Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 29 year old 185cm guard that will completed fourth season pro season and first with Pro B team TSV Neustadt temps Shooters averaging 6.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 77.9%. Last season he played with BG Hagen averaging 30.1ppg, 9.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 78.0%. In 2022-2023 he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2025 NBA finals

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

Thanks for having me Miles! I’m currently in Phoenix Arizona and my offseason has been pretty good but really focused on making sure my body is in shape and healthy for the next season.

How has your summer been? Did you visit any nice spots in Europe before heading stateside?

It’s been great! I’ve done quite a bit of traveling in the states but wasn’t able to go anywhere in Europe because I had to go home pretty early.

How has the summer transfer period been for you? Do you think like you may play in Germany again?

It’s been good. I think I will be coming back to Germany for next season yes.

Let´s talk NBA. OKC are NBA champions. They dominated the whole season. What made them the best team for you?

I think chemistry. Those guys genuinely love each other and you could see by the way they play defense that they were so in sync and I think chemistry has a lot to do with that. Everyone knew Shai was the go to guy and the others played their roles perfectly and that’s what got them a championship.

How did you rate OKC going into the 2024-2025 NBA season. Were they a team you saw making a run in the playoffs?

For sure. They were always going to be a playoff team but the main question was could they get over that hump of getting eliminated early. I honestly believed that once they got past Denver, it was going to be smooth sailing but Indiana proved that that wasn’t going to be the case.

What is your summary of the finals? Did OKC win it fair and square?

They won fair and square yes. You can’t predict an injury is going to happen and I really feel bad for Haliburton and Indiana out more of fight than I expected them to. But I do believe Okc won it 100% fair and square.

Tyrese Haliburton had 9 points in the first 8 minutes, but then left with injury. The Pacers kept pace for a long time. Would the Pacers have won the final with him?

I don’t think so, but it would’ve been extremely close as it was all the way until the end. I just think Okc would’ve get it done at home no matter what.

Where do you rank Tyrese Haliburton now as a point guard in NBA? Is he top 5 now?

He’s not top 5 currently no, but top 10 for sure. He’s a great player no doubt but he has some inconsistencies that I think he needs to fix. But you can’t deny that he is built for the moment and he showed that all playoffs.

What was key in game 7 for OKC winning. If you look at the stats, the To´s seemed to be the big key.

TO’s and I think just staying calm. They’re a young team and not experienced in these situations so I think staying poised when it got rough was the key and sticking to their game plan.

What was the difference between OKC´s defense and other teams? How key was having a coach like Mark Daigneault for keeping the defensive principles intact all season long?

OKC ran one of the most switchable defenses in the league. They didn’t rely heavily on traditional drop coverage; instead, they often switched or hedged depending on the matchup. Mark Daigneault got every player, from star to role player, to commit to defensive principles. That’s not easy with a young roster.

If you had to chose an unsung hero for OKC in the final series and season who would it be?

Alex Caruso, he was everywhere defensively and knocked down big time shots when they needed it.

Which Indiana Pacer player made the biggest jump this season?

So many of their players have showed consistency the last years. Andrew Nembhard, He went from being a steady role player in his rookie season to becoming a secondary playmaker and clutch scorer.

SGA made the next step. Is he the top point guard in the NBA and top 3 best players in world?

Yes for sure. SGA has been consistent the past few years with being essentially unguardable and took a crazy leap defensively.

What is the next step for SGA? Can he elevate his game now to another level or has he reached his prime?

I mean, he’s a consistent 30 ppg scorer and can play defense. I think the only thing really is being able to knock down 3’s consistently which I think he was 40% shooter in regular season.

How cool is it for Germany having that second NBA winner ever after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein. You played most of your career in Germany.

It’s very cool and meaningful for Germany to now have Isaiah Hartenstein join Dirk Nowitzki as an NBA champion. Dirk will always be the icon, but Hartenstein’s rise adds a fresh, modern layer to German basketball pride.

Hartenstein became a NBA champion with OKC after having to pay his dues for many years. Still I feel like he isn´t respected as a offensive scorer yet. OK so OKC has many great offensive players, but can Hartenstein ever get more of a scoring role? He just doesn´t get enough shots.

