58. ‘I saw them put their head down at center court as I came with the ball and there was one second to go. I let it go and I knew it was going in. That shot hurt them mentally. We went from 3 to 6 up’, said Lukas Smazak. ‘That Smazak shot really shifted the momentum. If we would have been more focused for 2 more seconds then it wouldn’t have been a 6 point lead. We had our chances and stayed with them’, commented DJ Woodmore. The Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 40% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 43% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Felix Angerbauer at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Skyliners took the Smazak buzzer beater as momentum and began with a lethal 12-4 run to slam the door shut on Speyer and from there managed the lead until the end. Frankfurt received big three’s from German Leif Zentgraf and Smazak as well as lay in’s from them for the 76-62 advantage. The Skyliners Juniors heightened their defensive pressure and strung along some stops benefited with a few steals that led to transition buckets. Speyer then strung along 3 consecutive stops, but their three stops at the free throw line only produced 4 points, but they trailed only 76-66. But Speyer was running out of steam as the Skyliners Juniors now ultimately closed out the win with a brutal 14-3 run to lead 91-69. Frankfurt demonstrated precision shooting as Edoka, Smazak and Crnjac all dropped three pointers and Poelking unleashed a dunk for good measure to give Frankfurt their 11th win of the season. Smazak’s trey was a desperation shot that somehow fell for him. ‘I had 2 seconds on the clock to shoot it. I didn’t know this was going in, but I was hoping’, smiled Lukas Smazak. The guests closed out the game with a 5-0 run as Angerbauer hit another trey and dropped free throws, but it was too little too late. ‘We did a good job on defensive rebounds and we defended aggressively and moved the ball well. They were tired at the end. We stuck together. We have to keep the momentum for the next games’, warned Lukas Smazak. ‘They found their rhythm and started to hit shots. They played great defense and we got flushed. We got turnovers and they made us pay with made shots’, said DJ Woodmore. The Skyliners Juniors had 6 guys score in double figures and were led by Jamie Edoka with 16 points while Lukas Smazak added 14 points and Desmond Watson 13 points. The Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Dam Ade-Eri with 16 points while Felix Angerbauer had 14 points and Dj Woodmore added 13 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 46% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Lock Down Defender Dennis Diala(Ahorn Camp Baskets) Continues To Grind In The Pro B But Has The Dream To Play In International Competition

Pic credit: Sabine Jost

That the NBA is defined by it´s offense, athleticism, eye popping dunks and Wemby at the moment, it is a wonder at times that defense is still played in the NBA. But it isn´t all about offense as there are enough guys that can be called 2-way players or guys that are simply real lockdown defenders. Some guys that come to mind in the NBA are studs like Jrue Holiday, Alex Caruso. OG Anunoby or Luuentz Dort. That a more focus on offense has also shifted overseas is nothing new as on the last Euroleague game day from March5/6, there was no team that scored 100 points or more, but still 4 teams that scored 90 points or more and the rest 80 points or more. One can still see real hardnosed defense in the Euroleague as it is led by lockdown defenders like Nick Weiler-Babb, Thomas Walkup and Isaac Bonga who all played in Germany at one time or the other. But it isn´t only in the top leagues where one can see top notch defense, but also in lower leagues all over the globe. Even in the German Pro B, one can witness lower scoring games and even there there are lock down defenders who pride their game on making a massive impact on the defensive end. One of those guys is young 22 year old German Dennis Diala (196-SF-2003). It is really enriching to see such effort and engagement from young players on the defensive end since often it then where young bucks want to make an impact on the offensive end. One doesn´t only need a great skill set and work ethic to be a potent defender, but also extreme confidence in one´s craft. “I see myself as a lock down defender and one of the best in the Pro B. I can defend any guard and usually defend the other team´s best defenders”, warned Dennis Diala who ranks Michael Jordan as his GOAT. DJ Woodmore definitely sees him as a sturdy defender who can make an impact. “Dennis has been our best perimeter defender the last few years. His wing span and good instincts make it tough for any player to get a clean look. I think that he has taken a huge step physically this season and it shows every weekend. I still think that he is only scratching the surface of what he can be. I put him on the list of the top defenders in the Pro B”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer guard DJ Woodmore.

