Albert Oliver (187-PG-1978) is a 48 year old 187cm guard that is currently an assistant coach With La Laguna Tenerife. He enjoyed an incredible 25 year career playing 675 ACB games that was spent all in Spain. He played for teams like Caprabo Lleida, Ricoh Manresa, Pamesa Valencia, Asefa Estudiantes Madrid, FIATC Joventut Badalona, Herbalife Gran Canaria 2014, Coosur Real Betis Sevilla, and Monbus Obradoiro CAB scoring 5,211 points in the ACB. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of a ULEB cup game between Valencia and Frankfurt from 2007.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing ex NBA and North Carolina guard Shammond Williams in Frankfurt in 2007

When I say the date December 10th, 2007 Does anything pop up in your mind?

I actually remember that time very well. But not necessarily for basketball, but for another reason. My son was born on December 18th, 2007.

On this day you were in this arena in Frankfurt almost 19 years ago. Now being back does the arena seem familiar again`

It actually looked a little familiar when I first entered for shoot around today. I thought maybe I had played here before. Now I know I played here since you told me.

What does it mean for you to be back here 19 years later?

My first feeling is I´m old now. I was 29 when I played here then. Looking back I think we won. I never lost in Germany before.

I was here in 2007 and so were you. Now were here again in 2026. Does that show how small the basketball world can be at times?

Yes the world is small. I didn´t expect that. We here again 19 years later.

I remember the game really well. I interviewed Shammond Williams and Ruben Williams before the game for my radio show and then called the game on the radio. What about you?

I don´t remember much. I do remember that we had a really talented team with those guys and others.

It was a low scoring game that Valencia won 76-68. Mindaugas Timinskas led Valencia with 20 points. Unlike like tonight which was a shoot out.

He is from Lithuania and played the 3 and 4. Now it seems like everyone is going to the NCAA from Europe. He had done it also back then which was a lot more rare. He had played at Iona. He was a really good shooter, but more important a good person.

Do you remember the 203Cm Derrick Allen of Frankfurt. He had the special ballerina moves.

No I don´t remember him. I played a lot of games in my career.

You had 0 points 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes. It was only the second game in Euro competition that season where you had the goose egg. As a point guard was scoring 0 points less than a problem for you since you were a fine playmaker?

I obviously want to play better and score more, but for me the most important was always getting the win.

You were 29 years old in 2007 so ex NBA player Shammond Williams wasn´t a mentor. What memories do you have of him?

He was a really talented player especially on the offensive end. He was a scoring point guard that could do it all. He was physical and liked playing fast.

I will never forget him. He arrived at the game with a suit on as if he was still in the NBA. What was up with that suit approach?

Yes he was always wearing a suit. Maybe he thought he was still in the NBA. He always dressed like that home or away. He had many suits.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Shammond Williams?

Shammond for sure.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the ACB in your career?

Elmer Bennett and Jorge Manuel Calderon

Who is your Spanish GOAT?

Juan Antonio San Epifanio.

Thanks Albert for the chat and memories.

Marcelinho Huertas and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Frankfurt Germany

Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-1983) is a 43 year old 191cm point guard from Brazil playing his 23rd season overseas and 9th with La Laguna Tenerife. The Sao Paulo native began his overseas career in 20024 with DKV Joventut Badalona (Liga ACB). He also played with Iurbentia Bilbao Basket (Liga ACB), GMAC Real Estate Bologna (Italy-Serie A), and Caja Laboral Vitoria (Liga ACB). He then played 4 seasons with FC Barcelona (ACB) before making his NBA break through playing 2 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He then returned to Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz (Spain-Liga ACB) before moving to La Laguna Tenerife. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against German team Skyliners,

Marcelinho thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You are 43 years old and in your 23rd season after coming overseas in 2004. You are the Lebron James of overseas. What is your secret of being able to compete at the highest level?

There isn´t a secret for me. I live every day like if it was the first day of my career. My dream as a kid was always to be a pro. I never expected to get this far. What keeps me going is simply that the dream inside me is still alive. I couldn´t imagine my life any different. I just go out and play with passion and try my best. Obviously not having many injuries helped my body hold up. I play the sport I love competitively and with pride.