Hartenstein has one of the best floaters I’ve ever seen as a big, so maybe if he can work on being able to take one dribble and getting to his spot, he can easily become an offensive threat.

How did you see development of Jalen Williams. Is he on track of becoming an NBA superstar?

Jalen Williams’ development in the 2023–24 season was a major leap, and yes he’s absolutely on track to becoming an NBA superstar if he continues this trajectory.

How key was the big man duo of Holmgren/Hartenstein. Would OKC have won only with 1 player?

Major. I think with just Chet, it wouldn’t have been enough to win so adding Hartenstein was the best thing they could’ve done.

What is possible now with OKC. I picked a dynasty with Boston last season and was wrong. Can it happen with OKC?

Okc is set with draft picks for the next four years which makes Sam Presti a genius. Winning a championship this early and with a young team shows that a dynasty could be brewing.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Joe Asberry (196-F-1965, college: SF State) is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player. He worked last season with the Artland Dragons organization. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2025 NBA finals.

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

What’s up Miles? Always good to catch up with you. I’m in Berlin, Germany and loving this heatwave, while other’s MELT! LOL!

Let’s talk NBA. OKC are NBA champions. They dominated the whole season. What made them the best team for you?

OKC has a bunch of Dawgs ,who love to play together and thats the key to their success.

How did you rate OKC going into the 2024-2025 NBA season. Were they a team you saw making a run in playoffs?

Coming into the 24/25 Season, I knew OKC would be good, but I didn’t think they would win the title. I thought the Nuggets or Twimberwolves would win the chip

What is your summary of the finals? Did OKC win it fair and square?

OKC was the better team.Fair play to them

Tyrese Haliburton had 9 points in the first 8 minutes, but then left with injury. The Pacers kept pace for a long time. Would the Pacers have won the final with him?

Halifburton is a Elite Stud,but, it was SGA’s time. He was going to go out there and get a 50 ball,or do EVERYTHING to help his team win

Where do you rank Tyrese Haliburton now as a point guard in NBA? Is he top 5 now?

I don’t like to Rank NBA players, because I view all of them as the best basketball players in the World, but with that said, you have to put Haliburton in the conversation of top 5 PG! His clutch 3’s were unreal. To point at Reggie Miller and do the “choke sign” on that stage with the WORLD Watching means that dude is different
What was key in game 7 for OKC winning. If you look at the stats, the To’s seemed to be the big key.

Turnovers will happen in every basketball game. It boils down to who wants to win more, so again OKC has some Dogs with chips on their shoulders and that was the difference.

What was the difference between OKC’s defense and other teams? How key was having a coach like Mark Daigneault for keeping the defensive principles intact all season long?

Mark Daigneualt is a great coach. He hung his hat on them getting stops. We all know defense wins championships, but none of the principles mean anything if you don’t have the players that can play defense. Jalen Williams is a Monster. Luguentz Dort is a Monster. When you have elite studs like those two and Big Hartenstein playing in that pain ,like a Grown ass Man, you can’t go wrong on Defense.

If you had to choose an unsung hero for OKC in the final series and season who would it be?

The unsung hero for me is Big Chet Holmgren. He can average a 20 ball on any team in the NBA! He is damn good and on his way to be great. He didn’t let his injuries or ego get in the way

Which Indiana Pacer player made the biggest jump this season? So many of their players have showed consistency the last years.

Anybody that knows me,knows one thing about me, I don’t like Dunkers,i l Ive them. So Obi Toppin made the biggest Jump and I see him getting better and better! LOL

SGA made the next step. Is he the top point guard in the NBA and top 3 best players in world?

SGA is a NBA World Champion,and the best player in the world TODAY! Now if i let my feelings get involved, I’ll slap myself for not saying Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Steph Curry,Anthony Edwards, The Joker,and Luca Doncic, are the best basketball players in the world. I hope the homey Bryan Battle doesn’t read this he will punch me for not putting his boy Kyrie Irving,in the Mix! LOL!
What is the next step for SGA? Can he elevate his game now to another level or has he reached his prime?

Sky is the limit for SGA! He has that Canadian Chip on his shoulder, showing us Americans,”we’re here buddy”

How cool is it for Germany having that second NBA winner ever after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein (213-C/F-1998). Especially since you coach with the Artland Dragons organization where he began his career?