The 197cm guard/forward who lists ex Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith and Yanic Niederhauser of the Los Angeles Clippers as his toughest opponents so far in his career began his basketball career with SG Heidelberg/Kirchheim and then played Regionalliga with USC Heidelberg and played with their NBBL (U-19) team. He will never forget Matthias Stein as he was his mentor in his early years. He got to practice with the MLP Academics and even played 2 easyCredit BBL games against Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. He then made the next jump in his career and joined the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer. Is he calling Speyer his second home now in his fourth season? “Yes it has. I´m originally from Heidelberg. When you are in an organization for a longer period of time, it really feels like home. I feel very comfortable in Speyer”, said Dennis Diala. The club has made big strides the last 3 seasons having reached the playoffs. Will they make it a fourth consecutive season to the promised land? “I´m very confident that it will happen again. We have a strong team and deserve to be in the playoffs this season. We lost some bitter games this season that we shouldn´t have lost, but I feel that if we can beat Frankfurt and Dresden, then we will have good chances”, warned Dennis Diala. He played in the playoffs against Wolmirstedt, RheinStars and Leverkusen. Was there a favorite series for him? “I think the RheinStars series is the one that I remember most. We were up 15 points in game 1 and lost control in the fourth quarter and lost. It was similar in game 3. I think that had we won that series, that we could of gone far”, remembered Dennis Diala. The initiator of the success has been head coach Carl Mbassa who has been at the helm now for 13 seasons. He was a solid second Bundesliga player and even played parts of 2 seasons in the BBL with Frankfurt and Nordlingen. “He is a very emotional coach. He knows what he gets from each player and always tries to bring the best out of each player. He works hard at helping us be able to make the next step as a player”, commented Dennis Diala.

Pic credit: Sabine Jost

The athletic German who lists and DJ Woodmore, Kelvin Martin, Rob Lowery, Shy Ely, Brekkott Chapman as his 5 best teammates of all-time has been more than fortunate having a teammate with DJ Woodmore from the start. Woodmore like Mbassa has been a Speyer lifer and has been instrumental in Diala becoming the type of player he is today. “Foremost DJ is a great person and teammate. I have defended him so many times the lasty years in practice which has really helped my game. I have to admit that I have copied some of his moves. He forced me to take shots when I was younger. I´m really thankful how he has helped my game over the years”, stated Dennis Diala. But it isn´t only Woodmoore that has helped his game and the success of the club, but two other Germans with veterans Christoph Rupp und David Aichele who combined have been with the organization for 10 years. “Rupp is a very smart player and one of the smartest players that I have played with in my career. He is really good at how he moves on the court and brings opponent´s defense out of their concept. It is so easy to play with him. He makes every teammates´ life easier. David is a big presence, can get every rebound and always ready on defense. He is a real force on defense”, explained Dennis Diala. The German has made solid strides in his 100 games pro B career. He averaged 8/3r his first 2 seasons and currently is at 9/4. Head coach Carl Mbassa never parked him on the bench when he arrived, but simply threw him into the shark tank early. “He believed in me since the start. I came as a NBBL player from Heidelberg and it wasn´t a given that he would give me trust. He trusted me after 4-5 games and began to insert me in the starting lineup. He pushed me from the start and I´m very grateful that he did”, added Dennis Diala.