You have played 732 ACB games and retired player Felipe Reyes has the game record with 824. Are you striving to get by him?

That is really something that really doesn´t concern me. For me it was never about chasing something and beating records. I just go out on the court and have fun, be a good leader and be competitive.

You are playing your 8th season with La Laguna Tenerife. What is so special about this organization that has made you remain so long?

I found a place with this organization that I never expected when I arrived. But everything fits with this organization. The club, fans and city are great and my family and I feel very comfortable here since day one. It is simply a great surrounding where the players want to stay for a long time. We compete against the best teams and fight well in all competitions. There is no reason to have to move around like other players do. It is a perfect location and I´m happy.

Your teammate Aaron Dornekamp also loves the team as he is in his ninth season. Have you guys shared a special bond over the years more than other teammates?

We connected here and I already knew him from when we faced each other with our national teams. We have a special bond, but that is also the case with so many of the other guys who have been here a while. We have created a really nice team bond here and we like to be around each other. When one has a winning environment, it makes everything so much easier on the court. We have so many high IQ players that it makes everything easier on the court.

Was winning the Basketball Champions League in 2022 your biggest success with La Laguna Tenerife? What was so special about this team?

That is hard to tell. Winning titles are important and mark a special place. But there have also been so many other moments in my time here. Having 1 great day winning a title can´t replace 8 years. I like being around nice people in a nice environment. There were also other great accomplishments like reaching the ACB semi-finals a lot. Beating Real Madrid as a eighth seed was also very special. I believe having nice ties with your teammates last longer than titles.

You have played often against German teams over the years. How have you observed German basketball over the years and how has it developed in the last 10-15 years?

German basketball has grown so much. I see the results with the national team and they have been great. The teams have been so highly competitive and physical over the years. There are so many so gifted players like a few Brazilians that are playing for the team where I´m a bit bitter. They are a great team with a great future.

Before arriving in Tenerife, you played two seasons with Kirolbet Baskonia Vitoria. There you were teammates with current Euroleague player Johannes Voigtmann. How did you see his development the last two years and why isn´t a guy like him in the NBA?

Joe is such a talented player that can do it all as a big man. He can shoot, hit the 3, pass and play above the rim. He is one of those players where you don´t know how to guard him. He has gotten so much better and comfortable over the last years. He also has played with the best teams. Why he didn´t go to the NBA is a good question. You would have to ask him. Maybe he just knew that his place was in Europe. Sometimes it is better having a good status somewhere instead of having a frustrated dream. He has had a great career in Europe and I believe he is happy with that.

You played in the NBA from 2015-2017 playing 76 games with the Los Angeles Lakers. What kind of experience was that for you? What did you learn most from the experience?

I had to bring my A game each day. There was nothing guaranteed with my situation and I always had to earn my minutes. It was frustrating sometimes when I was in the rotation and out even though I believed that I deserved to be in the rotation. I had to always be ready and could only control what I could and not mess up. I feel like I did the best that I could. I was around incredible players and tried to learn as much as possible.

Was your 10 points and 9 assists in the win against the great Golden State Warriors one of your fondest single game performances? You can always tell your grand children that you beat Steph Curry in a game.

That game was very special for me. Being able to beat the beat team in that era was great. It was so memorable winning and me having an impact in it. That game was my most memorable in my 2 years with the Lakers. I didn´t beat them, but we did it as a team.

You were teammates with the late Kobe Bryant. What was your fondest story with him?

I will always remember Kobe being a really nice guy to me. I was very lucky to share special moments with him in the locker room. We sat next to each other in the locker room and training room. I will never forget having conversations in Spanish and Italian. He liked talking in different languages and not having his teammates know what he was saying. We spoke about random things and had nice private time together. But at the same time, I really respected his space and didn´t try to invade it too much.

What was the best example that you saw in your two year NBA stay that showed that the NBA is a business first and nothing else?

The NBA really is a business. There is so much money and ego´s involved. Clubs are so worried about reconstruction that the feelings for the players isn´t there. Sometimes decisions are made by clubs where the player has no power. Some guys will move to 2-3 teams in a season and that is hard. It isn´t easy for families, but that is part of the business. I was very lucky that I had no problems with that and stayed 2 seasons with the Lakers.