Congratulations to Big Isiah. I love the G-League,so when he was killing in that, I knew it was only a matter of time, big strong, and Dunking on people, I LOVE HIS GAME! Now my job is much harder, I can’t find the next Big Hartenstein in Quackenbruck, real talk though,that area is loaded with talent. There is a big Shot Blocking Diva on my Radar and a 1 on 1 Wizard Diva too, but I won’t put pressure on my 2 “WNBA Allstars” They have enough pressure right now. When they read this, they will know who I’m talking about! Especially if I scream”Stop BSING;AND COOK” LOL!

Have you had any dealings with big Flo Hartenstein, the dad of Isaiah? Can you even imagine what is going through his head the day after?

Congratulations to Big Flo. He gave my guy Pierre Bland a chance ,when nobody else would. I heard his name of course, but we met in Quackenbruck through the Agent I work with (My guy Mike Baron) I’m happy for big Flo. He’s a good dude. I’m sure he’s also laughing at Haters who thought he was crazy when his son went to go hoop in another country. Yes,I’M PETTY !LOL!

Hartenstein became a NBA player with OKC after having to pay his dues for many years. Still I feel like he isn’t respected as a no offensive scorer yet. OK so OKC has many great offensive players, but can Hartenstein ever get more of a scoring role? He just doesn’t get enough shots.

Big Hartenstein is in a perfect position. He proved he can score in the G-League. You feed him, and he will score more. His jump hook is cash. He doesn’t have to score. OKC is loaded with Scorers.

How did you see development of Jalen Williams. Is he on track of becoming an NBA superstar?

Jalen Williams is elite. He will get better and better

How key was the big man duo of Holgrem/Hartenstein. Would OKC have won only with 1 player?

The modern twin towers Holmgren and Hartenstein is incredible. Hartenstein is as strong as an Ox, and truth be told, Holmgren probably has a 8 foot wingspan, its SCARY!

What is possible now with OKC. I picked a dynasty with Boston last season and was wrong. Can it happen with OKC?

OKC’s Dynasty ends now. The Golden State Warriors will sign Giannis, Dame, James Harden, and I’m going to Kidnap Ace Bailey to join the squad, “I believe in 26″Warriors will beat your Celtics in 7! Thanks for having me Miles,I appreciate you!

Thanks Joe For The chat

It may be difficult to believe but even if Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) has played most of his overseas career in Germany, recently he has taken his game to different countries. Last season he concentrated on other basketball duties and elected not to play, but then did help out Avanti Mondorf in Luxemburg for a few games and this upcoming season will suit up in the second division in Croatia which will be his 8th team as a pro. “I signed to a new Sports Agency a few months ago called United Sports and started working with a guy named Stefan. He was the key to this great opportunity. 1 thing I have said this past year was I needed to go play in a warm country because of playing in this German weather for so long. So I´m excited I can get to go play there and take my brand even further. I have no idea if the Croatian second division is like Pro B Germany, but I can’t wait to find out ”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. As usual he is in Germany at the moment in the Stuttgart area and doing what he loves most. You never know where you may find him, because he is all over the place. “The summer has been cool, literally, German weather. I guess. This summer has been pretty busy because I have been all over Europe teaching kids the game of basketball, while still playing and working out for myself, while figuring out where I want to play next season and still handling Family things so this maybe 1 of my busiest summers ever. Out here grinding for real”, warned Jeremy Ingram. He also found some extra time to ball with other basketball lovers and showcase his still very explosive game, but wasn´t has fortunate to win a title. “This is my first year playing in the GRC but I had so much fun playing with team “For the Glory” with guys like D. Mcgee, BA, Shaun and a few others. We came up a little short because we honestly got cheated seeming that if you lose you go home. Well we beat a team and somehow we had to play them later and they had about 10 new players this time. But that´s a story for another day. I just enjoyed getting out there turning up with the guys”, stated Jeremy Ingram.