The lockdown defender who lists his NBA, Euroleague and German Mount Rushmores with players Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Giannis, Nikola Jokic, Luka Donic, Tony Parker and Dennis Schroeder, Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, and Detlef Schrempf is a player that has never really compared his game to any player. He does watch many video´s of top players and hopes one day to become a mix of Kevin Punter and Kevin Durant. He has demonstrated in the last 3 years that he can be a durable scorer. In his second season he scored in double figures 9 times and last season and this season 11 times. Last season he even exploded with 28 points against Erfurt. He is so close to cracking the 10,oppg in a season. Can he attain this plateau? “I believe I can make it. I just have to continue to work hard”, said Dennis Diala. His three pointer is still a work in progress as 2 seasons ago he was at 31% and last season at 23% and currently is at 23%. “I have improved my three pointer the last years. I feel that my hard work over the summers really paid off. I think that I can get better. I feel like my open and catch and shoot shots are solid, but I have to work on my off the dribble shooting better”, expressed Dennis Diala. He knows that his defense is already at a good area in his game, but it´s his offense that he still needs to tweak to reach the next level. “I want to perfect my three pointer and improve my drive to the rim”, commented Dennis Diala. So what goals does he have as a player? He wanted to play in the Pro A this season, but had no offers and returned to Speyer. A run in the playoffs this season could really help him for the next step next season. His dreams are definitely big. “I want to play at the highest possible level. My dream is to play in international competitions like Euroleague or Eurocup”, stressed Dennis Diala. But he should go one step at a time. He definitely deserves a Pro A gig next season.

Returning To The NBA Will Always Be On RaiQuan Gray’s(AEK BC Athens) Mind But For Now He Will Continue To Build His Resume Overseas

RaiQuan Gray (203-F-1999, college: FSU) is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Ft Lauderdale playing his 5th professional season and second overseas and second with AEK BC Athens. He played his first 3 professional seasons in the G-League with Long Island and Austin and also played 3 NBA games with the Spurs and 1 with the Nets. He began his basketball career at Dillard High School and then played at Florida State (NCAA) from 2018-2021 and in 2021 was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets at #59 in the second round. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks Raiquan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with AEK BC Athens. What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has overall been very enjoyable. I have a new journey and it´s been a lot different to what I was used to from the States. I´m really happy playing for AEK BC Athens.

Has Athens become like a second home for you?

For sure. It took some time to get familiar with all, but it has been great. It is great competition and crazy fans. Greece is a very beautiful country.

Was there some culture shock at first coming from the smaller Ft Lauderdale?

Not as much. As soon as I got to understand everything, it was good. The people are all nice. The biggest adjustment was being ahead 7 hours to home.

The team is playing well and is in third place in the Greek first division standings. How enjoyable is the challenge of competing against the 2 Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos?

It´s been great. I´m a competitor and always want to play the top teams and measure up to them to see where I´m at. It is great competition. I have shown that I belong on that stage.

The team next battles the 3-0 Alba Berlin in the Basketball Champions League. Does AEK have what it takes this season to win a international title?

I think so. My primary purpose why I came back was too win the BCL. We as a team went so far last season and know what it takes to get so far. Now we want to win it. We feel like we have good chances to win. We want to build off our momentum and keep getting wins.

How valuable has a guy like ex NBA player James Nunally been for you? Is he like a mentor for you?

Yes for sure. He has been playing for a very long and has a great IQ. All ears are on him when he is speaking. He is a really good teammate and guy.

Your having solid seasons in both competitions. You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet really well. What exactly is your role on the team this season?

I do it all. I feel like that has always been my role. I´m a versatile player and can affect the game in many ways. If it means rebounding, scoring or defending the other team´s best player, I will do it.

Your almost averaging 4,0apg in the BCL. Have you been asked to be more of a facilitator in the BCL?

I think that I have always been a natural passer. Roles are always changing. Last season we had more of a passing center with Grant Golden and this season, I have been called upon to be more of a passing forward.

You never took many three´s in the G-League. Is incorporating a three pointer more into your game a goal of yours?

Yes I do. I want to have better three point shooting percentages. I think that I just need to take more reps and I´ll be fine.

You were overseas last season for the first time. What was your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think it happened during a domestic game last season. I didn´t play in the second half. I didn´t have a good first half. I understood after that I needed to have a better focus and understanding of the game so I would play more. I needed to learn more about the game, but still be myself on the court.

You reached the BCL Final 4 beating French team Nanterre in an exciting 3 game series and then lost Malaga. What memories do you have of that run?

It was so electric. We hosted the Final 4 in Greece. The atmosphere was amazing and so were the fans. It was real high level hoops. One won´t really know what that feels like unless you were there. It was one of the best experiences in my life.

You played your first 3 pro seasons in the G-League and NBA. You played 4 NBA games and scored in double figures in 3 of them. Those are pretty unusual stats. Do you feel like you got a fair chance to show your game?