You played 4 years with FC Barcelona from 2011-2015 winning 4 titles. Would it be fair to say that this was the most memorable time in your professional career?

My dream as a kid wasn´t only to be a professional player, but one day to play for FC Barcelona. That dream came true. When I was there, I put in as much effort and competed at a high level and tried to win as much as possible. I had 4 good years, but am disappointed that I never won a Euroleague title. We reached 3 final 4´s. The Euroleague is that one title that I really wanted to win. We really tried our best, but it just didn´t want to happen.

There you played a season with the Lithuanian legend Sarunas Jasikevicius. What memories do you have of his last season. What story do you have of him that you will never forget?

Sarunas is an amazing person foremost and was also an incredible player. When he was there, he was at the end of his career and he was nice to be around. I loved his stories and I was able to learn a lot from him on the court. We are still well connected today and talk often. He is a great coach now and I´m very happy that he is having success now as well.

You played 4 seasons with the Spanish legend Juan Carlos Navarro. What kind of an influence did he have on you and what kind of relationship did you have with him?

Juan was one of the most gifted players that I ever played with. What he did for the FC Barcelona organization and Spanish national team for so many years was out of the ordinary. His ability to score and lead the team was incredible. He didn´t speak much, but he was one of the nicest guys. He is very family orientated. He did so much for FC Barcelona. Being able to be around him and learn so much on a daily basis was very inspirational for me.

You played two seasons at Caja Laboral Vitoria with Dusko Ivanovic at. How do you remember his teaching and what valuable qualities could he give you that helped you become a better player?

Dusko was very important in my career at that time. He shaped me then to be a better playmaker. He taught me how I could put players in position at the right time. His advice made click with me and I believed that I could be a better playmaker. He also taught me to fight through pain and to never give up. He forced me to the limit. I began to see things through a different perspective. I didn´t agree with him at first, but that helped me develop a certain toughness and I learned to bounce back during adversary. I´m really grateful to him.

In your second season you were 22 and a very talented 15 year old Ricky Rubio was on the team. What do you remember him doing in a practice that never left your memory bank?

When you saw him then at age 15, he wasn´t the future, but already the present. He was that good. I saw things from him at age 15 that I didn´t see from players at age 25. His maturity and expertise at that age was extra ordinary. We all understood the hype. He didn´t need to score and made everyone around him better. He was a great leader. He is still playing at a high level today which is really inspirational. I came to the team and was 21 and he was 14. When we saw him practice with his youth team, we were all amazed at what he could do on the court. How he took care of little things on the court were amazing. It was a joy for all to watch. Luka Donic was a bit older when he began to dominate.

How has basketball in Europe changed since your days in Badalona? Is there anything you miss from the early days playing in the ACB?

Today teams play faster. The style also changed more since there are more Americans overseas now. Everyone is running more, quicker possessions and more three´s being shot. It is less structured now and the old fashioned game isn´t as visible anymore. But it is fun to see when teams play each other with different styles. There are more mental battles now. It is like a chess match. All you can do is to adapt as much as possible.

You played a very good World Championships in Turkey in 2010 as well as a very good Olympics in 2012. What tournament do you honestly feel did you play your best?

Our best time with the national team was from 2010-2016. We should of won medals those years, but lost close games that we know that we should of won. We lost because of small details, being nervous and making bad decisions in crucial moments. I really wanted to win a medal for my country. I feel like we deserved more than what we reached.

How memorable was your 32 points in the 2010 World Cup win over arch rival Argentina? Is this a game that you enjoy rewatching?

I never rewatch games of mine. I will watch highlights every so often. I think that when I retire one day, then I will have more time for things like that. I will be bitter and watch my old games and suffer. But I will remember moments like this and live with joy. I will watch my old games then with a different perspective. Now I´m focused most on continuing to learn and improve my game as best as possible.

What has it meant to you being a teammate with Tiago Splitter in the national team and also in Spain? Is he a close second to being the greats Brazilin player of all-time behind Oscar Schmidt?