Even if he is overseas, one thing Jeremy Ingram never loses sight of is the NBA. The time difference may be tough, but even if he can´t watch every game, he finds a way to keep track as best as possible. It also didn´t surprise him that the Oklahoma Thunder won the 2025 NBA title. He simply had that special premonition. “ I had OKC picked since preseason because they were clearly the overall best team this season and arguably last season except last season I didn’t pick them because I felt they were too young and weren´t ready yet. I knew this season they would be ready. Their defense was amazing and sometimes overshadowed by their great offense. Also Shai is the best player in the NBA right now and he has so many characteristics that reminds me of my all-time favorite player Kobe Bryant”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. Many surely had the Thunder winning easily as the Indiana Pacers gave them an incredible fight, but what many will wonder is what would have happened had Tyrese Haliburton been able to play the whole game? He had 9 points in the first 8 minutes and was red hot, but then went down with a season ending injury. “I wanted OKC to win and I hate to admit it but if Tyrese Haliburton don’t get hurt we may be talking about this series a little differently. I don’t want to say Pacers win because I think OKC maybe still pulls this game out but I do think the Pacers had no hope and no chance after he got hurt”, commented Jeremy Ingram. Haliburton had another great season, but made another step in the playoffs leading his team to 7 games in the final. Did that run heave him into the top 5 best point guards in the NBA? “ Curry, Kyrie Luka, Shai, and Ja Morant are my top 5 point guards. I don’t think he was consistent enough to be in the Top 5”, said Jeremy Ingram. It was apparent to see that the Pacers staggering amount of turnovers and the Thunder´s consistent defense put them over the top. “ TO’s was a big key because that´s what OKC had done all year is make teams turnover the ball and get out on them fast breaks. OKC made defense their main priority. If that´s the case and your offense is even better than your defense then that´s a winning formula”, warned Jeremy Ingram.

OKC might have had that dominant point guard and MVP in Shai Gillgeous-Alexander that was massive for the win, but also had so many other great parts like Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace or Aaron Wiggins just to name a few, but does OKC win without both big men of Hartenstein and Holmgren? “To win a championship it´s very important to have a good big man. OKC had 2 which made them even tougher in the paint”, said Jeremy Ingram. Jalen Williams made a huge jump in his last 2 seasons and exploded in the playoffs and had a 40 point game against Indiana. Is he on superstar course now? “I don´t see him becoming a superstar because ultimately I think playing with Shai will prevent him from going to superstardom. If he goes to another team he definitely could become a superstar if it´s his team”, explained Jeremy Ingram. Shai Gillgeous won the MVP fair and square even if people in Denver will doubt it, but is he now a top 3 point guard in the NBA and can he still elevate his game to bigger heights now? “I mean he is League MVP and Finals MVP so you would have to say he’s the best player in the world for now. I think you can always elevate your game no matter how good you are so I do think he will come back even better next season and even more efficient”, expressed Jeremy Ingram. Germany got it´s second NBA champion after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein. The big man has had to pay his dues for years, but finally found his calling in Oklahoma. He has a specific role, but still it´s a shame that his versatile offensive game can´t be shown more. “I think this NBA title just makes German basketball even more popular and makes basketball in general more popular over here. It´s not Hartenstein’s job to get more shots when you already have 2-3 players taking 15-20 shots every night and I´m sure he understands that”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. I wished more than actually believed last summer that the Boston Celtics could start a dynasty, but what´s possible with the Thunder? “ I think if OKC’s main players stay healthy. They can win at least 2 more championships in the next 5 years but you never know because of so many different NBA teams are good now and the west is especially super tough”, warned Jeremy Ingram.Never doubt Jeremy Ingram, because he knows the NBA. So if he predicts another Thunder win in 2026, it could very well come true.

Noah Kamdem (198-C-1998) is a 26 year old 198cm center that has enjoyed a 10 year plus career. He will play his 4th season with the CATL Basketball Loewen Erfurt (ProB). He has been a real basketball traveler in Germany having played with Troster Breitengussbach, Nurnberg, Herzogenaurach, Team Ehingen, Rostock, PS Karlsruhe, Schwenningen, Coburg, Frankfurt and Elchingen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about Isaiah Hartenstein.

More than 11 years ago you battled Isaiah Hartenstein in the JBBL final. How has time flown by?

Time really has flown by for me. I experienced a lot in this time and played with many clubs. I had ups and downs, but all in all had fun even if I had injuries as well. I just kept going forward.