Not really. No one really ever asked me that question before. I never felt sorry for myself. I mean I feel like I did the most I could with the opportunity that was given to me. I feel like these times helped me grow. I couldn´t have asked for a better opportunity then.

You played your rookie season with the Long Island Nets averaging 7.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.3%, FT: 82.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie?

That first year showed me that I had to fix my habits and create good habits and be confident. I needed the right mind set and it made me hungrier.

In your second season you averaged 15.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 64.9%, but only played 4 minutes more than the season before. Did head coach Ronnie Burrell discover your scoring abilities?

I don´t know if he discovered it. I will always appreciate that he believed in me and let me be myself. I was aggressive and played with that chip on my shoulder. He saw something in me and pulled it out.

You were really consistent that season and didn´t get a call up until the end of the season. Was this another good example that politics rules the NBA business?

Possibly. A lot goes on behind the scenes that one can´t control. I just go out and take what´s given to me and do the best possible.

You made your NBA debut against the 76ers and had a fine game with 16/9/7 in 36 minutes. How much fun was that game? You were a bit in the shadow of Cam Thomas´s 46 points though.

It was a really cool moment. My family was there to witness it. I was actually home 2 days before my debut and then flew back to play. I knew before the game that I would play well. I knew since I was a little kid that I would be a NBA player one day. I had put in so much work. I was confident and ready to have a good game.



The next season you played with the at Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 15.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.1% and played 3 NBA games with the Spurs. Once again you got called up at the end of the season. You won the last game against Detroit. What was your personal highlight from those 3 games?

I got extended minutes at Oklahoma City. I let it all out on the court. I hit shots early and felt good. I also had a solid game in Detroit. I was able to fit into a system and be myself around good players.

You were teammates with Victor Wembanyama and saw what he did then an dhow he has continued to develop. Where do you see his game being in 5 years?

He will be the best player in the NBA in 5 years. I saw what he could do behind closed doors. He had an incredible mentality and work ethic. He was different.

How big is your personal NBA goal? Guys have gone back after coming overseas.

My goal is still the NBA. I will never shut the door on the NBA dream. I´m 26 at the moment and not 30. I feel like I still have a small window open. If the opportunity ever presents it´s self then I´ll take it. Meanwhile I will keep building my resume overseas.

You played at Florida State from 2018-2021 and reached 2 NCAA Sweet 16´s. What loss was tougher? To Gonzaga or Michigan?

I think that Gonzaga was the tougher loss. I wasn´t ready for the moment. It was my first year in the NCAA- The game was super fast. We had the team to do it that year.

You had many great games at FSU including beating North Carolina twice as a senior. What was your fondest moment on the court?

It wasn´t my moment, but when Trent Forest dunked on Jordan Nwora against Louisville. We were #5 at that moment. It was the loudest that I ever heard the crowd.

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

He taught discipline early and gave me freedom. He taught me to be professional, take care of business and how to communicate. He held me accountable, but also allowed me to make mistakes and be able to learn from them and grow.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malik Osborne?

I will take myself.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court in your life that reached NBA?

Marvin Bagley and Zion Williamson.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Trent Forest, Terrence Mann, Justin Linder, DayRon Sharpe and Mfiondu Kabengele

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

I didn´t see it.

Thanks Raiquan for the chat.

It’s Always Refreshing Seeing Some Old School In A Big As Brendan Temple Displays For Racing Luxemburg

Brendan Temple (206-C-2000, college: Purdue NW) is a 206cm center from Colorado playing his second professional season and second with Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 15,8ppg, 9,9rpg and 2,6apg. Last season he averaged 21.2ppg, RPG-5 (12.0), 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (60.4%), 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.7%. He began his basketball career at Douglas County high school and then played 4 seasons and 112 games for Carroll College (NAIA). In his last season there he averaged : 13.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.8%. He then played one more season with Purdue University Northwest (NCAA2) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 64.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Brendan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season overseas and second with Racing Luxemburg. Was it a no brainer to stay after helping the team move up to the first division?