It is tough to tell since my country has had many great players over the years. I wasn´t alive when we won Gold and Silver medals at the Fiba World Cup. I heard that that generation had incredible players. I watched Oscar play and that generation as well as my generation had great players as well. Spliter had an incredible career being All Euroleague and won an NBA title. His career was cut short due to a hip injury. He could have had a longer and had an even better career. We had so many great players that it wouldn´t be fair to others if he was behind Oscar. But he was one of the best Brazilian players. He had a huge impact.

Please list your 5 all-time best teammates in your career? I´m sure Tiago Splitter is on this list.

It is very hard to name just 5 players since I had so many great teammates. I will list a few bigs since they always made my life so much easier on the court. Tiago Splitter, Ante Tomic who was so smart and my current teammate Giorgi Shermadini. I have an unbelievable connection to him. I owe him a lot. I can name so many others like Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio, Juan Carlos Navarro or Kobe Bryant. I could add 20 more guys.

In the two years that you played in the NBA who was the toughest player you battled and who was your toughest foe in Europe?

In the NBA, I remember Russell Westbrook being so quick and explosive in his prime. Steph Curry also. You blinked and lost him. In Europe, my toughest were Rubio, Diamantidis, Spanoulis, Lull Etc.

Please list your own personal NBA and Euroleague Mount Rushmore.

Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James And Shaq

Dimitrios Diamantidis, Vasilios Spanoulis, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Hines and Luis Scola

Who is your Goat?

Michael Jordan. Steve Nash and Jason Kidd inspired me growing up.

Thanks Marcelinho for the chat.

The last game day was a real catastrophe for the Dragons Rhondorf and the Fellbach Flashers. The Dragons Rhondorf controlled the game in the second and third quarters against Frankfurt and led by 13 points going into the fourth quarter, but then totally fell apart and lost by 3 points on the road. The Fellbach Flashers on the other hand lost their first game of the season on the road to Pro B newcomer Reutlingen 92-70 where they had a poor shooting day and coughed up the ball a horrible 24 times. Both teams were reeling for a win and the best news for the Dragons Rhondorf was that they were in their own cozy living room ready to begin a new winning streak. On a rainy early autumn day, The Dragons Rhondorf did an amazing job rebounding after a horrible loss in Frankfurt and came together as a team without Justin Onyejiaka playing one of their best defensive performances in more than a decade beating the Fellbach Flashers 72-57. It was a game where the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t hit shots well, so they responded with an incredible defensive performance where everyone was flying around and they formed a lethal wall in the paint perplexing the Fellbach Flashers time in and time out. “We began well and got out on transition. They then slowed us down when they went to zone. We didn´t hit shots well, but we defended very well. We pushed the pace in the second half and they couldn´t keep up with us. We stuck to the defensive game plan and formed a wall in the paint containing Zeisberger. We also knew that they would get tired. We were flying around at both ends of the court”, smiled Dragons Rhondorf guard Mychael Paulo (193-G-1998, college: McMaster, agency: 011 Sports). The Fellbach Flashers never found a healthy offensive rhythm despite defending well. A big flaw on this night were their 25 turnovers. “We had way too many turnovers and didn´t shoot the ball well. You will never win home or away scoring only 57 points. We need to stay positive and stick together and keep working”, stressed Fellbach Flasher head coach Kris Borisov.

Carlo Schmid at the FT line

The Fellbach Flashers got the quick 4-0 start as it´s 2 top scorers Jonathan Zeisberger and D´Monte Brown scored in the paint. Rhondorf´s defense wasn´t warmed up yet. However Rhondorf reacted quickly as well as young German Carlo Schmidt scored back to back baskets with a dunk and lay in to tie the game at 4-4. However Fellbach could get the lead and keep it as D´Monte Brown was in instant attack mode and showed his inside out game making a trey and a lay in for the 12-8 advantage while the Dragons stayed on par getting an offensive rebound and put back from Ohio native Sahmi Willoughby and runner by German sniper Kenan Reinhart. The game would be a tight affair the rest of the first quarter as Mychael Paulo made a lay in and giant Daniel Mayr a trey to dead lock the game at 16-16. But Brown was a true one man wrecking crew as the Dragons couldn´t contain him as his scoring romp continued with another trey and lay in and the guests had the 20-19 advantage after 10 minutes. Brown had produced 14 points and was on his way of having another incredible scoring game. He had averaged 24,0ppg as a rookie with Aschersleben and 24,0ppg last season with Culture City and once exploded for 40 points against Regionalliga team Braunschweig. Would he be capable of another scoring explosion on this night? “Rhondorf came out with a lot of energy. They showed that their offense always looks best when everyone touches the ball. They were creating good shots”, expressed ex Dragons Rhondorf assistant coach KJ Sherril. The Fellbach Flashers shot 38% from the field and 33% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 35% from the field and 13% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jonathan Zeisberger from outside