If someone had told you in 2014 that he would win a NBA title 11 years later what would you have thought?

I wouldn´t of thought it could happen. He was already a great player in his youth. He grew something like 8 cm after the final. When your so much taller than the rest, then you are definitely a weapon. Plus he was a lefty and saw the angles differently. He was already very athletic. His father was always by his side and was supporting him to the fullest. Getting to the NBA was possible, I thought, but winning the title is something totally different. Everything needs to be right and you need to have the right team.

What memories do you have of that final game? Breitengussbach lost 68-60.

I remember that he had an incredible game. He shot the ball really well. He made some tough step back three´s. That is just really difficult to defend. He defended really well and carried his team. He could already do it all then. He had all the tools.

When you look back at a game like that and watch a JBBL final in 2025, have their been big strides in how good youth players are today?

I honestly don´t follow the JBBL closely today. There are bigs around today that are physical, but we had big bigs in 2014 as well. If I remember correctly, we had 8-9 guys on our team that could dunk. Every guy was athletic as well. But there are many great players today and the DBB and all the clubs are doing good work in the youth development. It is definitely continuing to go in a positive difrection. But I do feel like the physicality now is a step back from when I was in the JBBL.

In the final Isaiah Hartenstein had 22 points and you had 21 points. What memories do you have of the battle down low?

We had many matchups. I remember him hitting a couple step back three pointers against me at the end. He definitely decided the game for his team with his rebounding and defense. It was tough playing against him, but I feel like I held my own against him. I used my quickness and showed I could score as well. I had shown in the semi-final that I could defend well against a smaller player like Kostja Mushidi.

How good of a player was Hartenstein already then at age 16? He keeps saying in interviews that many doubted his game, but as well as I can remember he dominated at the youth sector.

I´m not sure. He played at the Jordan Brand tournament and was known at a young age internationally. I think that back then he was tall, but not that strong yet, so he had doubters. But he always kept working hard and went his way. He gained more trust as a player. His dad was very important. He always believed in him and worked with him to achieve their goals.

You’re a big physical undersized big man. Do you feel like you could of reached the highest level had you been 10 centimeters bigger?

I still think that I can reach a high level. The last years weren´t easy for my career. I had a son and had injuries. I even played with injuries. My athleticism suffered. But I worked hard at coming back. My foot work is even better now and my shot more consistent. I also get to the rim better. I still believe like I can reach a higher level.

How have you followed Isaiah Hartenstein´s career over the last years? Have you kept tabs on him?

I have followed him a bit. He had some problems early in his career to get established, but he kept working at his game and found consistency. He has a good shot and can score inside and defends well. He showed that he is a vital player for OKC´s success.

He is only the second German after Dirk Nowitzki to win a NBA title. How big of an achievement is this for German basketball?

I think this is a huge achievement for German basketball. You obviously can´t compare this to what Nowitzki did in 2011. He carried the whole team and was a superstar. But Isaiah did a lot for the OKC success and gave good support. I think this NBA title is the next push for Germany after the World Cup win.

Where does this title rate him now with German big men? Would you classify him as Germany´s best center now?

I don´t know. I haven´t seen him play internationally. We have good bigs with Thiemann, Voigtmann and Theis. All these guys are closer to the European game then is Isaiah. But despite this, Isaiah is a top center from Germany. He now wants to play for Germany and that will make Germany even tougher to play against.

Has it surprised you that it has taken so long for him to get his breakthrough? It always felt like teams didn´t use him right.

The whole NBA is a product. If a coach liked another player more, there isn´t too much you can do about it. If a player gets a chance and performs well, then that helps. But the NBA is so unpredictable It is hard when you get traded and out of nothing have to start over again.

Would OKC have won the title only with a Hartenstein or only a Holmgren?

That is hard to say because I didn´t follow the finals so closely.

Are OKC a team that could start a dynasty in the next years?

They have to keep working hard as a team. But anything can happen in the NBA. 1-2 trades can change the dimension of a team so much.

How would you do in a 1-1 against Isaiah today? How many baskets would you make in 10 attempts?

He is many levels above me skill wise. He is so athletic and a lot longer than I. It would be very tough for me, because I´m undersized. I might get 1-2 lucky shots.

Thanks Noah for the chat.