Thanks for reaching out and yeah it was definitely an easy decision. I really liked my teammates and coaches, and I wanted to see what we could do together in the first league. On top of that, living in Luxembourg City has been a really nice experience, so it just made sense to come back.

You hail from beautiful Castle Rock that has a scenery many Americans would die for. What have you found beautiful in Luxemburg since arriving in late summer 2024?

I actually grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago in La Grange, Illinois. Moved to Castle Rock in high school and have been living there ever since. Since coming to Luxembourg, I’ve noticed how beautiful and clean the city is but the rolling green hills outside of the city are definitely underrated and remind me a little bit of Colorado.

You lost a tough test game in Germany to the Dragons Rhondorf. Germany is the place for basketball since years ever since Germany won world cup and now they are Euro champs. Is Germany on your bucket list to play in one day?

Yes, I’d definitely like to play in Germany one day. I liked the style of basketball there; it was physical and methodical, which I feel fits well with my own game.

Racing Luxemburg is a team that wants to make waves in the first division Luxemburg. Is the goal really only to stay in the league?

The goal is definitely bigger than just staying in the league. We want to turn some heads and make people change their opinion of the club. The focus is on making Racing prominent in the first league and showing that we belong at that level.

The team has many great veterans like home grown players Max Hilger and Steve Lanners. Does the team have the depth to remain in the league?

Yeah, I think the team definitely has the depth to stay in the league. We’ve got a group full of super competitive guys, and everyone knows their role and contributes to making winning plays for the benefit of the team. That kind of mindset is rare, but it’s also something you see in really good teams, and I feel like we have that here.

What has it been like being teammates with ultra veteran Antonnio Bivins? Was he like a mentor for you last season?

Tone has absolutely been a mentor for me. I’ve gone to him with all my questions, which is ironic because we have completely different play styles and energies. But when your teammate has had such a long and successful career, like he has, you tend to listen to what the man has to say. Having Tone help me with the start of my career has been a huge help.

Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Drew Timme

Is it fair to say you have some old school in you? You had nifty hook shots with both hands as well as a running hook shot and nice fade away jumper. It looks like you have watched quite a few players in your life.

I really developed that scoring touch in college. The hook shot became a go-to for me because it’s such an efficient way to score in the post while only needing a few dribbles. I’ve always watched college basketball more closely than the NBA, and since post play is such a big part of the college game, it stuck with me.

Name some players that you have watched over the years where you have soaked up things from?

NBA bigs that I have stolen things from are Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, Al Jefferson, and Jokic, just to name a few.

You take the three, but not that many. Are you working to incorporate more of a three pointer into your game?

Oh absolutely, becoming consistent from the three will open up my game and make me harder to guard.

What kind of a defender are you now as a pro player? Do you still classify yourself a bit raw? What kind of a defender would you like to still become?

Yeah, I know I can definitely improve on the defensive end. I have a good understanding of positioning off the ball and how to help my teammates, but I know I can still grow as a one-on-one defender. I want to be able to guard multiple positions well.

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

I’m trying to improve my three point and free throw. Getting more consistent in these areas will make me more well rounded.

Last season with Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) you averaged 21.2ppg, RPG-5 (12.0), 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2 (60.4%), 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

In the basketball sense, it was the first game against Mess. I realized the game was much different than college and how the refs call the game. In the world sense, it was going to the grocery store and adjusting to the layout, different language, and food brands.

You had so many great games last season. You had 40 points against Bascharage and a massive 20/21 game against Soleuvre. Which of these 2 games was your favorite. Bivins once had a crazy 52/24 game against the latter.

The 40 point game against Bascharge. It was on my birthday.

You played 4 years at Carroll College (NAIA). How formidable were these years for your early basketball development under Kurt Paulsen? How did he help your game most?

My development at Carroll was not what I expected it to be. Believe it or not, I was a wing in high school, shooting the three and having very little post game. Then I got to Carroll and there were more talented guys playing on the wing. The opportunity for me to play was on the block. Coach Paulson developed my post game by teaching me how to finish through contact, having+ great footwork, and developing touch.