In the second quarter both teams almost carved half of the points away from the first quarter as only a total of 20 points were scored. Rhondorf stepped up their defensive intensity allowing only 8 points and led 31-28 at the break. A big turnaround in this quarter was the massive shutdown of D´Monte Brown who stayed scoreless and a lot of that had to do with 17 year old German Marvin Nduche who made his Pro B debut with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He was a real pest in the side of Brown who got nothing easy and scored nothing. “Marvin did a super job wearing him down. He was physical and was always bumping him. Brown also got the ball often late on the shot clock and was forced to taking bad shots”, commented KJ Sherrill. “If I could give a game ball away then I would give it to Marvin Nduche. He was a real spark off the bench. He played great defense on Brown. He was flying around, but that was no surprise as we always see that in practice. He also producers on offense hitting shots”, said Mychael Paulo. Fellbach kept the early lead getting lay in´s from Germans Jonathan Gerlinger who played JUCO ball at Santa Ana and ex Speyer forward Dennis Diala for the 24-22 Fellbach lead. The game remained tight and Rhondorf did a good job attacking the paint area and getting to the free throw line. Their three pointer wasn´t falling so they found other ways to score. They only had some bad luck being only 12/19 at the break from the free throw line. Carlo Schmidt was aggressive getting to the free throw line hit free throws and also made a put back for the 27-26 lead. “Carlo is a player where his body hasn´t caught up with his mind yet. He can become a very good player. He began to play the game late and has made a big development. That speaks for the amount of potential that he has. I could see him reaching the BBL”, warned KJ Sherrill. However Fellbach was able to punch back with a Zeisberger floater for the 28-27 lead. But Rhondorf closed out the second quarter strong getting a pull up jumper from Paulo and free throws from young German Tom Viehofer for the 3 point Dragons lead at the break. “Rhondorf boxed out and rebounded well. Their full court press also gave them problems to get into their sets. They also communicated well and helped each other”, stated KJ Sherrill. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 29% from the field and 7% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fellbach Flashers shot 36% from the field and 10% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Carlo Schmid to the rim

In the third quarter both teams were able to execute better again on offense and there were 6 lead changes. Fellbach came out of the break more focused and punched Rhondorf right away with a brutal 8-0 run to lead 36-31. Brown got back to his scoring ways scoring on transition and made free throws while German sniper Daniel Zacek hit a trey and ex New Haven (NCAA) forward Jason Edokpayi made free throws. Fellbach upped their defensive intensity once again and German Kenan Reinhart continued to be a mystery concerning his three pointer as nothing would fall and his season stat line stood at 2/24. But basketball is a game of runs and sometimes everything goes so fast as the Dragons punched back with consecutive three´s from Willoughby and Paulo to the Dragons the lead back again at 37-36. Nduche demonstrated that he could also do it at the offensive end sinking a trey which was followed by a Paulo lay in for the 42-38 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to hold this little momentum allowing Fellbach to finish the quarter with a 9-3 run and 47-45 advantage. In the run the guests got key three´s from Germans Dennis Diala who had improved his scoring average each season in Speyer and Billinger also scored from the parking lot. Viehoefer also hit a trey for the Dragons. “There were many lead changes and no team gave up. We kept fighting and stuck together. Basketball is a game of runs. We did a good job never getting to high or low”, warned Mychael Paulo. “We wanted to make a run and play small ball. We couldn´t speed up the game. We had some good moments, but couldn´t take the momentum into the fourth quarter”, added Kris Borisov. The Fellbach Flashers shot 33% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 39 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 27% from the field and 18% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Daniel Zacek from downtown