You reached the NAIA Elite 8 in 2021. What do you remember from that run? The team bowed out against SAGU:

It was one of my favorite college memories. My favorite game during that run was the round of 16 game against #2 William Penn. I think we were the #15 seed and the team really came together and played our best game of the year.

You had some great games against Providence MT with 27/17 and a 27/13 game against UMW. What was your fondest moment there?

The game against UMW was the first conference home game as a senior. So it was special to start the senior year with a good game and a win. After 3 years of being a role player it was nice to step up for the team.

You then finished at Purdue University Northwest (NCAA2) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 64.6%. You had no adjustment needed going from the NAIA to NCAA 2. How did your game grow that year?

I really credit it to Coach Boom. When I was looking for a new school he was clearly the coach that believed in me the most. He unlocked my game. At PNW, I was able to play make and impact the game from different areas of the court, not just in the paint. *

You had many great games in the NCAA 2. What memories do you have of your 15/5/7/1/1 game against GVSU where you had the game winning basket?

My favorite memory from that game wasn’t the game winner, but the possession prior when I threw a lob to Kalil Whitehead, who is probably the most athletic guy I have ever played with, who just threw it down to secure the lead.

How did head coach Boomer Roberts give you the last needed preparation in being able to turn professional?

Like I said earlier, the biggest thing Coach Boom did for me was give me confidence. He does this with all his players. He builds great relationships.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dalton Gayman?

If it was on the block I would win in a 1v1 scenario but if it was taken anywhere outside the paint DG had my number.

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

I played Scottie Pippen Jr quite a bit growing up and he has turned out to be an outstanding player.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Shamrock Campbell, Andrew Cook, Antonio Bivins, Jovan Sljivancanin, CJ Jackson

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Jokic, Tim Duncan, Steph 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?

Wouldn’t know, haven’t seen it.

Thanks Brendan for the chat.

Having Been Able To Learn From Guys Like Bryant, Reaves And Welp Has Allowed Khyri Thomas’s(MBC) Style Of Play Be Great For The Entire Team

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with Khyri Thomas in Frankfurt

Khyri Thomas (190-F/G-1996, college: Creighton) is a 29 year old 190cm guard playing his 8th professional season and first in Germany with the Syntainics MBC Weissenfels (BBL). He began his basketball career at Benson high school and alsomplayed at Fork Union Military academy. He then played 3 years at Creighton (NCAA). He then was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 38th draft pick. He then played 3 seasons in the NBA and G-League playing with the Pistons and Rockets in the NBA and with Grand Rapids and Austin in the G-League. He came overseas in 2021 and played in countries like Spain, Israel, and Turkey. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Khyri for talking to germanhoops.com. After stops in Israel, Spain and Turkey, your now in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It’s been a decent journey so far, We have a great group of guys and staff has been very professional.

Your far away from big places like Detroit and Houston. Is it still a tough adjustment to off court things or is the quaintness of Weissenfels perfect to focus more on basketball?

I am not a very needy guy so adjusting isn’t a big problem at all. Learning new things each week about Germany is fun.

The SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) are an incredible organization. They won the Fiba Europe Cup in 2004 and then had many not so successful years in the BBL and even moved down to division 2 and last season surprisingly won the German Cup. What is so special about this organization?

What’s special is the group of guys are very unselfish and all about winning. Which makes things a lot more fun and enjoyable.

The team have so many interesting guys like John Bryant a BBL legend in his 15th BBL season, a Spencer Reaves, the brother of NBA player Austin or Collin Welp the son of Chris who helped Germany win the 1993 Euro. There many more guys and then there is you the ex NBA player. How does your character add to the uniqueness of this years team?

I think just learning from each of those guys has made my style of play be great for the entire team.

From those guys I mentioned above or others, is there a player that has had the biggest impact on you this season?

I’d say Akeem Vargas or John Bryant have been most helpful and their IQ for the game is very amazing.

The team has great scoring balance as 6 guys are scoring in double figures in the BBL this season. In Frankfurt you had big shots in crunch time as did Marcus Foster. What exactly is your role on the team and can any guy be the go to guy on any night?

My role is to be best version of myself on the court and lead as well.

Last summer you played with the Calgary Surge (Canada-CEBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 77.8%. What kind of experience was it. The CEBL is a rising league. How did this experience help your game more than just being at home and working out?

Simply just getting back in shape from a hamstring injury and knowing how tough this league can be.

Last season you played with Socar Petkimspor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 14.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.4%. That was your second tour of duty in Turkey. You lost a tough playoff series against Fenerbahce being swept. What was so tough getting over the hump in that series?

We overcame a lot that season but a team like with that much talent and experience is always challenging.

How tough was the 2022-2023 season? You began in Turkey with Tofas Bursa but then stopped palying for personal reasons, but returned later in the season to Hereda San Pablo Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 10.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 86.5%. You had to play in division 2. What did you learn about yourself in this season?

That season was extremely fun and going to championship was a huge confidence boost for me personally.

In Burgos you were teammates with Rasid Mahalbasic, a very unique player that had amazing seasons in the German BBL and had a string of triple doubles. Was that one of the most versatile bigs that you played with so far overseas?

Too many to name honestly.

In your first season overseas you split time with RETAbet Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga ACB) and with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) averaging 7.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; and 3.5ppg, 2.2rpg in the Euroleague. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Just score and try to get back into the NBA.

How big of a learning lesson was the stay in Tel Aviv? You played in the Euroleague, but overall witnessed that you can´t just jump in and expect 30 minutes. How did that stay help you adjust to the ballers life overseas?

To simply stay ready and control what you can control.

You had some amazing teammates in Tel Aviv with Derrick Williams, Scottie Wilbekin and James Nunnally. Was a guy like Williams a mentor for you for your first season overseas?

Absolutely, those guys were very professional, extremely talented, and very welcoming.

You played your rookie season with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 29 games averaging 2.6ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call being a rookie in the NBA?

Control what I can control is all I could do.

You had some real veterans on the team at the guard position like Ishmael Smith and Wayne Ellington. Was one of these guys or someone else like a mentor for you in your rookie season?

Ish Smith was always in my ear and teaching me things.

In your second pro season you played 6 NBA games and 2 G-League games. How tough was this season for you? How tough is it in general to continuing to make a name in the NBA when you can´t show your abilities? Does one lose the footing that one had established in your rookie season? Each season new young guys are coming into the league?

I understood it was a business and nothing personal. Just hooped like always.

In your third pro season and last in the NBA you played 5 games for Houston and 7 in the G-League. How tough was this season during Covid? Was Covid another experience that derailed your attempt to continue to try to establish yourself in the NBA?

Just keep trying to prove I deserve a chance to showcase my talent.

What was the best example that you saw in your 3 years in the NBA where you saw first hand that the NBA will always be a business first?

Just being able to watch veterans be so professional was truly amazing and unforgettable.

You played against so many great players like Dirk Nowitzki, Shai Gillgeous-Alexander Devin Booker or Chris Paul in the NBA, Was there one meeting on the court with a player that you will never forget?

I barely played so I just walked back to the locker rooms honestly.

You played 3 seasons at Creighton (NCAA) and 102 games. You made big jumps in your game each season. How did your game grow in those 3 years?

Locking in mentally and going at the other top guys we played against.

What do you remember from the great NIT Elite 8 run where you beat Alabama and Wagner but lost to BYU?

That was a huge jump in my role for the team going into the next season.

You then reached 2 NCAA tournaments losing to Kansas State and Rhode Island. What memories do you have of the big dance? S What was missing from going further?

Playing with with guys whose last year ended in that type of game and environment.

You had so many great games like against Depaul and St Johns in your senior year. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA?

Simply winning the games and enjoying them with family friends and teammates.

How did head coach Greg Mcdermott groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Treated me like a son of his own. Couldn’t ask for more of him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marcus Foster?

ME!!

Who is the toughest player that you have faced in your career?

Marcus Foster!!

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Not fair to the rest of guys I’ve got to play with.

Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant.

Who is your Goat?

Kawhi Leonard

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

I have not seen it. Couldn’t tell sorry but most people I know didn’t like the sequel.

Thanks Khyri for the chat