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf punched right away and the Fellbach Flashers weren´t able to recuperate allowing them sail into the moonlight with the win. The Dragons Rhondorf shocked Fellbach with a 12-0 run upping their lead to 57-47 and they would never look back. In the run they got two three´s from Nduche and Willoughby while Daniel Mayr added 4 points and Paulo free throws. The Dragons Rhondorf was at it´s best forcing 3 turnovers in Fellbach´s first 4 possessions hampering their mentality. Rhondorf showed incredible energy and on ball pressure. They were also fortunate to hit three´s better and could have led by 20 points had they not missed 11 free throws at that stand point. Best Otakho made a free throw to stop the run. Brown and Zeisberger made baskets, but couldn´t get over the hump as Dusan Ilic made free throws. Brown didn´t give up and continued to improve his personal stats with a lay in to cut the Dragons lead to 62-54, but time was running away. But the Dragons Rhondorf then put a lid on the win with a 10-3 run. Reinhart continued to find other ways to score when his trey isn´t falling scoring twice in the paint, Schmidt scored in the paint while Ilic found Benjamin Sadikovic for an alley-oop dunk as the big man finished with an incredible 5/16 game. Daniel Zacek closed out the game with a trey at the buzzer, but too little too late. “Our 12-0 run set the tone. We wore them out. We finish strong and never took our feet of the gas pedal”, stressed Mychael Paulo. “That 12-0 run hurt us mentally. We defended so well and then lose the ball 3 times in a row. It is hard to win when that happens”, added Kris Borisov. The Dragons Rhondorf were led yb Mychael Paulo with 14 points while Carlo Schmid added 10 points while the Fellbach Flashers were led by D´Monte Brown with 23 points while Jonathan Zeisberger added 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 32y5 from the field and 18% from outside and had 47 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the fellbach Flashers shot 32% from the field and 19% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

Pic Credit: Fabian Heyn

Gabriel Jung (185-PG-2001) is a 25 year old 186cm guard that played the 2025-2026 season with the ETB Miners Essen (ProB) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.8% and helping the team win the 2026 Pro B title. He began his basketball career in the Phoenix Hagen organization playing NBBL and also with Regionalliga team Hagen-Haspe. He got his first Pro B experience with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (ProB) and also played with Regionalliga team Herten. He played with Regionalliga team BSV Wulfen from 2022-2025 playing a total of 82 games and averaged 12/3/3 stats in the 3 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

You played with Phoenix Hagen Juniors (NBBL)from 2017-2020. How do you remember these years? Did you have a kind of mentor then?

Yes these years were very important for my development as a player. Actually I wouldn´t say that I had a mentor there since you play with new guys every season, but some of them I faced during this season and I had a good relationship with them.

In your last 2 NBBL years in Hagen you averaged 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 51.7% and 15.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.0%. How did your game grow further in the NBBL?

In the NBBL I learned how to fit in different systems and to take different roles on a team. As a younger player you just try to deliver in the minutes you get. And as you get older you learn how to take responsibility and maybe even lead a team.

You also played a season with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Regionalliga) averaging 4.1ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.1apg. How vital was this season playing with men?

It was my first season in the senior league and I got to know the physical part of playing against men. How much quicker the game is and how much more work you have to put in to survive.

How vital was American point guard Jordan Rose? What could you soak up from his game then?

Jordan was the first real vet I had that tried to teach me a couple of things. He is a really shifty guard which I like and I tried to add to my game, but generally just how he plays with patience was my biggest take away.

You then played parts of 2 seasons with Bochum and helped the team move up to the Pro A in 2021. What was so special about that team?

With successfull teams the team chemistry plays a big role. In that team everyone knew his role and played it perfectly.

How valuable was being teammates with top German Pro A point guard Niklas Geske? How vital were his leadership skills? What could you take from his game?

Niklas just showed professionalism and discipline in every workout and every game. It just showed me the consistency you need to play on a high level for such a long time. Basketball wise it´s just incredible to see how he gets everyone involved but knows also when to take over and score on his own.

The next season you played with the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Regionalliga) averaging 9.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 82.0%. This was your break out season. How valuable was this season for your basketball development? You finished the season really strong?

I wouldn´t really say that this was my breakout season. This season was important for me since I got to an age where I needed to learn to take more responsibility and I got the chance in Herten in the 1. Regionalliga, but since it was my first season I really struggled with that role, which was also helpful for me as a player.

You then played 3 seasons with BSV Wulfen (Regionalliga) averaging 11.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 73.7%, 11.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.0%, and 12.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 72.9%. You demonstrated incredible consistency. What kind of a player did you become there?

In Wulfen I think I took the biggest steps in my career. I learned what it meant to be the leader on the court as the point guard and how to develop my game to help my team.

How vital was a player Juhwan Harris-Dyson? How did he help your defensive game most?

Juhwan came to the team when we were in a difficult situation and from there on we could turn it around. The energy he showed in every game and every practice and just the dedication to make life difficult for his opponent helped the team tremendously.

You then came to the ETB Miners Essen. Was that the best decision in your basketball life?

I feel like I made a couple of good decisions in my career and how the move to Essen turned out it seems like it was one of them

What is the next step for you?

Not sure right now. I’m trying to focus and lay the foundation for life after basketball at the moment.

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

I don´t think I ever played against current NBA or Euroleague players

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tobias Wegmann, Tarik Jakupovic, Nils Peters, Niclas Sperber, Ben Uzoma

Who is your GOAT?

Kyrie Irving.

Thanks Gabriel for the chat.

Pic Credit: ratiopharm Ulm

Milo Murray (199-G-2007) is a 19 year old 198cm forward playing with the Rostock Seawolves Academy (Germany-ProB). Last season he played with Orange Academy Ulm (Germany-ProB) averaging 3.9ppg, 1.3rpg, played also at BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 9.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 55.6%, played also at ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 62.1%. In 2024-2025 he played 5 Pro B games with Orange Academy averaging 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg, played also at ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (NBBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 72.2%, played also at BBU 01 Ulm (Regionalliga) averaging 8.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 60.0%. He also played also ANGT with ratiopharm Ulm U18 team (ANGT) winning the title averaging 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 50.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his time with the ratiopharm Ulm organization during the 2025-2026 season.

Thanks Milo for talking to germanhoops.com. You also have had success in the Pro B as the team keeps rolling in the playoffs. What is it like playing for the Pro B team? You only average 10,0 minutes. What kind of a role did you have in the Pro B with Orange Academy?

Pro B my role looks a lot different. I have the ball less in my hands and have to find a way to impact the team without necessarily having the ball. I’ve improved my catch and shoot three point shot a lot in comparison to the last years and I do what I need to do to stay on the floor under coach Flo. 3 and D sort of guy I would say

What do you believe is the biggest strength of the Orange Academy team? How vital is the combination of experience and youth in one?

We are young, but we run fast get along with each other and have a structured system that allows us to be successful night in a night out. Experience is important with veterans in our team like Marko Dordevic and Lenni Kunzewitsch. We are able to stay serious even though we are a young development team. ULM has done a great job putting this roster together.

One player I really like is Swiss army knife Joel Cwik. What do you appreciate most from his game?

Joel is an important factor to the team he brings a presence on defense and has really stepped up his offensive game this year allowing him to be more versatile and keeping the defense and offense on their toes also a guy I get along with one and off the court quite a lot.

What have you enjoyed most about the Milicic brothers Teo and Zoran? How competitive are these 2 guys?

They are great guys to have on your team. Zoki and Teo are both guards that bring high IQ a great feel for the game and are responsible for a lot of the great team chemistry we have going on. Both of them are great competitors on the court and bring a fire mentality especially in big games.

Teo Milicic is an unbelievable talented player, but how mature is his mentality at this level already?

Teo is an amazing talent who can score pass but one of his most underrated aspects is his leadership despite his young age he continues to lead us on the court and feed us and put us in great positions Me as a wing player I enjoy playing with him because he reads the defenses and sets guys up while being able to create for himself too.

You also play with the Ulm Regionalliga team and play heavy minutes. Is this an opportunity for you to work on other aspects of your game?

Yes, definitely Regio is a time to work on your game while also taking it seriously. It is great because you play with a bunch of different guys ages ranging from our youngest guy Marko Volf to our oldest Lenni. it has helped me mature because at the end of the day it is a men’s league and being able to compete against all the guys is always beneficial

Last season you were teammates with Jervis Scheffs who moved on to Wurzburg. You guys have similar games. What was your fondest moment with him?

Jervis is a tremendous player who I’ve learnt a great deal from. He can tell you himself the amount of times we have played against each other one on one late at night early in the mornings and the hours that we have put in together bettering our games on the court. We spent a lot of time off the court too and he’ll be one of my greatest friends for a long time. His mid range game really is something you don’t see a lot. My fondest moment with Jervis was probably the times in the summer playing national team and those long journeys on the train

You played some years for the German youth national team, but now play for the UK. Why did you make that change?

Germany and the UK have very different playing styles and systems. The UK relies much more on little set plays whereas Germany plays very fast in transition shoots tons of three pointers and is a heavy guard orientated system. I enjoyed playing for both and will have all my teammates and coaches who have played with for both teams in mind for a long time

You played at the 2024 AST in Mannheim averaging 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg. What memories do you have playing for Dirk Bauermann? Was it challenging playing for such a legend?

Dirk Bauermann was one of the most experienced coaches I’ve ever played under. His philosophy was very interesting to be able to learn and is playing a tournament like the AST and being part of such a talented squad will always be an honur for me. My best games were against Italy and Egypt both dropping 10 points.

You also played at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul (Turkey) -2024 averaging 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg. What memories do you have of that tournament playing on such a big stage?

Istanbul was an experience of a lifetime seeing all these great players with names who are entering the NBA draft this year and playing on the team with some high level German talent. I think a lot of of those guys playing in that tournament will have a long career whether that is in the NBA Euro league or Euro cup I will look forward to playing some of these guys in the near future

In 2024 you played Adidas Next gen with Ulm and was teammates with Noa Essengue and played against Real Madrid and Hugo Gonzalez. What do you remember personally taking from that tournament?

That tournament was full of great players. I remember in Berlin watching the final match up between Madrid and a strong INSEP team a lot of great players who are making noise in the NBA right now Egor Demin being a guy who’s game I really appreciate.

You played at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B in Romania -2025:playing 7 games averaging 3.6ppg. How is the state of youth basketball in the UK? What young guys from the UK can we look for in the future?

The state of basketball in the UK, especially in the youth differentiates itself a lot from that of which occurs in the rest of Europe. It’s still got a long way to go in terms of reaching the standards that we witness across Europe. But there are some amazing coaches out there who do everything to make sure it continues to grow. My childhood coach and longtime mentor is Coach Isaac Omirin who has been such a key in my development and I wouldn’t be in this position if he wasn’t there. Obinna Ekufu, Tejan Rugette, Emmanuel Ahamefule are 3 young players I enjoy playing with and have extremely bright futures ahead of them. Jack Walton my 2nd favourite point guard (after Dante Patel) who’s game is top tier. Kimbe N’Gabala a young player who’s work ethic I really like is one to keep an eye on too.

Your 18 years old. What are your biggest goals as a player in the next years?

At the top of the list is definitely to play in a great division one system in America playing a high major school in front of the crowds and making my family proud of things that I’ve dreamt about as a kid

Who was the toughest player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA?

Pacome Dadiet a great friend of mine who now plays for the New York Knicks it’s definitely one of those players who I had a lot of trouble guarding while playing one V one or in the practices for ANGT. Flynn Broadmann Raffet is a player who isn’t in the NBA but now plays in the SLB putting up ridiculous numbers in the UK and is a player I could never figure out.

Please name your 5 teammates of all-time?

No particular oder – Tejan Rugette, Dante Patel, Ay-Dan Moloney, Jervis Scheffs, Endurance Aiyamenkhue are my favourite teammates of all time. Special mention to Niko Jerkic and Oliver Kullamae some of my favourite hoopers who’s games I could watch on and on!

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

Personal NBA is my list not necessarily the greatest but my favourite. Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy, German – Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Isaac Bong and of course Dirk Nowitzki

Who is your GOAT?

.My goat is most definitely Kevin Durant, I’ve always enjoyed his game how he gets to his sports in the mid range his ability to close out games and I’m most especially appreciate his workout videos where you can see in detail how he betters his game and how every repetition looks identical. One guy that definitely aspires me to meet one day and have a conversation with.

Thanks Milo for the chat.